It was a beautiful 30degree day for the start of the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon very much appreciated by the spectators but a bit too warm for the dogs. We were delighted to discover a great spot to watch the teams come through the woods and descend into a turn after crossing Vermilion Road. Good photo opportunities, not many people and the dogs looked fresh and enthusiastic after just a half hour on the trail. Unfortunately, weather conditions were less than ideal as the too warm temperatures, light rain and then extreme cold and windchills caused more than half of the teams to drop out. The twelve finishers were warmly welcomed after 3 1/2 days on the trail.

If you've read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson (or are planning on reading it) there's an event in Duluth on March 19 you won't want to miss. He will be speaking at the Marshal School at 7:00pm on that Wednesday. We have tickets available for you free of charge if you stay with us (only 2 rooms left), so give us a call soon. For more information about the book and Greg Mortenson check out his website www.threecupsoftea.com . I'm off to buy the book now so he can autograph it as well.

The extremely cold temperatures and ice shut down the Duluth schools for 2 days this week and Jim and I were stuck at the cabin up near Biwabik. An extra day wasn't hard to take, but we finally had to come home as we were running out of coffee and videos! The boys weren't too disappointed either with a bit of down time.

That's all from the good life in Duluth!

Joan and Jim