Village Squire, 1974-01, Page 11I am not, however, the lone complainant
with respect to snowmobiling. Besides the
noise and the air pollution, other aspects of
the sport cause grievances. Each spring, for
instance, farmers find some of their wire
fences mysteriously snapped. In addition, as
the land thaws, die-hard snowmobilers pilot
their crafts over the diminishing patches of
snow and some park supervisors, as a result,
must contend with ugly scars among the fresh
grass.
These are certainly not the characteristics
of all ski-doo buffs, though. On the contrary,
most of them are responsible men and women
seeking only outdoor recreation. Snowmobil-
ing provides an escape into fresh air from
stuffy offices and schools, from musty
factories, and from garages reeking with gas
fumes. Walking, nevertheless, affords a
similar evasion as well as healthful exercise.
Moreover, the latter places no extra strain on
the current fuel shortage.
In addition to supplying amusement,
however, snowmobiles serve numerous
useful purposes. Policemen, tor example,
patrol remote beaches, where abandoned
cottages are situated protecting them from
winter vandalism. Farmers, who own or rent
various properties, can also attend to
livestock in distant barns regardless of the
weather conditions. Similarly, skidoos carry
workers to their jobs when other modes -of
transportation are impossible.
For many persons, the value of the
snowmobiles was vividly illustrated in
January 1971. Who can forget the blizzard
that mauled Ontario? While most other
means of transportation were paralyzed, the
snow machines pressed on. Stranded
commuters and lonely country dwellers then
strained their ears for the welcome hum of the
ski-doos. Food, medicine, and blankets were
delivered to isolated homes and schools.
Hence without the snowmobilers, the storm's
grasp on several localities would have been
more devasting.
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Numerous individuals, including me,
consequently altered their opinions of
snowmobiles., Furthermore, my reaction to
them has now changed. When 1 am watching
my favourite TV program, for instance, and I
detect the unmistakable flicker crossing the
screen, I restrict my grumbling to a mutter.
While patiently waiting for the ski-doos to
pass, I remind myself of the beneficial
services they may have performed.
One point exists on which both sides, avid
snowmobilers and non-snowmobilers, cert-
ainly agree. The newspaper accounts of snow
machine mishaps cause shudders among the
readers. Accidents can happen, of course, to
anyone under almost any circumstance.
Nevertheless, the large number of incidents
involving snowmobiles indicates the need for
greater caution. This wariness, however, is
not limited to ski-doo operators and
passengers. Motorists must also be alert to
discern the small bobbing vehicles. Common
sense will thus promote snowmobiling safety
and enjoyment.
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VILLAGE,SQUIRE/JANUARY 1974, 11