Feelin' Rondy

Photos taken during the Fur Rondy sled dog race this weekend

We watched the race from spot 4 on the map below

From the Anchorage Daily News

Today is opening day of the 75th Annual Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage. Known affectionately as "Fur Rondy," the event was the brainchild of an old sourdough named Vern Johnson who sought a way to enliven the spirits of Anchorageans during especially long winters. Coinciding with the time of year when miners and trappers would meet up in Anchorage to socialize and ply their furs and wares, Fur Rondy used to feature all sorts of competitions and events including skiing, hockey and boxing. These days the dog sled races are the main attraction. The races cut through the middle of town allowing most people a glimpse of the races throughout the event. In fact, Meghan and her coworkers took the afternoon to watch the teams race through Anchorage's downtown streets on Friday (spot 1 on the map). I will try to avoid "remnants" of Friday's races during my ski home from work today (from spot 5 to spot 2 on the map above).

Sven and Oly(mpics)

I probably left some drool on the bib after Sunday's very hilly 30 km race at Kincaid Park

As a tune up for the Tour of Anchorage I participated (competed would be less accurate) in the Sven Johanssen Race at Kincaid Park. The race offered two courses, a 10 km and a 30 km. Initially I planned to ski the 10 km course and get some racing experience, I then decided to enter the 30 km race and get a Medieval hill workout as well. After skiing about 25 km the day before I felt ready for some distance. Eric G., a friend and a racing veteran, agreed to provide the best wax for Sunday's race. Before turning on the iron we watched Olympic coverage of the men's 30 km pursuit in Whistler to get fired up. Perhaps as a nod to Sven, the namesake of the race here in Anchorage, two Swede's stunned everyone and captured a gold and a bronze amid 50 degree heat and a furious finish. During Sunday's race I was only hoping for a personal best - skiing a distance of 30 km. Racing was a blast (and exhausting) and definitely added an element of excitement to cross country skiing. Now, more than ever, I am looking forward to the Tour next month. Oh yeah, results from the Sven can be found here. Make sure you look for Eric G. near the top of the list.

A pair of Swedes, Johan Olsson and Marcus Hellner, sprint to the finish in Whistler during Saturday's 30 km race

Valentine Getaway to Exit Glacier

For the long weekend Meghan and I joined our friends the Needs - Harry and Leslie - for a ski-cabin getaway. We drove to the trailhead early Saturday morning and began our quest after a quick stop at the Seward Safeway (which reminded us of the one in Kodiak). Our 8 mile ski out to the cabin began sunny, but the sun soon disappeared behind rain/snow clouds for most of the weekend. Our destination was a cabin in the Exit Glacier Area of Kenai Fjords National Park. While the weather did not offer much in the way of outdoor exploring, we enjoyed several games of Mexican Train, Hearts, and a menu of surprisingly tasty cabin-cooked meals (even a lil' champagne to celebrate V Day). Not much wildlife to speak of during the trip, only moose tracks (not the ice cream flavor) and a few bald eagles.

Meghan makes strides to the cabin

Entering the Kenai Fjords National Park's Exit Glacier Area

"...And some flapjacks."

Harry spies the toe of Exit Glacier

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a warm afternoon ski to the glacier

Skiing home with packs empty and spirits full

Opening Ceremonies?

This year's costume champs - last year they were caterpillars

Nope. These costumes were part of the Ski for Women event held on Super Bowl Sunday at Kincaid Park here in Anchorage, not in Vancouver to celebrate the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Sponsored by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and benefiting local domestic violence non-profits, Ski for Women is in its 14th year. Meghan and her friends joined the Party Wave and entered the costume contest.

The Skiters

Oh, and there was skiing involved as well. The Party Wave hit the Mize Loop to complete a 4k untamed, er untimed classic ski tour. The ladies had a great time and are already making plans for next year's costumes. My vote for a ski-themed Moby Dick was met with immediate disapproval.

MJ's zombie epic - 'Chiller'

Flattop Hike

Snowy Saturday afternoon hike with friends. We sighted moose and backcountry skiers along the way as we scrambled up the mountainside.