Winter Review

The blog has been neglected for too long. Committed to keeping it going though. Picking up from the last post and looking at the 100's of photos taken, hard to select which ones. It was another busy winter season both at the resort and kids activities of course. Here goes....

No complaints on the winter season as far as snow. Of course could always use more snow but had a timely snowfall for the first planned weekend of being open the third weekend in December which was the energetic HS ski camps. Timely snows every week or so and than a nice dump of 8" early January with below melting temps made for a great ski season.  Jake wasn't home very long for break with US Nationals in Marquette, MI requiring attendance than training camp on the north shore. Skiing with Jens above.

New Years day ski with Jon and Jack. It's always a treat skiing with the boys and I treasure it deeply.

We put Einar's house out this year once again but the muskrats had other ideas. I've never seen the muskrats so active like they were this year. They undermined the house and it felt through.

It was quite the undertaking getting it out. The muskrats were active all winter, even with mornings near 30 below they kept holes open all throughout the lake. Just like beaver, the pricing has dropped and no one is really trapping anymore to keep balance in the population.

Skate race at US Nationals.

Classic. Competing at the collegiate level takes some serious dedication. Super proud of Jake for skiing four years of college.

With warm weather the middle of December than snow following which shifted attention to the trails, it was way too long before I got the ice rink going. We had two solid months and a few days in March. It takes some late nights to get the rink dialed in but love the moments I can get out with the boy, especially the late night skates.

Every year the meteorologicalscaremongering by weather people gets worse. Seriously, who runs around with a dress and a loose hate. I emailed NWS wondering if there could be a different icon used. Of course it will be cold if dressed like this! Advice for next winter: turn the thermostat down in the house in increments of 2-3 degrees. Maybe 10 degrees less. Dress warmer inside. Save money, feel good about being green and most importantly, when cold weather arrives you will feel much better!

Ginzu Greasers 

The day we had the 8" dump, school was two hours late than eventually called off. The only snow day this season. I've been fortunate to have at least one snow day as far back as I can remember which is awesome not only for the snow but the kids can help groom. This particular snowfall was enough to get the PistenBully out for the first time and allow all of us to have a grooming machine.

There was a half hour rain event before the snow and was absolutely amazing in the woods for about 10 days.

After shoveling snow on to the trail early season, I finally got to shovel snow off of it in the drifted areas.

Always look forward to attending the kids events as we can and we are lucky enough to go to Bemidji and watch Jack race at Bemidji State Park. If time allows, a stop at Daves Pizza, the best pizza in Northern Minnesota, is a must.

Jens and his buddies heading out to ice fish. Jens got in to fishing this year, getting out whenever he could and had pretty good success.

Nice catch of crappies with buddy Drew.

With Jon and Jens both in hockey, there is plenty of travel. One particular weekend we were fortunate to catch Jon in Hallock.

Heading out after the afternoon game we exited town different than the last time we were up there as we made way to Fargo to watch Jens. Had to stop and take a photo of the Gateway museum as it looked most interesting. 

At the end of the golden hour of light which lit up the motel even more.

Nice play with Jens getting the goal.

After Jens game Saturday night, on the road at 5am to catch Jake racing at Telemark, not before stopping in Duluth to pick up Jake's friend Anna. Great day for racing, exciting course with great spectating.

Jack came along and was a great co pilot helping out with the driving.

Picked up a few fat bikes this year for the resort rental fleet. Got out a few times, once with Jack checking out the snow shoe trail. Few other times out not the most fun, to be honest, with a lot of hiking and pushing. Wondering why I was doing that instead of ripping fresh classic tracks. 

On the rink with Jens.

Senior night! Another win vs local rival Park Rapids.

Jon had a good season and their team faired well. There were high expectations as this group made it to state has bantams but some lessons learned that things are given to you and continuous hard work is a must for success. Bottom line is to have fun, work up from there. The parents and community have to be on board and supportive and this can be the most challenging for any sports team. Sometimes I can't believe the things I hear and see but focus on what you can control and make the best of any situation. Being a hockey parent has taught me some life lessons.

We hosted quite a few high school meets this year which I really enjoy. The kids are always so positive, high energy and so appreciative of the work involved to provide the best skiing possible with the given conditions. There is no whining about entry fees and this and that is more common in citizen races.

Jon cheering on fellow senior Austin Askelson who punched another return to the state meet.

Skiers lined up for the pursuit at sections.

Jack railing on the tracks at sections. Jack had his best race of the year at Sections.

Proud family.

The DL team. Few new kids out this year. Excited to see what they can do next year.

Nice note from the Brainerd Nords that showed up last week. Didn't expect it and just shows how great HS Nordic skiing is.

When not grooming or doing other resort chores, usually can be found in the kitchen. Jack was a huge help this year, covering the Friday night spaghetti for me more than once.

Last home game for Jon!

Jon and Jack post game at semifinal in Section 8. Last game of the HS season!

Jon talking with TRF star Ethan Johnson. Jon has played with Ethan many games over the years in fall and spring leagues. Fun watching these kids process and seeing where they might go on to the next level.






Proud parents.

After Jon's final HS game, we drove through the night to Marquette and surprised Jake, to watch his last collegiate ski race.

They had experienced warm weather the day before but plenty of snow to race. The race deck wasn't what I expected though. The course was super fast and if you have ever skied at Al Quall, there are some crazy fast downhills.

Great group. Have nothing but fantastic things to say about the St Scholastica program. All the students and friends we have met have been top top shelf.

Trail side support!

Proud parents.

Proud bros!

Classic yooper moves.

30 hours of driving will do this to your car!

Few days after got home, caught the flu for the first time. As anyone that has gone through it before, it was horrible. Basically knocked me out for 9 days. Didn't do much other than curl up in a fetal position on the bed. March 1st rolled which marked the first day of 30daysofskiing. When I was sick, there was no way I thought I was going to be able to ski thirty days in a row but I got out for a short ski and have managed every day since.  Blogging about each ski every day will occupy writing time most likely until the end of the month but I am devoted to keeping this blog going so check back if interested. Thanks for reading!