You may have heard last weekend we had a local snowmobiler reported overdue. While travelling alone on a remote trail the man hit a hidden log and tipped his sled. The sled was stuck on a hill and wedged against a tree making it impossible for him to right it.
Tough position for anyone to be in but the man prepared himself to spend the night on the side of a small lake. Would you be prepared to do this?
The good news is that he left travel plans with a loved one who then reported him missing. The next morning RCMP, Civil Air Search and Rescue (CASARA) and Yellowknife Search and Rescue (YKSAR) deployed. That afternoon he was located miles away from his sled in a vacant cabin, alive and well.
I hope this can stand as a testimonial that you should not travel alone and have appropriate safety gear. If you find yourself in this unfortunate position it could save your life. A big thanks to the RCMP and our volunteer searchers – we’re lucky to have you.
We seem to be getting a little more snow each week so the trails are less rocky. Remember there are still numerous buried rocks on the lakes where none were last year. Some of the higher traffic portages are getting pretty rough so require reduced speed. Larger lakes are drifted but still easily passable.
The City Boy Loop has been travelled recently. The section from Duck to Jennejohn and Defeat are good with some rough portages. Lots of untouched snow found in towards Defeat for you carvers but be aware that the section from Defeat through to YK Bay is very rough and narrow – a true wilderness trail.
photo courtesy of Great Slave Snowmobile Association
The groomed trails within the city are in excellent condition thanks to our volunteers. The Great Slave Snowmobile Association (GSSA) still has some gravel to spread on the Kam Lake trail and will most likely be doing so on Saturday so watch for our crew.
The ungroomed connector between Finlayson North and Range Lake south is rough and narrow so be cautious travelling this trail. One of our riders damaged his sled trying to pass through.
There are some fun upcoming events for you hardy winter loving Yellowknifers. The GSSA will be hosting a Diva’s Snow Run on Feb 25. This is a ladies-only ride and open to all Divas in town.
On March 11, GSSA will ride out to Hearne Lake Lodge and then our Making Trax rally happens on April 7. These GSSA events are open to all riders. Details of GSSA events can be found on our website: gssatrailriders.com, or our Facebook page. March 10 there will be an ice fishing derby thanks to Arctic Anglers. March 17 is the Multisport Club’s annual Frostbite 50 race and March 23 to 25 the Long John Jamboree.
Always lots to do when daylight returns and we begin to approach spring!