"48"-Day 12-Merry Christmas!
In the wilderness
Originally published 12/25/2022
We rose this morning, had a nice breakfast, and headed to the woods for a ride. Town was fairly deserted and we didn't see too many riders on the trails, but we did see some. The temperature was around 30 and it was much more pleasant than the first day we rode (4 degrees). There was a little frost on the sleds this morning but that went away quickly.
Few if any tracks through the woods
We passed a few other riders today, but considerably fewer than I expected. Conditions were wonderfully comfortable and we weren't cold in our gear. Laurie even commented that it was really enjoyable, all warm and cozy in our gear in such a chilly place. We went high on one mountain and the frost cut visibility so we headed back lower into the valley where things were clear.
A short snowmobile ride video!
You'll notice me raising my left hand often in the video. I have a mirror attached to my hand that lets me see how far Laurie is behind me. Laurie doesn't drive as quickly as I do. So the mirror allows me to make sure she's behind me. It's one of those "things in mirror are closer than they appear" mirrors, so I never see her or the snowmobile clearly. I see either a black dot or a yellow dot. The black dot is Laurie's snowmobile coming around a curve and the yellowish dots are the headlights on her snowmobile.
Wilderness toilet!
Facilities are rare along the trail but there is a restroom at the junction of two trails, probably ten miles out in the wilderness. We stop, take a break, and take some photos. We have a drink and back on the trail we go. We're out in the boonies, on our own. While the snowmobiles do make noise, when we stop it is quiet. No highway noise, no noise from town, only the wind and that's only if it is blowing. It is very peaceful.
Map and an app. Making sure we make the right turns.
Navigating on the trail system is not difficult. Markers at intersections that are also shown on the free trail maps make it easy. Free snowmobiling apps make it easy to check your navigation and pinpoint where you're at.
Christmas dinner!
We had a fantastic day! We rode a little over 40 miles today in wonderful conditions. We took lunch with us but didn't eat it. We decided to return to the house about 2 p.m. or so and have our dinner a bit early. I bought some great steaks in Big Sky and we made homemade mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies. We had a very tasty Christmas dinner.
It is gorgeous out here with amazing views
I have friends who have emailed me showing interest in Yellowstone in the winter. All I can say is GO! You can do this. If you can drive a riding lawn mower, you can operate a snowmobile. Get out there and see this amazing place. You'll see this place at a time when there are no crowds. What you will see is so different from the summer, and you'll be one of the few that are bold enough to venture into the high wilderness in the dead of winter. Be bold. Life is short. Go. See. Do.