The Snowmobile Trip With No Snow

Day 1

I took a 3 day weekend to get out and enjoy some snowmobiling in Northern Wisconsin. The only problem? No snow. We've had an amazingly mild winter in Wisconsin, leaving even the most norther spots bare.

Needless to say we were pretty depressed on the 4 hour drive as we traveled further and further north with no snow in sight. We also had a sledding birthday party planned for our 2 year old son. It's pretty hard to have a sledding party with no snow.

We made it up safely and got settled in. We woke up the next morning to see 3 inches of fresh snow waiting for us. We let Nana take over diaper duty and got ready to hit the trails.

We got the snowmobiles fired up and headed out on the in-laws 120 acres to head to the country trails. We zigged and zagged and pulled a few U-turns. We were completely lost. There are a few old logging roads and it can get confusing on which one leads to the trails. After an hour of getting lost we decided we were late for breakfast and finally had to give up.

Day 2

After consulting her Dad, my wife found the right path (a down tree was throwing her off). It was nice to get out onto the trails and open up the throttle a bit.

My wife wisely marked where we turn of the trial with some ribbon so we knew we wouldn't get lost on the way back.

While she tied the ribbon I decided to get a pic of my little buddy hanging out on my sleeve. After a great breakfast at our favorite diner we headed back.

I snapped a couple more pictures as my wife untied the ribbon we used to mark the trail. I never imagined, growing up in the city, that I would be having so much fun in 10 degree weather. I am really starting to love these trips we take. I even put my iPod on to listen to some music while I'm riding.

We made it back safe and sound. We had Nana get our son dressed and he road around the front yard with us on the snow mobile. My wife even hooked up his sled to the back of the snowmobile and took him for a couple cautious laps around the house. He was in heaven and so were we.

Northwoods Trail Race

I recently got the pleasure of participating in a 4 mile trail race in the Woods of Northern Wisconsin. I brought my phone with so I could snap some pictures to remember the event. The starting line was a drive way on a 120 acre farm in Pembine, WI. The runners took their position and the race finally begun.
I had a great start and before I knew it there was only one runner in front of me once the race got under way.

We got a hearty cheer of Moos from the spectators looking on.

As we ran along the fence line, the sprawling farm grabbed our attention as we ran through the snow covered course.

We made it past the fence line and found our way onto the old logging roads that made up most of the course.
The winding roads made for a gorgeous winter scene out of a movie. One other runner and I continued to swap the lead. As he took back the lead I looked behind me and could not see another runner in sight.
The road gave way to an old narrow path and we struggled to keep our footing in the sometimes rough terrain. Luckily I had my Yak Tracks on, without them I never would have kept up with my agile competitor.We both got a bit lost but stuck together and back tracked until we found the path again for our out and back course. As we headed down the stretch we got a standing ovation from our fans. They cheered on loudly as we gave them quite an entertaining finish.

As we neared the finish line, I realized that my competitor's endurance and speed was out of my league. I ran a good race and finished strong. I was happy with my 2nd place finish. (I did have a 1st place finish in my age group)

I moved indoors and warmed up after a great race. Here's my race recap:

What it lacked in Water Stops, a Timing System, First Aid, and Trail Markers, it made up for in Uncrowded Courses, a Unique Spectator Experience, Low Registration Fees and Ability to Win Your Age Group. I must say the complimentary Hot Chocolate was some of the best SWAG I have ever gotten at a race.