Cabin Fever?!

When Tracy and I made the northern migration to Skandia last June there was plenty to be excited about with just a few reservations. Those "few" virtually all centered around how we'd fare living at the end of a country road in the middle of the U.P.'s "snowbelt." Having grown up in the southern part of the peninsula (Gladstone), which is affectionately dubbed the "banana belt" by Lake Superior shoreside Yoopers, this was somewhat of a minor concern and we were both cautiously optimistic about the challenge.

It was not so much the snow itself that caused the anxiety, but the snow REMOVAL and ensuing cabin fever that always seems to set in around February. After a generous early winter from Mother Nature, the snow removal has since lived up to its expectations. Thanks to my handy Dad with a keen eye for useful things, however, we've been able to tame it with our "brand new" trusty Ariens "Sno-Thro" (circa 1970).

So once you're able to get out of the driveway, what does one do here during winter? It's a fair question - and one we heard often from family and friends not familiar. Initially we both anticipated a greater-than-usual amount of time spent at the ski lodge this season, as it's a favorite winter pastime that we rarely were able to enjoy as residents of East Lansing. Before the alpine ski season came upon us, however, that idea went out of the picture for me after an unfortunate firewood hauling knee injury back in December (yes, snow-related). Regardless (and probably against conventionally wisdom), Tracy and I decided to take up cross-country skiing in order to take advantage of the backcountry trail network here at the farm and the impressive groomed trail systems present in the greater Marquette area. It's been a complete riot of fun as well as a gateway for us to get involved with the Noquemanon Skijor Club and try the sport out with some new friends who know what they're doing. Thule enjoys it and it's a fun way to get in some winter exercise while taking in some north country backcountry scenery!

Tracy & Thule enjoying some nighttime skijoring

On top of the annual Noquemanon Ski Marathon, inaugural Noque Animoosh Skijor Race, and inaugural Noque Snow Bike Race this weekend, there's still plenty of winter festivities here in our new home to look forward to: The U.P. 200 Sled Dog Race, the 125th annual Suicide Hill Ski Jumping Tournament in Ishpeming, "Michigan Ice Fest" Ice Climbing weekend in Munising, and the very much less serious 19th Ever Trenary Outhouse Classic. Surely if cabin fever did in fact settle in up here it would be our own fault.

As far as indoor hobbies go, I'm still working on improving the homebrewing skills. I quickly realized that the craft is a fun way to blend creativity with an affinity for quality brew. With the opportunity to share the fun in this new embarkment with a great friend on the Pacific Coast (Mike Shea), and a very patient craft-brew-loving wife, the creativity is never lacking. The quality, on the other hand...we'll see.

In the spirit of Trenary's February classic...