51 WINTER 2020 ISSUE 02 / VOL . 01

SNOWGOER . COM 52

on the opposite shore of beautiful Lake Temiskaming ( pronounced Tem-ISS-Ka- Ming ). For those who like to ride big miles , this is the perfect jumping-off point for an exploration of the region to renowned destinations such as Kirkland Lake , Timmins , Cochrane and Hearst . Photographer Martin Lortz and I had the pleasure of touring this snowmobile-friendly area in mid-February . Our host was Sean Mackey , the general manager of M & M Hospitality Group – a family-owned business that operates four trail-accessible hotels in New Liskeard that cater to snowmobilers and other winter sports enthusiasts . Bill Ramsay , president of the Tri-Town Sno Travellers club , was our guide for the first of two days to lead us through the local trails .

As every snowmobiler knows , even the most advantageous locales are subject to the whims of Mother Nature . Our visit coincided with several days of unseasonably warm temperatures , but with plenty of snow covering the trails and blanketing the woods , riding conditions were fine outside of town .

The first leg of our ride was up the frozen Wabi River for a couple of miles . Patches of snow and inch-deep puddles on the surface limited our traction and speed , but – unlike bare ice – provided ample track lubrication . Once clear of town , it wasn ’ t far to where a snowmobile trail traversed the river , allowing us to turn south and connect with Trail L186 , the “ Moose Loop .” The scenic circuit took us through a combination of fields and forests , as well as along several roadsides and a pipeline right-of-way .