skidooboy

Another thing that has affected permit buying is, local trails. Once the OFSC made TOP trails their priority, several local trails, loops were closed, and the clubs were not allowed to groom them any longer. The Dub, Wawa area were heavily affected by this. It is a shame that several awesome trails were closed, left unmaintained. What is puzzling to me is some areas have lots of local loops, while others were told, no more. At one time Dub and Wawa were The Hub, for 4 directions of trails, with a lot of local, and multiple "day loops" available. Many locals only ride local, and do not tour. They ride to cottages, to fish, or maybe to the next town to get a bite to eat, or see friends. They do not see the value in the permits any longer. Most of our area is Crown land, with many logging, trapping, fishing bush roads/trails. So the locals just utilized those, and forgo the permit. I honestly dont blame them, some times, groups feel left out, and this is one of those times. Ski

Th th th that's all folks. Still snow in the bush, lots of ice left on lakes but, rotting fast. Shore ice leaving fast, on the river. Thanks for stopping by my snow report. See you next fall. Ski

Lots of melting Thursday through yesterday. Almost all snow in front yard (southern exposure) is gone. Trails were good except for thin spots and high spots exposed. 2-6" of water on the lakes and rivers by Saturday afternoon. We cleaned the truck, sleds, trailer yesterday from trailering out to fish Wednesday through Saturday. Had a great week of walleye fishing. Only kept 5 smaller fish all week. Lots of 24" plus fish released. Sunsets, moonrises, moonlit rides off the lakes were some of our best ever. We were able to eat at the West Pier Drive In, awesome food! And finished the season on the older kitty's, to give them some riding love. Ski

What?

We are here, trails have been recently groomed. very few tracks from sleds after the groom. This will be the last weekend, I would venture to bet. Come get ya some. Ski

The melt is on, the big orange blast furnace will be taking it's toll on the snow pack in the next week. We are heading up in a few days to fish the last week of our walleye season. It ends the 14th. If you want to ride, you better get it in. The Big Bear in Hawk Junction will be closed for a few weeks, after today. I saw on the book of feces, a few people rode from Searchmont to Wawa and back over the last few days. There is riding but, towns will be a challenge. Ski

Didnt get the big storm they called for yesterday, another one forecast for tomorrow. Long term looks good for awhile but, changes daily. We'll see. Better get ya some before it's too late. Ski

after seeing these doo front ends and this, I cant unsee it. Nope, I cant Doo it. Ski

Yep, two storms one starting today, then the Sunday blast. We are not going up until at least the 8th or 9th. 😪 But friends are up at our place right now. They rode to Hornepayne, for an over night. They said the trails were great. I am glad they did too, our power went out in Dub about 4pm, and still wasnt on at midnight. It was back on this morning. Ski

Sorry for no updates last week. We arrived on March 10th late. We shoveled out about 2-3 feet, took Tuesday off to unwind and recover from the clean up. Wednesday we rode in great conditions lots of snow, stucks etc... ended with 108 miles for the day. Thursday we opted to go fishing but, it was the first warm day so we knew things were going to go downhill fast. Caught a few walleye for dinner, released the big ones, ended with just over 40 miles. Friday we rode with friends from the states to the Big bear in Hawk Junction, then some trail riding in the light rain. The Magpie was slushy in spots but, not horrible. Ended with just over 100 miles, for the day. Saturday they were calling for rain all day so, we were slow to get going, that was a mistake, it turned out to be a great day to ride. No rain came until about 6pm. We rode in plus 10 or higher temps, I was riding with no coat, no gloves, no balaclava for most of it. We rode the new d108a north trail to the Kabi river crossing where we meet Hornepayne. It started raining hard on the way home about 25 miles from town. We were all soaked upon getting to the house. Just before town on the way back, we saw a bear who took the sun and warm temps from earlier and decided to wake up early. Guessing he went back to sleep after the flash freeze Saturday night. We ended tge day, just over 100 miles again. Sunday was cold and the trails froze solid, no fresh snow so we sat in the house, for the day, watching movies, and eating well. We went home Monday with a forecast foot of snow coming Wednesday... But, that was a bust, and the storm tracked further south and east, we only received a dusting. Just enough to make everything white again, and hide the dirty brown spring thaw snow. Hoping to get back up, and get some more fishing in before April 14th closure. Ski

Drove through today, they still have lots of snow, just really dusty/dirty on top. The Soo and Wawa's groomers were going out this week. We saw the Dub groomer out today as well. Bonus, close to a foot of fresh snow is forecast for weds into thurs. There is riding to be had but, it will be spring riding with dirty snow, bare roads, towns, and paths to fuel and food. Ski

I forgot about your trip update. Thank you, for the follow up. I was told they are grooming the d108a north from Hornepayne to hwy11. Ski

The Good and Evil twins were in the Hearst area the last few days, yesterday they were going to Hornepayne for lunch, made it about 10-15 miles south of 11 at Mooseland, the trail was so bad they turned around and went back to enjoy Hearst trails. Hornepayne appears to have groomer issues and has most of their trails listed as yellow or red. They are trying to get things groomed before the warm up but, they have until tomorrow morning to get that done. Like Ox stated, you may want to put it off for a week. One big tip for you, the lakes and rivers are heavy with snow, under the snow and above the ice is several inches of water. Some call it overflow, or slush.... It is bad this year, dont venture too far off of a packed track or trail without staying on the gas. If you slow or stop, sled tunnels can "vacuum" to the snow/slush, and it is a tough job to get them out and going again. Good luck in whatever you choose. Ski

Cochrane and the Sault have pre-emptively called to close trails Thursday night to Sunday night, with the warm up. Trying to preserve the trail for later. How many people do you think are going to stay off the trails, knowing this could be the last weekend of the season in some areas? Ski

Heading up today to shovel out. and wait for the big warm up and rain coming this weekend. Glad you had a good trip. Ski