Despite the cancellation of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Duluth, dog sled racing will still take place at the end of January – in Grand Marais, one of the state’s only snow-covered spots.

Before the first running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in 1978, there was the Gunflint Mail Run. On Monday, January 30 and Tuesday, January 31, 2012, locals plan to revive the race in Grand Marais – one of the only snow-covered spots in the state.

“When the Beargrease race was cancelled due to lack of snow, the mushers here were really disappointed,” said Jack Stone, owner of Grand Marais-based Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. “So the Cook County Dog Mushers and I started thinking: Why not invite the mushers north? We have snow and the conditions are great. So, we put the word out – and they can’t wait.”

The last time this happened was in 2007, when the Beargrease race was also canceled due to lack of snow. For this year’s version, Stone Harbor teamed up with The Landing at Devil Track, the Trail Center, the Cook County Dog Mushers, and the Cook County Ridge Riders snowmobile club to create the race route. It will include the opportunity to experience winter camping at Devil Track, similar to the Sawbill Winter Camping Village that would have taken place during the Beargrease event.

All of the Gunflint Mail Run events are timed to ensure that spectators and participants are still able to take part in the Beargrease-related events that have not been canceled. “It was important for us to make sure we aren’t taking anything away from that outstanding event, which we look forward to sponsoring every year,” said Stone. “We just want to give the mushers a chance to compete, since that is what they love – and what they have been training for.” According to Stone, almost all 16 of the available race spots were filled by mushers from Cook County within days of announcing the race.

The race will begin at approximately 4 pm on Monday, January 30, with an expected finish before noon on Tuesday, January 31. Mushers will travel from Devil Track up the Gunflint Trail, and then to the Trail Center, where they will have a five-hour layover. After that, they will make their way back down to Devil Track, for a total route of approximately 100 miles.

“Most people think there’s been nearly no snow in Minnesota this year, but there has been plenty of it up here on the Gunflint Trail,” said Sarah Hamilton, owner of the Trail Center. “We really enjoy being the turnaround point for the Beargrease each year, and are excited to hear that our musher friends will still be stopping by mid-race.”

Spectators are welcome to join in the festivities at the Trail Center, or at Devil Track. Winter camping at Devil Track will begin on Sunday evening and continue Monday night, with heated tents and other gear supplied by Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. There will purse and other prizes for racers to win, plus a whole lot of fun for racers and spectators alike. If the weather allows, snow kiting demos, Marquette ski demos, and other winter activities will also be available on site, courtesy of Stone Harbor.

Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply is Northern Minnesota’s premier outdoor retailer, offering gear, tours, and rentals for all seasons. More information can be found at stoneharborws.com. The Landing offers fine dining at Devil Track Resort, a family-owned and operated resort located at Devil Track Lake in Grand Marais. More information can be found at deviltrackresort.com. The Trail Center has been a landmark on the Gunflint Trail since 1938. Originally built as a logging camp, it is now a full service restaurant, gas station, specialty foods, gift store, grocery shop, information center with cabins and a small motel. More information can be found at trailcenterlodge.com.

Note- on the way to Poplar Lake and upon the return from Trail Center musher will run along the road leading to Poplar Guesthouse B&B.

Contact: Jack Stone, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, 218-387-3136

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2012/01/mushers-move-north-and-bring-back-the-gunflint-mail-run/feed/ 0 http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2012/01/1886/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2012/01/1886/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:47:42 +0000 bct http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1886 You will find great skiing along the Gunflint.  The entire 41 kilometer Banadad Trail system is now tracked and open for skiing.  Located at the eastern end of the Banadad is Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B. The guesthouse also operate’s the Banadad Yurts and two ski-in cabins along the trail. According to skiers just returning from completing the entire Banadad, “the trails are in great shape!”

Melting the iron in the "furnace"

Pouring the iron into the molds

Then, throughout the afternoon, the hot molten iron will be poured into the molds and allowed to cool overnight.  The next morning at 10 a.m. will be the unveiling of molds, clean-up, and patina/surface work.  As soon as the crew turns the furnace blower off, at the last tap, the live music will start (around 6 or 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 9).  Molly Maher and Paul Bergen and their band will perform.

There are two free opportunities during the week of July 4 where folks can find out more about the iron sculpture process.  First, the public is welcome to come and watch “Open Studio” as lead artist Karl Unnasch works on the community medallions.  People can stop by the shelter at Sylvan Park anytime Monday, July 4 – Friday, July 8 between 12 – 4 p.m.  Also, in another free public event, theCommonweal Theatre Company will host Karl Unnasch in an Artist Talk on Thursday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. in their events hall.  This precedes the Commonweal’s performance of the “Little Shop of Horrors” performance at 7:30 p.m.; for tickets to the play, call 800-657-7025.

The public will have a chance to make their own 6” round Iron Plaque

Workshop participants making their own mold

in a workshop.  Workshop participants can choose from one of two sessions:  Thursday, July 7 from 5-7 p.m., or Saturday, July 9 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  The workshop will be held at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro and is open to all ages.  Participants will carve a reverse relief design into a pre-made sand mold to prepare it for the iron pour (any imagery or text is possible, and tools & professional assistance will be available).  Finished works can be taken home on Sunday, July 10 at 10 a.m. — that will be the unveiling of molds, clean-up, and surface prep/patina finishing on the plaques (otherwise, participants may pick up their plaque at a later date at the Lanesboro Arts Center).  The workshop is $25 per mold, with registration in advance or day of each workshop.  Scholarships are available; call 507-467-2446 for more information or to register for the workshop.

The Lanesboro Arts Center serves as a regional catalyst for artistic excellence and educational development in providing diverse art experiences for people of all ages.  For more information: 507-467-2446 / info@lanesboroarts.org/www.lanesboroarts.org.

While visiting Lanesboro, stay in one of the MBBA member inns.  A stay at the Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast includes a just-baked loaf of bread delivered to your room followed by a hearty breakfast.  Our gardens are in full bloom with day lilies, honeysuckle, calla lilies, mullein, and many more.

Lanesboro offers plenty to do for a multi-day visit.  During the week is a great time to ride the Root River State Trail where you can enjoy the serenade of many birds that surround us.  Eagles cruise overhead riding the updraft of the currents that rise from the bluffs along the trail.  Kayaking and canoeing is available on the Root River every day.

When you travel on snowshoes, you travel the way humans have for thousands of years. Historians believe people developed snowshoes in Asia, perhaps imitating the broad, thickly furred paws of animals such as lynx and snowshoe hares. One recent guest at Classic Rosewood Inn described their snowshoe adventure at Afton State Park like walking on clouds in fluffy slippers. Snow shoe rental is available at the park for $6 but it is a good idea to call ahead and reserve. Another adventure that is avaialable even in winter at the park is a four stage geocache adventure with GPS units provided. It is a good idea to call ahead for the use of the GPS units as well especially if planning on coming out on a weekday.  Winter Wonderland packages are available with R & R after S & S (snowshoeing or skiing) at nearby Classic Rosewood Inn and Spa with an insuite massage and soup supper for only $120 in addition to the room price.  

R & R at Classic Rosewood

A helpful guide to Minnesota State Park Trails is available by calling 651-296-6157 or emailing  info.dnr@state.mn.us. Combining trail adventures with a B & B in Minnesota is a natural way to enjoy the state. Minnesota innkeepers are quick to share the best trails for hiking, x-country skiing &snowshoeing.Visit this MBBA website under Find Lodging and scan down to trail information.

Over the Back Fence Radio Show

For the past 15 years “Over the Back Fence” has entertained us with local humor, outstanding music and just a good time.  We locals like to refer to it as the “poor man’s  Prairie Home Companion”.

On September 5th, 1010 Over the Back Fence took its’ curtain call as a live radio show.

Over the winter, a dedicated group of volunteers has been planning for the next generation of “Over the Back Fence”.   “Over the Back Fence” is moving next door to the St. Mane Theatre and play on the 2nd Friday of the month from February through November.  Plans include retaining much of the original character of the show and surely introducing new features for all to enjoy.

Plan a winter weekend getaway and join us for the inaugural version of the new and improved “Over the Back Fence” on February 11th.  Make it a complete Valentines weekend getaway by staying at one of Lanesboro’s lovely Bed and Breakfasts, enjoying fine dining at the Old Village Hall, cross country skiing on the Root River State Trail, or dashing through the winter wonderland on a horse drawn sleigh ride.

Opening of the trail this year was delayed do to a wind storm in October that drop many large trees into the trail and a November rain followed by snow that bent over the side brush into the trail.  It took trail crews considerable more time then usual to clear the down trees and side brush.

Most of the Banadad Trails are located within the BWCA and it is the BWCA longest track ski trail.  The system is centrally located along  the 200 kilometer Gunflint Nordic Trail System.  Maintenance and grooming of the Banadad System is provided by Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B .