This is the Keweenaw trail system report for Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

The snowmobile trails from Twin Lakes to Copper Harbor are open and groomers are out working on them. Trails are in good condition. Remember to watch out for the groomers when you’re out on the trails….they have the right of way!!! Please watch out for deer on the trails too.

There is logging on a short portion of Trails 132 and 133.

Please be aware that if you snowmobile on U.S. Coast Guard property you could face federal trespass charges.

The Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau asks that you stay on the trails, STAY OFF THE ICE, respect private property, do not drink and drive, and above all else, please, drive safely. The signs on the snowmobile trails are there for the riders’ safety. Please, DO NOT remove or destroy these signs.

Snowfall & Weather Report:

Houghton county – 20 inches on the ground, 102.5 inches fallen to date as of 1/18/12
Keweenaw county –15 inches on the ground, 81.5 inches fallen to date as of 1/18/12

More Information at Keweenaw.info >>>>

Ray’s Retreat – January 17
When we headed back out the snow was really coming down thick and heavy. Visibility was very limited. It then became difficult to determine in some areas where the trail actually was… everything was virgin white.

We just returned from our first real ride of the year. Isn’t that ridiculous? Its mid January! Anyway, we headed north on Trail 7 into Gaylord, filled up the gas tanks then crossed Old 27 onto Trail 4. Our biggest problem today was visibility. When we headed out it was a freezing rain so we were having to wipe our shields clear about every minute! When we crossed over onto 4 it was turning into the pellets and quickly changed over to all snow. It was snowing fast and furious. So far the ride was good. Trail 7 where it runs along the lake with highway on the other side, and dips into a bit of a valley was dirty and rough. We took the north loop, 404 then. This was a beautiful ride. It had been freshly groomed so that made it even better. Had lunch in Lovells. Another visibility problem I had was my shield steaming up so I couldn’t see. I was having to ride with it cracked open a bit. While at Lovells two young men came in, who were also riding and they showed us my vents were in the front of the helmet. He had one like mine and said even though his vents are open it still steams up. Appreciated their help. We took the 404 around to 47 heading back home north to home. The best stretch of our ride was the first half to Lovells. From Lovells and back around it was rough. Corners very thin with ice.
We are supposed to get 3 to 5 inches of snow today. Already we have gotten a good 3 to 4 inches. Another 2-4 expected overnight. More snow predicted for Thursday. Its sounding good. More snow will help those areas (south and east) where its been a bit more thin to get some good packing in and start more of a solid base.
We are booked for this weekend, but folks the best riding is during the week. You can enjoy freshly groomed trails without so many riders crowding you and wearing them down. Stay and Ray’s where you can enjoy a hot breakfast to start your day (included with room price), be directly on the trail, ample trailer parking, park your sled outside your door and a garage available for those unexpected repairs.
www.raysretreatcountryinn.com