Start winter off right with a snowmobile ride in the County By Brian Swartz CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS EDITOR
Take a sled ride across the Crown of Maine this winter and enjoy winter in all its natural beauty. Snowmobile trails crisscross Aroostook County, from east to west and north to south, and connect the County’s cities and towns with trails in New Brunswick and Quebec. The ability to take a long ride lures many sledders to organize multiple-day trips in the County, where, for example, snowmobilers can: • Head north from Houlton or Island Falls at dawn and stay in Fort Kent or Madawaska that night; • Explore the St. John Valley the next day (east to Van Buren or west to Allagash); • Stay that night in Caribou or Presque Isle; • Arrive “home” for lunch on the
third day. Two major ITS trails, 81 and 83, connect eastern and central Aroostook County with points farther south. Running north of Mattawamkeag, ITS 81 enters Aroostook west of Macwahoc and extends all the way past Sherman, Shin Pond, Masardis, Mars Hill, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, and Van Buren to Madawaska. Just east of Limestone, ITS 81 actually stretches along the Canadian border. As long as they stay on the marked trail, snowmobilers need not report to Canadian customs. Connected to the Millinocket trail system, ITS 83 enters Aroostook County at Sherman, runs through Island Falls and Oakland to Houlton, and then follows the former Bangor & Aroostook Railroad corridor north through Westfield before reaching Presque Isle. This trail extends north to Madawaska. Other ITS trails range farther afield. From Fort Kent, sledders can
follow ITS 92 west to Allagash and then north to Estcourt Station on the Quebec border. From its intersection with ITS 85 in Portage, ITS 90 extends east past Caribou to intersect ITS 81 near Limestone. Meandering from Ashland to Presque Isle to Caribou and Fort Fairfield, ITS 88 introduces sledders to the Aroostook River Valley. Besides the Interconnecting Trail System, many local “club” trails exist, too. These provide important links to the ITS trails; for example, the Number Nine Lake Trail connects ITS 81 and ITS 83, respectively west and south of Bridgewater, and serves as a shortcut for sledders traveling between Ashland and Houlton. Each County snowmobile club extensively grooms the trails within its jurisdiction. Sledders must always yield to a groomer while on the trails. Sledders can reach The Home See COUNTY, Page 2
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County Continued from Page 1
stead Lodge in Oxbow with ease; according to the lodge’s Web site, www.homesteadlodgemaine.com, “the fully groomed ITS 85 runs through” the lodge’s 220 acres. Sledders can stay overnight or for a weekend and enjoy easy access to trails throughout central and northern Aroostook County. Gasoline, engine oil, and a trailer-storage facility are located on site, and snowmobilers are invited to enjoy the hearty fare at the aptly named Ride-In Restaurant. A buffalo herd roams the lodge’s fields and woods, and, of course, buffalo appears on the restaurant’s menu. Think Buffalonof, All-in-One Buffalo Stew, Buff a Loaf, and the Ride-In Prime Buffalo Burger, among other delicious meals. At Dean’s Motor Lodge (2075 Portage Lake Road, Portage), “we are considered the hub for snowmobiling in the northern region,” said Angie Burton. “You can leave our business and do a very enjoyable loop that will bring you through Eagle Lake, Long Lake, [and] Cross Lake [and] down the rail bed back through Washburn and right into our dooryard via ITS 90. “ITS 85 runs through our parking lot, with
many connecting trails close by,” she said. For sledders seeking a “home away from home,” the Caribou Inn & Convention Center and the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center offer modern accommodations and trail accessibility. Located at the intersection of Routes 1164 in Caribou, the Caribou Inn & Convention Center lies near ITS 88; from the inn, snowmobilers can quickly reach trails leading to almost every municipality in central and northern Aroostook County. Located on Main Street (Route 1) just south of the University of Maine at Presque
Isle, the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center provides snowmobilers with easy access to ITS 83 and the Star City’s outstanding trail system. Snowmobilers have easy access to the trails from No. 9 Lake Outfitters in Bridgewater, where “the groomer comes off ITS 83 across the field and into our cabin area,” said Don Burnett. He indicated that the connector trail runs less than half a mile before reaching ITS 83; about a mile to the north lies a key intersection with ITS 81 and points west. Guests can access the nearby countryside
for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing; a guide “can take our guests off-trail for photo opportunities,” he said. Alpine skiers can quickly reach Big Rock Ski Area, which rises about 8 miles to the north. Among the scheduled snowmobiling events taking place in Aroostook County this winter are: • Jan. 12, 6 p.m.: The Chapman Ridge Runners will sponsor a potluck supper at the clubhouse on Town Hall Road in Chapman; • Jan. 15, 10 a.m.: The Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club will sponsor radar runs, with registration starting at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Jen Curran at (207) 227-0045; • Feb. 4, 6 p.m.: The Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club will sponsor Supper on the Run and a Twilight Poker Run. For more information, contact Betty Benson at (207) 435-6872; • Feb. 18: The Madawaska Snowmobile Club (Fournier Road in St. David) will sponsor the USCC Madawaska 100 CrossCountry Snowmobile Race. For more information, contact Mike Guerrette at (207) 728-7097 or Glenn Daigle at (207) 728-3881 or email info@madawaska100.com. • March 17, 6 p.m.: The Chapman Ridge Runners will sponsor a spaghetti supper at the clubhouse on Town Hall Road in Chapman.
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Tips to prevent slips and falls this winter By NewsUSA
Ice sends thousands sliding, slipping and falling each year. And unfortunately, many of those falls result in serious injury. You can’t control the weather, but you may be able to keep ice from forming on your walkways. One innovative company, HeatTrak (www.heattrak.com), manufactures outdoor mats that, when plugged into an electrical outlet, melt snow and ice at a rate of two inches per hour. Commonly used by business-
BDN PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ
Windchill versus air temperature: Be safe outside
During the winter, meteorologists report the actual air temperature outside and the windchill temperature. Do you know the difference between the two? Air temperature is the thermostat reading of the temperature outdoors. Windchill temperature is what it feels like to the body when the wind is blowing. According to the National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services, as the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, decreasing skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder. Windchill temperature only affects humans and other animals. It will have no effect on inanimate objects. Those objects will not cool down past the current air temperature.
es and university campuses, HeatTrak mats have recently become available to homeowners. The mats are durable and meant to stay outside all season. Those who want to enjoy slip-free walkways and stairs simply need to install the mats, then turn them on when snow first starts to fall — the mats will prevent ice and snow from accumulating. Of course, it’s hard to avoid snow and ice the whole winter, so it’s best to take precautions against slips and falls. Here are some tips for safer winter walking: • Wear the proper foot gear. Slip-
pery soles will make icy conditions even more hazardous. Wear shoes with non-slip soles and deep treads. • Watch where you’re walking. Stick to sidewalks whenever possible. If a surface looks slippery, tap it with your toe before stepping forward. Be especially wary about black ice, which can be hard to detect visually. Walk at a slow, even pace — running or jumping makes it easier to lose your footing. If you do have to walk over ice, bend you knees slightly and take shorter steps. • Stay balanced. Keep your hands free to help you balance. If
there are handrails, use them. Try to avoid carrying heavy packages up and down icy stairs, and don’t carry loads that you can’t see over. • Don’t let clothes obscure your vision. You need to stay warm, but don’t wear ski masks, scarves, hats or hoodies that restrict your vision. • Watch out for ice from above. Falling icicles can cause serious injury. Avoid walking underneath the edges of buildings. For more information on the HeatTrak products, visit www.heattrak.com.
4 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | December 9, 2011
Tips for fun, safe winter frolics with Fido By ARA Content Even the best behaved-dog can temporarily forget his manners when faced with the many distractions of going on a walk. When the ground is covered with snow and ice, Fido’s momentary lapse can mean a nasty fall for you. Properly equipping yourself — and taking some safety precautions — can help ensure you stay on your feet, and that your walk remains enjoyable for both you and your best friend. Here are some tips for walking your dog in wintery weather: • Don’t stay home. Both you and your dog need exercise, and just letting Fido out into the backyard to do his business doesn’t help your health. A daily walk helps to provide both of you with excellent cardiovascular exercise, and also gets you out into the fresh air. So even as the weather gets colder, help keep you and your dog healthy with daily walks. • Leash training. Larger dogs make great pets, especially for seniors who struggle to bend over to pet smaller breeds. But if your dog isn’t leash trained, he could give you See FIDO, Page 5
Families: Prepare to have fun in the snow with Fido by making sure he can frolic safely.
Fido Continued from Page 4
great difficulty in managing him and the winter elements. Take him to obedience classes and work with him so he knows not to pull when you’re out for short and long walks. As the weather chills and snow and ice build up on your traditional walking routes, you’ll be able to carefully negotiate tricky spots without having to worry about being pulled off balance. • Dress for the weather. You’re probably already going to be layering up to stay warm, but don’t forget proper footwear for both you and your dog. Dog booties can help protect your pet’s feet from the deicer chemicals that can hurt and crack the pads of his feet. Booties also help prevent ice from building up in the fur around his toes. For your feet, you need gear to keep you from sliding around on the ice. STABILicers ice cleats go on over your shoes or boots, providing you super traction - and even better footing than your dog.
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Sold by retailers nationwide including L.L. Bean and Cabela’s, these ice cleats are durable and light, and can fit easily in a pocket or glove compartment for easy transport. For Scott Kelley of Peaks Island,STABILicers allowed him to walk his dog even after shoulder surgery and physical therapy. “The idea of falling on the ice after surgery and all that physical therapy was too much to bear,” Kelley says. “So I put STABILicers on my boots and wore them all winter, even if the roads and sidewalks were clear, because the dog still needs to be walked, and there is always that one rogue patch of ice lurking in the shadows.” • Practice safety. Since the day-
light hours are shorter during the winter months, make sure you wear light clothing with reflective material, and carry a flashlight during your walks to help drivers see you in the dark. Also let someone know where you’re going on your walk, and your anticipated time of return. Getting out of the house, breathing in the fresh air and seeing the sun reflecting off the glittering snow. The winter months can bring so much enjoyment to you and your dog on your daily walks. And when you’ll be held on balance with proper footwear, you may soon find yourself joining Fido in chasing squirrels, just for the fun of it.
Don’t forget the “paws” Courtesy of the ASPCA
Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
6 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | December 9, 2011
Skiing opportunities abound this winter for all skill levels on Maine slopes By Brian Swartz CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS EDITOR
Major snowstorms that struck Maine on the “eves” — Halloween and Thanksgiving — reminded skiers to check their equipment prior to hitting the slopes for the first time. Winter firmly has Maine in its sights, so now’s the time to learn how to ski or snowboard. Three local Maine ski slopes offer lessons and equipment rentals, and a cooperative venture between seven Maine ski resorts provides a great opportunity for novices who think they’d like to learn how to travel downhill fast.
Big Rock Ski Area Home of the Maine Winter Sports Center, Big Rock Ski Area is located on Mars Hill in Aroostook County. Offering 27 trails ranging from “beginner” to “expert” in ski-
BDN PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ
Gaining experience with every “schuss” down the slope, a young boy skis at Camden Snow Bowl on a holiday weekend.
ing ability, Big Rock operates a ski school that provides private and group lessons for beginning skiers. Ski school programs are geared toward a skier’s age and capabilities and are available in single-, three-, and five-lesson packages. Skiers and snowboarders can rent equipment at the Big Rock Base Lodge, located just off the
Graves Road in Mars Hill. Ski trails are accessed by four lifts, including the Big Rock Express Poma Life, the North Star Double Chairlift, and the South Star Triple Chairlift. For skiers, the maximum vertical drop is 980 feet. Big Rock has a snow tube park. For more information about See SKII, Page 7
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Skiing
New Hermon Mountain
Continued from Page 6
Located at 441 Newburgh Road in Hermon, the aptly named New Hermon Mountain has 20 trails, with skiers and snowboarders reaching “the top” on a chairlift or a T-bar lift. Near the lodge is a lift-equipped tubing park featuring a 600-foot tubing run. A family-owned ski slope, New Hermon Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding lessons with qualified instructors. In January and February, novice skiers can participate in a four-week Learn to Ski Program, with adult classes held at 6:30 p.m., Fridays, and children’s classes held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday or Sunday. All classes including skiing lessons. For beginning skiers and snowboarders, New Hermon Mountain offers private or group lessons. A private lesson lasts one hour; a group lesson lasts 90 minutes. New Hermon Mountain is open 3-9 p.m., MondayFriday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. The ski slope opens earlier on weekdays during school vacations. For more information, log onto www.skihermonmountain.com.
this ski resort, log onto www.bigrockmaine.com.
Camden Snow Bowl
Operated by the Camden Parks & Recreation Department and located on 1,300-foot Ragged Mountain in the Camden Hills, the Camden Snow Bowl features nine trails ranging in skill levels from “beginner,” such as the westernmost Spinnaker Trail, to “difficult,” like the easternmost Lookout Trail. Most trails fall within the “intermediate” range. Skiers and snowboarders can access the trails on Big T-bar (4,100 feet), a chairlift (3,100 feet), and Little T-bar (1,100 feet). Near the Alpine base lodge is Mitey Mite, a 200-foot T-bar designed for youngsters. Slightly east from the ski trails is a tubing hill. When ice conditions permit, a skating rink is available on adjacent Hosmer Pond. The Camden Snow Bowl Ski and Snowboard School offers private and group lessons for fledgling skiers and snowboarders, from ages 3 and up. Private lessons are available in one-hour, half-day, or all-day timeframes. Equipment (including skis and snowboards) can be rented at a white modular building located near the base lodge. Ragged Mountain Sports runs the adjacent ski shop. Learn more at www.camdensnowbowl.com.
Maine Learn to Ski & Ride Card With the Maine Learn to Ski & Ride Card, novice skiers can learn to ski at five local ski slopes in Maine and then hit the lifts and trails at Sugarloaf USA in Carrabassett Valley and Sunday River in Newry. Find out more at: www.camdensnowbowl.com/ maine-learn-ski-ride-card.
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Kids drawn to ice fishing — hook, line & sinker By David M. Fitzpatrick BANGOR DAILY NEWS
Russ Ames has fished all his life, including ice fishing. He has fond boyhood memories of February vacation, when his father would take him on an ice-fishing trip along with other fathers and sons. So it’s no wonder that when he discovered the Maine Youth Fish and Game Association’s annual Family Fishing Day a few years ago, he jumped at the chance to take his son out. The free ice-fishing event draws hundreds of people, with fishing open to kids age 15 and under. MYFGA provides the traps, gear, and bait, and they’ll even feed everyone, with hot dogs and hot chocolate on hand all day. “It’s great for the kids,” Ames said. “If you get a good, sunny day, kids love to be out there — ice skating and eating, and then a flag
pops up and they all run over and pull the fish in. It’s pretty fun to watch them.” The annual January event is held at the 10-acre Pickerel Pond, located off the Stud Mill Road near Milford. The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife stocks the pond with 300-500 brook trout in the fall — yearlings of 10-14 inches and retired brood stock of 14-18 inches. Legally, only kids 15 and under can fish there, which MYFGA uses as a teaching pond to educate children about the importance of the ecosystem and the responsibility they’re tasked with when they choose to fish or hunt. “We really encourage people to bring out their children, their grandchildren, the neighbor’s kids, whatever they want,” said Travis Roy, former MYFGA president and current vice president. MYFGA formed in 2000 and began holding events in 2001. It
grew quickly, thanks to overwhelming public support. The first year, MYFGA had a vision of building a lodge within 10 years, but Northern Log Homes soon donated a log-home kit, the National Guard and local construction companies built it, and the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation donated $15,000 for a generator. And in 2008, International Paper donated the land to MYFGA. “Everything we do is 100 percent free for the participants,” said MYFGA vice president Travis Roy. “We raise the money so, [for] these kids, it’s never going to be about the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots.’” The day before the event, MYFGA volunteers drill holes in the ice. They used to do it by hand, but now use two ice-auger caddies; they drive up, quickly drill a hole, and drive to the next spot. Conventional wisdom says the ice should be 6-8 inches thick, but Roy said
PHOTO BY TERRENCE L. FITZPATRICK
An adult moves the trap out of the way, but it’s up to this young angler to haul in her catch in this shot from 2008.
they aim for 10-12 inches, just to err on the side of caution. When the weather cooperates (and there’s always a rain day or, as MYFGA puts it, an “ice day”) as many as 300 people turn out. It’s grown so popular that MYFGA is considering adding a second ice-fishing day.
The event draws all kinds of people from all over, and Roy said he especially likes it when people new to ice fishing show up eager to try. “Two years ago, we had a lady walk up to us [who said] ‘I run a Girl Scout troop, there’s six of us, we’re here, and we have no idea what we’re doing,’” Roy recalled. “That puts a smile on our face.” Once the kids are into ice fishing, Ames said there’s no shortage of places to ice fish in Maine. Even ponds without good game fish can still be exciting for kids; they’ll still have lots of action guaranteed to breed excitement and spur kids into game fishing later on. “They keep the flags going up and keep the kids running, keeps them interested,” Ames said. Ames and his son Makenzie, 14, and his daughter Sophie, 5, will return in January 2012 for another ice-fishing adventure. Wife Teri and toddler Stella will join them for fun on the ice. “It’s fun for all, really,” Ames said. “It’s fun to see the kids get excited. It’s all about getting kids hooked on fishing. I can’t say enough good about that.” The annual Family Fishing Day will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The rain day is Feb. 4, same times. MYFGA will provide food and bait, as well as traps to those who need them. MYFGA provides many other free events year-round, as well as an inexpensive week-long summer camp that costs just $75. The organization has just begun a $150,000 capital campaign to expand the lodge and continue the success of the program. Learn more at: www.MaineYouthFishAndGame.org
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Protect skin from the worst that weather has to offer By Metro Creative Service Regardless of what season it is, skin seems to bear the brunt of weather’s wrath. Whether it’s the sun beating down in the dog days of summer or the wind whipping around and causing skin to
crack when the weather starts to turn cold, skin is never fully safe from the elements. Each season poses its own unique challenges to skin, and this year is no different. With fall and winter on the horizon, it’s important for men and women to practice proper skin care in an effort to protect themselves from dry skin, which can be irritating and unsightly. Though an extra layer of clothing might hide dry, flakey skin from view, it won’t do much to relieve the irritation and damage that result from severely dry skin. This fall and winter, consider the
following tips to help the skin survive the woes of winter. • Take quick, temperate showers. It might feel good to get in from the cold and take a hot bath or shower, but this actually breaks down lipid barriers in the skin, potentially robbing the skin of moisture. In lieu of a long, steamy bath or shower, take a quick shower in warm water. • Moisturize every day. Moisturizers are designed to relieve dry skin irritation, particularly on those areas of the body that are troublesome during the winter months. Look for creams that contain water and glycerin that will help to draw moisture into the skin and stimulate the body’s natural repair process. Moisturizers that are nongreasy, non-oil based and fragrance free tend to work the best to repair dry skin. Oil-
based creams will actually repel water that would otherwise hydrate the skin causing further damage. Men and women should also make moisturizing a part of their nightly routine before going to bed. Skin temperatures rise during sleep, resulting in increased circulation and healing, so be sure to moisturize each night before going to bed. • Continue to protect skin from the sun The sun is just as strong in winter as it is during the summer, and winter sun can do significant damage to unprotected skin, especially when winter sun combines with snow glare. Use a moisturizer with SPF throughout the winter, and apply it to both hands and face roughly 30 minutes before See SKIN, Page 13
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10 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | December 9, 2011
“Luxury in the rough” at Lake Parlin Lodge By David M. Fitzpatrick CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS WRITER
With the recent opening of the
newly redeveloped Lake Parlin Lodge & Cabins, the Kruse family is ready for plenty of visitors, from those staying at the spectacular facility to those wayward back-
woods sledders just stopping by for a bit of culinary heaven. The Lodge opened on Jan. 8, 2011 with four lodge rooms and a five-bedroom, five-bath minilodge. At the time, the six cabins were unfinished shells, but were ready for the 2011-2012 winter season. The cabins feature full kitchens and flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet access, and one cabin is ADA-compliant. This is why the Lodge’s Web site bills it as “luxury in the rough.” The Lodge sees loads of snowmobile traffic. “We had a great winter last year, real positive,” said Joe Kruse. “A lot of people stumbled upon us that didn’t know we were there.” Kruse’s family has deep roots in the region. His parents built the Briarwood Mountain Lodge in Jackman, now the Mountainview Resort, in the early 1970s. Kruse
LAKE PARLIN LODGE PHOTO
lived in Jackman until 1977, when the family returned to his parents’ native Florida. But they spent summers and Christmases at the family camp on Lake Parlin, which abuts the current lodge property. “I love hunting and fishing and the outdoors and wanted to go back to Maine to raise our kids,” he said. “We never looked back.” Snowmobiling has long been a part of the Kruse family. Kruse’s father had once worked with local folks to start the first groomed snowmobile trail in the area and
helped to get a grant to build the first snowmobile bridge across the Moose River. Recently, Kruse has been part of a dedicated group that recently merged the Forks Area Recreation Club and the Bulldog Summit Riders into one club, the Coburn Summit Riders. “We have an awesome trail system,” Kruse said. “We have the highest groomed point in the state, Coburn Mountain. We plan to groom the trail to the summit on a regular basis to make it accessible for all riding levels. “It will be done now and will easily be one of the key attractions to anyone on a sled,” Kruse said. “It’s easy with the great board and array of eager volunteers. “There’s a lot of positive energy for the club, and everyone’s real excited,” he said. The Lake Parlin Lodge is an ideal jumping-off spot for sledders with its location at a major nexus on the Interconnected Trail System. Located 10 miles south of Jackman on Route 201, the Lodge is situated on ITS 89 and just three miles from ITS 87 using the Lake Parlin Connector Trail. Best of all, it’s in a region that could have two feet of snow on the ground; “we get a lot of snow at our elevation,” Kruse said. And in the works: a USCC snow race on Jan. 28, 2012, starting at the Lodge. This will be a 100-mile race with approximately 20 5-mile laps.Anyone with a 600cc or less can enter. You can find rules on the USCC site, and information about the race on the Lodge’s Web site. Whether running a race, cruising the trails, or gunning it up Coburn Mountain, there’s always good food waiting for you. The Lodge features a bevy of talented chefs — including 2011 Maine Lobster Chef of the Year finalist Ryan Campbell. Campbell, originally from Winslow, trained at the Culinary Institute of America and worked at prestigious eateries around the nation before returning to Maine. “We’re really fortunate to have that kind of food in the middle of nowhere,” said Kruse.
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SNOWMOBILING Jackman and Moose River have been catering to snowmobilers for over 20 years. The snowmobile trails are ideally located for access to accommodations, restaurants and services of all kinds. From the Jackman-Moose River Region, the ITS trails can take you North into the Province of Quebec, South to the Forks, Eustis and Rangeley, or East to the Northeast Carry, Rockwood, Greenville and beyond. There is no region of Maine that cannot be reached by snowmobile from Jackman. (that is if THEY have snow!) Get our up to date trail reports!
Even at night, you may see lights scattered over the lake as Big Wood is especially noted for its large Cusk population. Other common fish are Salmon, togue, Brook trout, and splake. http://jackmanmaine.org/northeastchampionships.php
MAINE SLED DOG RACES
Many professional drivers come to this race with their dogs in the best condition of the season. It is a fast paced and diversified event featuring everything from one dog skijoring to large sled teams, as well as 3 dog junior and one dog junior mushers. Dog teams from http://jackmanmaine.org/maine-ice-fishing.php all over the US and even the world come to Jackman to compete in ICE FISHING Ice fishing is an extremely popular the sled dog events. It is great fun sport. The Lakes and Ponds in the for the spectator too as you watch region: Big Wood Lake, Little Big the teams race to the finish. Wood, Holeb Pond, Long Pond and Spencer Lake, are usually For more information on trail conditions, fishing derbies and sled thick enough to travel on by season open (January 1st) and stay dog races visit jackmanmaine.org or call 1-888-633-5225 frozen well into March.
12 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | December 9, 2011
Drive safe this winter by prepping your car for slick roads By Metro Creative Service Winter weather takes all of the usual road hazards and steps them up a notch. Although winter driving may be frustrating, there are ways to prepare for the season and prevent accidents and injuries.
Prepare
It’s important to check that a vehicle is in top shape before the cold weather sets in.Pay special attention to
the tires. If tires are bald or their wear is signficant, that could prove hazardous on weather-slicked roads.Have tires replaced before the first snowfall. The same can be said when switching from regular performance tires to allweather or snow tires. Be sure to change all of the tires on the car, even if it is just a front-wheel drive vehicle. Now is the time to also get a tune-up on the vehicle. Cold weather can make it hard for a car to perform at its best, and any problems should be eliminated before
they spiral out of control. Be sure to top off any fluids in the car, especially windshield washer fluid you might need to improve visibility during a storm. Check the function of wiper blades and change them if they aren’t up to snuff. Consult with a mechanic to find out if it is adviseable to switch motor oil viscosity during the winter to improve flow through the engine and help with cold start turnover. It also helps to stock up on supplies should you get stranded or stuck: - snow shovel - scraper/brush - tire chains - flashlight (with extra batteries) - abrasive material, like cat litter, sand, or salt - jumper cables - flares or reflective triangles - brightly colored cloth to signal for help - empty water-tight container with candles, matches or lighter, bottled water, and a snack - sleeping bags or blankets, ski caps, and mittens - first-aid supplies
Skidding How best to maneuver a car when it starts to skid depends on how the vehicle handles. If the rear wheels skid, turn the steering wheel, and subsequently the front wheels, in the same direction of the skid. If the front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral. Don’t try to steer immediately; the skid may slow, and traction could return. Then you can steer in the direction you want to go and put the car back into drive.
BDN PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ
Whether you’re hitting the roads on an adventure or delivering an ice shack to its frozen home, being prepared for winter weather is important.
Keep in mind that even with expert maneuvering it can be tricky to recover from a skid on ice. Snow tires are not infallible and may be ineffective on icy roadways.
Leaving Space One of the best things a person can do when driving in winter weather is to slow down and add much more room for reacting to roadway conditions. Driving slowly and braking slowly may help to prevent skids. Also, should a skid occur, having more room between you and another vehicle helps you to maneuver elsewhere or come to a stop without causing an accident. When visibility is poor, leaving extra room means you can react if something suddenly veers into the path of the car or you missed seeing it through the snow and sleet.
Stranded or Stuck Should the car break down or it becomes stuck in the snow, there are some things you can do. Be
sure to steer or push the car to a safe location, if possible. Put up warning flares or triangles so that you are visible and leave the fourway flashers on if the battery is operable. You can try “rocking” the car, by putting it in drive and hitting the gas, then in reverse and pressing on the accelerator to create a valley in the snow that might free the car. Use your abrasive material to provide traction. You can also attempt to shovel out the tires. If the car is inoperable, stay in the vehicle out of harm’s way and call for help on a mobile phone. Leave a window cracked open if you will be running the engine for periodic heat. The National Safety Council says that you can run the engine for heat about once every hour, or every half hour in severe cold. Be sure to clean snow from around the end of the tail pipe to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. For extra heat, don blankets or a sleeping bag to prevent hypothermia.
Skin Continued from Page 9 going outside. • Wear a winter wardrobe. Protective clothing like gloves, scarves and thick socks not only keep us warm through the winter, they also keep skin safe as well. Strong winter winds and below freezing temperatures can damage the skin significantly, so bundle up when going outdoors. And be sure to avoid wet socks and gloves, which can irritate the skin and cause itching and
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cracking, and might even result in the formation of sores. • Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is another skin care pointer people primarily, and incorrectly, associate with summer. But staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is during the summer. Staying hydrated is important for overall health. Men and women who enjoy caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda should know that caffeine is a diuretic that draws water out of the skin. So be sure to counter caffeine consumption by drinking plenty of water.
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Adventures in snowshoeing By Metro Creative Service Snowshoeing is a wintertime activity that can be enjoyable and healthy for all ages. Enthusiasts say that snowshoeing is truly an activity that anyone can enjoy — from children to seniors. As long as a person is able to walk, he or she can also try snowshoeing. According to research provided by Snowsports Industries America, 40.8 percent of snowshoers are women, 9.4 percent of snowshoers are children (ages 7 to 11), and 44.2 percent of snowshoers are between the ages of 25 to 44. There are a number of reasons to try snowshoeing:
• It is a relatively inexpensive sport to try because there is limited equipment and most of it can be rented. • Snowshoeing provides a unique perspective on the outdoors. • The activity is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, as the shoe and the snow provide an added measure of resistance while walking. The sport helps burn more than 600 calories per hour and can help you burn 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed. • Snowshoeing is easily a social group activity. • It poses little risk for injury. One of the main advantages to snowshoeing is that oftentimes
the first time you head out you’ve easily grasped the concept. Unlike other sports that take practice to master, snowshoeing only requires a few steps before it is mastered. Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years. Archaeologists have not been able to determine when the snowshoe was first used, but it is known that snowshoes were used more than 12,000 years ago. It is believed the first snowshoe was made from solid wood and animal skins. Natives of North America relied on a form of snowshoe to traverse the landscape during hunting and other chores. Although the first snowshoe See SNOWSHOE, Page 16
BDN PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ
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Snowshoe Continued from Page 15 designs were made from what people could find and were primitive in nature, they set the course for more intricate designs and high-tech materials. When selecting snowshoes, beginners can choose among recreational snowshoes. Usually, these snowshoes work best on simple terrain that doesn’t require a lot of steep climbing or descents. For avid snowshoers or those who compete, aerobic snowshoes or ones designed for hiking are more durable
and may be the smart buy. Many experts advise against purchasing used snowshoes, because you won’t be sure what you’re getting. Snowshoes can be rented, but they are relatively inexpensive to buy new, ranging from $100 to $300. Snowshoes are sized according to your weight. The most common sizes are 25, 30 and 36 inches. Working with an educated retailer will ensure you get the right size shoe. Snowshoeing can be done anywhere there is snow. It doesn’t require marked trails. Just be sure to go with a partner the first time around to ensure safety should you get stuck out in the wilderness.
MAINE’S BEAUTY SEEN VIA SKI BDN PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ
Two cross country skiiers cross a frozen lake under the magestic rise of Mt. Kineo