Birkie Trek, a half marathon Nordic Walk on the Birkebeiner Trail in Hayward Wisconsin.
The ingredients: forests in full fall color, a wide trail that goes up and down the hills forever, 800 trail enthusiasts ready to conquer the distance, amazing staff and volunteers to support the participants, sunny and warming to 60 degrees, fanfare, awards and delicious food from the Brick House waiting at the finish line
The result: A glorious day at the Birkie Trek and Trail Run
The Tent Sale is over and to celebrate we paddled the Minnehaha Creek on Tuesday.
This is a small creek that runs from Lake Minnetonka to the Minnehaha Falls and then on to the Mississippi River. Usually you would paddle it in the spring when the water levels are high enough to cover the rocks. This has been an unusual summer with plenty of rain so we were able to do a fall kayak.
Leaving our sea kayaks at home we took small plastic ones from Hoigaard’s and put into the creek behind Minnetonka City Hall. Four hours later we arrived at 54th Street.
It was simple, it was easy and it was AWESOME!
The water was high enough for running small rapids, ducking low when going under the bridges and showcasing an abundance of wild life. We encountered great blue herons, egrets, green herons, an owl, red tailed hawks, king fishers, and multitudes of smaller birds. It was a cool day and there were piles of turtles warming up on logs and rocks. Small fish swam away from the boats and a few even jumped and splashed.
About half way we came upon a huge eagle fishing from a log in the water. Lifting our paddles we were able to drift to about 20 feet from him before he flew off. Shortly after there was a 6 point buck deer standing in a yard next to the creek. He was so majestic. To our surprise there was a second buck laying on the ground next to him.
It was a magical afternoon! If you have time and inclination, grab a boat and enjoy!
What do you do when you have an abundance of “cherry” tomatoes? My new favorite is to make Fire and Ice Relish.
Of course my “cherry” tomatoes are yellow pear, orange sunrise and chocolate cherry so it’s a mix of colors but it makes it loads of fun! I added lots of peppers from the garden; banana, green pepper, jalipeno, and one we don’t know what it is…It’s hot and spicy and sweet all at the same time.
We’ve used it on fish, chicken, pork and even as a salsa with chips. It’s delicious and easy to do. Try it, you’ll like it!
Dan and I slept in today and then loaded up for a quick kayak out on Lake Minnetonka.
It’s a big lake with lots of bays and we planned to put in on North Arm bay where our son Danny is living this summer.
We’re getting good at loading up our boats, had everything ready to go in 10 minutes today. Coffee in mugs and we were out the door. Leaving the dock we paddled into a smaller bay to get out of the wind. The houses and boats were impressive on the lake. We moved into a back water area following a long dock where the water was calm and the cat tails were 8-10 feet tall above our heads.
It was a quiet morning on the lake, the big boats weren’t out yet and only a couple of jet skis broke the silence. The kayak rhythm grabbed us and Dan is even talking about buying some shorter plastic kayaks so we can have access to some of the local rivers.
guess he really does like his new kayak.
The City of Lakes Trail Loppet is 2 weeks from today. Nordic Walking a half marathon, 13.2 miles, on trail. It’s not the Birkie, 18 feet of mowed path through the woods but think single track mountain bike and you get the right image. It won’t be an easy event. To be successful one must be intentional about training.
That was how early this morning I was at French Park to meet 2 friends for a long Nordic Walk on trail. Our goal was 2 hours with a few extra ups and downs on the hills. The morning was cool and crisp, a delightful change from the hot humid weather of our summer.
My wet feet from the heavy dew served to remind me to wear my gore tex shoes the morning of the Loppet. We headed out with a second goal of marking a 5K for the Nordic Walk for Wolves coming up on October 19.
Two hours and 6 miles later we had accomplished both of our goals. I have a map for the 5k and we had walked almost half the distance of the event. But the best part was our time shared on the trail, the surprise of an albino squirrel, the clear blue skies of a September morning, and the promise of a beautiful day ahead of us.
One of my favorite places in Ely is the International Wolf Center. I’ve been captivated by the wolves ever since my very first visit. The large viewing windows in the visitor center bring you up close and personal with the wolves. If you have the time there are special programs at the center as well as fabulous trips both in the Ely area as well as in remote locations.
The Wolf Center is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary this year and in honor of that we are hosting the first annual “Nordic Walk for Wolves” on Tuesday, October 19 at French Park in Plymouth Minnesota. It’s a chance to come out and support a great program, to “walk on all fours” with our Nordic Walking pack and to howl on the trails. This is a first of it’s kind as it’s truly a Nordic Walking Event. Of course “vanilla” walkers (walkers without poles) are invited to join us but don’t be surprised if they end up with a pair of poles in their hands.
We’ll meet at 5pm at the Skyview Picnic Area at French Park. There will be a quick Introduction to Nordic Walking at 5:30pm and the 5K walk will begin with a big howl at 6pm. We’ll walk on the trails, all trails are lit so everyone will be able to complete their walk safely. Of course you can always opt to do a shorter walk. Registration fee: $25
Details and to register: http://www.wolf.org/wolves/news/events_nordicwalk.asp
I’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Did you ever have to spell Mississippi in class? It rolls off your tongue almost as easily as my paddle dipped into the river on Saturday.
Twelve women in kayaks tackled the Mississippi River on Saturday morning. The wind was at our backs as we paddled up river. It was warm so the wind was welcomed. Diane led us up to a small island where we took a short break and then paddled across the wind and current to head back to Mississippi Point Park on the west side of the river. It’s always a different paddle when you turn around.
It was a morning to make new friends, connect with old friends and enjoy some time on the river with a delicious brunch when we finished.
a morning on the river…
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I love having my kayak right outside the cabin at Camp Van Vac. It’s a joy to walk down to the water, slip it in and paddle off across Burntside Lake. My favorite is the sunset paddle with a glass of wine secured in the bunge cords. It’s really not as hard as it looks, but it’s a delight to sip my wine and paddle among the loons as the sun goes down on another perfect day.
Did you know?
Dragonflies swarm
I spent Monday in Belgrade MN with my brother who is newly diagnosed with cancer. It had been a long day filled with appointments and lots of information to process. My head and heart were full as I drove home. I was enjoying the quiet of the road when I was suddenly surrounded by hundreds of large dragonflies swarming above and around my car.
I’d never seen dragonflies in a group like this. The hiway curves and wraps through the countryside and as I rounded the next bend I drove through a second swarm and then a third. As I caught my breath in amazement the next gathering was yellow butterflies all over the road. What a sight!
It wasn’t over yet. Another mile or so and there was a large flock of small birds once again swarming and darting together. At the top of the next hill the setting sun flashed in my rear view mirror, a perfect orange globe in the last few moments of the day, slowly disappearing below the horizon and then reflecting orange into the evening sky.
Red at night, Sailor’s delight. My feelings of desperation and fear were replaced by hope. The gathering of all that energy caught me by surprise and left me in wonder.
I hope you’re gathering energy and wonder from these summer days. Just as the dragonflies, butterflies and birds came together in celebration last night, let’s all celebrate the opportunities to come together outdoors with friends and family. Be a dragonfly, fly and loop around each other, laugh and play, dance in the setting sun.
In celebration of life and energy
