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Hey – do we have snow?! We sure do, so stop asking. The phone has been non-stop. Its starting to annoy me because I just get nice and comfy with my head resting on Ann or Mike’s lap, and that phone jangles and they end up getting up, jostling my head around and leaving to go over to the desk. Hey… finish petting me.
At last we have piled snow up. It was even hard for me to walk around after the snowfall today. Deep, wet and heavy.
Winter.
Sparky T. Ray
There’s a reason why I don’t give directions. …
The purple marker is the corrected route.
It doesn’t matter to me where I ride, or where I have been… I just like to ride.
This was our ride today. I will post my trail report because it tells the story. Loved every minute of it and just wish we could ride more often.
You should have been with us! ... we just returned from an absolutely awesome ride on the trails. Best ride of the year. Its so neat, because each ride we've taken this year is better than the last.
We were on Gaylord Trails, Kalkaska Trails, and Jordan Valley - all were groomed superbly. Great job to all those groomers who work hard to give us such excellent riding conditions.
85% of our ride was excellent, 5% was fair, the other 10% good. That's a good day on the trails. Not many riders out either, so the trails can be in good shape all day. I encourage anyone that can take some time off to head north during the week and enjoy the great trail conditions.
We headed south on trail 7 (from Rays Retreat). Trail 7 to just a little out of Waters was bumpy, and the short section along Waters had dirt showing. Snow on either side. Just 1/4 mile maybe even less out of Waters continuing on trail 7 south it was good. Just before Frederick we made the turn west onto 679. Cutting into 679 from the road was dirty (as with anywhere today... there was always snow along the sides). 679 was excellent. No complaints whatsoever. Just 1-2 corners that were down to the ice. Trail flat and smooth. A beautiful ride. We passed two sleds. Stopped at The Hideaway for lunch. There were about 10 sleds there having a break. Got back onto 679 taking it to just the little bit of 76. 76 had a short area that had bumps and spot of dirt. Then we were onto 4 and easy sailing for home.
We both agreed it was just a fantastic day of riding. We averaged between 40-50 mph because the trails were just in great shape. Easy ride.
Charlevoix Feb 2012
Ray’s Retreat Country Inn is a business. It is not Just a business, it is so much more. It is our home, our life.
When guests arrive we welcome them. If you have ever stayed with us you then you know Mike and I sincerely welcome you as guests in our home.
The person registering you in is either myself or Mike. Yes we do like the fact that you have handed us your cash or credit card. We are just like everyone else in this world – wanting to be able to make a living. But.. beyond that I can assure each and everyone that comes thru our doors we care about you.
We chose the hospitality business for that reason. Hospitality – one definition is kindness to guests/strangers/visitors. We strive to provide hospitality to each one. We want you to enjoy your stay from the minute you arrive until the minute you jump on the freeway home.
To me it seems evident in the free breakfast we provide that goes beyond a simple donut and coffee. A continental bar that provides a variety of donuts, fruit, oatmeal, bagels and when I have the extra energy fresh baked coffeecake or cookies. That’s not all we enjoy starting your day with a hot breakfast. True – its not cooked to order. It will never be bacon (too expensive) but it will be good and the best we can offer.
You need an iron? That’s an easy request. We have answered a lot of different requests. If its possible, we’ll try to do it. Where else can you ask the motel to clean your wet dirty bibs? Where else are you able to borrow tools? Use a garage? Have the owner sit down and offer you advice where you ride or give you a head covering for under your helmet (yup, I have went completely blank and can’t remember the name for it! you know what I am talking about). Its called hospitality – kindness to anyone coming thru our doors.
Payment is for the room. Hospitality does all the extra that makes this a place you want to come back and enjoy. That is our goal. All we ask in return for that hospitality is graciousness on the guest’ part.
If there is something you don’t like – the flavor of the juice, the type of donuts offered, or the way the motel is decorated. Then please remember we would appreciate your graciousness. Graciousness – the warm courtesy, kindness shown in appreciation. One definition even went so far as to say, rather snobbily… a sign of good breeding. I am not snobby but it does explain some comments I have heard…..(just saying)
On that note I am going to sign off and check out the latest on the weather channel … potential for major winter storms this week. That will entice good dreams of snowy pine trees and a winter wonderland.
Its finally looking like snowmobile season!
Mother Nature delighted us Friday by fooling the weather forecasters who had predicted we were only on the fringe of the storm coming thru Fri. It was predicted only an inch or two.
It snowed ALL day Friday, and thru the night.
We woke up to 8 inches of fresh snow, at least. Off trail, when you step off your sled it can easily be 18 inches of snow. We have had a foot of snow in the woods for awhile now. Groomers were out last night.
We are busy and that’s just how we like it in the wintertime. The front yard is filled with trucks and trailers. The backside has sleds lined up. Snow is everywhere…..
I read a disturbing news story today. Please don’t say anything to Sparky or any other dog you love.
In Canada a person applied for disability because of the post traumatic stress he had after having to slaughter sled dogs!!!! .. not in any humane effort but for their own economic needs. I can certainly understand how he might be haunted by the actions he undertook for his employer. I would hope the people who gave those orders would be haunted also. I do not understand slaughter of any living creatures. Man can be so cruel and mean spirited.
I have to admit it – I am spoiled. Ann came home today with a bag of my speciality dog food and a new frisbee! Farm Supply and its my favorite colors yellow and red.
That makes me happy. We took a walk over on the trail. I was able to make several spots so all the neighboring dogs know I am here.
It’s the middle of the week, halfway to another weekend. That really makes me happy. I love it when we are busy!
Sparky T. Ray
