Monday, February 27, 2017
The Lack of Snow …
After a week of scanning the skies for snowflakes, gauging
the veracity of different weather models, and crossing our fingers, the 2017
Birkiebeiner race melted into mud and ice causing the first cancellation of the
epic race in ten years. Normally, vast
stretches of the powdery white stuff form at least knee high drifts. Hayward Lake, the last big approach to the
finish line on main street was open water.
Scant precipitation could muster only a dusting of snow. Instead of a 55 K cross country ski race,
thousands experienced a consolation 5K jaunt on their “rock skis” – seems like
folks still enjoyed it.
Despite the race cancellation, the atmosphere was surprising
upbeat. Back at our cabin on Lac Courte Oreilles
we gathered with Birkie friends around a cozy wood fire and caught up on each
other’s latest news, as well as remembered a mutual friend who had died in
November. Each of these folks are dear
to me, and I’m grateful that we could spend time together, even if there were
no Birkie wax dramas to share.
From Hayward, Wisconsin we travelled to Minneapolis where we
fly to Anchorage this evening. My
phone’s been binging with various Anchorage introductions, itineraries and
pictures to prepare for our arrival and Iditarod experience. Like the Birkie ski race, the Iditarod was
also impacted by lack of snow this year.
The race was re-routed much further north of the traditional route to
Fairbanks. Several changes have occurred
to the list of activities as a result. Quickly
glancing at my most recent notes, I saw we now get to go to two checkpoints
with the “Iditarod Air Force” – Nenana and Manly Hot Springs. I also spotted an opportunity to witness “The
Running of the Reindeer” in downtown Anchorage during their winter carnival,
“The Fur Rendezvous”, as well as hunt for the Northern Lights with a
photographer.
Tomorrow morning, I attend the Iditarod Teacher Conference
and meet the finalists for next year’s “Iditarod Teacher on the Trail” as well
as take some cool field trips. I’ll keep
you posted.
