Beargrease Prep

Beargrease Prep
Jan 21st 2009
wolfmoonsleddog
Midwest
Location: Finland, MN
Time - 6:48pm
Temperature: 23 degrees F
Conditions: Cloudy, MUCH warmer
Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of snow flurries tonight and tomorrow. Highs in the 20s, lows in the single digits

Well, after dipping down into the minus 20s and 30s for a bit, we’re back above zero, almost to the freezing point. It feels downright hot, actually. And damp. All day hoar frost has been collecting on the trees. The sky looks gray and heavy but I’ve only seen one or two snowflakes.

There is excitement everywhere over the Beargrease next weekend. It has been in the news around here - they were talking about it on the radio yesterday, which I had on while I cut large chunks of fat into smaller, bite-sized chunks of fat.

I’ve been intending to write a post on everything the media ISN’T reporting on but is just as much a part of mushing as running a team through beautiful snowy woods: cutting said fat chunks, scooping poop and hauling it away in a plastic sled to be dumped in a pit, wrist-wraps, dog booties, dog feet, dog feet and dog feet and dog feet and more dog feet…

But there is only so much time and most of it is being taken up with these (and more) chores, on top of getting ready for the big race.

I am faced with a tough decision right now. I have been running ten dogs who all deserve to run the Beargrease 150 with me. But the 150 is an 8-dog race. So who do I cut? I ran these ten wonderful dogs today in hopes that I could finally decide. We thought perhaps someone would show some sign that they weren’t up for the race. But no, everyone did fantastic, in spite of the warmer temps. It’s a tough call.

I’ll try to keep you all updated and I’ll let you know when we know for sure who will be on the team.

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4 Comments »

4 Responses to “Beargrease Prep”
Dave Lukosik on 21 Jan 2009 at 11:21 pm # edit this

Thanks for the update about the John Beargrease Races this coming weekend. Wishing you and your team a safe journey. Hope your taking an extra headlamp. No help from the Moon this weekend, New Moon unfortunately. Beargrease website has a nice description of the race trail. Have a great race!

Loon on 22 Jan 2009 at 1:13 pm # edit this

Good luck, Alice!

And have fun!

Forrest & Joan on 23 Jan 2009 at 5:55 am # edit this

Alice… Joan and I are wishing you all the luck in the world..You will do great.Just look at the two teachers you have and the wonderfull dogs you have ahead of you..Will keep an eye on all 3 of you..Enjoy the snacks, keep up the great work you are doing.. Forrest & Joan

wolfmoonsleddog on 24 Jan 2009 at 7:42 am # edit this

Thanks everyone! Busy and exciting times here.

Alice