Tom's trip from Sault St. Marie Mi. to Toke Ak. SITREP#7‏

To All: Today was a great day and beautiful - particularly the north country of our past. We departed Bemidji at 6:00am and traveled north paralleling the snowmobile tracks. We passed through Newfolden with sign "11 miles to Middle River" and then on to Karlstedt and finally to Hallock. We passed through Thief River Falls right past our old house 717 Main. We stopped at the Artic Cat factory to pick up spare parts and when I mentioned to all (including the factory mechanic) that we lived there years ago. The mechanic remembered Mom as a French teacher in the HS. What joy and surprise to the trail riders. When we departed the motel this morning at Bemidji, I mentioned to a guy sharing the motel computer that I was born in Grand Forks, whereupon he asked my name and knew a Jim Myerchin (musician)- obviously a family member of Uncle John (Dad's brother). What a surprise to learn of "Myerchin" fame.

I am amazed at the warmth of the snowmobile clothing - totally no porosity with all skin areas covered. This is why they can go at high speeds and not get cold. Their fingers are warmed by heated handle bars. Without this protection, I would imagine a quick freeze to death.

My impression is that this sport is the most "people friendly" of all sports. The sleds are extremely stable - much more so than ATV'S and motorcycles. The riders in our teams average 59 years of every size and shape. Some way over 300lbs, have physical issues of every kind and are old. Yet, they can enjoy a sport that is as exciting as flying a fighter aircraft. If I lived in the snow belt, I would live on one of these. Sleds (correct term - snowmobiles)are everywhere with tracks every place in and out of towns. Trail always lead to the outlaying motels where the parties spend the night. Most of the trails are groomed often by the snowmobile clubs and all have signs regulating traffic much as a public roadway for autos.

Tomorrow we were scheduled to go to Belcourt and stay in the Indian Reserv. Hotel. The group ahead of us stayed there and had their trailers and trucks broken into and burgled by the Indians. So we will stay in Rolla, ND and the following day hit the Canadian border bound for Russell, Manitoba. We fully expect a painful shakedown by the Canadian border officials - possibily over 5 hours of being "screwed over".

In closing, it was so refreshing and sentimental to drive through such beautiful country close the farm of our youth. What a treat.

That's it for now and on to North Dakota

Tom