I guess it is finally here, the ski season. Slow to start, and still not skiing in full stride in many areas, but it is January after all. A small group of us took to the Sturgeon River Trails for a New Years Eve ski. The sun in the sky was doing little to warm the air around us, but at nine above once we got moving we were fine. The Sturgeon Trails are just north of Chisholm and snake their way around through the varied woodlands of the area. You will catch glimpses of the river from time to time, and in a couple of cases the trail will bring you right along the river. The trail is accessed by three trailheads, with the north and south having more hills and changeling terrain. If you are skiing in a group with mixed abilities, like we were, the central parking lot is where you want to ski. (For those familiar with the trail, we skied from 5 to 6 to 8 to 7 to 4 and back to 5) This area provides mostly flat terrain with a few hills to provide some fun.

The cold weather was providing a nice kick, but the glide was a bit on the short side. Making us work a bit more at our enjoyment. At one point or another all of us were beginning to wonder if the forest service had snuck out in the off-season and lengthened the trail! This trail system really makes you feel like you are away from it all. We were surprised to see one other skier on our adventure; normally you don’t see anyone here. We did notice deer and wolf tracks occasionally using the trail or crossing it. A couple of birds were spotted, and other than that we enjoyed the quiet serenity of the northland woods. A great way to end 2009, and to look forward to 2010. 

Outside the window the flakes barely piled up enough to warrant a shovel. Our first major winter storm missed most of Northland, and hit Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota. The cheese heads benefited the most with 12-17 inches of snow in parts of the state. We couldn't even scrape up two, and now our neighbors to the east and south get to have the fun. No doubt snowmobiles are running and freshly waxed skis are pointed down the trail.

For those waiting for our winter fun, it is getting tough. In fact over the weekend I ventured out to the area trails with a couple of friends of mine to see what we would find. Afterward, I think I still have one friend left, the other is iffy. (something about trying to ski it all in one day) Clearly there is not enough snow to truly enjoy cross country skiing, but that didn't stop us from trying. Granted the little bit of snow on the ground is enough to make the skis go, but there is always more effort involved when you are kicking up leaves and branches.

All three of us came prepared with our "rock" skis; a pair of skis that are old and you don't mind hitting a few rocks with. The mood of the trip reflected the conditions. We started out enthusiastic, being able to ski across the ground again in a new season. The high spirits carried us further down the trail and on to the next one. In fact it was only until we had shuffled our way through about 5 miles did our spirits begin to wane. Then the realization set in that we still had a good couple of miles to go. Truly we had been hit with "kid in the candy store" disease and sore muscles the next day were a certainty.

Of course we don't have any regrets; however we were hoping this week’s predicted snows would bring more enjoyment in the near future. I guess we will have to continue to wait.

Photo: Craig and Kate at Carey Lake last winter!

Okay, so I know this is not a popular opinion, but I also know I'm not alone. I'm waiting for winter. So far this fall has been very mild, and it has been great. But let's go already! I'm ready to hit the trails and enjoy some cross country skiing. Others no doubt are anxious to point their skis downhill or zoom across the winter landscape on their snowmobile.

For many of us this is why we live up here, we enjoy all the seasons and winter is a great one. Last month when we got some early snow in October, I grabbed the rock skis and spent 45 minutes zipping around Bennett Park in Hibbing. The thought did cross my mind at the time that I might be putting a jinx on the upcoming season. I sure hope that is not the case and that snow returns to the northland soon!

Let it SNOW.

The calendar may say November but with the thermometer reading the mid fifties, it was time to pull the bike back out.

For much of the summer part of the Mesabi Trail between Hibbing and Chisholm has been detoured due to road construction on Highway 169. Not only was the bike trail detoured do to safety, but also because the trail was being changed under the bridge. Well, the detour is over and the trail is 100 percent open again. The bike trail now swings closer to the railroad tracks and goes under the bridge before swinging back around to the old trail. Part of the bridge construction project was to fill in under the span leaving less open space under the bridge. Hopefully this will lead to less icy conditions for motorists on the bridge.

After not being on the bike for several weeks, it was great to get back out and ride. One day before the deer season and I had a 6 point buck run out across the trail in front of me. A hawk and some geese also made their appearances as I rode the trail.

With temperatures expecting to be warmer than normal the next few days, get out and enjoy the outdoors. Just remember your blaze orange if you are going to be anywhere near hunters.

photo by Craig.

True, we are at the end of the biking season. But if you are a bike rider that likes to explore new trails, you need to add the Root River Trail to your list of places to bike.

Located in Southeastern Minnesota the paved Root River Trail runs for over 60 miles through a series of small towns. This is very scenic country with bluffs that rise up from the river bottoms, sometimes to the height of 300 feet. However, don't be concerned about biking over big hills. The majority of the trail follows along an old railroad grade. 

We made the trip down to the Root River area in early October, and it was great riding weather. In fact hearing the stories of how busy this trail gets during the summer, I would recommend going down early or later in the season.  The towns down here cater to bike riders and it is common to see people wandering around town, eating, shopping, in full bike riding gear.

The town of Lanesboro is not to be missed. It could be called the Ely of Southeastern Minnesota. Quaint, historic, with great places to eat and shop; and with a bike trail running right through it! Just to the east of Lanesboro is the town of Whalen, and the World Famous Pie Shop. I would recommend the Banana Cream!

Check out more at http://www.rootrivertrail.org/