It's that time of year for the 15th Annual Barnelopet.  Don't start that Super Bowl party so soon your kids get stuck indoors all day and miss a lot of fun on the trails.  This year registration is free due to the generosity and interest in the community's youth by the Portage Health Auxiliary. Which includes one nifty medal for all participants.  They are always a big hit.  The event is hosted by Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club, Sons of Norway Ulseth Lodge and the City of Hancock.

Registration at the Hancock Driving Park begins at 1 pm with races at 2 pm Sunday. Registration will once again be in car so download a registration form at https://keweenawnordic.org/barnelopet/  to complete in advance if possible.

More details are on the same web site for the 1, 2, 4 and 6 km courses to accommodate ages 3-17. If you know a family who might like to have a young child participate but they don't have skis, call me by tomorrow evening and we can arrange a pair with universal bindings.  These would probably be appropriate for 1-5th graders. 

Barnelopet is a great family event.  Don't miss it.

John Diebel

(906) 281-1486 

Resurfacing the Pedestrian Bridge over Swedetown Creek

 After the build up of lake effect snows for the past couple of weeks and assorted traffic the Pedestrian Bridge over Swedetown Creek at Maasto Hiihto, just down stream from Tomasi Road, needed some maintenance for safety and convenience. Tuesday morning Wolf Meingast and John Diebel snowshoed in with scoop and shovels to build up the approaches, flatten the deck and remove the cornice.

All is better now. As you can see from the pictures golden retriever Willie Meingast provided essential supervision.

Besides day to day skiing the bridge is on the 6 km route for the Barnelopet coming up on February 13 so this will help prep for the event as well.