SUN JOURNAL • January 1, 2022
For many Maine winters, weekend camping and ice fishing trips to my favorite North Woods lake brought immeasurable fun and memories for me and my family. Our winter camp was 10 miles from plowed roads. Snowmobiles made these winter treks possible. In those days, snowmobiles were more benign than they are today. Now, high performance snowmobiles with incredulous horsepower go like a NASCAR competitor and, sadly, a few people who were intent on having fun or getting a winter thrill are operating irresponsibly and killing or maiming themselves or others. Last winter, Maine reported six snowmobile fatalities. “Studies have shown that increasing blood alcohol content is also associated with a decreased reaction time.” These snow sled fatalities really are not accidents. Sledding is supposed to be an enjoyable, exhilarating and uplifting experience. ~ V. Paul Reynolds