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Whitby Free Press, 18 Nov 1981, p. 21

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Wl-ITBY FREE PRESS. WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 18. 1981. PAGE 21 Snowmobilers should be weli prepared for emergenc ies Snowmobile manu- facturers work over- time to build reliable sleds that take you into the backcountry and bring you home again without a hitch. Unfor- tunately, flot everyone takes proper care of his snowmobile, operates it wsely or uses good judgment on the trail. Such people not only get themselves into trouble, but also can involve you in an emergency. Not al emergencies are caused by negligence, however. Snowmobilers who vacation in forests or mountainous regions accept a certain amount of risk that lends spice to a unique adventure. Ranchers and farmers accept a risk when they snowmobile* long dis- tances in changeable weather. And, of cour- se, Murphy's Law (if anything can go wrong, it will) can catch anyone off guard. For al] these reasons, it is important for you to know some- thing about cold weather survival tech- niques. BEFORE YOU LEAVE Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you plan to return. Knowing someone wil miss you and organize a search and rescue effort is a great morale booster in an emergency. Always travel with another snowmobiler. Actually, a group of four Is better than two. If someone is hurt, one person can stay while two go for help. Keep your snow- mobile in good repair and make recommen- ded maintenance checks throughout the season. Check your fuel sup- ply bofore you leave and f11 the tank if necessary. Take an extra set of spark plugs, and extra drive boit, basic tools and a tow rope. If you have a sled with oiù in- jection, carry an extra can of oil in the storage box. Pack a survival kit with first aid supplies. At the very least, carry a pocket knife, flash- ight, dry matches and a candy bar. Dress in layers so you ca% nlakeÉoffru utn Pick up a trail map and orient yourself on directions. If your snowniobile expedlition involves greater than normal risks, be sure you're physically fit, skillful and prepared. Take a course in basic first aid techniques before you challenge the elernents. ON THE TRAIL Snowmobile defen- sively to avoid1 un- necessary risks. Obser- ve posted warnings and trait markers. Avoid avalanche areas, thin ice, deep powdery snow and ex- cessîvely steep Élopes. Don't snowmobile in areas or conditions beyond your skill. Know the round-trip fuel range of your sled' and be conservative. Turn around and head 1~~ JVhitby Free Press,,,,,, LivininTody'sWorld back before haif your fuel is gone. Don't stay far away too late and risk a breakdown or accident i unfamiliar territory at night. Don't overtire your- self; keep a reserve of energy. Watch for landmnarks and unusual rock forma- tions to help guide you back to the main trail or lodge. Use permanent features rather than snow or ice formations that could meit or fal away. Be sure everyone in your group agrees on hand signais before leaving. The leader should look over his' shoulder periodically and stop for anyone who signais for a rest. In extremely cold weather, stop frequent- ly to check for frost-nip, a niild form of frostbite that can be treated on the trail. Frost-nip shows up as a sudden blanching or whiteness of the skin -- usually on the nose, cheeks, fingers or chmn. Cover the affec- ted area with a warm hand and apply firm, steady pressure. Don't rub the area because rubbing can cause tissue damage. Bomb ardier Sales & Service 50 in stock 19 11 4 Winchester E., Brookli n 655-3291 Bout thue Christmas Rush and Save! Iqinner Ski Pckage kftormsdlats Ski Packag SAVE $110 SAVE f264 HART SKIS, SALMON 222 BINDING BLIZZARD 222 SKIS9 NORDICA PULISAR BOOTS MARKER M305 BINDING GRIPRON POLES GARMONT GT BOOTSN Our Price,ý--Our PrIc 800 Pce25911' .039 0 SKI CLOTHINS SKI'BOOTS LAST SEASONS STOCK KASTINGER - GARMONT LaSt Up50 4 0%/ OFF mode'l "5%OFF U mit d Si « à Q u antities OSHAWA SKI & SPORTS. 184 BOND ST. W. 579-335 576-3150 Corne ses Our 1902.modeis. 'Du rham Motorcycle' & Sport Ltd. Taunton & Townline Oshawa Spectaculur Clothing & Ski KENNEDY'S SPORTS AGENCY WHOLESALE & RETAIL 370 MONARCH AVE. UNIT 21,9 AJAX9 686-1723 lisi Birthday Sale 0oV. 18, 19, 20, 21 BUY ONE VICTORIAVILLE HOCKEY STICK AT $1 3.95 GET SECOND ONE FREE. SKATE SHARPENING 50*. FREE DRAW IST PRIZE 1 PR. KOHO 750 LEATHER HOCKEY GLOVES. 2N D PRIZE 1 PR. BAUER JR. 192 SUPREME HOCKEY SKATES. DRAW WILL BE HELD AT 6:00P.M. N OV. 215ST ALSO SEE OUR MANY OTHER BIRTH DAY SPECIALS. Hours: Mofi.-Fri. 10-8 Saturdey (^cross ftom Mjx Arona ln n@w InduitrialMI) NWT. 401f IMYLY m

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