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4 Page 11, News, Tuesday, January 71992 Intrepid snowmobiler: early memories of an enthusiast by Craig Nicholson I heard my first in the mid- sixties. I was trudging and sweating my thigh-deep way into our snow bound cabin. Several minutes later I actually saw it. Scooting along in a noisy spray of powder where I had feared to tread. I never did find out what make that snow- mobile was, because neither the driver or myself could be heard over the racket. Also, he didn't stop. But I was intrigued by the way that machine nipped so easily across the snow. It opened a whole new world of winter possibilities. Early sleds broke down Unfortunately, many of them were only that. Those early sleds had a nasty habit of breaking down in the middle of nowhere, defined as anywhere that one did not want to be stranded. That included my drive, which was frequently as far as I got when the sled would start at all. At least it was a short walk home. The family wouldn't even bother to suit up unless I made it to the road and back without incident. My right shoulder bulged with =--new rope -- pulling muscle." Half a Rambo. And the neigh- bours would always comment on how far I'd got that time. ' So jerry-rigged repairs, wire, tape, tinkering, and prolific cursing were the order of those days. Along with frozen tools, nicked pinkies, arm pit -- crammed hands, foot stamping, and much scrabbling around in the snow for that nut dropped just before the stamping. Memorable ride It was even worse once I managed to get out of our drive. I began to believe that "preventative maintenance" meant that which kept me from returning home. My wife said she hoped it wasn't her. One memorable ride fea- tured four separate mechanical failures, two trips back home for parts and tools, one angry wife and two dogs who began to answer to swear words. The thrill of snowmobiling was arriving anywhere with a still functioning sled. Without a long walk. Or a family feud. Or another pocketful of dirty parts that wouldn't go back together. Never ride alone Those were the days when the "never ride alone" slogan originated. As in take at least two machines, not pile the whole gang on just the one. And except for that once when we rode double after a break down and my wife hit an unex- pected (are there any other kind?) mogul which flipped me off onto my butt in snow, we never did. I was unhurt but alone as she rode off home without so much as a backward glance. She swears she didn't feel a thing and I believe her. Snowmobiling acquired a reputation as a dangerous activ- ity. I know that's how I felt after riding double behind my Wifes piss 5 santa + ------ £6The helmet visors fogged up at every breath, the kid- neys scrambled, the knees ached and the world was introduced to helmet head. 39 No rules There are no rules and no groomed trails, and everyone just took off wherever there was snow, regardless of farm- ers with shot guns, ice you could see fish through, parked and my own worst nightmare, the ubiquitous fence with decapitating wire strands. I always expected to see the head of some unfortunate snowmo- biler mounted in trophy-like warning on the nearest fence post. My wife promised to put mine over the mantle. With an apple in the mouth, no doubt. I can't say that my first snowmobile rides were com- fortable. Suspension was primi- tive and I can still feel the . places were my jaws crashed together or my spine accor- dioned or my joints sprung on countless moguls and dips. And although my front would sizzle from the rampant engine heat, my spine would shiver with icy goose bumps from whipping winter winds. I can still taste the fumes, but it was fun. Painful extremities 'Extremities were painful, with frozen digits, thumb cramps, iceburg feet and wet bottoms the norm. The helmet visors fogged up at every breath, the kidneys scrambled, the knees ached and the world was introduced to "helmet head". My wife says I shouldn't wear my hair that way year round. But-I-did have fun. sj "i Despite the suffering, or maybe because of it, I was hooked. And with reliable new sleds and order in the sport, the free-for-all soon began to tame. No small part of this transition is owed to an association founded in 1966 by a handful of snowmobile clubs who had the vision to realize that the sport could only thrive in a safe, organized environment. As for me, I've developed a meaningful new relationship with my banker to finance my snowmobiling. Electric start terminated Rambo. And I'm still having fun. Most people think there's only one way to help the developing world. We have 26. Call us at 1-800-661-CODE for more information or to make a donation. CODE Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world. signed by January 10, 1992. P.O. Box 40 POT 2W0O THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF TERRACE BAY NOTICE The municipality is seeking an interested resident to serve on the Planning Advisory Committee. This committee has the responsibility for advising Council on matters related to land use in the Township, particularly zoning and official plan provi- sions and site plan control applications. This is a voluntary committee, but members are reimbursed for travel expenses when it is necessary to be out of town. Interested individuals should apply in writing to the under- David C. Fulton Clerk-Treasurer Administrator Township of Terrace Bay Terrace Bay, Ontario continued from page 2 April con't celebrate Earth Day. *Two Schreiber girls, aged 12 and 14, were located after going missing on Schreiber Beach. O.P.P. Constable Kaj- mowicz and his dog Kanuk were brought in from Thunder Bay to assist searchers, and plans were made to bring in a helicopter before the girls were finally found. May *Terrace Bay Police Chief Don Kidder announced he was leaving Terrace Bay to become Chief of Pembroke Police Ser- vices. Kidder, who served as Red Rock Police Chief before coming to Terrace Bay, had been in the community since 1987. *eLake Superior High School's production of Oliver! is a big success. Grade seven students from Terrace Bay Public School voiced their environmental concems to Terrace Bay Coun- cil. June *Terrace Bay Tourist Infor- mation Centre opens its doors to the public *Residents in Terrace Bay see their property taxes go up by 7.9 per cent, public. elemen- tary school taxes by 4.35 per cent, separate elementary school taxes by 5.67 per cent, and secondary school taxes by 3.65 per cent. eThe Ontario Provincial Police Golden Helmets visit 1991 YEAR IN REVIEW 1991 Schreiber. The O.P.P. team is made up of officers from regular traffic patrol duties in Southern Ontario, and is one of the few precision motorcy- cle teams in the world. -- *Birchwood Terrace | employees are certified as' members of United Paper Workers International Local 665. As such, they become the | first health care group in Cana- da to be represented by the paper industry union. =~ : *Schreiber native Anne' Noonan is named as one of four intended appointees fo the Ontario Hydro Board of Direc- . -Lillian Belliveau of Ter- race Bay is presented with an Ontario Senior Achievement award by then Ontario Lieu- tenant Governor Lincoln Alexander. She accepted the award during a ceremony' held at Queen's Park in Toronto. continued on page 12 In loving memory of Elizabeth (Liz) Prescott who passed away January 9;.1991. ; Where eternal suns are shining, : And skies are ever blue; And pray your soul is »* resting, . ey Till we may come to you, Sadly missed by Hafty, Marion, Yves and Michelle: ~ TOWNSHIP OF SCHREIBER NOTICE 1992 Tax Pre-Payments: Residents of Schreiber are reminded that they will receive a 3% premium on all 1992 Taxes paid in the month of January 1992. Vis Th Shopping? Site Seeing? Skiing? Find comfort at Paradise Motel * Very clean rooms at Budget rates - * Close to all major attractions * Variety of family restaurants within one block * Picnic Area *Reservations - phone ahead (807) 475-8628 Bob & Leslie Swan (mgr.) 221 W. Arthur Street (Highway 11 - 17B) Thunder Bay, Ontario P7ESP7