I went yesterday as well. Like you, I took someone who had never been and it was good to see the show through their eyes.   We spent 4 hours wandering, talking to vendors and shopping at Royal. I ended up with a new jacket and a quote coming for a new trailer. By myself, I’d likely have burned through the place in less than an hour.      

Does anyone carry a inreach communicator or similar when on the trails?   Currently considering either a Garmin watch with in reach technology or a dedicated inreach communicator and regular watch.     I realize the inreach communicator has much better service.  And price wise cheaper to by inreach and a regular gps smart watch.     Any feedback?    

But, can you put a price on the fun   Flip side, a fiscally responsible choice would be run the cat another year and you will still have just as much fun .... lol! How many miles you have on that kitty anyways? You ever service the shocks on that girl!     Unless there is some amazing deal, I really like the idea of buying a sled with "cheap shocks" and spend the money on some upgraded ones.

Would it be worthwhile looking at a Polaris XC and adding Fox 2.0 QS3 shocks?   Saw a Jesse James video with them shilling Fox 2.0 shocks.   But likely expensive additions

Loads of maps this year which was nice. Wish they had more sellers and better deals. Tax break alone from Royal isnt as strong as black friday and I dont have ot leave my lazy boy for that deal. Come on guys spread out some grease already and make the show worthwhile!   To the above, Markham fairgrounds... man those were some fun years. The thrill of new sleds every year was intense!