Snowmobile trails OK but waterways risky
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GROOMING THE TRAIL — Caston Lovely, trailmaster for the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club, was out recently grooming area snowmobile trails. Here, Lovely is pictured crossing the Conant Road. Despite warmer temperatures, area trails are still in good riding condition, thanks to the efforts of area snowmobile club members who volunteer countless hours to make the trails safe for all to enjoy.
The snowmobile season is in full swing, with considerable snowfall since Christmas providing a good covering for riders to enjoy area trails, from Fort Kent to Linneus and beyond. But recent warmer temperatures has the Maine Warden Service issuing warnings to use extreme caution when traveling around water.
“A lot of waterways are still treacherous. Arnold Brook Lake in Presque Isle has been frozen since mid-December, with about 16 inches of ice reported. A lot of the bigger lakes are reporting two inches and up,” said Warden Alan Dudley, MWS.
Dudley said while some lakes and rivers appear to be good and solid, “some areas are still thin.”
“The snow we got acted like an insulator, preventing ice from forming a heavy layer on the water. If the snow had held off another week, ice would have had a better chance to form,” he said.
To date, Aroostook County hasn’t had any reports of snowmobile fatalities. That hasn’t been the case elsewhere in the state. Wardens recovered the body of a female snowmobiler at Rangeley Lake earlier this year and continue to search for three male riders believed to have disappeared while traveling in the same area of the lake.
Large portions of the Aroostook River, including a section off the Fort Road in Presque Isle, are still open water. Dudley recommends staying away from the water rather than risk falling through thin ice.
“People need to be aware of the ice conditions. Just because a body of water is covered with ice, you can’t just go freely (traveling across it). You need to be checking to ensure the ice is thick enough to support you and your sled,” he said.
“You may check and find the ice is six to eight inches thick in one area, but go 10 yards and it’s down to two inches. Many areas are just slush since the January thaw hit,” said Dudley.
Area trails, however, are holding up despite the warmer weather, thanks in part to area snowmobile clubs’ regular grooming efforts. Presque Isle and Washburn crews have spent numerous hours so far this year smoothing routes and removing debris — trees downed by storms.
Kevin Freeman, owner of The Sled Shop in Presque Isle, has been encouraging outdoor enthusiasts, via Facebook, to get out and enjoy the trails.
“The trails are great … with ample snow for riding,” said Freeman.
A good layer of snow is a welcome sight for area businesses, who cater to snowmobilers this time of year. Grammy’s Restaurant, in Linneus, is one of many locations enjoying the season. On Saturday, Dec. 12, dozens of snowmobilers could be spotted throughout the day stopping to enjoy a bite to eat before heading out on their sleds again.
For those traveling a bit farther north, the Washburn Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club is once again offering breakfast and lunch at their clubhouse on Saturdays and Sundays. The Presque Isle Snowmobile Club is also offering riders an opportunity to have a home-cooked meal, with Friday’s Stew Night festivities well under way.
Other fun activities are scheduled this season, including the Portage Lakers Snowmobile Radar Run, slated for Jan. 20, in memory of Kyle Rogers. For more information, call 227-0045. On Feb. 9, AMHC’s Andy Santerre Sno-Run will celebrate its ninth year, with festivities kicking off at Griffeth Ford in Caribou, with a dinner that evening. For more information, call 498-6431.
Dudley said trail conditions are favorable in his coverage region — Easton to Scopan and surrounding area.
“Around my district, trails are in pretty good shape,” said Dudley.
He reminds all who venture out to use common sense and follow some basic rules.
“Tell people where you’re going, wear proper clothing and, if you can, ride with a buddy. If you get lost or injured, stay put. Carrying a cell phone is also a good idea,” said Dudley. “Basically, people just need to be prepared.”
“Also, don’t drink and operate a snowmobile. Drinking impairs judgment and can lead to injuries or worse,” Dudley said.” Taking a few simple steps can prevent a fun ride from turning into a tragedy.”
