Lost Snowmobilers Found (Bucksport, Greenville, Bingham: credit card, home, closing)

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Last night five snowmobilers from New York who left a bar in Greenville with a destination of Bingham got lost on a logging trail at night. One of them called Bingham from his cell phone and asked for directions at 12:40 AM. That call must have been interesting. The men eventually found a cabin in Harmony about 25 miles from Bingham. They got in, got warm and slept until sunrise. Then they rode in to Harmony, got gas and headed for Bingham.

The Maine Warden service went from bar to bar checking credit card receipts in an attempt to track this bunch down. What makes us nervous is that such people can ride off into open water at night, one after another and they all drown.

- - -

Two wardens were on their snowmobiles behind a big pile of snow at closing time at a bar in Aroostook County. A bunch of snowmobilers came out and took off down the trail. Another snowmobiler came out, fell down, got on a snowmobile and his key didn't fit. He tried a couple of other snowmobiles until his key did fit. He rode off and the wardens quickly caught him. They stoped him and the rider asked what the problem was. The wardens told him he had been drinking. He replied that he doesn't drink. They administered a breathalizer test and it registered zero. The rider said, "See, I told you I don't drink."

"Then what the heck were you doing?"

"I'm the designated decoy."

[Boomerang]

I saw the article yesterday and wondered what the heck these guys were thinking. At least they have a good story for the grandkids.
Love the joke!

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

Two wardens were on their snowmobiles behind a big pile of snow at closing time at a bar in Aroostook County.

Wardens hang out on snowmobiles?

[moughie]

"Designated decoy"- I love it!!!

Gotta wonder if duck hunters employ that technique and term too

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by AliceT

Wardens hang out on snowmobiles?

You bet. Too many out of staters (and I guess some locals too) go up and drink and ride all day. We really need them to keep the trails safe for people that ride for pleasure not for speed.

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by Fort Lauderdale mermaid

Too many out of staters (and I guess some locals too) go up and drink and ride all day.

That's why I keep (and consume) all my booze at home and my idea of speed has to do with a pony (or donkey) under harness.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

We lost another snowmobiler last night. Two brothers were going across Silver Lake in Bucksport at a high rate of speed. One brother rode ashore near the boat landing and hit a maple tree. He was killed instantly. He was riding way beyond the reach of his headlight and at that speed he probably had his head down behind the windshield out of the wind.

That's three snowmobile fatalities in the last 8 days. We have about 8 weeks of snowmobiling left in the season.

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

One brother rode ashore near the boat landing and hit a maple tree.

A pony can see trees getting closer - regardless of what the person holding the reins wants to do. Not trying to make light of a fatality, just don't understand the whole snowmobile thing.

[mainebrokerman]

most of the newer snowmobiles are very powerful and fast machines, the size or speed of the sled is usually measured in the size motor it has, they can range from 380-1000cc)
and im sure smaller or faster when modified,,
i have a 1998 arctic cat 600 that will go well over 100 mph,
even the 380's can go well over 60 mph
and 60 mph on a snowmobile feels faster than 60mph on a motorcycle without a helmet,
however,,,when the conditions are fast,,,some of the snowmobilers do test thier sleds, or see how fast they can go, and of course,,racing is common, then add alcohol, and its a wonder more accidents dont happen..
my daredevil days are over,,,but when younger i took chances, that i shudder ..just thinking about.
two weekends ago conditions were good on the lake in front of the house,,that we went a bit faster and faster,,at one point i was going 95mph,,,but it felt i was going 40,,,you do lose common sense,,,with a false sense of security....
much like talking on a cell phone when driving a car, we probly all do it,,,but it only takes a second.................

[AliceT]

...and these things are sold to folks who do or do not need to pass a safety course?