The Ice Field and Snowmobile Trails

We had to run into town again today. I suggested that we take the back way because the main road has a thick layer of ice on it that’s very jagged. It’s not even slippery anymore – it’s more like driving on gravel. Ever since we had that rain turned ice, the roads have been horrible. I’m hoping that tomorrow’s high temperatures and rain will wash some of the bumps away. Laura’s car is getting a workout it never asked for.

The back way is better anyway. It’s much more scenic and as we drive, both of our heads are constantly looking out the window. There are summer camps, cabins, maple syrup farms and all that. It’s just better. Same distance, so there’s no guilt there. All that’s asked of us is that we drive a bit slower.

I wanted to show Laura the fields that we’re so fond of. They’ve turned to a thick ice covered skating rink. What was once tall grass has flooded and frozen. I saw this a few days ago after running out to the hardware store and since Laura was wearing her camera, I thought she could grab a few shots.

And as we were driving through Madison, Laura decided to take a few pictures. One made it onto this blog. You know, there is a very strict editor.

There’s just something about that big stack that I like. It looks so old school. And just to let you know, that’s steam, not smoke.

On the way back, we passed a flock of turkeys. Flock? Is it flock or cluster? Group? We passed a group of turkeys hanging out on the road. When they sensed us taking pictures of them, they walked in the woods and became quite incognito. We took a fair amount of time trying to get a few pictures of these turkeys, but they seemed to always be behind a tree. Not even the best picture shows a turkey head. This was all I was able to muster up for you.

I’ve been telling everyone about all the snowmobile trails we have around here. I swear, on the trip we take to Madison, we must pass at least eight trail openings. They’re everywhere. And one of them leads right to our road. If we had a snowmobile and pulled out of our driveway, rode up the road for one mile, we’d be at the entrance of Maine’s 14,000 miles of trails. And they’re not all limited to snowmobiles. You can ride ATVs too. Probably Jeeps if you had one. I don’t think anyone would complain. The trails are maintained by clubs though, so you might hear it if you made a mess of them.

I slowed the car at two trail openings so we could get some pictures of them. I’m still amazed that you’re allowed to ride here. I guess years and years of getting yelled at for this kind of stuff leaves an impression. Apparently, Maine likes it when people have fun.