by Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Snowmobiler

When you enter a town by road, a welcoming sign usually says something like: “Smith Town Population: 215”, so you know not to blink. Similar postings are rarely found on snowmobile trails. There could be signs for miles indicating what destination lies ahead, but how do I know for certain that I’ve actually arrived?

Many’s the time I’ve snowmobiled right on by. Only after do I realize my mistake deduced from the sudden absence of any more arrows pointing to ‘Smith Town’ ahead. Usually it doesn’t matter much, except when I’m low on gas or have a hotel reservation back there. So I’ve developed a keen eye for the numerous clues that a population center is nearby…

Unfortunately, the most prevalent one is often the surprising disappearance of almost all destination and service signs, as if I’ve just entered the black hole of hospitality markers. Maybe local residents don’t want to encourage visitors or simply assume that everyone automatically knows where to go. Whatever, the result is that getting to services in many towns takes far too long when there’s no signage on the trail.

One clue a town is close when road crossings become progressively more frequent. More roads usually mean more houses and humans, both necessary to make a town. If in doubt, there are two sure trail indicators for an upcoming hub. One is that more local riders mean rougher trails. Ergo, if a tabletop ride suddenly deteriorates into a major bump-fest, then town is near.

Another possible clue is that the pure white stuff on the trail abruptly becomes dirty brown from frequent traffic. Of course, this could also mean an upcoming mud hole or that a herd of cows uses the trail as a lavatory. But if this phenomenon combines with an increase in solo riders, it’s a good bet you’re arriving.

But there are four sure ways I know that a town is at hand. Most times the snowmobile trail will take the scenic route through the local dump, so I watch for circling crows and seagulls to lead the way. Failing that, I know I’m close when the trail transitions to bare pavement instead of snow, indicating that the ploughs have been doing their best to keep me out. At the same time, being unexpectedly chased by a barking dog is also a strong hint that civilization is nigh.

Finally, I can be dead certain of having arrived at a town when I see a building sign that reads: ‘Municipal Offices’. Especially if it’s surrounded by businesses and streets, and residents staring at me as if I’m from outer space!