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Terry and Julie stayed with us for a week. (Week before last). Terry was one of the riders that enjoyed the ride up to Mackinaw.
He and Bob took a ride over to Lakes of the North. Terry got off his sled in this picture.
I think there's plenty of snow!
I had to erase the chalkboard in the laundry room that read: Is There Anything Slower than a Ray?
It's no longer true. He's not only fast on his new sled, he's fast moving to get out to his new sled!
Normally, when we get around to go riding I take the dogs out, make sure they have water, get my several layers on, write a note for the front door, lock doors... while he just throws on his snow pants and coat/helmet. I still end up outside at the garage, standing and waiting.
Not anymore. I come back inside from just take the dogs, the very first step of the whole process and he's gone! Garage door is open and sleds are running.
It was a bitter cold start to the day today at -12. Sunshine was out bright and early, just wasn't warming things up that quickly. We left at 11:30 a.m. and it was just 5 above at that time. That's normally colder than we like to ride. But we rode anyway. About the second hour into the ride, it was feeling more comfortable.
Enjoyed every bit of the ride. Enjoyed being able to move right along. Enjoyed his obvious enjoyment of a ride that was just fun.
Trails were great!
This was taken on trail 7 heading north
of Gaylord.
Pine trees lining the trail to Indian River.
Not sure what river this is, along trail 765 heading into Chandler Woods.
Yeah, he's been a little cocky with his new sled.
See what I mean? .....
taking a corner, maybe a little
too fast... of course he's got another explanation.
Out with the old............
The sign on the sled reads:
R.est
I.n
P.eace
The Boat
2002 - 2006
In With The New.
This is a happy man.
I love to ride! Yesterdays 155 mile ride to the bridge yesterday was a great day spent on the trails.
We had a group of six of us that left the motel at 9:30. Bob led us all the way.
Here it is the bridge in the winter. The Might Mac is beautiful any and every season. We parked at the Sheplers Docking Parking lot and walked over to enjoy lunch.
There were several stops along the trail to stretch legs, chat and to listen to the one person who did not enjoy the ride. You can guess who Every stop the old boat was examined, cussed at, should have been kicked. Offers made to light a match....
Up under the bridge are two snowmobiles. Mike and Don.
This ride has pretty much sealed the fate on 'the old boat'. And if the old boat doesn't go, it'll be the old man going
I have copied my trail report here for any that don't follow the trail reports. I intend to make this ride at least one more time this season!
Beautiful Day on the trails. Enjoyed an all day ride up to the bridge. Total of 155 miles (Bob's sled had 154 miles, my sled showed 156, so I took the middle!).. Bob was our leader for our group of 6 that headed out this morning after breakfast heading north on trail 7. Great shape. Still don't like having to cross Main Street in Gaylord. Can't believe there hasn't been a sled/car accident there. Some bouncing on the trail north of Gaylord to south of Wolverine. Not bad. Mostly excellent trails thru out the day. Burt Lake is huge when you're riding around it, 35 mph and stopping every few feet. This section is clearly labeled 35 mph, and no riding on this part of the trail from 12 am to 8 am so those home owners can enjoy thier beauty sleep. I still enjoyed this section of ride. Gives you a chance to see the lake homes up close. One homeowner had their own little sign by the drive that read : Quiet Zone. Accelerate Slowly. Duh? .............how can you accelerate fast when you're only accelerating to 35 mph??? Enjoyed lunch at Mackinac City, and then the ride along the Mighty Mac. She's always beautiful. Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter. We took trail 7 north thru Indian River, Cheyboygan and then Mackinac City. From there we headed down through Pellston, Alanson, Wolverine, and back on trail 7 heading home. The trail coming out of Alanson south was rough for a little bit. Everyone enjoyed the ride through the woods past Weber Lake. 155 miles of great riding
We enjoyed a beautiful sunshiny day here in northern Michigan. Neighbor and friend Sue Jordan enjoyed a drive and shared her pictures with me (and now you!)
The sunshine motivated us as we were cleaning rooms. Well, okay not really. .. rooms had to be cleaned sunshine or not!
We did enjoy a quick ride along trail 7 and 774. Mike got his ski stuck on the railroad track (crossing where we were supposed to be crossing, but will not do that again!) Next time, we'll just slip along the road to get over. Other than that, we enjoyed the short evening run.
Saturday's are great days too~ All my friends are here. Today was one of those beautiful wintry days we all love. Snow!
There's nothing better than trimming sticks in the snow.
Gizzy is always cute bundled up for the snow and cold.
Who's asking?
Wintry white motel... we're standing on the trail across the road.
What? We have horses staying too? .. I sniffed around, but couldn't find a horse... just snowmobiles.
It was not a good day for driving on the roads.
It was an excellent day for riding on the trails.
Sparky T. Ray
This is a wonderful story that was posted in a Golden Retriever 'group' Sparky and I belong too. . . a reminder to all of us that if we just take the time, we could be a blessing for a stranger.
There is a God in the Post Office. This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service,
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith, 'in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.
Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn?t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God Cindy
