Friday, February 17, 2017

Friday, 2/17

I wonder how many people will be at the dog sled races this weekend wearing shorts?

I remember UP 200 weekends where it was so cold that your fingers fell off. I remember UP 200 weekends where it was so snowy that you could barely see the spectators standing across Washington Street from you. But I don't think I ever remember a UP 200 weekend where the forecast was for sun and 50 degrees.

You know---February shorts weather.

It should be an interesting weekend here in Marquette with the “heat”. All the races (including the UP 200, Jackpine 30, and Midnight Run) are still scheduled to run as usual, although organizers say they make take precautions to ensure the dogs don't get overheated. And for once, some of the other outdoor events going on, like Glacier Glide, should be events where you might actually find yourself removing clothing instead of piling on more layers.

Not that I'm complaining.

We've had another wacky winter this year, veering from extreme cold to extreme warmth, from no snow to a bunch of it in one day. But it seems to be coming to a premature end. The long range forecast calls for temperatures in the 40s or 50s for at least the next week, and it wouldn't surprise me if whatever snow we have now is gone by the end of the month. That might be good for those of us who are eagerly awaiting summer, but for those people looking to partake in winter events, like the UP 200, it looks like those opportunities may be few and far between.

So on that note, have yourself a great February weekend. It might be the last of “winter”. And it is, for sure, one of the busiest of the year in Marquette, with all kinds of things to do, so make sure you get out and enjoy them. And feel free to wear shorts, if you'd like. After all, how often do you get to do that in February?

8-)


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