3 Old Guys; Daily Update

Hoosier

Well-known member
Bunny Boots
For ultimate warmth and darn-near indestructible durability, you just can't beat these U.S. Military Surplus Bunny Boots. Thick rubber construction is double-layered in key wear areas. Plus, (3) 0.25" thick layers of insulation—plus an extra layer in the toe— keep you marching despite wicked-cold temps. Bunny Boots are only available in men’s full sizes.
"A theory on the origins of the name "Bunny Boot" is that they make the wearer's feet look disproportionately large, like Bugs Bunny's. The extreme cold weather boot is actually nicknamed after the snowshoe hare, commonly found in Alaska. During the fall, the rabbit's fur changes color from brown to white, allowing it to blend in with its winter surroundings. As winter gets closer, more and more rabbits appear with their new white "boots."
Features:
  • Military issue
  • Durable 100% rubber construction
  • Insulating air pocket
  • Rated to -65°F
  • (3) 0.25" thick layers of wool insulation all around, all sandwiched between layers of rubber
  • Heel wedge accepts ski or snowshoe bindings and doubles as a kick-off wedge
  • High-traction soles and double-thick rubber in all wear areas
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Rugged nylon laces
  • Nylon-lined interior
  • Made in the U.S.A.
That's interesting. They must work well if that's what they're going with
 

rayds

Member
Bunny boots- on 3 old guys trip to fairbanks facebook stories-
It was explained the advantage
If water gets in the boot, take it off, dump out water, take off wet sock/s, put on dry sock and you are ready to ride.
The insulation is incased in rubber so the insulation does not get wet, and then the bunny boot made all the sense in the world.

Considering what these gentlemen have done/ridden over the years, I would consider them as the best field testing team - for helmets, outerwear, machines, sleds (although the sleds being pulled are made by one of the guys) or any gear necessary for such trips these have made over the years.
 

wiscrev

Well-known member
Bunny boots- on 3 old guys trip to fairbanks facebook stories-
It was explained the advantage
If water gets in the boot, take it off, dump out water, take off wet sock/s, put on dry sock and you are ready to ride.
The insulation is incased in rubber so the insulation does not get wet, and then the bunny boot made all the sense in the world.

Considering what these gentlemen have done/ridden over the years, I would consider them as the best field testing team - for helmets, outerwear, machines, sleds (although the sleds being pulled are made by one of the guys) or any gear necessary for such trips these have made over the years.
The sleds are really cool. You can tell they were tailor made for their trips. Everything loaded on those sleds fit like a glove.
 

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Just a couple of pictures and a short report from the Drummond Island Tourism folks.
3 Old Guys Spotted on Drummond Island!

Three snowmobile legends—Paul Dick, Rex Hibbert, and Rob Hallstorm—are on an epic journey across North America, and they just made a stop here! These winter warriors are proving that adventure has no age limit as they carve through snow-covered trails, conquering mile after mile of rugged terrain.
Their route has just taken them across the 12-mile ice bridge to St. Joseph Island, Canada, an adrenaline-pumping feat in itself! They kicked off this incredible expedition on February 13th and have their sights set on Newfoundland, Canada as their final destination.
History is being made on the trails!
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That sticker should be a hot commodity after all is said and done!
 
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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 7 / Feb 19
The 3 Old Guys hit the trails early this morning, leaving the Clarke Motel in Eckerman, Michigan and making great time to DeTour Village. There, they caught the Drummond Island Ferry. Access to Drummond Island has always been by boat —whether by ancient canoe or today’s modern ferry schedule. The guys had a quick and seamless ride across the St. Mary’s River, loading up their snowmobiles and sleighs with ease.
Once on Drummond Island, they stopped for lunch and worked on getting their Ontario trail passes. In the midst of managing the trip logistics (imagine old guys trying to use a too-small phone screen to purchase passes online….), they were unable to properly visit with, and thank, the kind-hearted individuals that bought them lunch —so if that was you, know that the 3 Old Guys truly appreciate your generosity!
From there, they hit the Christmas Tree Trail, a 12-mile international ice bridge connecting Drummond Island, Michigan, to St. Joseph’s Island, Ontario. Fun fact: the trail gets its name from the Christmas trees that mark the trail every 1/8 mile. This is the only direct legal access to Canada over ice from the U.S….And speaking of Canada… they checked in with customs via telephone booth—a process that felt oddly familiar (Alaska trip, anyone?) but still a bit like sneaking in through the back door!
Once in Ontario, they ran into a few closed trails and got caught tangled up in the trail system, but with the help of some friendly locals, they found their way and made good time to Iron River, Ontario.
The good news? The guys are feeling great, the machines are running strong, and the adventure continues! The only real challenge so far? The food. Unlike their Alaska trip, where they literally survived on granola bars and beef jerky, this time around, it’s been a lot of bar food. Will they return home leaner from the long days of riding or heavier from all the pub stops? Time will tell!

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mezz

Well-known member
So far so good, they appear to have had some excellent snow cover so far. Their timing seems to be spot on, hopefully all continues to be in their favor. Thank you for the updates Gary, it is greatly appreciated.
 

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 8 / Feb 20
Today was a big mileage day, with the 3 Old Guys covering over 200 miles across Ontario. Now that they’re further into Canada, the landscape is shifting—hello Canadian Shield!
For those unfamiliar, the Canadian Shield is one of the oldest and most rugged landscapes in the world, formed by ancient rock dating back billions of years. It stretches across much of Canada and is known for its rolling hills, exposed bedrock, dense forests, and countless lakes. The Guys are making their way through this terrain, enjoying the scenery as they continue east.
Trail traffic was minimal today, making for a smooth and steady ride—but let’s talk about the real highlight of the day… Tim Hortons. The Guys made not one, not two, but three stops at the beloved Canadian institution!
😆

We’ve been getting a lot of commentary about the 3 Old Guys footwear, so I figured I’d dig up an old post and share a bit about one of their most vital pieces of gear: the Bunny Boots…. These are military surplus Bunny Boots, also known as Mickey Mouse boots or even Alaska tennis shoes—whatever you want to call them, they’re built for extreme cold. Designed with thick insulation encased in rubber, they don’t need to be dried out each night like traditional boots. Even if you step into water, you can simply pour it out, and the insulation will still keep your feet warm.
Paul learned just how essential these boots are the hard way during the Iron Dog race when he suffered frostbite and lost part of a toe. As his feet were literally freezing (in a different type of boot), a generous bystander took off his own Bunny Boots and gave them to Paul—allowing him to finish the race.
These boots were also a critical lifesaver when Rob broke through the ice during their Alaska trip. Thankfully, it was only a stream, but he was soaked up to his knees—a dangerous situation in the remote wilderness with high winds and freezing temperatures. All three guys knew the severity of the moment. Acting quickly, Rex and Paul wrapped Rob in an emergency blanket, helped him change into dry gear, and dumped the water from his Bunny Boots. Despite being fully submerged, the boots’ insulation still did its job—with dry socks and pants, Rob was able to put them back on and stay warm, continuing the journey until they reached a cabin where he could fully dry out.
A perfect example of why having the right gear can mean the difference between discomfort and danger in extreme conditions!
Another solid day in the books—onward to Newfoundland!

About Tim Hortons; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hortons

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wiscrev

Well-known member
Day 8 / Feb 20
Today was a big mileage day, with the 3 Old Guys covering over 200 miles across Ontario. Now that they’re further into Canada, the landscape is shifting—hello Canadian Shield!
For those unfamiliar, the Canadian Shield is one of the oldest and most rugged landscapes in the world, formed by ancient rock dating back billions of years. It stretches across much of Canada and is known for its rolling hills, exposed bedrock, dense forests, and countless lakes. The Guys are making their way through this terrain, enjoying the scenery as they continue east.
Trail traffic was minimal today, making for a smooth and steady ride—but let’s talk about the real highlight of the day… Tim Hortons. The Guys made not one, not two, but three stops at the beloved Canadian institution!
😆

We’ve been getting a lot of commentary about the 3 Old Guys footwear, so I figured I’d dig up an old post and share a bit about one of their most vital pieces of gear: the Bunny Boots…. These are military surplus Bunny Boots, also known as Mickey Mouse boots or even Alaska tennis shoes—whatever you want to call them, they’re built for extreme cold. Designed with thick insulation encased in rubber, they don’t need to be dried out each night like traditional boots. Even if you step into water, you can simply pour it out, and the insulation will still keep your feet warm.
Paul learned just how essential these boots are the hard way during the Iron Dog race when he suffered frostbite and lost part of a toe. As his feet were literally freezing (in a different type of boot), a generous bystander took off his own Bunny Boots and gave them to Paul—allowing him to finish the race.
These boots were also a critical lifesaver when Rob broke through the ice during their Alaska trip. Thankfully, it was only a stream, but he was soaked up to his knees—a dangerous situation in the remote wilderness with high winds and freezing temperatures. All three guys knew the severity of the moment. Acting quickly, Rex and Paul wrapped Rob in an emergency blanket, helped him change into dry gear, and dumped the water from his Bunny Boots. Despite being fully submerged, the boots’ insulation still did its job—with dry socks and pants, Rob was able to put them back on and stay warm, continuing the journey until they reached a cabin where he could fully dry out.
A perfect example of why having the right gear can mean the difference between discomfort and danger in extreme conditions!
Another solid day in the books—onward to Newfoundland!

About Tim Hortons; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hortons

Years ago, I sued to have a pair of these. Mine were extremely heavy and cumbersome, and I gave them away/or tossed them., don't remember. Maybe I should have kept them.
 

old abe

Well-known member
Years ago, I sued to have a pair of these. Mine were extremely heavy and cumbersome, and I gave them away/or tossed them., don't remember. Maybe I should have kept them.
Yeah, we'll, perhaps, hopefully, you'll never know? Seems you must have wanted these 'Snow Bunny boots pretty bad? To me the biggest reason to have these, and yes they are heavy to wear if you're moving, is the ability of them to keep your feet warm while not actively moving. Such as when riding for long distances in between recovery, rest stops. The other outstanding part of these boot are what happened to Paul, and especially Ron by getting wet. They aren't for walking.
 

wiscrev

Well-known member
Yeah, we'll, perhaps, hopefully, you'll never know? Seems you must have wanted these 'Snow Bunny boots pretty bad? To me the biggest reason to have these, and yes they are heavy to wear if you're moving, is the ability of them to keep your feet warm while not actively moving. Such as when riding for long distances in between recovery, rest stops. The other outstanding part of these boot are what happened to Paul, and especially Ron by getting wet. They aren't for walking.
This was years before I even knew what a snowmobile was. Didn't know until '91 when I graduated and assigned to Bergland, MI. That's where I got my vice for snowmobiling.
 

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Video Recap of Week 1

Day 9 / Feb 21
Another high-mileage day for the 3 Old Guys, covering well over 300 miles as they made their way into Quebec around midday. Crossing into the province, they got a firsthand look at Quebec’s unique snowmobile infrastructure—where instead of blocking off trails at main roads, a third lane is dedicated for snowmobiling, ensuring well-maintained routes for riders.
Not long into their ride in Quebec, they had a little “welcome party” from trail patrol. Fortunately, they were fully legal with their trail permits in hand. If they hadn’t been, it would’ve been a very expensive day—trail permits in Quebec range from $400 to $500 annually depending on when you buy, but if you get caught on the trail without one, you’ll be shelling out $900 on the spot! The high cost supports everything from trail maintenance and infrastructure to volunteer efforts and insurance, keeping Quebec’s snowmobile network in top shape.
Speaking of trail maintenance, they passed by four groomers throughout the day and had the chance to meet some of the people behind the scenes. The groomers are the unsung heroes of this sport, and the Guys are beyond grateful for the work they do!
The wildlife made an appearance too—a moose and a lynx crossed their path, adding a little excitement to a long day. With flat gray skies, visibility of the trail and snow conditions has been tricky, making the night riding a welcome change. The Guys rarely ride after dark these days, but as they continued into the evening hours, they were reminded how much easier it is to spot bumps, anticipate oncoming sleds, and navigate the trails more smoothly in the darker hours.
The Guys finally rolled into Val d’Or around 9 p.m. EST—tired but feeling great. The sleds are running strong, the adventure is going full throttle, and… they were so exhausted, they forgot to send pictures!
Stay tuned for more from the trail—onward east!

Pictured; Quebec's Third Lane for snowmobiles.
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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 10/ Feb 22
After a 12+ hour ride on Friday, the guys were back at it early Saturday morning, continuing their journey across Quebec. But sometimes, the smartest move is knowing when (and where) to stop. They made the strategic call to stop earlier than usual, ensuring they had accommodations for the night (before what it is expected to be a long stretch Sunday).
With some downtime, they took the opportunity to recharge and check over the sleds. Sunday they’ll be heading into a more remote stretch of Quebec, with few towns or stopping points along the way. It’s shaping up to be a long day on the trail, and they’re hoping for smooth riding ahead.
For those wondering why the 3 Old Guys chose to ride Arctic Cat snowmobiles on this journey, given recent announcements, the answer is simple: quality, experience, familiarity, and a deep connection to the machine.
All three have been riding Arctic Cat sleds for decades. They’ve attended Arctic Cat’s mechanic school and have spent years not only navigating and racing but also repairing these machines when needed. In fact, they’ve been around long enough to remember the last time Arctic Cat was “gone fishin’” in the 80s. At that time, Arctic came back bigger and better than ever.
With everything happening at Arctic Cat right now, we’re not here to get into the politics or speculate on the future. What we do know is that we believe in this sport, we believe in this machine, and—most importantly—we believe in our friends and family in Thief River. Our thoughts are with the people and community as they navigate these changes.
So why the Catalyst? In 2023, the guys rode the Arctic Cat Norseman to Alaska, which was the right sled for that adventure. With the new chassis being released for the 2024 model, and extensive trail riding on this trip east, the Catalyst was a natural choice. The Guys obtained the 2024 Catalyst Riot 600s last year in preparation for the journey East. While their original 2024 trip was delayed due to a lack of snow, their phenomenal sponsor allowed them to keep the sleds for 2025 – and the deal was sealed!
At the end of the day, this journey is about the ride, the adventure, and the people who make this sport what it is.

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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 11 / Feb 23
Today’s update is brief—because, well, we don’t know much!
As planned, the guys took it easy on Saturday, resting up for the long, remote stretch ahead. They hit the trail before dawn on Sunday, pushing into an area with limited accommodations and no cell service.
By mid-morning, we at home base back in the States noticed their primary GPS had a dead battery. Thankfully, another of the 3 Old Guys also carries a GPS, and we were quickly able to adjust and keep tabs on their movement. From what we could see, they stayed on course, sticking to the trails and making steady progress.
Here’s what we do know: The Guys were on the trail for about 15-16 hours today, covering over 300 miles. Around 10 pm CST we received a single message via their spot tracker confirming they had found a place to rest for the night.
Whether justified or not, these extra-long days always add a heightened level of worry for those of us following along at home. Watching a tiny dot update every 10 minutes on a map—especially in such a remote area—can make the waiting feel even longer. But it’s also amazing to think that not so long ago, many of us set out on long rides, even multi-day journeys, with no way to check in at all. No GPS, no trackers—just a plan and the hope that we’d show up at the next stop as expected. Modern day technology can have its benefits!
For now, we believe the Guys to be doing well and simply enjoying the ride. More updates to come once we hear from them later today.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 23- update
The Guys rolled into Roberval, Quebec, along Lac St. Jean this morning, giving us a chance to check in and hear more about yesterday’s journey.
They spent about 16 hours on the trail, covering roughly 340 miles. While there was plenty of snow, the trails in this remote stretch were rough—likely not groomed as frequently—which made for slower-than-expected riding.
They hit a few snags with full hotels and a mixup in directions to another hotel, but it all worked out. The good news is that with extra gas, sleeping bags, and a stove to melt snow for water, they are prepared if they need to be. These guys are no novices—they come ready for just about anything.
Perhaps the most entertaining challenge? The language barrier. The Guys don’t speak French, they’re generally hard of hearing, and they have their helmets on half the time. Just picturing their conversations is enough to get a laugh—it’s a wonder they manage to get where they need to go!
Today, they’re back on the trail and making solid progress. Stay tuned for more updates as they keep pushing forward!
 

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 12 / February 24
After making their way out of the more rural stretch this morning, the 3 Old Guys arrived in Roberval, Quebec, where they grabbed breakfast, fueled up, and took a quick reset before hitting the trail again. Their route wrapped around the southern side of Lac Saint-Jean, eventually bringing them to St. Ambroise for the night.
These guys don’t complain—ever. But after yesterday’s brutal bumps and long hours on the trail, even they were feeling it. Tonight, they were eager to rest up and sleep hard.
With smaller towns come fewer food options. Gone are the bar burgers—yesterday was all granola bars, and today? Gas station cuisine.
A Bit About Lac Saint-Jean…Lac Saint-Jean is a massive, almost circular lake known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. It was originally home to the Innu people before French explorers arrived in the 17th century. The region became a hub for the fur trade, logging, and later, agriculture. Today, it’s famous for its blueberries, dairy farming, and as a playground for outdoor adventurers—especially snowmobilers!
Beyond its natural beauty, Lac Saint-Jean plays a major role in Quebec’s hydroelectric power industry. The lake feeds into the Saguenay River, which is home to massive hydroelectric dams that help power the province. The region has been harnessing hydro power for over a century, supplying energy to local industries. The dams also help regulate water levels, impacting everything from local fisheries to flood prevention.
Onward to Newfoundland!
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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 13 / Feb 25
The 3 Old Guys left St. Ambroise this morning and covered 220–240 miles, finally resting in Forestville for the night. From start to finish, it was everything they dreamed riding out east would be.
With highs nearing 30-40 degrees and perfectly groomed trails, conditions couldn’t have been better. As they climbed into the higher elevations, they hit 12 to 18 inches of fresh snow, making for some of the best riding of the trip. Even as they dropped back into lower country, the wide, well-groomed trails continued, delivering picture-perfect conditions all day long. You could hear the enthusiasm in their voices as they relived the ride this evening.
As if the trails weren’t enough, today also delivered great scenery. The Guys got their first real look at the St. Lawrence Seaway, stretching out in front of them like an ocean. Riding along with that vast view was a moment they won’t forget anytime soon.
One of the best parts of the day? Socializing with fellow sledders. At one intersection, they met up with 8 to 10 other riders... Later, they stopped for lunch at what felt like a true snowmobiler’s haven, grabbing pictures, enjoying a warm meal, and meeting more great people along the way.
After lunch, the guys hit the trail again with Rob leading the way. At one point, he looked back to check on his two partners and saw a whole line of headlights behind them—an impromptu convoy of riders all sharing the trail. Moments like these are what make these journeys so special!
As we’ve mentioned before, the Guys love meeting and engaging with fellow riders. If they ever seem to just wave and keep moving, know that it’s not a lack of appreciation—they are so grateful for the support and encouragement along the way!
We’ve had a lot of questions about how the Guys are liking the Catalyst sleds. The verdict? They’re loving them! So far, the machines have been running great, proving to be a solid choice for this ride out east. No major issues—just a few proactive tune-ups like changing out the skegs to keep them in top shape. While we don’t have an exact mileage count for the full trip, we estimate the guys have put on 2,500–3,000 miles so far. We’ll get a more precise update on that in the coming days!
The St. Lawrence Seaway isn’t just a beautiful backdrop—it’s one of the most important waterways in North America. This massive system of locks, canals, and channels connects the Atlantic Ocean to all five Great Lakes, allowing ships to transport cargo thousands of miles inland. Each year, it handles over 200 million tons of cargo, including grain, iron ore, and manufactured goods.
But it’s not without its stories. Over the years, the Seaway has seen its share of shipwrecks, including the famous SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which tragically sank in Lake Superior in 1975. While that disaster happened farther west, countless other vessels have faced challenges navigating the unpredictable waters of the St. Lawrence.
Tonight, the guys are resting up after an unforgettable day. Enjoy a few photos recounting the past couple days. Tomorrow, they press on!
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Note from the Moderator: Notice the sign above the doorway, SORTIE. Definition; "a short journey to somewhere you have not been before, often with a particular purpose". Looks to be directions to the Johnny. :)
 

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 14 / Feb 26
The 3 Old Guys had another picturesque day of riding through freshly groomed trails that stretched across breathtaking scenery- and the sun even came out! Following the St. Lawrence River, they made their way to Port-Cartier, where they wrapped up for the night.
One of today’s biggest highlights? The world’s highest snowmobile trail bridge. Spanning an incredible 700 feet, this bridge allows sledders to safely cross the mighty Manicouagan River. It’s an engineering masterpiece and a testament to how important snowmobiling is in this region. Riding over it was an awesome experience, offering incredible views of the frozen landscape below.
The Guys also passed another ski hill today—It’s a fun reminder of just how diverse the winter activities are in this region, with the trails intertwining through areas enjoyed by both skiers and sledders alike.
Port-Cartier sits along the north shore of the St. Lawrence Seaway and has deep roots in Quebec’s industrial and natural history. Originally known as Shelter Bay, the town was founded in 1916 as a small sawmilling community. But in the 1950s, the Québec Cartier Mining Company developed the area into a major iron ore shipping port, giving it the name Port-Cartier. Today, it remains a key hub for shipping iron ore, with trains from the mining regions delivering tons of material to be exported worldwide.
Beyond its industrial significance, Port-Cartier is also known for its natural beauty. With salmon-rich rivers, dense forests, and incredible coastal views, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
After another long but rewarding day, the 3 Old Guys are settling in for the night, gearing up for what’s next. Onward!
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