January 27, 2010 1:00p.m.

Please be careful around curves. The weather has cooled down and there is some ice around the curves, and bare spots on the hills. We still have some snow on trails but it is getting thin in spots. We are adjusting the times we go out grooming. We are expecting snow and cold weather to move in starting tonight with 6 -12 inches overnight. We are grooming, although the snow is in granular icy form. Dave in groomer #11 went north on trail # 9, and Louis in groomer # 10 went North on trail #45 to the falls.

Trail #9 south to Hemlock Ridge road (trail 2) has a 0 -4 inch base and is in fair condition.

Trail #9 north is in fair condition. The base is 4 – 6 inches and riders are reporting Fair conditions, please watch for ice and dirt, especially on hills and around curves. There have been reports of some thin spots due to the warm weather.

Trail #45 North is in fair shape with a 4-6 inch base, but, there are 2 logging areas on it. One north, and one south, of the Skyline Trail Head. It is plowed and can be rough at times. There is very little snow on trail from 500 to the falls.

Trail #2 to Rexton is in fair condition with a 1 -3 inch base.

Trail #473 has about 7 miles of plowed road from Rexton south to Epoufette due to logging in the area. Please watch for trucks and deer in the area. The base is marginal to 3 inches and in fair condition.

Trail #473 Rexton to Trout lake has a 1 -3 inch base and is in fair condition. The groomer did break through the ice and there are some wet spots. We need more snow in this area.

Town trails are open and in poor condition with a 0-2 inch base. The ally is down to dirt.

*Please remember our groomers are out daily to keep the trails in the best shape they can be for your riding pleasure. Please keep a safe distance from the groomer if possible.*

We have updated the Newberry Village trail map. There are just a couple of changes from the last map. Look for our upcoming article in the February issue of the Michigan Snowmobiler Magazine.

THINK MORE SNOW!!!

Sherry

LODGING OPPORTUNITIES IN NEWBERRY

COMFORT INN OF NEWBERRY at www.newberrymichigan.net

GATEWAY MOTEL at www.gatewaymi.com

HALFWAY LAKE at www.halfwaylake.com

PARK-A-WAY www.theeveningstarmotel.com,

Benzie Visitor Bureau – 01/27

Happy Hump Day! After our little warm up we lost a lots of snow and are seeing lots of snirt and dirt around, with more snow in the woods of course. Layer of ice under the little bit of fresh stuff we got. Still rideable for sure, but not great. we need the snow! Forecast is calling for LE snow this week and so far we have only seen maybe an inch or two at best with some blowing around. Forecast is also calling for super cold again with highs only in the teens during the day and single digits at night, but a bit warmer by the weekend. Groomers were out Friday but we gotta have the snow now so do your dance, and pray Mother Nature wakes up for us again! The groomers are doing a great job with what they have to work with in weather of late! Remember they are volunteers so if ya see one, get outta their way and give them a thumbs up. Grooming is done 4 days a week, by 3 groomers at different parts of the trail every Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat. nights, plus "as needed". Drop me a note that you are out there! I love hearing everyone’s stories and reports! Remember this report is all of us working it together! BE SAFE, BE SMART, and I’ll SEEYA on the trails! Carol

Benzie-Manistee Snowmobile Club – 01/26

Start up your snow dance to Let It Snow*** let it snow****The trail on Highbridge Rd. from Old House Rd into the woods on River Rd is mogulley and snirt. Slow going there. We had our first casuality. So REMEMBER RIDE FOR THE CONDITIONS, SLOW DOWN!!!! Due to the warm up the lakes are not safe for snowmobiles or vehicles. Due to the warm weather we have lost a lot of the trails to snirt and dirt. Weather forecast is for lake effect all week long. Highs are in the teens in the day and single digits at night throughout the week. Saturday highs will be in the 20’s and lows in the teens. Ray Bradley is 2009 Groomer of the year. Way to go Ray!! Ski slopes are open and ready for your arrival. Hope your sleds are tuned up gassed up and ready for the snowmobile season. Support your winter sport don’t forget to buy your trail permit for 2010 season here. We sell permits through our members or at local merchants in this area and remember to get our trail map. More info on our web about who to contact www.benziemanisteesnowbirds.com