You just never know where or when you are going to stumble across an old sled sighting.
A few weeks ago, my wife and I, along with a couple of friends were out enjoying a quick round of golf on a beautiful autumn afternoon. Colourful leaves, green, green grass, crisp fall air and an easy executive-style golf course.
As we teed up on the 5th tee box, I glanced to my left and through the trees I spotted an old snowmobile. It was marooned on a pile of timbers, situated among a bunch of abandoned cars and trucks which sat adjacent to the fairway of the golf course.
"Odd spot for an old sled to be perched?" I thought. "I better check this out."
So, I asked everyone if I could tee off first. I swung mightily and watched my golf ball soar erratically into the clump of sneering pine trees. After a prolonged bout of yelling "FORE" and beating my five iron into the ground, I shrugged and took it as sign that I might have better success checking out the old sled.
While the rest of the golfing party perfected their tee-off swings I hurried over to the "junk pile" to take a look at the old sled—partly obstructed by a hedge of trees and bunches of tall grass.
Other than the Arctic Cat logo, I couldn't see any other identifying model numbers and I didn't have time to look for a serial number. It looked like an early to mid-1980's Arctic Cat, though I stand to be corrected.
Its jet black finish and peeling "flaming" decals were obviously the result of an owner's efforts to customize the sled at some point in its existence.
I believe Mark Twain is credited with saying, "Golf is a good walk spoiled"—unless you end up spotting an old snowmobile along the way which made this afternoon outing more than par for the course!
Can you help us ID this semi-vintage Arctic Cat? Do you have an old sled sighting you could share with us? Send your picture and stories to [email protected].
