Photos by:

Karen Holmquist

Photos by:

Jerry Schuster

Photos by:

Barb Kolbe

Relaxing after a super day

of skiing at Spirit Mt.

Photos by:

Alan Moore

Spirit Mountain

It may not have been a January thaw, but the weather was very pleasant on Thursday, January 22 when 29 ULLRs either skied at Spirit Mt., or cross-country skied and snowshoed at Jay Cooke State.

After a day of enjoying the great outdoors many ULLRs were seen soaking in the hot tub at our lodging, Black Bear Casino, while others (David Lyons) wasted no time getting down to the business of gambling.  I didn’t hear of any big winners, but everyone was clothed leaving the next day, so I guess no one “lost their shirt.”  After sneaking in the “libations” for the wine and cheese party (new policy-no liquor to be brought into the rooms) we indulged in a few glasses of wine before heading down to the Seafood Buffet Dinner… no one left hungry.  Unfortunately after dinner, the band playing in the Cobalt Cabaret was a little too loud for most of our ears, so back to playing the slot machines.

On Friday the true Minnesota winter showed up, and the temperature dropped considerably.  Only three brave couples headed back to Spirit Mt. to ski, Jan and Jerry Swanberg, Barb and Marv Miller (new members), and Patty and Bob Rasmussen.  The remainder of the group headed toward Banning State Park.  We stayed warm following John Egan up and down, in and out, and around and around snowshoeing down to the river and back to the cars.  Judy Burich, Jim Habeck, Cheryl Ostlund, and Jerry Schuster glided through the park on their cross country skies.  We finished off the day with a lunch at Banning Junction.

Thanks to all of you for a great time!

Karen Holmquist