for the love of snow

After returning from MI last October, out of the blue Brad asked if I wanted to go back to our home away from home for Valentine's Day. I instantly said YES to our long lost tradition of celebrating not only our love, but enjoying nature in a place we love ~ the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. 

Reservations were made to stay at Spur of the Moment Ranch in "our" little cabin. Some of my most cherished memories are from visiting Oconto County. Our first visit to the Ranch in 2011 was to celebrate Brad's 50th. Koda and Nemo came with us, they were 4. 

We love the area so much that we seriously considered buying our own cabin. The locals are so nice. However it didn't make sense. We have such wonderful cabin hosts, who have become dear friends. We bought our land in 2016 and have only made it back for one short hiking visit with Tank. Building a homestead from scratch took over our lives. 

Our long awaited trip was upon us. Imagine my surprise when the forecast was changed to snow. Yippeeeee!! I won't delve deep into the joy of much needed and welcomed snow. Trails were opened for the first time this season. 

We had beeeautiful white fluffy snow!! With that said, I will be the first to admit that driving up/back pulling a trailer was not much fun for a stretch. The rest of our trip was pure joy!! Hugs & laughter were exchanged with our Ranch friends. We revisited a favorite local Supper Club, and tried two new to us restaurants. Including an old Boarding House Supper Club. 

The best part was time spent in the forest. Reconnecting with trails we've horseback ridden, snowmobiled and hiked. Stunning solitude for endless miles.

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On our first full day we headed out mid morning, right off the ranch onto the main corridor. We only passed two riders. It was just us enjoying the forest the rest of our first ride.

Intersection
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I have a handy dandy (free!) app that tracks our rides. Below are a couple screenshots. There are others with ride details and even a 3D overhead feature that shows me moving through the trees. Fun!

Day two of our trip was Valentines Day! Trails north of the ranch were in need of snow. We chose to avoid them and stuck to the routes with the bestest snow coverage. Not a fan of riding sparse trails. Good thing the snow coverage included some of my favorite trails.

After a good nights rest, Valentines Day was my favorite day exploring the trails. I was on my game and according to Brad I had the zoomies. Most people would still consider it slow. Brad always wants me to be the lead sled, which comes with responsibility. He says I go faster. Whatever. Lol.

heading out
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windshield shots do not represent

We usually take our Valentines snow fun photo at a scenic lookout. However it is further north and a dicey trail that goes straight up, with big dips. One to avoid without more snow. We briefly stopped to take a memory photo of us together, before continuing through the whispering pines.

We had the trails to ourselves and did not see another sled the entire ride.

Complete forest bliss!

you can always tell who is holding the phone (me)
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More snow fell overnight, and we decided to hit the trails one last time before heading home. Our third ride was by far the prettiest! Mother Nature coated the trails and decorated every.single.tree with a dusting of fresh snow.

heading out for one more ride
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We rode among green majestic white kissed pines. Snow softly fell. Fluffy canopies and tree tunnels go on for miles. Pops of soft orange oak leaves are mixed in between. In one word, surreal.

quick phone photos taken at intersections

us again, on the main trail heading back

our (preferred) short day time rides

I do not have any words (or photos) that describe being surrounded by endless beautiful trees in the Nicolet right after/during a snowfall. Slowly meandering er' riding. Just soaking. In awe. Maybe some day I will get that Go Pro.

We passed a few riders, common for a weekend. Some with kids on two seaters. Everyone we encountered had good trail manners.

The last connecting trail we rode back literally rendered me to tears. We've enjoyed it all seasons by hoof, foot and sled. It is my favorite horseback riding trail. Especially stunning in the Fall. So many memories came flooding back. I didn't want it to end.

saying goodbye to owner Ann outside our cabin

Farewell hugs were shared, until next time.

daughter Sarah is a savvy horsewomen and manages the ranch now

Truly look forward to meandering and feeling the Nicolet again, in all modes of travel!

thrill of a different horsepower

Our extended deep freeze has long passed. I enjoyed it immensely!! I loved bundling up and snowshoeing our woods, taking frozen photos and snowmobiling. Just as much as sitting hunkered underneath my blankee. Snug as a bug in a rug. Feeling the warmth of the nearby fire. I feel a tad bit guilty about my frosty happiness. Only a tad. 

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It had been at least three years since I rode my beloved red sled. I rode it not once this year, but twice!

On day one, we rode out from our land. Temps were in the balmy low teens. We crossed our road and maneuvered through neighboring property (with permission). Much nicer than taking the road to the nearby trail system.  

The snow was deep. Untouched in area's. I quickly realized that I kinda forgot how to ride. Gulp! I admit, fear instantly bubbled up. My balance was awkward. Would I bury my sled? Maybe I've gotten too old for this. Where did my snow machine savviness go?? I needed my snow sway back! 

In these parts, one has to cross roads to connect trails. Sometimes even highways. Many of the snowmobile trail approaches are not for the faint of heart. If you are smart you check traffic at least twice, and then ~ vroom go! There are times when all you can see is a lopsided snow drift across from you. You cannot see anything after that. It could be a straight downhill drop (usually posted) a path, curve or the dreaded dip. Just like downhill skiing, staying loose is key to riding out the unexpected. Tense up and you will find each and every bump jarring.

It wasn't long before I relaxed into my ride. Altho Brad does makes me lead. Which is a lot of responsibility! If you are wondering why he would do such a thing, it is because I am told I go faster. Apparently I go even slower when lagging behind. Whatever. Lol! I think it is easier for him to keep an eye on me.

My fear melts away riding among the trees. A reminder of why I love snowmobiling so much.

me 1/17/24

My sled doesn't have an attitude or get scared of imaginary monsters. I can experience things I wouldn't otherwise. My fav is riding wooded winding trails!! Makes me feel like a kid again. Up north, riding the wood trails is like being inside a video game. Realtime. SO much fun!! It's an upper body workout. I also enjoy the occasional long stretch of trail. Some roads close to cars in the north and you can see for miles, with no crossroads. Since I am always leading, I can open up my sled. Feels like flying! Well, my version of flying.

The majority of the time we ride slow-mo. Soaking up scenery. Much like riding horses on trails. Something I also hope to return to doing this year. 

I am thankful Brad doesn't mind riding with me. I couldn't snowmobile without him. I am not strong enough to get a sled out of a predicament or redirect on pavement when fueling up.

Pretty sure I didn't pass a single female the two days we rode. I did chat with one, and saw a few other snow loving gals in a restaurant later in the week.

We are strictly riders and do not do the bar hopping or stopping to eat thing. We went out to breakfast once on our sleds up north many years ago and vowed never to ride with a full stomach again. No clue how people ride intoxicated either. Snowmobiling is challenging enough sober. 

In years past, I stopped more often to take memory photos of the incredible sights. Many of the trails we ride are private property. You cannot see the wonder any other way. This year, I mostly enjoyed the scenery.

trails frequently take you to the top of the world
1/18/24

My favorite part of our two afternoon rides was towards the end of day two. We were sloooowly weaving through open trees in someones gorgeous back 40 and came upon not one, but two, three ~ no wait ~ five eagles!! What a sight! Even at a distance. Some eagles stayed firmly perched high above, while others continued soaring.

Somewhere along the trail I missed a big eagles nest. Shortly after, a flock of turkey were spotted waddling in a field. A familiar sight on our own land.

breaking trail at home

I am aware many are not fans of snow machines and more so the riders. I truly understand why. However not all of us snowmobilers are disrespectful and love the land just as much as other outdoor folks do. I'm not even going to talk about the revenue it brings in. 'Nuff said.

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Currently we are waay above normal temps. Snowmobiling may very well be done for the year and I am okay with it. I got out twice more than I have in what feels like forever. My snowmobiling cup is overflowing & happy!

What a difference a year makes!!

out of the woods

I wasn't quite sure what to expect. 

I was either going to wallow backwards, or do away, with the lingering 10% of the illness that was hanging around. It was not only extremely long lasting, it was an odd virus. It changed my taste where even a hint of hidden salt was unbearable, my sense of smell was hyper-sensitive, and of course my energy was completely zapped. 

Week three since I got broadsided with "it" was a pre-planned Valentine's vacation snowmobiling in the north woods with my hubby. Only time would tell, if I would have the energy to handle the riggers of riding. It only took one day to know, it was exactly what I needed. 

There is something about the woods that is healing for not only the body, but the soul.

We laughed. We rode. We enjoyed. Breathing in fresh air, and once again in complete awe of the endless beauty. 

Maybe I just needed a change? You know, something to shake it up - or in this case shake it out.

We rode familiar trails on our first day, including up to the lookout...

Townsend Lookout

It's a crazy ride up there, but the view is worth it. It's also my favorite place to take selfie's with the love of my life - who keeps me laughing...

Us

When we ride the woods, fond memories fill our thoughts. Many include our horses, they are what led us to this magical place in life... 

Love the Pines

Most trails we ride in the winter can only be accessed by snowmobile. Some are private land, other's are closed snow covered backroads that weave throughout the woods, and a few are the same trails we horseback ride. One trail in particular we frequently explore with Nemo & Koda, is one of my favorites... 

Last Fall

In turn, during the other season's horseback riding gives us access to area's where motorized vehicles cannot. We don't travel as far but it doesn't matter, it's all about the experience. Our horses may not be with us during the winter trips, but they are always on our minds. 

Our second day took us further north exploring new trails. The real beauty is seen while riding the remote areas, but pictures happen during breaks...

Intersection

...where we meet unexpected new friends...

Pinocchio
A friendly greeter on top of an intersection sign (in above photo).

This ride ended with a new chilling experience. One for the memory banks. The kind that make for great story telling. As we headed back south towards the cabin the beautiful light snowfall, turned into unpredicted ice pellets! Coating our face masks, as fast as we could scrap them off. It was a looong, slooow blinding ride home...stopping at every intersection, and then some, to scrap off ice. We had to see somehow. Best use of a credit card I can think of! We passed a couple riders with heated face masks, even those didn't ward off the ice. 

If you are going to play in nature's wonderland, you better be able to adapt to what ever get's thrown your way. It's all part of the outdoor experience. We finally made it back to the cabin where the cozy fireplace, and a hot shower, felt extra good!! 

The food up north is outstanding, homemade & plentiful. One of our favorite friendly family run establishments is a quaint remodeled church, it's our breakfast place of choice...

Four Season's

Valentine's Day was the best, most beautiful ride of this trip! We took the back route north, experiencing new area's. I am always amazed by how varied the terrain and trees are in the Nicolet National Forrest . This special ride was 125 blissful sunny miles through breathtaking beauty...surrounded by endless towering tree's, freshly painted with snow. Sigh.

Perfect Day

I am feeling 100% now, literally out of the woods and really looking forward to riding Koda!!

time warp

I do not know how people travel all the time. Traveling messes me up. We left last year for a get-a-way, and came back today in a whole different year. I feel like I've been gone for weeks!!

We started our get-a-way by relaxing the end of the year away, and also welcoming the beginning of a New Year. It was absolutely wonderful! 

View from our window, where we swam outside (below freezing)

Then we headed further north, because apparently we were not cold enough! The NorthWoods welcomed us, in all it's beauty, kindness and simplicity... 

So unpresumptuous, we love it!! We stayed in the same cabin as we do when we bring our horses during warmer seasons...

Our cabin, with empty horse paddocks to the left

We even ride a couple of the same trails. This trip we saw turkey flocks and grouse.  The woods evoke similar feelings of awe, as when we ride our horses through the same areas in the forrest. Like earlier in the year here, or here. 

Where permitted, snowmobiles get to ride on private land not seen otherwise. Horses, skiers, hikers, bikers etc are not allowed - only snowmobilers. It may very well be the one thing I love most about snowmobiling (beside enjoying it with my hubby) seeing what I cannot see otherwise - the land & views are simply breathtaking!!

The non-judgmental kindness of the NorthWoods, complete with people who live in the moment. Faced by reality, yet surrounded by beauty. Sometimes I wonder if they know? I do realize the hurdles. After treasured conversations, I know they do. 

We are thankful to experience the beauty of the NorthWoods in more ways then one....

us

Wishing everyone the beauty, kindness, and simplicity of the woods - that go on forever!!

Have a Happy & Healthy New Year!!