KNSC Retro Ski...how about a Snowshoe instead?
Last Sunday started with a beautiful sunrise over Portage Lake!
The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club Retro Ski was scheduled for that date but the hard-pack conditions in the woods were not the best for a backcountry ski; as a result, the decision was made to have a snowshoe event instead. Ten of us met up at the Four Seasons Chalet in Hancock and then we carpooled out to High Point Road where we started our 5-mile journey. The only thing retro about me on this day would be my old Finnish reindeer hat. We headed eastward into Churning Rapids by way of Spring Creek to explore what was being referred to as the donut hole which is south of Trail 11 and surrounded by Trail 10.
From the donut hole we would eventually reach the triangle where Trails 10 and 4 meet up and then explored the Ruby Marsh from southwest to northeast.
We stopped at the beaver lodge pictured above as we made our way across the marsh. After crossing the Long Bridge Trail (that is me below standing on its snow covered boardwalk in my reindeer hat) we then headed in a northwesterly direction toward the observation tower.
It was rather cold and windy at the observation tower so we headed down the field to its northwest to dodge into the woods where we could grab a snack.
We would cross over the divide from the Spring Creek watershed into the Finni Creek watershed where we would pick up the trail that John Diebel has panked down. This is a scenic area where the creek flows down from its source in the swamp into a wooded ravine.
After following the creek for a time, we eventually turned southward to Thoroughfare and returned to where we had left the vehicles on High Point Road via the Maki Trail.
You can see a GoPro video of the snowshoe on the Remote Workforce Keweenaw YouTube channel at this link:
After the snowshoe, Julie and I went to the Chassell Lions Club Valentines Dinner at Gino’s in Hancock where had the opportunity to get to know Rich and Sally Smith. Rich recently joined the planning commission and it was interesting to learn that he has made a number of inventions and has quite a number of patents.
Monday was spent knocking out minutes from January’s Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club board meeting and getting them distributed to the board ahead of Tuesday night’s meeting as well as making contacts related to township business. Tuesday’s weather was not quite what I had in mind for a long ski so I turned my focus to getting tax documentation lined up for the accountant.
Wednesday morning I put in a 15-mile ski on the MTU Trails. I ran into G and Jana as I was wrapping up. G is going to get my skis ready with the appropriate waxing ahead of the Border to Border Ski after he returns from the Birkie this weekend. I really appreciate his help in preparing me for this aspect of the event for which I lack expertise.
Wednesday evening I ran with the Keweenaw Running Group to keep challenging myself physically as I prepare for Border to Border.
Snow hit overnight and into Thursday. While it wasn’t near what was predicted, it was a big help for freshening things up! I ran into Hancock on Friday morning to see Austin at Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear. I have been trying out a pack and a fanny pack that they produce. The pack performed so well on my 60k ski last weekend that I decided to go with it. Austin is producing one for me in Finnish blue and white. After visiting with Austin, I ran by the Finnish American Heritage Center at Finlandia University to talk with Dave Maki. I needed to check with him on Finnish American Reporter subscriptions, but it also was a great opportunity to talk with him about our upcoming trip to Finland.
It was a cold afternoon, but I decided to get out for a ski at Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids. The groomers had rolled the trails, but had not tracked them, so it was slow but beautiful 13 miles that I put in by skiing all the way to the Christensen Road Trailhead and then coming back by way of the Mud Lake Loop and the Swedetown Creek Gorge. I initially skied in from the Tomasi Trailhead and dropped into the gorge from the Pine Loop. Here is a quick Facebook reel of that part of the ski. I will share more photos from this ski in my next issue!
Also on Friday, Remote Workforce Keweenaw featured remote worker Angela Rossitto who came to the Keweenaw from Nebraska. You can learn her remote work story by visiting the Remote Workforce Keweenaw Facebook page at this link.
Do you embrace winter and have the ability to work remotely? Consider locating in the Keweenaw where you will find ubiquitous natural beauty, NO congestion, and lower crime! Learn more by visiting Remote Workforce Keweenaw at https://remoteworkforcekeweenaw.com and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RemoteWorkforceKeweenaw.