We Loved It! Beargrease 2010 February 2, 2010

My son Carson (2) and I got the chance to go to the finish line of the John Beargrease Mid-Distance Dog Sled Race.  I have to say it was pretty awesome to see these people and dogs finish a long journey, 106 miles in fact.  The mushers doing the full marathon travel 373 miles, now that is long!  We got to see 3 teams come in and and also spent some time watching the dogs that had just finished and were by their trucks.  I give credit to all the people and dogs involved in helping make all of it happen.  It is definitely something I will go to again and Carson thought it was great too.  What an experience that not many people get to see!!  Good luck to all the marathon mushers as they start making their way back down the shore today. 
Check out the official website for the Beargrease http://www.beargrease.com/ 
or follow a local musher family – Black Magic Kennels – who has Mark Black running the marathon http://www.blackmagickennels.com/
-Kris

Beargrease Mid-Distance Finisher

Resting After the Race!

Snow! January 27, 2010

We were very excited this weekend to get some good snow.  You wouldn’t know it along Highway 61 – I can look out my office window and see grass, but inland we got some great snow.  My family and I were finally able to make a snowman-aka-frosty, because the snow was so sticky and wet.  You almost forget what fun winter is when there is not snow to play in.  Here is a picture of “frosty” and his frosty dog friend that I took Saturday and a picture of Carlton Peak that I took on Tuesday morning. – Kris

 

Communication Back Up! January 27, 2010

We want to apologize to anyone who tried to call us yesterday or look at our website.  Due to a big issue in Duluth, we lost access to land line phones, cell phones and the internet.  You don’t realize how important all that is until it is gone.  We are back up and running today and happy to be connnected to everything again!  – Kris

Family River Skiing January 21, 2010

Steve, Kate and their 3 kids (Will, Tristan, and Lexi) went out river skiing this past weekend.  They enjoyed some great family time on the Cascade River!  Steve pulled Tristan and Lexi behind him in a sled made for skiing and Will followed behind on his own skis.  The family takes on this adventure at least once a winter!

Kate and Steve pulling the sled

Tristan and Lexi in the sled

Will on skis

Duluth Trip and Canal Harbor January 19, 2010

When you live 2 hours from major stores like Target, a mall, and Home Depot, it is critical to spend the entire day in Duluth running errands and stocking up.  Sometimes I think I might have time for a movie, or a nice dinner, but it really doesn’t happen.  There are so many things on the list and not enough time.  Friday was a rare exception for me.  I set up an appointment near the canal and had a few minutes to spare, so I decided to run over to the lift bridge.  The sun was shining and the day was just beautiful, minus the bone chilling wind coming off the Lake Superior.  It was nice to take a break out of my hectic schedule and take in the beauty – and was totally worth it! – Kris

Duluth Lift Bridge on Lake Superior

Looking out at the Duluth Canal

Winter Ships January 12, 2010

Friday in Grand Marais I caught a glimpse of this ship hugging the shoreline.  It was moving at quite a clip, but I did get a chance to take a picture of it as it went by town.  Ships hugging the shoreline, I will have to add that to my list of reasons to love winter on the North Shore. – Kris

- Ore Boat Passing Grand Marais on Lake Superior

It’s Not That Cold. January 5, 2010

I am the first to admit that I am not a big fan of the cold weather.  I would rather sit inside and do something than be in any way, shape or form cold.  I have been known to wear 2 pairs of socks, sip hot tea all day, wear turtle necks for a week straight, and position myself in the sun through the window just to stay warm.  I know my parents weren’t thrilled with me when I lived at home and I would crank my heat up in my bedroom and wear shorts around the house.  Sorry guys! 

This weekend we decided we had enough time indoors and bundled up to get outside for a while.  The high was only in the single digits too!  I have to admit that I wore a lot of clothes and bundled up Carson so he could barely walk, but we did have some fun taking turns sledding in our backyard.  I will try the next time I have to go outside to not be so negative about the cold.  Here’s a picture of Carson all bundled up! – Kris

Olympic Hopeful? January 5, 2010

As we do most years, we spent New Year’s Eve in Thunder Bay. Robert always gets up early and New Year’s Day was no exception. Since I am not an early riser, he left our room to roam around the hotel chatting up the desk clerks, maids, waiters, etc. He was talking to a flight crew while they were waiting for their shuttle to take them to the airport when a woman joined the group carrying what looked to be like a musical instrument case.  It turned out that she had the Canadian Olympic torch that will be used in the games in Vancouver this year. Now how cool is that? -Deborah

 

 

4 Homes Available for New Years December 29, 2009

We have 4 homes available for rent if you would still like to come up for New Years weekend.  Call us at 1-800-950-4361 to make your reservation.

Cathy’s Cove – Tofte, Sleeps 4, Pet Friendly
Namaste Guest House – Lutsen, Sleeps 4, Pet Friendly
North Haven – Schroeder, Sleeps 6
Seacliff – Lutsen, Sleeps 6, Pet Friendly

Events for New Years December 29, 2009

Sleigh Rides 
When: 6:00 pm, 7:30pm & 9:00pm • Saturday, December 26, 2009 – Saturday, January 2, 2010
Where: Call 1-888-61NORTH • Lutsen
Admission: Reservations Required: $20.00 adults, $10.00 children 12 & under
Age Restriction: Children must be accompanied by an adult

Jason Swenson – Apres Ski Acoustic
When: 3:30pm – 6:00pm • Thursday, December 31, 2009
Where: Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains • Lutsen
Admission: Free
Age Restriction: All ages

Bill and Kate Isles – Apres Ski Acoustic
When: 6:30pm – 9:00pm • Thursday, December 31, 2009
Where: Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains • Lutsen
Admission: Free
Age Restriction: All ages

New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Start the evening’s festivities with a Torchlight Parade and fireworks over Mystery Mountain. Best seen from Papa Charlie’s
When: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm • Thursday, December 31, 2009
Where: Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains • Lutsen
Admission: Free
Age Restriction: all ages

Bicycle Army
A 3 piece band that plays rock and roll with a twist.
When: 9 pm • Thursday, December 31, 2009
Where: Gunflint Tavern • Grand Marais
Admission: None
Age Restriction: None

Michael Monroe Concert
When: 7 pm • Thursday, December 31, 2009
Where: Log Cabin • Grand Marais
Age Restriction: None
Contact: 612-789-2255 • mm@michaelmonroe.info

New Years Eve! BUZZ – Live Band Karaoke
When: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am • Thursday, December 31, 2009
Where: Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains • Lutsen
Admission: $10
Age Restriction: 21+

New Year’s Eve DJ
When: 9 pm – 1 am • Thursday, December 31, 2009 – Friday, January 1, 2010
Where: Bluefin Bay • Tofte
Admission: None
Age Restriction: None

Karaoke
When: 9 pm • Thursday, December 31, 2009 – Saturday, January 2, 2010
Where: Birch Terrace • Grand Marais
Admission: None
Age Restriction: None