Snowmobiles make for swift school commute to Maranacook

READFIELD – Todd Hopkins takes the long route to school when he can.

While he can make the trip in 10 minutes by car, the junior at Maranacook Community School prefers the 30-minute snowmobile journey with its views of deer, foxes and sunrises.

Hopkins, 17, isn’t the only one at his school opting for a snowmobile commute. Attendance secretary Penny Fogg makes the five-minute trip each day from her home in Readfield. Aside from enjoying the snowmobile ride, she’s cutting back on wear and tear on her car.

“It’s really nice and peaceful in the morning. It’s a nice ride in,” she said.

While only upperclass members have parking privileges amid the construction of Maranacook Middle School, the students don’t seem to worry about finding a spot.

Instead they talk about enjoying the scenery – or the thrill of a speedy ride.

Junior Brandon Clark zigzags on local trails before he starts the school day. The 18-year-old crosses a bog and Maranacook Lake on the way to school about three times a week.

Fewer students were taking snowmobiles to school this week because of the melting snow. Clark hopes the snowmobile season will last as long as possible.

“I’d love to go into March. I don’t know if it’ll happen,” Clark said.

Justin Turmelle, 18, admits that he prefers summertime but takes a snowmobile to school as well – especially if he can go fast.

“If we have snow, I might as well have fun,” he said.

Reminders of the snowmobile commute linger when school is in session.

Fogg’s snowmobile jacket with its fluorescent green stripe hangs on the back of her office chair. Students’ helmets stay in the main office.

Then there is the banter about each person’s machine, whether Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, Yamaha or Polaris.

“I think it’s like cars,” Fogg said. “Some like Chevys, some like Fords. It’s just a preference.”