My brother and I were first introduced to snowmobiling through our church's Luther League party which was hosted by classmates. They only had a couple of yellow and black Skidoos available, but by hooking sleds to them with long ropes, more of us could play and get the feel. That was it. We both came home singing the praises of the Skidoo and how much fun they were. We expected Dad to go right out and buy one the next day. It didn't happen.
Maybe there would be one under the Christmas tree although we couldn't fathom how Dad would get it in the house. We still were asking for one daily, but to no avail. We didn't have additional opportunities so it appeared that snowmobiling would soon become a memory.
Christmas morning dawned and no shiny snowmobile awaited. We eagerly opened packages, knowing that at least some of them would be new pajamas, socks and underwear. We got to the last box, rather large and square and addressed to the three of us. Of course it would be a board game we guessed. The three of us quickly tore the wrapping, to reveal a box taped shut with packing tape. A knife from the kitchen allowed us to make quick work of the tape to reveal a ... shiny new red metal gasoline can!?! Puzzled, we didn't understand until Den noticed the piece of paper taped to its side. There was the sales slip for a new 1968 16 horse Scorpion snowmobile!
Our dreams had come true. It was waiting for the first ride right outside the window! Breakfast was quickly gobbled as we threw on clothes to try our new present. Den, being the oldest got to drive it first and made a trail around both the front and back yard. My turn made it easy to follow the trails. Julie was a little young to drive so Dad rode with and helped her. Then we brought out the metal saucer and tied it to the back to give each other rides. What a fun and memorable Christmas day!
