BOOK AROSS THE BAY, AND THAWED OUT FOR VALENTINES DAY

 

THE ROUTE IS GROOMED WITH SKI HILL EQUIPMENT...

...AND LINED WITH CHRISTMAS TREES

ALWAYS NECESSARY, ESPECIALLY IN FRIGID WEATHER

Friday, 8:00 AM.  4 degrees F at the ferry dock and on the back porch as well (the two locations seldom agree, due to difference in elevation and wind directions).  Wind NNW, calm with occasional strong gusts.  The sky is cloudy, overcast and there is considerable fog. The humidity is 74%, the barometer 30.3" and rising somewhat.  We are in a cold snap through Saturday night at least, when it is expected to be well below zero.  Very little snow is predicted for the next week or more and temperatures should warm up.
   Joan and I watched the Democratic Debate last night.  Impressions:
   Sanders: compelling naive.
   Clinton:  Slick Hilly.

   The Book Across The Bay is a unique ski and snowshoe event held annually to benefit the Washburn and Ashland libraries.  This is year 20 for the Book, which has become huge, attracting thousands of participants.  

   The course is 10K, from Ashland to Washburn.  Preregistration is required.  The course is prepared with ski hill grooming equipment, lined with Christmas trees to mark it, and lit with candles burning in ice blocks.  The temperature will plummet to nine degrees F below zero on Saturday night.  Participants park their cars at Washburn and are transported by bus to the starting point  at Maslowski Park in Ashland.  To ensure everyone is off the ice, it is a one-way race.  A tragic accident several years ago killed a college student who went back to Ashland across the ice by himself and was struck by a car.

   I used to contemplate snowshoeing the event but those days are long past.  Besides, I think it advantageous to be thawed out for Valentines Day.