"Without Those Dogs" is the result of spending times scrolling through old newspaper articles on microfilm. The stories from the 1800s often began with descriptions of different sleds. Then, pretty quickly the focus would shift to the dogs and the telling of a harrowing journey that ended up having a happy ending because of the dogs, their stamina or sense of direction ability to ascertain dangerous conditions, desire to please, "generosity of spirit." In this way these tales are like children's stories and the life lessons they often reveal. This video features students from Hermantown Elementary School , and their director, Jerry Kaldor.
"The Most Important Thing"
This song is from an interview conducted by Mark Ostazeski for this blog during the 2015 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon with Arleigh Jorgenson.
"John was My Best Friend"
This song is a description of John Beargrease as a young man taken from several accounts and informed by John Beargrease, Legend of Minnesota's North Shore, by Daniel Lancaster.
Note: There are 17 songs in this song cycle. Recordings were made at the performances at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Sacred Heart Music Center on February 5-6.
In addition, these songs will be recorded in studio and will hopefully be available for the public in the future.
A large crowd of fans cheer for Beckie Hacker as she manages her team to a 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon finish, with an injured shoulder, earning a red lantern.
Beckie's Red Lantern Award
Beckie Hacker finishes the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, earning the red lantern award. She demonstrates grit and determination as she runs over half the race with an injured shoulder.
Carl comes in with six dogs, happy to have competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. He is quick to give credit to his handlers who "did all the work."
Carl Routhier - Average Man?
Carl Routhier talks to the Race Marshal about the toughest section of the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon trail. Claiming to be an average man, with an average team, Carl has accomplished something not a lot of people have- the BEARGREASE!
Erin Altemus arrives in 6th Place in the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Erin and Colleen Wallin had been close for much of the race. There are many factors that go into finishing and/or winning. It is clear to me that they are both winners!
Colleen Wallin, a crowd favorite, arrives 5th, with her amazing team. My impression of of Colleen is being positive and happy. She takes time to greet, and thank all those around her. See a couple surprises pulled out of from her sled bag.
Appreciating Your Greatest Supporter
Colleen and Ward Wallin share a deep appreciation for one another after working hard to prepare and run the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
Thanking the Team
Colleen and Ward takes the time to show her dogs that she cares and appreciates each of them. Mushers and their dogs share a bond. We see it after accomplishing so much together.
A Child's Commentary
A child is heard giving a commentary as Ward Wallin give their dogs attention at the finish line of the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
Frozen Fish Treats
Colleen and Ward Wallin give their dogs a special treat at the end of each race.
Jason Campeau arrives is the 2nd Place finisher in the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. He and Nathan Schroeder discuss the last leg of the race. "The last leg is a tough one,..." Can you imagine the trail, the night, the hills, without much sleep, AND being on a dogsled?
Interview with Jason Campeau
Jason Campeau arrives is the 2nd Place finisher in the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. He and Nathan Schroeder discuss the last leg of the race. "The last leg is a tough one,..." I can only imagine what it is like on the trail, at night, on the hills, and without much sleep. Jason Campeau's Dogs Get Snacks
Hear the crunch of the snow as Jason Campeau snacks his dogs after the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. There is something about the light of a musher's headlamp The illuminating the dogs, the trail, the night.
Nathan Schroeder of Warba, Minnesota crossed the finish line and added another page to the Beargrease history books. In what may be the torch-passing year of this race, Nathan's victory puts him in a very special place with some very special company. The win ties him with Jamie Nelson as the all-time winningest mushers to run the Beargrease trail.
Meet Billy
Ever wonder who Billy is,... I meet Billy prepares our winter wonderland and Billy's Bar & Grill for another Beargrease finish, the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon finish. Thanks Billy being such a supporter of this race, making everyone feel welcome.
This fire at the Finland checkpoint, along with the snow and mushers minutes away,
kept me up past my bedtime.
Colleen Wallin & Erin Altemus are Close
Colleen Wallin and Erin Altemus arrived minutes apart at about 7:47pm at the Finland checkpoint (down bound). This 4 minute video shows the two teams arriving, with Colleen's team turn Colleen turning around on the trail. Both teams (drivers, dogs, and handlers) are awesome!
Nathan Schroeder is the first to Finland checkpoint with 11 dogs. Not for long as he checks in and checks out. However, on the way out who does he meet?
See the next videos to see how mushers avoid a head-on entanglement.
What is Nathan going to do? I know ;)
Nathan Schroeder is not staying in the Finland checkpoint for long. He left at 4:51pm. I wonder what would happen if Ryan Anderson and Nathan cross paths? Ryan Anderson has not left the checkpoint as of this writing at 5:30pm.
1st OUT of Finland -
Nathan and Ryan Cross Paths
Nathan Schroeder is the first out Finland checkpoint with 11 dogs. Not for long as he checks checks out after minutes. The trail got crowded as he and Ryan Anderson cross paths on a tight trail. See how these experienced mushers avoid a head-on entanglement.
"Big Mike" as the Beargrease calls him talks about what he does and why he does it.
Find out what Mike means when he says,
"Do It for the Heart not the wallet."
Turning the Tables
Brady, an interviewer from the News Tribune talks about what makes a good story. "You want good humans. And they're pretty easy to find." He also mentions sensory details essential to the story. Thanks Brady!
The Hand Slap Photo
Steve, a photographer from the Duluth News Tribune, talks about getting a good shot. He also discusses one of his favorite shots, with a little bit of luck. Talking to "strangers" is what we do at the Beargrease and soon they become your friends.
830 Miles in 4 Days
Marking trails requires someone to place "reassurance markers" out and ensure those markers are in place when race time arrives. Mike and Alex Angelos (race coordinator) put in a lot of hours/miles/time to make the John Beargrease trail a good one.
Listen for, "Team" being shouted out to alert us that Ryan Anderson is coming into the Sawbill checkpoint, just walking distance from this point (down bound). "Good morning" is probably not what he needs from me at this point... just rest.
2nd into Sawbill - Nathan Schroeder
I learned not to try to talk to a musher at this point in the race. Instead, Nathan Schroeder and I exchange a friendly wave. Nathan is coming into the Sawbill checkpoint, just walking distance from this point (down bound)
Beargrease vs Iditarod
Jake Berkowitz sold his dogs to Jason Campeau. Without the financial responsibilities, he stays involved by handling for Carl during the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. I talk to Jake about the differences between the Iditarod and the Beargrease. Listening to my interview, I realize I interrupted a conversation... I was just too excited!
3rd or 4th into Sawbill - Jason Campeau
Jason Campeau is Ready to Race. Check the official Beargrease website for specific race details. He is obviously proud of his dogs as he arrives at the Sawbill Checkpoint (down bound) during the 2016 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. One of his handlers is Jake Berkowitz multi-time Iditarod and Yukon Quest musher.
Jack Tells the History of the Crawford Cabin and this Grand Portage checkpoint.
This area is also called Mineral Center. I found myself researching the old boarder crossing.
You should research this area!
Inside the Crawford Cabin
Listen carefully to the conversation in the background.
What ceremony are they talking about? How do you know?
More Than Once
You heard the story once, but listen again to learn something new.
Inside the Crawford Cabin, I asked to hear about its story again. You can learn something from everyone you meet. I find myself more and more interested in this cabin.
What Are the Odds?
Out of curiosity, I visited the Grand Portage State Park before the return trip toward Duluth, MN.
I happened upon an employee who knows about the Crawford Cabin.
Keith Aili Arrives
Grand Portage Checkpoint
Parking the Team
Jason Campeau arrives 4th at Grand Portage.
Handlers hook up to the gangline to "park the team."
They still demonstrate a lot of power.
Doggie Pit Crew
Colleen Wallin's handlers work, like any good team.
Taking care of those who take care of you....
there's a lesson to be learned here!
Nap Time - Blankies
Colleen Wallin's handling crew provides the perfect environment for a
well deserved rest at the Grand Portage checkpoint. Even dogs like their blankets.
Urgent and Important (take 1)
Erin Altemus arrives 5th at Grand Portage, very tired, and still agrees to talk with me.
Seconds into the interview, something comes up, requiring IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
Urgent and Important (take 2)
Erin solves the problem. This sport not IF you have problems,
