Bigfoot 10k, Snowshoe Hike, and Blizzard Wine Tasting

January is a great time for a weekend getaway, especially when it's all the way up to tropical Traverse City, MI for a 10k snowshoe race.  We found a Super 8 that is dog friendly at the cool price of $35 a night and trekked on up north.  The race is put on by a local store, Running Fit, and they put on a very fun, low key show.  We rented some hiking snowshoes from UM for a good weekend rate, though next year I'd like to find a racing pair that are a little narrower for running.

This was my first time ever running on snowshoes and Alaina's second as she'd taken them out for a spin on the golf course the night before the race.  As we lined up at the start line and chatted with a very friendly crowd, Alaina spotted a runner girl she knew and said "HI!"  This girl runs a 2:50 marathon, which is nearing Olympic Trials for women, so we knew that winning the female category today was out.  Oh well, time for fun.

The first 10-15 minutes is pure snowy chaos.  It is the open water swimming of running.  Everyone is kicking up powder all over the place and you can't see a foot in front of you, so you just throw one shoe in front of the other and hope for the best.  After one 5k loop, Alaina said she wanted to stop but I convinced her to rally the troops and forge on.  But I loved every single second.  When we neared the finish line I asked the volunteers, 'which way to the 15k?'  Hehe.  So much fun.

This is usually a cross country skiing trail.

Alaina shows off her 2nd place female cup in front of a toasty fire.

I was the good husband keeping spirits warm on a single digit day.

I'll post the race pics from the official photographer when they come in.

After gorging an entire pizza, we went out for more snowshoeing at Sands Lake Quiet Area.

Alaina catches snowflakes.

Ah!  Bigfoot sighting!

Traverse City has over 2 feet of snow.

Cody was our fearless leader.  What else is new?

These trails were well-blazed and ripe for the hoof.

Still smiling after an hour race.

Just a sample of all the snow.

Is that pure joy I see on your face?

We met this group building igloos and XC skiing for the weekend.  We need to make friends with THESE guys!

All the amenities of home...sort of.

Those are designated XC ski tracks on the left and snowshoe trail to the right.

What doesn't kill you...still hurts.

After all that 'shoeing, it was time to hit the wineries.  Lovely blizzard, eh?

Stay toasty.

There were actually a few other crazies out there.

Peninsula Cellars, a converted school house.

They let Cody romp around, so we really liked these guys.

Some days call for a stiff Port.

Chateau Grand Traverse

End of the tour.  Chateau Chantal.  Best Pinot Noir we've had.

Helluva way to end the tour.  Click this one to see the vineyards in the background.

 Icicles outside Right Brained Brewery.