Teeth have been chattering in the Northland lately. Extreme cold has set in during the past week, with temperatures at 29 degrees below zero Thursday morning at the Brule DNR station.
At such temperatures, steam rolls off the Brule River wherever it happens to remain open. Frost clings to the low overhanging branches that sparkle when the sun shines on them. It is certainly beautiful ... but very cold.
Due to the frigid temperatures, ski activity at the Afterhours Ski Trails has slowed down. Temperatures are expected to become much more comfortable over the weekend, so the activity should pick up considerably. The trails will be groomed on Friday in preparation for the weekend skiers.
Last weekend's Learn to Ski Day was so successful, another will be offered Feb. 1.
The lessons will again be free at the After Hours Ski Trail in the Brule River State Forest. Both the classic and skate styles of cross country skiing will be offered to children and adults. No memberships or trail passes are required, and ski lessons start at the trailhead at 12:45 p.m.
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Children must be registered by a parent or guardian, and children eight and under should be accompanied by an adult. Youth groups may participate by preregistering.
Rental equipment will be available until 4 p.m. but only to those who preregister and are present at the 12:30 p.m. equipment checkout time. The cost for rental skis, boots and poles is $5 for youths 12 and younger and $15 for others.
Call Susie Isaksen at (715) 372-4939. Name persons renting equipment and, for each, indicate whether classic or skate-style equipment is desired, as well as adult or children's shoe size, sex, age and approximate weight and height. Please also leave your own name and telephone number.
The After Hours trailhead and parking lot are just south of Highway 2 on After Hours Road, the first road west of the Brule River.
