Snowmobiling near Frog Lake with our Mini Adventurer

Katie and I both had Christmas eve off work, so we went up to Frog Lake SnoPark with our Mini Adventurer to introduce him to snowmobiling. We pulled him in a sled behind the snowmobiles last year, but this was his first time actually riding on one. We have a harness that attaches a child either to the front (which is what we did) or the back of an adult rider.

There were a handful of other rigs already at Frog Lake SnoPark when we arrived around 7:30 AM. We encountered snow just a few miles from our house in Sandy and then snow and ice the whole way up to the mountain. It was 18°F and partly cloudy when we arrived. The snow was mind blowing for the Mt Hood area. Deep, dry endless powder like nothing I have seen in years. It was some of the best snow I have ever seen on Mt Hood.

   

I unloaded the snowmobiles while Julian and Katie got ready. We strapped Julian in front of me on the Pro RMK while Katie followed us on the Switchback Assault. We didn't even make it a mile before Julian was crying to go back and play on his little blue sled (that looks like a snowmobile). So we turned around and went back to the SnoPark. I wasn't surprised as Julian had just gotten another ear infection the day before and was complaining about the snowmobiles being loud.

   

While Katie and Julian played around in the parking lot, I went for a quick ride. After I got back, we found some earplugs to try and see if we could get Julian to go on the snowmobile again. Katie was just as eager to get him riding as I was. Unfortunately he didn't want anything to do with the snowmobiles. So I loaded both sleds back on the trailer and was just about to put the covers on when Julian decided he wanted to go for a ride after all. Off came the sleds again and this time Julian actually enjoyed himself. We rode over to Frog Lake first and to our delight he was as happy as a clam. So we continued on. Eventually we turned around and headed back to the lake per Julian's request. He ended up riding 7 miles which is pretty good for a 2.5 year old on his first ride. I think his feet were cold or else he would have wanted to stay out longer.

   

We had a fun time. I am glad Julian changed his mind and enjoyed snowmobiling. I think he might be hooked. This was only the second time Katie had driven the new sleds and I think she may be hooked too. I see more family trips in our future!

2015/16 Mileage

Trip: 11 miles
Season: 220 miles
Total Days: 5

Gear List

2014 Polaris 800 Pro RMK Snowmobile
2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Snowmobile
Up North Technologies PRO SERIES Snowmobile Cargo Rack
P-700-B Low Profile Powder Keg
Echo CS-271T chainsaw
HMK Summit V16 Pack
GMAX GM76X Helmet
Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Goggles
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Heat Boots
HMK Hustler 2 Snowmobile Pants
Columbia Titanium Hightail II Softshell Jacket
HMK Cascade Snowmobile Jacket
Columbia Powerfly Down Puff Jacket
Head Digital Sport Liner Gloves
Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves
Columbia Men's Fast Trek Fleece Hat
Balaclava
HighGear ATF8 Altimeter
Petzl TIKKA XP 2 Headlamp
Olympus Tough TG-1 Camera
Sony HDR-AS200V ActionCam
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel
Fiskars POWER TOOTH Softgrip 10" Folding Saw
First Aid Kit
SPOT Gen3
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active w/BackCountry Navigator
Suunto A-10 Compass