The John Beargrease sled race begins this Sunday and will be coming through the Skyport Lodge checkpoint sometime Monday evening into Tuesday morning. There had been some talk about changing the course due to the trail conditions after the rain showers this past week, but as of now, the race course is staying as scheduled. The times of arrival could vary greatly depending on conditions – especially near the end of the race.
The trail conditions in our area have been pretty good, despite the rain, but the existing snow has melted and compacted, and the base is breaking apart in some areas. There are even some spots on the snowmobile trails that have flooded due to runoff from the melting snow. The dogs need good snow and cold temperatures to run well, and the weather forecast looks like they might get a little of both – hopefully it is not too little too late.
Overnight temperatures tend to refreeze the melting snow, leaving a crunchy layer of ice that is hard on the dogs’ paws, while also forcing them to work harder to pull the sleds. Controlling a dog sled is also a challenge in wet and sloppy conditions, while also trying to stay dry. They like the snow to stay soft and cold which is the same way I like it when I plow driveways on the Gunflint Trail. Winter is more fun when it is cold.
I am not familiar with the specific course the mushers will follow, but I would assume there is some lake travel near the resort checkpoints, which could be some of the hardest terrains to navigate. Most of the lakes have slushy conditions in parts, which can be hard for a snowmobile to pass, let alone a team of dogs. We will keep our fingers crossed for colder temperatures and more fresh snow to help improve the conditions by Sunday.
Beargrease has always been a big event for the area, but it will be much different this year looking at it through the eyes of a checkpoint host at the Skyport Lodge. It is hard to know what to expect, and even harder to plan for enough food and staff to accommodate the spectators, mushers, and crew, as well as the many volunteers who will be on the property that day. The arrival times could suddenly change, and we could be serving sloppy joes for breakfast if I am not prepared for anything and everything to happen. Regardless, we will have plenty of hot chocolate, apple cider, and other provisions to help everyone enjoy the event.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
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