When I got home from work Mike was standing in the office with his snowmobile gear on and helmet in his hand! We were going for a ride. I was ready in a very short time.

It was a fun ride. This is a picture of trail 4 winding thru the pine trees. (More photos)

There is no better way to clear the dust from inside your head after a day inside working than to get out in the open northern Michigan outdoors!

Trail 7, along Old 27 was rough. We weren’t on it long before turning west onto trail 4 to head over to Lakes of the North and The Settings Restaurant. The Mancelona Hills weren’t too bad. The trail that runs right along Mancelona Road was in good shape. Still plenty of snow on it.The roughest section of our ride was when the trail turns north again heading before getting into Lakes of the North. That was rolling bumps for a bit. Once we got into the woods and pine trees it smoothed out. Very fun. The trail was smooth and wide thru there. Powerlines were good. Everything was so white it was a bit difficult to see exactly where the trail was for a bit.

Its 50 miles round trip. We both agreed it was good overall. The few areas where we ran into some roughness did not spoil our ride or our fun. If you want to see pictures taken on our ride tonight you can go to:

http://raysretreat.typepad.com/rays_retreat_ramblings/2013/02/thats-snow.html

We are booked for this weekend, but would enjoy seeing you thru the rest of the week

For the final few days of February expect temps in the 30’s for today and 20’s for tomorrow with a chance of snow each day. We still have plenty of snow so get out and ride. This could be one of the best weeks of the year.

The Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Reports all trails are groomed. With temps expected to be in the 20’s after today it is still cold enough for our groomers to get out and groom. Over all conditions Good-some are very good, and as usual, you will run into some fair which mainly depends on traffic and weather. Please be careful on hills and corners which can be icy.

The Lake Gogebic groomers report: All groomers are running at night due to the warmer temps these last few days. Expect some bare spots around corners along with some ice. Trails are in good condition but again you will run in to some fair spots depending on the traffic. PLEASE REMEMBER TO PULL OVER IF YOU SEE A GROOMER. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY…
Just a reminder the Bergland Mobil gas station has closed, so plan your fueling accordingly.

The Watersmeet groomers report: All trails are groomed every night. Trails are in good condition expect some bare spots near town but out of town trails are smooth as can be.

Keep in mind groomers can be out day or night so watch out for them and please pull over or slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by.

Please be careful on corners as you know several Michigan Trail signs have been discontinued. These signs are posted on our trail map. PLEASE BE SAFE!!!!

RATED #1 SNOWMOBILE DESTINATION BY READERS OF AMERICAN SNOWMOBILER!

Each Western U.P. snowmobiling adventure is unique and exciting, as there are over 2000 miles groomed trails, unplowed logging roads, secluded National Forest trails throughout our area. Explore a Western U.P. winter and share the experience of a Western U.P. snowmobiling vacation with your family and friends. It’s what snowmobiling is all about. Because when natural beauty, brilliant exhilaration and good times come together, the sensation is Pure Michigan. Big Snow Country is a Snowmobiler’s Paradise. This heavy snowfall gives you, the rider, the very best conditions and trails.

Our new website is www.explorewesternup.com We moved to a new location 405N Lake St. Ironwood, MI 49938.