Last Ski of 2017

It was twenty-four below when I woke up this morning, so I did some writing, beading, and reading until it warmed up a bit. I headed out on my classic skis at 1:15pm. With a clear sky, and the sun rising a bit higher, I could definitely feel some warmth from the sunlight. The air temperature was only nine below, and the ski trail felt faster today. I decided to go all the way to the I-94 bridge. As I was passing through the more thickly wooded part of Lindenwood Park, I saw some deer crossing the river from the Minnesota side. When I got close to them, I saw it was a mama deer with her two offspring. She stood guard, watching me attentively until I passed, while they hid in a hollow. She looked well nourished. I asked her if she was enjoying the warmer weather today.

When I got near the bridge, I saw why the deer like to come over here--I could see their tracks leading to two spots on the south-facing bank where they had scraped the snow away to reveal the still-green grass. That must be a delicious treat to nibble on in winter.

I didn't see anyone else out skiing today. I enjoyed the quiet and the sunshine, just letting my mind wander. When I got to the section between Lindenwood and the oxbow, I caught a movement up in the trees, a flash of red. When I got closer, I heard the sound of a woodpecker pecking on the tree, and after skiing closer yet, I saw a huge pileated woodpecker high in the tree. I wished I had a good camera with me--the bright red of his crest against the brilliant blue of the sky was a treat for the eyes. I stood there for awhile admiring him, until the gentle nudge of the cold reminded me to keep moving.

I slowed way down on the last section, finishing today's ski in an hour and twenty minutes. 

Twenty Below Ski on December 30, 2017

Today was significantly colder than yesterday, with a bit of a wind. I skied for just over an hour and stayed fairly warm except for my feet. I paused on the bridge between Lindenwood and Gooseberry parks to just swing my legs twenty times each to get the blood going to my toes, and then I was fine. It was a slow ski because of the temperatures and also because the wind had nearly filled in the trail that Enrico and I made earlier. Here is what it looked like when I first got over to Gooseberry.

At times, I had to feel for the trail because it was hard to see it.

Because of the cold--about twenty below--I didn't expect to see anyone out today, and I didn't for awhile, but then I saw a lone fat tire cyclist in Lindenwood Park, a family of four skiing in Gooseberry Park, and a snowshoer by the river. I also saw a large gray bird that flew in front of me and then perched on a tree by the river. Could this be the owl I often hear there?

I kept thinking I heard another skier behind me, so I stopped several times to look around, but there was nobody there. I imagined it was my father's spirit, so I talked to him for awhile. I have been editing his poetry this month, so he has been on my mind.

I ended the ski a bit frostier than usual, and enjoyed a cup of Chaga tea (made from a fungus that grows on birch trees) as soon as I got back--thanks to my sister-in-law, Egle, finding some in Russia and sending it to me.

Is that a triple? December 29, 2017

Here I am after 90 minutes of cross-country skiing with three different sets of skis. 

It was a bit warmer today, perhaps above zero, so I decided to try skate skiing today. I also hoped to give the blister on my left heel a break by using skate boots. Once I got out, however, I found that we had got more snow than I thought while we were away. That meant that skate skiing--with no rolled trail--was quite a slog. I worked up a sweat just getting to the water treatment plant and gave up soon after.

When I got back to the house, I thought that maybe my blister wouldn't hurt so much if I used my race (rather than recreational) classic boots. While I was switching boots, Noko looked at me with his eyes pleading, "Won't you take me with you?" I relented and put his harness on and got my belt while I was getting my classic skis.

We headed out, but as soon as he dipped a paw in the cold snow, Noko balked. He pulled back on his harness, threatening to turn it inside out. I backtracked and tried to go in the opposite direction. He went along with that plan for a few yards, then balked again. Frustrating! I probably need to sew him some booties for these colder days. We compromised by him running on the bike path, and me skiing in the snow adjacent to the path. In that fashion, we had a reasonable run to the dog park and back, and then Noko was done. He pulled to go up the dike and home.

However, I wasn't done skiing for the day. I was feeling toasty warm by now, so I took Noko home, then switched skis again, putting on my faster Fischer RCS cold classic skis instead of my old rock skis--some Kneissels.

The third time out was the most satisfying--I skied in the trail I created earlier that loops around the oxbow. I felt plenty warm and felt much better by the time I got back than when I left. I still had time to take a shower before heading to NDSU to work in the office for a few hours. 

Dusted White

We drove back to Fargo today and went directly to work, so I didn't get to ski today. Too bad, as we got a dusting of new snow. Instead, I'm going to share one of my dad's poems:

Dusted White

Skies churning,
     blue to gray.
Leaves turning,
     blown away.

Fall season,
     stormy night.
Mountain peaks,
    dusted white. 

French Rapids Ski Area near Brainerd December 27, 2017

Today was a bit warmer, just under 0. We decided to check out the French Rapids Trails near Brainerd. They are rated "expert," and we soon found out why--the trail is narrow and has some very steep ups and downs. The part in the photo below has a steep drop on the left to the Mississippi River and a steep drop on the other side to a small lake.

There hadn't been enough snow for grooming, and a snowmachine had gotten onto the trail and ground up some dirt and leaves in places. Between the poor conditions and the fact that I was starting to get a blister on my heel, we decided to make it a short outing. Nevertheless, it was great to get outside and see some new views of the frozen Mississippi River from some interesting trails.

Check out my telemark track at the bottom of this hill!

In the evening, we read from Heid E. Erdrich's new volume of poetry, Curator of Ephemera at the New Museum for Archaic Media. There are many thought-provoking, innovative, and surprising pieces--a real pleasure to enjoy and puzzle over together.

We are grateful to our friend and neighbor, Chuck Huff, for inviting us to his cabin for a few days. It gave us an opportunity to see a new part of Minnesota and try some new trails. It was also great to unplug from internet and TV for a little while. 

Northland Arboretum Ski on December 26, 2017

We spent Christmas at my aunt and uncle's house in rural Minnesota, eating scalloped potatoes, creamed corn, green bean casserole, and ham. We also ate the traditional Norwegian lefsa. What a delicious meal!It was very windy and cold, so we didn't venture out for a ski. Instead, we drove a couple hours north to a friend's lake cabin to spend the night.

The next day was just as cold, but not windy. After checking out the after-Christmas sales in Baxter, Minnesota (and waiting for the -14F temperature to rise), we headed over to Northland Arboretum for a ski. A crystal clear day, we did feel a bit of warmth from the sun, but the snow--what little there was--remained cold and slow. There had not been enough snow to set tracks yet, so it was pretty messy skiing. Here's a view of the trails:

After we warmed up a bit, it was fun to check out some new trails and also go up and down some gentle hills. There are lots of little loops through the woods, and some of the trees are labeled, so it was also fun to see the variety of trees and know their names. Here's a view from one of the higher spots:

These are some nice trails, and there are lights for night skiing. I wish Fargo had a place like this!

December 21, 2017 Family Ski

After writing our holiday letter together this morning, we headed out for a family ski. It was 1F above, and a few snowflakes were falling gently--still no wind! I headed out first to break a trail for Enrico and Noko, and the boys followed behind. Noko was *very* excited to be out with the whole family and pulled hard the whole time. Enrico had to keep holding Noko back because he loves to chase me. We tried having Max go first, but Noko didn't pull as hard. We tried having Alex go first, and he pulled a little harder, but not nearly as hard as with me in front. We just did the little loop around Ponte Park and back. Enrico went out for a longer ski on his own afterward, since he was pulled by Noko for most of this ski. We predict we will have a very tired dog for New Year's Eve.

Couple's Ski on December 23, 2017

Today Enrico and I went for a ski together. My groin muscles were sore from breaking trail yesterday, and Enrico was just tired everywhere. Nevertheless, we persisted. We decided to just ski on our neighborhood trails again. It was easier going today with the temperature at 18 degrees above and trails already skied in. We decided to go a bit further than yesterday, skiing across the river to Gooseberry Park, where we had a blank slate of snow. This makes me excited because there's a chance to lay down very straight, good tracks that then can be used over and over later. 

I went first, creating a loop with some zigzags around some trees. After breaking in that trail, it was fun to go around again and enjoy the fruits of our labor. I was going to head back after that, but Enrico said, "One more time," so we went around a third time. On the way back, we skied on the section by the river (see photo above) that Fargo Parks usually sets with classic tracks. We saw a few other skiers on our way back. The sun came out for a little while, and it wasn't windy, making for a very pleasant time. We were both toasty warm. Total ski time: 90 minutes. Maybe I'm not in as bad shape as I thought yesterday. 

After skiing, I went over to the Y to shower, soak in the jacuzzi tub, and spend some time in the sauna. When I got back I took a deep nap. This is what vacation is supposed to be!

Enrico's Return to Skiing

On December 22nd, Enrico had his first ski after his heart surgery last winter. He said that he felt really good about it, but it also sounded a bit traumatic, as he skied the same route where he collapsed after having multiple small strokes from the tumor on his heart flicking off materials into his bloodstream. He remembered struggling to get back over the dike and get home. There is also a lot he doesn't remember about that day. Recovery from surgery was long, and he felt good about being able to return to skiing. All the swimming he has been doing to get back in shape helped him to feel good on the trail. He liked the tracks I set for him earlier in the day and was happy when he came back. Hurray, Enrico! So glad he survived that ordeal to ski another season. 2017 has been a challenging year, but we have much to be grateful for. 

December 22, 2017: Second Ski is a Solo Ski

This is a view of Ponte's Park, which the Park District is converting to its natural prairie grass state (they used to mow the grass here). I took this photo because I like how the grasses look in the winter light. 

We got more snow--just a touch, but it came straight down without blowing around, so I was eager to get out to ski again today. In the afternoon, the clouds cleared and the sun came out, so I got my ski clothes on, laying Enrico's out on the bed, in case he was looking for them later.

I decided NOT to take Noko today. I wanted to be able to ski without stopping to really get a sense for what kind of shape I'm in this season. Also, I wanted to break a good, straight trail, which is hard when strapped to a wandering dog.

Something new this year--usually I am the only person out skiing when we first get snow and before the trails are set by Fargo Parks, but I saw five people skiing on my outing! I think skiing is becoming more popular here in Fargo-Moorhead. That is great to see.

I set a trail away from the main trail, with lots of curves and going up the dike when possible to add some length and elevation to an otherwise short, flat ski. I also discovered that I am not in very good shape this year. I think the last few weeks of the semester, which were so busy and stressful as well as illness-ridden, did me in. I gave up my weight-lifting routine and all cardio except walking the dog. Now my legs ached and my throat burned from having to breathe in much more cold air than I should because of being in bad shape. However, it was just beautiful outside and there is nothing to do but improve.

In doing some searching on Fargo Parks, I discovered this section of the trail actually has a name, Burdick Park. I noticed that more  of the remaining homeowners (others were bought out after the flood in the spring of 2004) now have "Private Property" signs marking the edge of their property on the low land by the river, so my ski trail has to meander around those property lines. The people who still have homes on this stretch of river are the ones who fought the city and refused to be bought out for flood control, so they probably feel strongly about protecting their property, but from what?
 

After skiing in a little loop around Burdick Park, I headed north again and continued all the way to the dog park before heading home. It was a longer ski than yesterday, but not even what I would call a minimal length ski, and my heart rate was pretty high the whole time. It is going to be quite the challenge to get in shape! But I'm not just here for the workout--I'm also out to enjoy the beautiful light, and the sun was on the downwards arc, which made for some really beautiful scenes. Here is the sun peaking between two trees:

I also like to see the patterns of the snow, and here is a new one to me:

After skiing, I showered and then started making cookies with my son, Alex, who is home from college at Wesleyan. We picked up gallons of milk from the store and brought the cookies over to the  Fargo South pool for the swimmers to have after their workout. 

A fateful ski that ended with a trip to the emergency room

When Enrico took the vows of marriage, he promised to be my "fateful" husband instead of "faithful," something we joke about.

On Saturday, January 14th,  2017, Enrico came back from skijoring with Noko at about 4:30pm. I was preparing food for the ski and chili feed with the NDSU Nordic Ski Club, scheduled for Sunday. I asked, "How was your ski?" and he didn't answer. I waited a bit, then asked him again. He was just standing by the side door, not coming up right away. Finally, he said, "Okay until the end."

"What happened?" I asked.
No answer.
"Did you get cold?" I glanced up, awaiting an answer. He just shook his head slowly from side to side. He was still not moving.
"Did you get hurt?" I asked.
Sill no answer, but again he shook his head from side to side.
I went down the stairs and hugged him. He was all hot and sweaty and not moving. I came back up, thinking if I gave him a moment, he would snap out of it.
He did take off the skijor belt and started to put away his hat and gloves. However, when he walked across the kitchen, I saw he was limping. He did get hurt! I thought to myself, and he is mad, and doesn't want to tell me about it.
"Are you hurt?" I asked again, following him.
He shook his head again, and very slowly said, "I feel like my right leg and right arm are disconnected from my body."
That is when I realized I needed to take action.
"How about if we go to the hospital?" I asked.
When he did not object, I then knew we had to go to the hospital. I asked him to change his shirt while I got my wallet and keys, but he just stood there, confused. I noticed he was holding his mouth funny, and then I realized we would need to go to the emergency room. Enrico might be having a stroke.
I hustled him into the car, and drove quickly to the emergency room. Fortunately, it is minutes from our house and there were no trains to wait for.
When we arrived, I hustled him inside. He was still not really talking, but he could walk better. I saw my cousin's daughter, Karissa, and asked her where to check in. She pointed the way.

By the time we were seen, Enrico was doing better, and we thought maybe the trip was unnecessary, but Enrico was still not really himself. After a couple of days of testing, the doctors found a tumor on his heart. He would have to have open heart surgery immediately. 

First Ski of 2017-18 season on Winter Solstice--December 21st

We got snow for Solstice!  I took a break from preparing for our neighborhood holiday party to go for a ski with Noko on the trails alongside the Red River of the North.

My Solstice decorations include birch poles from my friend Denise, snowflake lights, and a Halloween decoration to represent Raven, who brought light to the people. 

At first Noko was taken aback by the cold snow (it was -1F) and kept lifting up his paws, but eventually we got going. We skied to the dogpark and on the way back, he actually got into pulling for a bit. In his older middle age, he has slowed down a bit and likes to stop and be petted and praised for his pulling quite frequently.

Noko taking a break to smell the grasses on the side of the trail. 

I was thinking we would ski in the direction of the water treatment plant as well, but he balked, and when I asked him if he wanted to go home, he headed for the dike. Okay, then, just a short ski today. That was fine, as I still had a lot of party preparations to do. Also, I, too, am a bit slower in my middle age. If I get out each day, I hope to be feeling more sprightly.