Day 1 (photos) - 2016 John Beargrease Dog Sled Marathon

Day 1 (videos) - 2016 John Beargrease Dog Sled Marathon

Dog Songs

Excitement is contagious contagious... 

Just try to not SMILE!

Required Equipment

I wonder if this rec-racer's desk is organized too?

GPS Transmitters 

We can follow the race from our online devices.  

Jason Rice is a wonderful ambassador for the John Beargrease 

Dog Sled Marathon.  Listen for the conversation in French.

Power and Excitement

These two dogs are jumping and tugging, wanting to go.  

Can you identify the "tug line?"

My Dream

Julia Cross is racing as a Junior for White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures. 

She says, "My dream is to be the first Canadian to win the Iditarod.   

 Peter McClelland is a perfect mentor for these kids!

Naming Dogs

These young mushers and I discuss naming so many dogs.  

How would you name so many dogs?

Wait for it.  Wait for it.  Okay!

Julia Cross is so excited to drop dogs or get them ready to be hooked up.  

Watch as Julia puts the harness on the dog nearest the camera.

Make A Difference

By mentoring to several young and new mushers, Peter McClelland is making a difference.  

The future of the sport is brighter with mushers like Peter and others.

Being selfless and mushing go together.

 

Compare and Contrast

What do the mid-distance handlers do at the checkpoint?  

I asked two crews, and this is what they told me.

Beds of Straw

Handlers for the full marathon rest their teams by their truck.  

Beds of straw make getting rest a little easier.

Food

Finland Checkpoint

Tell Me About Your Drone

Tyler Mason is the director for digital media for AirVuz, 

the "YouTube" of drone footage.

Nathan Schroeder 

First musher to arrive at the Finland Checkpoint 

on the upward bound leg.

One of Nathan's Best

When I saw this handler, with this beautiful lead dog, the sun shining on them, I had to talk to him.  I'm glad I did.

Jason Campeau 

Second mushers blows through the Finland Checkpoint.  

He signs in, turns around, and signs out.  

There are different strategies. 

What does Scooby Doo, do?

This Finland Checkpoint volunteer runs information from 

the checkpoint recorders on the trail, to the checkpoint tracking board in the building.  

That's what Scooby does. 

Lynx or Cougar?

A story from the trail is confirmed.  

I wonder what other stories these mushers have?

Cat and Mouse

Great talk with Ward Wallin about what to expect at this point in the race.  

Many lessons are to be learned from dog sledding.

Shrew or Mouse

The animal theme continues when I ask Julia Cross about her race.  

I got was a whole 'nother story.  

Trail Mail

"I can write for personal enjoyment, interest, and academic tasks." Minnesota Standard 5..610.10

Volunteers Prepare Trail Mail for Musher to Carry

Artist, Betsy Bowen and map maker, Matt Kania, teamed up with the Beargrease to
create this Beargrease Trail map.  Notice the elevation changes of the Sawtooth Mountains represented below the trail, like the heartbeat.
(The Beargrease Organization has exclusive rights to this image)

 Oath Of Office

This video was created using iMovie and is about John Beargrease, the Letter Carrier.  Mushers are being sworn in at the 2016 Musher Banquet, becoming official letter carriers for the United States Post Office.  

(The music in the background is Sue Spencer and James Ofsthun.)

Experience the Beargrease from Caribou Highlands Resort

Beargrease mushers contend with wet boots, -20 degree below temperatures, and sleepless nights on their way to glory. If you stay at Caribou Highlands, you can get all the pleasure and none of the pain. We’ve partnered with local veteran mushers (including Beargrease racers and Iditarod champs) who offer dogsled rides, inspirational presentations and even the chance to lead your own team for a taste of the mushing life.

Caribou front desk manager Kimberley Wagner is a musher herself, knows the sport well and is able to connect guests to the perfect experience.

“I flew over [from Australia] with 2 dogs and 2 suitcases and have worked as a professional sled dog handler in several large kennels,” Wagner says. “We know many of the mushers in the area personally. We can link guests to their ideal dog sledding experience.”

 

Stay in cozy cabins lodging and venture North for anything from a 15-minute ride to a multi-day trip.  Front desk staff help guests with options, information and referrals for families with small children, adventurers and large corporate groups. Stoney Creek Kennel is a popular local choice.

What if you’re looking to watch the Beargrease? Caribou Highlands Resort is a short, ten-minute drive from the trail where you can cheer on your favorite mushers. Afterwards, head back for a room with a fireplace, some time in the saunas or at the restaurant, or even some time on the ski slopes. You can’t bring dogs with you to watch the race (for obvious reasons) but that doesn’t mean they have to stay home – Caribou Highlands is a pet-friendly resort and many units welcome dogs as long as they’re not left unattended.

 

If your next vacation is taking you further North or South, East Bay Suites in Grand Marais and Grand Superior Lodge near Two Harbors can connect you as well. This year, don’t just watch the mushers. Get out there and experience it yourself!

2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Awards

Ramona Abrego of "Mystic Owl Creation" 

talks about the copper embossing technique she used to 

make the awards for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

Other Artwork Found on theWalls of "Camp 61" in Beaver Bay