BLU & Beargrease

Huge confidence booster this past Saturday morning as I start out by giving a recap of the group run. Once again, Dave, Henry, Tony, and myself met in the usual spot on the rock bridge over Lester River by the pavillion. While at work on Friday night I texted Tony as the snow continued to amount up to something ideal for snowshoeing and there was no question about it.....he was as game as me even though the plan was to bust out 2 1/2 hours!!! CONDITIONS WERE PRIME as a few fluffy inches underneath the decking made the ground seem cushy but not requiring too much work. The other two guys opted for us to lead in order for them to be on slightly packed trail since they wore only running shoes. It seemed to be marginal help at best and they even had to deal w/powder being kicked up at them from the tails of our snowshoes. Henry and Dave experienced poor footing but Tony and I carried more weight putting the group fairly evenly matched. Before we commenced, our goal was to reach Vermilion Road but as we passed landmarks on the North Shore Snowmobile Trail heading out we realized these ambitions might have been a little modest. Upon crossing Pleasant View Road, Henry decided to take the roads back home as he was looking for more in the range of 1:45(but 2+ hours is in his future soon). We arrived in the Martin Road lot @ ~1:15 which was perfect, however, it is always faster on the return trip because of the generous net loss in elevation. So, we left on the Superior Hiking Trail for a while to slow us down on the early segment until Vermilion Road where we proceeded to retrace identical steps back to the bottom of the park. I consumed a pecan pie LARABAR prior to turning around and washed it down w/a HAMMER gel flask of water. My energy levels were fine, soreness was nothing to complain about, and fatigue didn't factor into the equation at all. Everybody seemed to have a fabulous long run as this route always brings challenge and satisfaction when complete. Total duration came in @ 2:27 flat!

Later on that afternoon, Henry, Nikki, Dave, Jen & I carpooled up to Grand Superior Lodge in order to experience BLU. If you haven't heard of it then we recommend looking into it!! Following martinis, dinner was had in the Splashing Rock Restaurant. Henry and I would suggest THE CASTLE DANGER BURGER, and yes.....I ate the whole thing and I've got four witnesses!!!!

Sunday, Jen and I chased around to different checkpoints w/Henry and Nikki watching the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Afterwards, they invited us to their new congdon home which is a beautiful colonial that they are very proud of and we're happy them!! Lots of detailed accents inside that one just can't find in modern homes anymore.

This morning, I ran 1:34 w/Chris in Lester and Hawk Ridge. For me, it was an affirmation that I'm stumbling into good form as there is little to no hint of my busy weekend.