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Current weather and forecast for the following towns:

Hulbert ~ Paradise ~ Soo ~ Newberry ~ Grand Marais ~ St Ignace ~

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 Trail Conditions

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All trail reports are brought to you by Shirley's Happy Hour located in Hulbert MI.

Thursday February 4th 2010

I have pictures below to show you how the trails looked as of yesterday. I also took off trail pictures and they are included. Words of caution for this weekend. Watch out for the inside of the corners. Especially the long corners on the Wilwin Rd, heading down to Trout Lake, past the Rusty Zipper Camp. You know what trail I am talking about! The inside of the corners has allot of ice on them. Not all of them, but some. If your carbides are bad, like mine are at this time, you push right through and end up on the wrong side of the trail. So please be very careful of this.

Strongs & Hulbert Trails

Trout Lake Trail

The below picture shows my friends at the Rusty Zipper Camp as to how there Trail Head looks at this time! Need help making it wider, let Biskit know and he will take care of it!

 Hulbert to Eckerman, via RailRoad Grade. Ungroomed! This is a favorite "Off Trail, and I got Plans for it." So stay tuned.

Wednesday February 3rd 2010

I railed from Hulbert, to Strongs, McNurney Lake, Paradise Trails, down the Dick Road, to Trout Lake and back up to Hulbert. Everything is good boys! Didn't have any problems. We have enough snow and the temps have been working to make things great! They are not perfect, but they are great! Come up and ride, that is why the green flag is waving. Don't believe me? Then check out the video I have on FaceBook and see for yourselves!

Monday February 1st 2010

January is gone and now we are looking at a beautiful month ahead without any thaws. Conditions remain great. We have been receiving snow and cold weather each day with much more forecasted. Everyone I have talked to, has been extremely happy with the riding conditions. And I am one of them. The green flag is still waving. I will have fresh pictures tomorrow of the area. Right now, I need some much needed rest. Been a very long weekend! Thanks for all the buis and support! Love ya all!

Friday January 29th 2010

10:41 p.m.

As stated early, I railed the trails last night until 0600 hrs this morning and folks, let me tell ya, with all this fresh snow, I would say 8 inches worth of new stuff, it was an absolute blast! The scenery was beautiful, the riding was excellent and the temps were cold. I did not have any problems. Didn't see any hazards and I stand behind having the green flag out!

Today: Snow showers. High near 10. Wind chill values between -5 and zero. North wind around 5 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 1. Wind chill values between -5 and -10. West wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. Wind chill values between -10 and zero. West wind between 5 and 10 mph

Friday January 29th 2010

Before we talk about the trails, I would like to announce that we are having our annual Super Bowl Party. Food and munchies at half time. Enjoy and watch the game on our "Ten Foot" big screen T.V. Largest one around! Only the best at Shirley's Happy Hour!

 I have been informed by Don Reed, past president of MSA, that he attended the Eastern Upper Penn. Snowmobile Council meeting last night and that it was decided that the Chippewa Snow Chasers and the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association will work together in the development of a new proposed trail from Newberry to Hulbert. Contact either club if you would like to offer assistance.

I railed last night from Hulbert to Strongs, then to Raco, down the Dick Rd. Back to Trout Lake and returned to Hulbert. Didn't have a problem! Bob! I didn't hit a rock. Green flag is waving buddy! I am going to take a nap and get back out to nail it one more time!

Thursday January 28th 2010
3:56 p.m.

The groomer just came into Hulbert. We have received four inches of fresh snow. This makes a total of 8 inches on the ground. I know it isn't much, but the trails are froze solid! With the rain, warm weather and then turning really cold, I am not saying that they will not get snirty, but they will hold up. One might hit a rock here or there, not enough snow to cover that up yet, but it's still coming. We are good to go for the weekend folks! Come up and get it! More pictures coming in the morning along with possibly a video! The forecast looks good for the weekend. More snow is coming, so the green flag is in the air. No worries for this weekend. I am going to rail them as soon as this update is up!

Thursday January 28th 2010
2:22 p.m.

At this time, we are experiencing white out squalls in Newberry. Three to four inches of new snow. Got a call from Hulbert and they have received three to four inches of fresh snow. Heading over there right now to get pictures. Will be on in a little bit to update you with live pictures. Stay tuned!

I have been informed by Don Reed, past president of MSA, that he attended the Eastern Upper Penn. Snowmobile Council meeting last night and that it was decided that the Chippawa Snow Chasers and the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association will work together in the development of a new proposed trail from Newberry to Hulbert.

Stay tuned, more info to come shortly.

Thursday January 28th 2010

I would like to ask everyone who tunes in to my updates to do me a favor. My father received his 7th chemo treatment yesterday. He now has a couple month break from Chemo. His body needs the rest. Could you please include my father in your prayers this morning. Please pray for healing and strength for Jerry Moore Sr. Thank you!

Pictured second from the right, wearing a red base ball cap is my father who also use to donate his time preparing the trails for your pleasure at the use to be "Biskit's Brushing Party." Also pictured are members of Biskit Army. David Low is on the far left and Denny Zoet is on the far right. Dave is the one that is going to journey to Alaska in a few weeks via sled.

The temperature remained cold last night. It was 8 degrees at 2200 hrs. Then at 0200 hrs, the temps dropped even lower and it began to snow. It snowed from that time on and we have received another 1/2 inch of snow in downtown Newberry. The temps are at 5.7 degrees this morning. I do not know how much snow Hulbert has received, but will be updating this afternoon from over there with pictures. Also coming this afternoon is an update concerning the EUPSC meeting that was held last night in Hulbert where discussions are starting to take place concerning the Hulbert to Newberry trail. I am hoping it went well and no road blocks were placed in our way. Please check back later when I have more information about the trails, pictures and breaking news! I am going to give you everything you need today, to plan your weekend trip, so stay tuned and check back. I think we are going to be in good shape. But I want to take a up close and personal look before reporting. Also, I want to take some pictures. It is snowing at a pretty good clip right now at 0600 hrs. Bring it!!!

Hulbert and Strongs Forecast

Today: Snow showers, mainly after 7am. Steady temperature around 6. Wind chill values as low as -15. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tonight: Snow showers. Low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -11. North wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday: Scattered snow showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 7. Wind chill values as low as -11. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -7. Wind chill values as low as -15. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Wednesday January 27th 2010 P.M

If we receive the forecasted snow, we will be in good shape. Local news is calling for more, but I will be happy and so will the trails if we receive this before Friday evening.

Law Enforcement Division
Bi-Weekly Field Report
12/14/09 – 1/10/10

DISTRICT 1

CO Matt Eberly checked over 100 snowmobiles this past weekend in 1ºF weather.
Many warnings were given for colored headlight lenses and trail permits in pockets.

CO Matt Eberly was first on scene at a snowmobile personal injury accident. Upon
arrival he found the operator suffering from a broken foot as he took a wrong turn and
hit a logging truck. The snowmobile operator was ticketed by local police officers for
illegal operation.

CO Brett Gustafson reports that bad ice was reported on Lake Gogebic. A snowmobiler
went through the ice during the week and the recovery company is having a hard time
removing it. The operator was contacted for failing to report an accident.

CO Dennis Gast continues to work careless operation of snowmobiles in Twin Lakes.
He issued several tickets to operators for failing to comply with traffic control signs.

CO Grant Emery contacted a snowmobile operator who was trying to avoid him. The
operator turned around when he saw the CO’s patrol truck approaching. CO Emery
contacted the subject after the operator was unable to exit from the road. The operator
had failed to register the snowmobile or obtain a trail permit. The road the subject
turned onto was also closed to snowmobile operation. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Grant Emery and local deputies teamed up for snowmobile sound test patrol.
Numerous tests were done to determine sound levels on snowmobiles. Three subjects
were ticketed for having exhaust emissions over the legal limit.

DISTRICT 3

While addressing a complaint area on the Mullett Lake section of the North Central
Michigan Rail Trail, CO Mike Feagan issued one ticket and two verbal warnings to
snowmobilers failing to stop at stop signs on the trail.

CO Mark DePew ticketed a number of snowmobile operators for safety violations and
wrote several tickets for careless operation of a snowmobile. One incident involved a
17 year old operator who left the snowmobile trail going too fast for conditions and
ended up stuck up in a snow bank over fifteen feet above the trail. Upon issuing a ticket
for careless operation, CO DePew was chastised by the father who thought the ticket
was unjustified. The youngster said he had done a lot worse things on his snowmobile
and never received a ticket.

A Pigeon River Country (PRC) State Forest snowmobile patrol was conducted by
COs Eric Bottorff and Matt Theunick addressing illegal operation of snowmobiles in
closed areas. Signs of previous illegal activity were discovered, but no contact was
made with current violators.

While conducting a fishing patrol on Burt Lake, CO Eric Bottorff contacted several
anglers who were having sporadic success. One ticket was issued to a subject who
was fishing with too many lines and a ticket issued to a second subject for an expired
snowmobile registration.

COs Duane Budreau and Carl Vanderwall observed a group of snowmobilers travelling
at a high rate of speed and disregarding all stop signs. The COs caught up with the
operators, who immediately fled in a different direction. The COs searched the area and
found the subjects hiding in a business parking lot behind a snow bank. Tickets were
written.

CO Steve Speigl worked snowmobile enforcement and ticketed eight people for various
snowmobile infractions and gave 18 warnings.

CO Carl Vanderwall reports that an arrest of a subject that occurred this past fall
resulted in the forfeiture of his ORV “mudder” Jeep. The subject was convicted of
operating his “mudder” Jeep in a wetland in Emmet County. Part of his fine was
forfeiting the ORV to the State of Michigan.

DISTRICT 4

CO Mike Bomay was in his patrol vehicle and parked next to a Mecosta County
snowmobile trail when he observed two snowmobiles approaching. When the two
operators saw the marked patrol vehicle, they turned and fled. CO Bomay used his
knowledge of the trail system and proceeded to another location further down the trail.
A short time later CO Bomay apprehended the same two snowmobiles with expired
registrations and no trail permits.

COs Justin Vanderlinde and Sean Kehoe, along with local deputies, conducted a
snowmobile patrol in Grand Traverse County over the weekend. Tickets were issued
during the day for registration and trail permit violations, careless operation and
roadway violations. One situation involved four snowmobiles operating side by side
down a county road.

COs Jair Kollasch and Sam Koscinski conducted snowmobile patrols in Wexford County
over the weekend. Multiple tickets were issued for registration violations and careless
operation. One registration violation involved a nonresident who had carried his
registration decal on his person for over a year because he did not want to cover the
graphics on his cowling. COs Kollasch and Koscinski also made three arrests during
these patrols for subjects who were operating while their Michigan driving privileges
were suspended.

DISTRICT 6

COs Holly Pennoni and Jeremy Payne conducted a snowmobile patrol on Saginaw Bay
targeting fishing, snowmobile, and ORV violations. The activity was very high and
resulted in several tickets being issued for no fishing license, unregistered snowmobile,
unlicensed ORVs and violations of the 100’ rule that applies to snowmobiles and ORVs.

While on patrol, CO Dan Lee stopped a snowmobiler who was operating on the
roadway. The snowmobile was unregistered and did not have a trail permit. After
issuing a ticket and releasing the operator, a second snowmobile, also on the roadway,
approached the CO. This snowmobile was also unregistered and had no trail permit,
but the operator was a juvenile. The minor was escorted back to his residence where
his parents were contacted and ticketed for allowing a minor to operate unsupervised.

CO Nick Atkin was checking anglers when he witnessed three individuals without
helmets riding on a snowmobile. After contacting the individuals, the CO observed that
the snowmobile registration expired in 1995. The CO also found one of the three riders
to be only eight years old. Enforcement action was taken.

Wednesday January 27th 2010

We had six sleds at Shirley's Happy Hour yesterday. They all reported, more snow is needed! The temps have dropped and it is at 9 degrees this morning. We did not receive any snow last night.

This was posted on another message board yesterday from someone I have respect for because of what he contributes to the sport and area. LawDog from Newberry wrote this and it pretty much sums up the conditions as of right now.

We are getting Lake Effect right now... I would call it light to almost moderate... Larger lighter flakes... Approx 1 inch accumulation as of this morning....

I have had some people call me trying to get me to convince them the conditions are good... They are not.. Can you ride Absolutely ! Just need to trailer up north and ride the two tracks and the trails... Went through hulbet on Sunday and saw SNIRT ...

The EUPSC meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. It is located at the Hulbert Township Hall, in Hulbert MI. The EUPSC stands for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Council. They are the ones that are responsible for making these maps. You can visit there website to find out more information. If you want to e-mail them with any concerns or your thoughts about the trail from Newberry to Hulbert, then here is there e-mail, followed by there mailing address! I know I am having you folks send allot of e-mail's. I can relate, because, so am I! I am willing to work with anyone, and let me repeat, anyone to get this trail pushed through. I will also help maintain this trail for years to come if it were to be established. Hell, I am all for starting a new club to take care of this new segment! This trail is needed, not just for Hulbert, but the U.P of Michigan and the sport of snowmobiling. Wouldn't it be amazing if the DNR, MSA, EUPSC, Chippewa Snow Chasers, TASA and Biskit's Closet could come together and get this done!?!!? You want to talk about headlines in the Snowmobiling community! It would be an achievement among no other. I am willing to get it done. Are you?

EUP Snowmobile Council
9701 S. Mackinac Trail
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Tuesday January 26th 2010

 BoonDockers in da House!!

At 2200 hrs last night, the temperature was 37.8 degrees. It has now dropped to 27 degrees. We did not receive the forecasted one to two inches last night, instead a ½ inch to cover all the nastiness that the rain on Sunday caused. But it is now feeling like winter again and hopefully by this weekend, we can get back to business. I have not been out on the trails, but I would have to say that some riding can be had in my area, but more snow is desperately needed! Hold tight, see what happens today and tomorrow, because there is talk that we are going to get much accumulation. Here is the forecasted weather for today and tonight.

Hulbert and Strongs Forecast

Today: Snow showers. Temperature falling to around 19 by 5pm. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tonight: Scattered snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as -6. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Now that this mushy mess is starting to freeze, it would be prime to pan what trails have snow on them. Once it freezes, they will be like cement sidewalks and will establish one hell of a base that will remain throughout the remainder of the season. After that, every inch of snow would make it that much better.

Monday January 25th 2010

 The rain hit and did some major damage to the U.P yesterday. I know of people that were up in Grand Marais and decided to pull out a day early. Same reports are coming in from Paradise and throughout the entire Eastern end of the U.P. Trails took a major hit! Now, I have been tuning into John Dee's forecast and sure hope this boy is correct! We are suppose to start getting dumped on this week. Of course, I am all over this like a bad habit and will report each and every day. Pictures will be coming before this weekend. I cannot get out on the trails at this time, due to, I won't drive my sled in this. I am waiting for conditions to get better.

John Lennon said, "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'." And he was right!!!!

Just ordered my tickets to see Chuck Berry Live at the Pageant in St Louis, MO. So to all my Generals and Biskit Army members, I will not be around the end of March. I will however be with you the rest of the season to give you truthful, accurate and daily updates, no matter what the conditions are. Good or Bad!

 Biskit's Closet is ROCKING!!! Let's keep the party rolling shall we!?!!?

Since the weather hasn’t been cooperating and we have some spare time on our hands. Let’s join together and send some more e-mails and written letters shall we. I know, “But Biskit, I already sent one.” I know that, I have sent millions over the past year’s and cannot do this without your support. There is an E.U.P.S.C meeting in Hulbert this coming up Wednesday January 27th at 7p.m. Don’t know who all is going to be there, but I do know TASA, the DNR, and MSA will be in attendance. As MSA President Jim Dickie stated in the earlier letter that I posted on this past Saturday’s update, we must contact the two grooming identities and show them that we want this trail. We must also contact the DNR. So I have made it easy for you. Below you will find the contact info for each club. Both mailing address and e-mail address. You will also find the two DNR contact officers that are responsible for overseeing TASA and the Chippewa Snow Chasers trail system. The public is welcome to attend this meeting scheduled for this Wednesday. I cannot make this meeting, but do have someone that will be in attendance on my behalf. The next Chippewa Snow Chaser meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 9th at 7 p.m. The public is also welcomed at this and for those that want to speak to both clubs, the DNR and MSA, I encourage you to attend both of the meetings. When more meetings become available or announced, I will inform you of such. The ball is rolling on the Hulbert to Newberry trail. Let’s come together, work together and get this done. It will benefit the entire U.P, the sport of snowmobiling and ease double traffic on certain sections of trail without taking money away from specific areas. It will bring more money and tourism into your towns throughout the U.P. As stated in earlier post, I have hundreds of volunteers on stand by that will donate, time, energy, equipment and other resources to complete this project.

DNR NEWBERRY UNIT OFFICE
5666 M-123 South
PO Box 428
Newberry, MI 49868
Telephone 906-293-3293

SAULT STE MARIE MANGEMENT UNIT
2001 Ashmun
P.O Box 798
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

CHIPPEWA SNOW CHASERS
11272 S. Strongs Rd.,
Eckerman, MI 49728
Email

TAHQUAMENON AREA SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
PO Box 305
Newberry, Michigan 49868
906-293-3063
Email

Sunday January 24th 2010

 After the all night of 37 degree weather, very low snow conditions and today's forecast, the Red Flag is in the air. My sled is parked. I refuse to ride it in these conditions. We need more snow. After today, it is suppose to start looking like winter again. Of course, if it changes tonight for the better, the yellow flag will come back out.

Forecast for Hulbert and Strongs

Today: Rain. Areas of fog. High near 38. Breezy, with a east wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tonight: Rain before 1am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Areas of fog before 1am. Low around 32. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 34. South wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday January 23rd 2010

 Thank you for the reply Jim. To all those tuning in, I will be getting a hold of TASA, the Chippewa Snow Chasers and both DNR contact personal and arrange a meeting. I will for sure post when one can attend this meeting. Jim, I agree with you! Everyone must work together. I have tried to bury the axe between the Chippewa Snow Chasers and myself a few years ago. Made public apologies and even held a fish fry at the groomer barn to no avail! I am still offering the olive branch and want what is best for the area, sport and trails. Stay tuned for more info! Because Biskit, Biskit's Army and MSA is for this trail. It would benefit the sport, area and the entire U.P. I will continue to put my best foot forward and with the help of everyone, we can get this pushed through, once and for all!

The following is the reply I received today from MSA President Jim Dickie.

Jan. 22, 2010


Guys,
Thanks for showing an interest in a new trail between Hulbert and Newberry. I think it is a great idea and a great project, and MSA will support the proposal. It must be understood that MSA does not decide on what trails get approved for construction. The new trial proposal would have to come from the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association (TASA) and/or the Chippewa Snow Chasers Snowmobile Club. These are the clubs that would maintain and groom the new trail. Currently these clubs groom and maintain 128 miles for TASA and 81 miles for the Snow Chasers. The DNR has the final say. However, MSA can lend support by working as coaches with the clubs, by making necessary contacts within the DNR, and by making recommendations to the DNR. If you truly want to get involved, you need to direct your concerns to the two snowmobile clubs that will be sponsoring the new trail proposal. New trail proposals start with the local clubs working with their DNR field contact person. There is a specific process that is followed. I would suggest that you set up a meeting with the local clubs involved and ask them to invite the local DNR contact person so that he can review the process with all present at the meeting. Then together discuss the proposed route and offer assistance in working together with a positive attitude to make this new trail become a reality. I read on Biskit's site that he can get many people out to support the proposal. I would encourage you to contact Biskit for his assistance in setting up the meeting and getting a crowd to attend. I also read on Biskit's site that there could be a little "Bad Blood" between him and a few of the Snow Chasers. I would encourage both sides to forget the past and move forward, working together, for the benifit of all snowmobilers and businesses.
I have talked with Steve DeBrabander, Unit Manager, State Trails Operation and Construction Unit of the DNR about the trail proposal and he is aware of your desires.

I truly believe that when everyone can work together, things can be accomplished.

Again thanks for expressing your desires about a new trail between Newberry and Hulbert. All of your emails were forwarded to the DNR for them to review.
Please keep me posted on your progress.

Jim Dickie
MSA President