February 2

2/02/08: Saturday, 9:00 AM. 17 degrees, barometer predicts snow. Wind SSE, calm. Skies overcast. It was an eerily quiet morning walk, no cars, no people, no dogs, no far away motor noises. Obviously many folks are sleeping in, also the birds. Rather nice.
But today is the sled dog race. I need to go to the recycle center out on Hwy 13, west of Red Cliff, to deposit garbage ($2.50 per bag) and recyclables (free with yearly $15 membership) every two or three weeks. Then I will take in some of the race scene. Stepped off the narrow trail in the woods, and the snow was over my boots. Still plent of snow base there.
Later: The races were fun, as usual, but the number of racers was down, probably because of the just-finished Bear Grease race in Duluth. Lots of watchers though, counted 50 cars parked along Star Route at Butternut Road. The watching weather was nice, last year it was brutal. Plenty of complimentary brats, beer, soda, etc., met many friends and neighbors. Luck had to stay in the truck and was a bit put out. If you go next year, leave the dogs home or in your vehicle, as they spook the racers.