Viking Ski Club

In contrast with the 2000/2001 season, when we had exceptional snow and ski conditions throughout, this season saw below average conditions in all of the Laurentians. Fortunately, a few heavy snowfalls in the latter part of March led to substantial improvement in the conditions and many members have been able to enjoy some excellent spring skiing. Hopefully, this will last until the end of April.

In the February newsletter, I reported on the logging situation on parts of the Red trail, favourite to many, which made sections of it unusable this season. The Club intends to continue to follow-up, in order to find a solution to the present dilemma.

On February 9^th we met at the former train station in Morin Heights and Gordon Little led us on the Triangle – Salzbourg tour which was the tour which Ernie Reigle was supposed to have led on January 12^th and was diverted to the aerobic corridor due to the lack of snow. But, of course, Gordon’s tour was supposed to have been Lover’s Leap, but that was moved because of woodcutting! And so it went this season! Nevertheless, the weather was beautiful and the snow plentiful and the hospitality warm and generous at Gordon and Audrey’s cottage at the foot of Mt. Christie.

On February 16th, we met at Mike Loken’s on Lac Cupidon. Again the weather was mild. We all set off towards the Tamaracouta trail, where I led a group up there, then across lacs Milette, Vaseux and Boucane, while Mike continued around the Loken trail north of lakes Wilson and Kanawana to the ridge trail where we all met up for the short leg back to the Loken cottage for some of his famous homemade hot mulled wine.

We had no tour on February 23^rd in preparation for the big loppet the following day, March 2, we met up again at Sandy and Stan Cytrynbaum’s Blue hills cottage. The wood cutting operations once again forced a change of route; so we crossed over the Green Trail going in reverse direction to the Orange again in reverse to the red, back to the Crown to the Green. Some of us, wanting to put in the extra kms, skied back to the clubhouse and Braithwaite’s charming cottage for soup, bagels and other delights.

Despite warnings of several cms of ice covering the countryside, a large and enthusiastic crowd gathered at our Newyago cottage for our annual sausage roast. With the aid of ski poles and sturdy hiking boots, we slip-slided along the aerobic corridor westward, stopping to build a huge bonfire and toasting Montfort’s famous sausages and crusty buns. All washed down with beer, ale, brew, and what have you!

Again, poor conditions plagued the Thursday tours and a few were cancelled because of icy conditions. Two notable trips which I attended were one where a record group of eleven of us met at the Chantecler for an interesting and scenic trip up to the summit of Mount Loup-Garou, lunch at the summit cabin, and down by other trails. We then drove to the Alpine Club of Canada’s chalet in Ste. Adele where Sheila Naiman, Audrey Speck, Graeme and B.J. Bell hosted the gang to après ski goodies. The following week we met at Mike Loken’s where we scouted out that new part of the Loken tour, which I led two days later.

I would like to thank Walter Van Walsum for continuing to organize these Thursday events. This year it’s been particularly challenging to find suitable locations and then to inform everyone with the arrangements. Merci, Walter.

On behalf of the club and the participants, I want to thank all of you who led tours this winter. You are as follows: Steve and Winona Sewell, Martha McKenna, Ernie Reigle, Hjordis and Derek Wills, Lou and Jean Lukanovitch, Sylvia Fendle, Gordon and Audrey Little, Mike Loken, Stan and Sandy Cytrynbaum, Ruth Braithwaite Mike Dohrendorf and Sorel Cohen.

We now welcome skiers from Morin Heights Cross Country Association and Carte-Reseau cardholders of Regroupement de ski de Fond des Laurentides to our trail network. While the new signs at all intersections are a big improvement over what we had last season, I believe we need better signs both for these non-members who may never have skied our trails before and for our own members who may not be very familiar with our vast network. This is a big project which will entail considerable effort and expense and will have to be spread over several years. One element, which should be incorporated, is the degree of difficulty of each trail, indicated by a black diamond, blue square, and green circle. Another element is the name of the trail and he third could be a direction arrow.

On March 25, Sorel and I took advantage of a beautiful late March snowy Sunday to ski the 10km racing trail which we had not done in several years. I recall coming to an X sign and noting its presence as I had noted its absence earlier in the season while skiing the 7.5 km. It struck me how much better and clearer it would be to have a sign showing the10km to the right and the 7.5km to the left.

We need a volunteer to head a committee to study this matter and to report to the board before the start of next season. I hope someone will come forward and speak to Erik Vikander, or myself and we can have a preliminary discussion at the upcoming annual meeting.

The last part of the season was devoted to preparing for the winter camping weekend. With weather cooperating, it was 15 degrees on Saturday, the group of 15, including four adults (including Rick, Mark Brenchley, Peter Kirby and Sebastien Campeau – many thanks to you all), pitched their tents on the 10k loop of the racing trails.

But at nightfall, the wind and rain came – and a lot of it – creating a symphony of cracking branches and flapping tents. Despite the change in weather, everyone remained dry and warm, although Mark did not sleep a wink.

With big smiles, everyone walked out on Sunday morning, some on snowshoes and with skis strapped to backpacks, over fallen trees and on layers of ice. A small get together with relieved parents in the clubhouse followed.

Sylvie had a raffle for Peter Blanchard’s racing outfit from the 1998 Olympics. Erika was the winner. Plans were made to get together in the fall for hiking and bicycle tours. A big thank you for Rick and Sylvie for making the year so much fun!

Another milestone was reached on February 24, 2002, when for the first time in the history of the Loppet, the event was organized in partnership with the Municipality of Morin-Heights. Months of planning and hard work by the *organizing committee paid off, when despite lack of snow in the city and mild weather and rain at the beginning of the week, almost 200 skiers participated.

Morin-Heights Elementary School was the focal point for registration, parking, post-race meals and award ceremonies. A special thanks goes to R & R Adventure of Saint-Sauveur for providing free waxing service at the school. This year the 25 and 33 km Loppets started at the Viking pond, the 12 km Loppet at the Aerobic Corridor in Montfort, and the 3 km Loppet at the Aerobic Corridor Station in Morin-Heights.

Unfortunately, the 50 km Loppet had to be cancelled for safety reasons. Shuttle buses brought skiers to the various starting points. The buses run like "Swiss Clocks" thanks to Carl Bertrand. All races finished behind the Auberge Morin-Heights, at Highway 364 and Village Road, a great place for friends, family, and local supporters to watch the races.

With over 60 participants, the 12 km Loppet proved to be very popular with families and young skiers. Chris Blanchard, Viking and long-time member of the National Cross-Country Ski Team spoke at the start. He reflected on his career, which began at Viking and peaked at the Olympic games in Nagano. Chris offered one of his national team suits as a prize to inspire young Viking skiers to follow in his footsteps and Erika Ladouceur won the suit.

The new Morin-Heights Jackrabbit "mini-Loppet" got off to a good start. Close to 20 enthusiastic youngsters finished the 3 km course and received a gold medal at the finish. Brian Morin and his team did a wonderful job motivating the young skiers from start to finish.

direction of Michael Dohrendorf. Thanks to their effort, Guy Thibaudeau was able to start the medal presentation around 2 p.m. Peggy Austin, the daughter of Hermann Smith Johannsen, presented the medals to the winners of the 33 km Smith-Johannsen Loppet. The Loppet was named in honour of her father and held for the 30^th time.

The racing season for the challenge gang was a great success. The first Coupe Fondeur took place January 19th. The kids raced 1 km, 3 km, or 5 km Classic. We had seven kids from the challenge program participating and they brought home five medals. Audrey, Sam, Erika, Elizabeth, Sarah, Valerie, and Olivia skied great.

The second Coupe Fondeur was February 2nd at which nine kids from challenge and five kids from the Saturday Jackrabbit program earned nine medals in total. In the girls we brought home a gold medal in each age group. Way to go girls! Sam and Valerie earned a bronze and silver respectively. We also had a lot of help from the Jackrabbit kids whom added three medals to the collection.

Only Erika participated in the third Coupe Fondeur that took place the following week and brought honour to the club by earning another medal. All the other challenge members were taking part in the CSM.

Two great skiers represented us from February 23rd to the 25th at the North American Midget Championships. Sarah Moore finished 2nd in the Saturday skating event and won gold on Sunday in the 3 km classic event. Erika skied really well but unfortunately came down with the flu on Sunday.

The same weekend was the Viking Loppet in which all the kids who participated did great. We had half of the challenge kids racing the 15 km and the other half the 25 km. It was amazing; we had super nice tracks and rocket fast conditions. Just the way I like it! I also raced the 25 km and kept up to my daughter Audrey right until we got down to the corridor in Monfort and then the double poling action started for the next 10 km. That’s where she lost me, I was never to see her again! And that’s where reality slapped me in the face, these kids are on their way up and I’m just going down!

Anyway, enough of that. All to say that it was a great event very well organized by Viking members and the municipality of Morin Heights.

Audrey had some pretty good results too, racing for Viking and coached by Remi Brière of Fondeurs Laurentides. Racing the Coupe Quebec circuit she finished the season placing fourth overall. She did great in January at the Eastern Canadian Championships earning gold in skating, and silver in the sprint and the classic race.

Rick and I are very pleased with the incredible results from the all the challenge kids and look forward to the next racing season. Thanks to all you kids for generating so much speed and fun!

Tanned, well exercised, fed and entertained, some two dozen plus Vikings returned from another of Michael Dohrendorf's end of season excursions, this time in the Sutton area of Eastern Townships during the weekend 8/910 March 2002.

News of somewhat better snow accumulations -in a desperately snow starved winter- plus our previous 1999 experiences of friendly and familiar accommodations at the Auberge Schweizer were major components in the choice. The only variable Michael cannot offer insurance on is the weather! By now, participants who commit to these excursions have learnt to be "fully adaptable" and bring gear for all season activities.

Heading eastward down Autoroute 10 on Friday afternoon, the outlook seemed grim; a snow-less landscape and radio weekend forecasts of ……"heavy rain, gale force winds, temperatures raising, then falling to below zero"…Michael's temperature cycling trip perhaps!

Throughout Friday afternoon, Viking vans and cars rolled into the 130-acre farm lot that comprises the Auberge Schweizer, nestled on mountain Roundtop and offering views out across Sutton valley. Welcoming host Heidi, remembering us from 3 years ago, assigned rooms, and reminded us that dinner would be served at 6:30 p.m.

While daylight remained, a couple of desperados (Erik and Chris) donned skis, hopped over a wire fence and were determined to find some snow higher up the property, even though it meant avoiding cow pats and snow-less grassy expanses! We less ski ambitious folks walked up through the fields for post drive exercise and found ourselves amid a maple forest with collecting buckets dangling from the trees and a rustic maple syrup making shack.

Sticklers for tradition, Vikings congregated for "happy hour" proceeding dinner in a spacious do-as-you-please conference facility situated in a separate building... safely out of earshot from management! The "happy hour" potluck contributions of snacks never cease to amaze.

A tasty dinner, with choice of fish or chicken, was served with Swiss efficiency in the cozily appointed dinning room, replete with a moose head, cow bells, bird clock and a blazing log stove.

During dessert, a couple of Pisces (Gordon and Audrey) were caught aging red handed and had to jointly prove they had enough energy to blow out cake candles to guitar and Viking voice accompaniment. Also, a recent newcomer to the club, Ann, read us a "back recovery" poem…. sustained, alas while on a recent Viking tour.

To round out the Friday evening, it was back to the "happy hour" facility, which was transformed into a theatre with inveterate globe trotting hikers Celia and Howard with their Kodak magic lantern. They whisked us off to Patagonia, Chile…by jet, then busses, then it was do up your boot laces for the 6 day, 125 km "W" shaped hike twixt 2,800 m high towers of granite, and intervening glaciers. Staying at refuges where dinner and breakfast was provided made for lighter backpacks. Knowing Howard, there had to be a fishy conclusion somewhere, so we were transported to Puerto Montt and Lago Todos los Santos where locals show-boated him off to delightful "catches of the day". Celia opted for a solo hike up the nearby Osorno volcano and back down the Petrohue river.

Following a night of forbidding howling winds, we assembled for breakfast at 8 o'clock during which the decision was made to go to the ends of the earth, if necessary, to find enough snow to ski on. In French, this apparently translates into Au Diable Vert, which is exactly where the great Viking convey of cars drove to, some 10 km away. We completely filled up the lower car park facility of this cross-country ski domaine, following which we walked up with skis to the Auberge Au Diable Vert to pay our negotiated dues and obtain trail network maps. With no wind, sunny skies, abundant snow coverage and temperatures edging up to double digits, we were all set for a perfect spring ski where gloves, hats and other clothes items could be joyfully dispensed with!

To contrast the Diable, one trail is called "Descente du paradis" and was just that as each Viking zigzagged down their own paths through the open forest. Always eager to "ski outside the box", one Viking gung-ho group explored summer hiking trails, which were not really intended to be skied. The main group ventured off toward the north west region, ending up having lunch on top of the buried Trans Maine to Montreal oil/gas pipeline which cuts a wide swath through the wooded area and resembles a down hill ski trail.

A sub Viking group sort of got lost on an adjacent farm property, but were rewarded with the bucolic scene of a horse, being led by a goat, and group of kids involved with maple syrup gathering activities. By mid afternoon, all Viking were reunited on the snow-laden deck of the

Auberge Au Diable Vert, basking in sun sipping served refreshments.

For happy hour entertainment back at Auberge Schweizer, Walter dusted off an old video favourite which gave us an amusing look back to the very early days of skiing in North America……imagine nailing your boots to 12 foot long skis and flying down mountain sides with a single wooden pole!

During dinner, would-be Viking yodellers were given their chance by a lively accordionist who invited us to join in the choruses of Swiss folk songs. Fortunately, a CD of this will not be available!

For post dinner entertainment, Celia and Howard had us put on our virtual hiking boots again and took us off to France for a 176-km summer hike in 11 days through Tour de la Vanoise. During the day, fabulous scenery, good weather, lots of wildlife and flowers, at night civilized stay over at nicely appointed and catered Refuges… as only the French know how!

Another gusty night and an awakening on Sunday morning to a glazed, sub-zero world where any thoughts of cross-country skiing were out of the question…was yesterday a spring dream? Post breakfast, we compromised with a hike on a local trail up to a Mohawk Lake; Siberian mountain goats might have felt more comfortable on this snow-on-ice trail condition, plus the strange alternating weather transitions from snow squalls to sunshine!

However, it served to give a good workout before the return drive back to Montreal.

So, to those who might contemplate one of Michael’s future spring excursions, be prepared by wearing a hiking boot on one foot, a ski on the other, an umbrella in one hand, a ski pole in the other!

Thanks again Michael for organizing yet another enjoyable spring excursion, temperature cycling notwithstanding!

Any Saturday morning this season would not have been complete without an animated conversation regarding the unusual weather and snow conditions. This was the first year in recent history that two regular Saturday morning lessons were canceled. It was difficult for those who lived through a week of bare Montreal lawns in February to believe that there was great skiing at Viking. But there was. With icy crusts and granular snow, JRs got to practice a lot of skating. A late snowfall put the March 23^rd makeup lesson back in mid-winter conditions.

Not only was the weather pot-luck. Over 50 Jackrabbits, Bunnies and parents shared a spaghetti pot-luck supper and the Morin Heights Lantern Ski on March 2nd. Fast conditions made for a record-breaking seven kilometer run from Montfort down the Aerobic corridor on this romantic moonlit evening. Most stayed for a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine at the Ski Morin Heights chalet while the band set up their equipment. Many thanks to Anne N. who coordinated this event and to all those who used their excellent culinary skills and night vision to make this a success.

The Canadian Ski Marathon has become an exciting event for program parents and children. Apart from offering a training focus for those who aspire to sleep outdoors and ski 180 km in two days, it’s accessible to anyone who can ski at least one section (approximately 20 km). Most of these participants in this winter’s CSM would agree that it is a great way to see the Quebec and Ontario wilderness that is just outside our door. Here they are:

Viking Ski Club’s Jackrabbit program had its own version of the CSM: the Mini-Marathon. Brian and Anne offered a marked course and a challenge to complete as many sections as possible in a time limit. Children fueled by snacks at the checkpoint wore tags that were punched at the completion of each section. Participation certificates showing the distance indicated that even the youngest were keen on doing as much as they could muster.

Norway Nordic’s "Most Deserving Jackrabbit Award" is presented each year to the skier that routinely demonstrates the good qualities and attitudes that one might expect of a Jackrabbit. This year, at the awards ceremonies after the picnic, it was presented to Jamie Law-Smith, whose participation and remarkable improvement were exemplary. Congratulations.

Many thanks to those involved formally as leaders: Head Instructor: Brian Morin; Sub: Arne Moore; Assistant head instructor: Anne Nicholson; JR5: Tom Krecjik; JR4: Kato Lone, John Saabas, Steve Cape; JR3: Christie Johnson, Beatrice Felin; JR2: Ed Suliteanu, Karen Fish, Susan Law, John McInnis; JR1: Geoff Anderson, Mark Ware, Sharon Sawyer; BR: Patty Symon, Miriam Taylor. Also, thanks to all volunteer parents not elsewhere mentioned who gave their time sweeping, substituting and administering the program in so many ways.

We are planning get-together in the early May for all parents and leaders who would like to provide feedback and ideas on the JR/BR program. Parents interested in participating may contact the coordinators listed below.

Have a good summer. Bye for now.

The 2002 Canadian Ski Marathon was fortunate to squeeze into a small window of winter even though there were some bird calls that are usually only heard during the summer. The trail conditions ranged from surprisingly good to excellent. This year it all began at Buckingham and ended in Lachute.

Saturday was a sunny day with no wind. At 8 o'clock it was hovering around -12C. In the valleys the temperature was lower than that and caused some concern for frostbite but by late morning it had warmed up to a high of about -4C. It was easy to ski the kilometers that day because of the great conditions. Some completed three sections and could have done another since the gate was still open at the time but also realized that they had not done the training to complete another section and ski well the next day.

Sunday morning was overcast and warmer at the start, -5C. A few skied the 24 kilometer section, the second section of the day. It is long but extremely beautiful with its continuously changing landscape. The trail at one point follows a river valley for almost three kilometers where you are skiing on a high bank looking down at the river which this year had many open stretches of fast running water and rapids. There was the tremendously long crossing of the wilderness lake, Lake Maholy, with not a sign of civilization at any point on its shore. There were many intervening ridges with interesting descents. The section is so long that it even has an intermediate refreshment station. It ends at the Rouge River but as you approach it you ski first through an abandoned apple orchard and then over and around a whole series of small hillocks. At noon the sun had come out and signaled the beginning of a change in the weather. Who would have known that within a couple of hours it would snow heavily, then sleet, all to be followed in quick succession by rain. Each marathon has something of the unexpected.

Congratulations are in order for all the great results by Viking skiers. The club was well represented and this may have been its greatest year ever at the marathon. The first point of note is that the final tally for participation in the marathon from the youth programs at Viking was 25 skiers which is a new benchmark.

The Junior Racing Team, Viking Challenge 1, with captain Sam Huberman, Charlie Brenchley, Ian Matheson, and Tomas Jochym-o’Connnor won their category. Sam and Charlie both led the way each skiing 7 sections and Ian and Tomas contributed 6 each. Being the only member at the banquet that evening, Tomas was able to lift the trophy on behalf of the whole team. Their names will be inscribed on it and interestingly it is called the Viking Trophy. There was another junior team from Viking and they did quite well in their first attempt. They were led by Olivia Bouffard-Nesbit with 7 sections, followed by Maaike Hibbeln-Kirby with 6, and Claire Matheson and Isabella Huberman with 5 sections. They show great promise.

The perennial winners of the Touring Family award, the Bowes-Lyons of Viking, known to marathoners as the Lyon Cubs, won again and have a lock on the award. Cedric led the team with 9 sections skied followed by Derric with 8, Darrel with 7, and their father Doug, the organizer of the team, with 5. Surprisingly an Ottawa family somehow was able to tie them for the gold position.

In the Senior Women’s category Anna o’Connor of Viking with her sister Bette and two friends Maria and Marilynn came first again and like the Lyon Cubs have a lock on their category’s award. In the Mixed Team Robert Weiler, Henry Andres, Sylvia Fendle, all of the Viking Ski Club, and Elizabeth van Eyken of Morin Heights came a close second to an Ottawa team.

The coureurs de bois really earned their awards since many had to ski the last 10 kilometers by double-poling. It was pouring rain and their skis could give them no kick. Congratulations are especially in order for Sebastien Campeau who was part of the group of coureurs de bois who finished in these extremely difficult conditions. He is now a gold coureur de bois.

Probably the highlight of the marathon was Sarah Moore becoming the youngest female skier to ever complete the whole marathon distance while earning her bronze coureur de bois. She skied with her father Arne who was completing his silver. Her younger brother Daniel is probably of the same ilk having skied part of this year’s marathon with a broken arm in a plaster cast under the watchful eye of his skiing mother, Anne.

There may have been other exploits by Viking skiers in this year’s edition of the marathon that have yet to come to my attention. It would not surprise me. Possibly in the future the Viking club might need a control centre through which everyone could report their results.

Except for a stretch of the trail ascending out of the Rouge River valley, the marathon trail was in great shape. It is now double tracked its whole length with excellent signage. Thanks have to be extended to the organizers and many volunteers for their excellent work. Each year is better than the last.

It is amazing to think that we are 36 years from the Centennial Year of Canada and the legendary marathon is beginning to approach the half way point to its own centennial.

There are several trails such as the Sentier L’Estrie which is the Canadian section of the famous Long Trail. Then there are the Round Top and Pinnacle mountains to climb etc. On the American side is the Jay section of the Long Trail which is also interesting. Above all, it is an occasion to socialize with new, old and potential club members. It is also a perfect opportunity to awaken the muscles before the ski season starts.

I have tentatively booked the Auberge Schweitzer for the weekend of September 7^th & 8^th. However, I need to know that there is enough interest and who would come along. The cost would be $115. incl. tax per person for two nights lodging with breakfast and supper. As usual we will try to keep you entertained with cocktails, travel slide shows etc.

Our now annual bicycle tour will be in the Franklin area of the Monteregie region just south of Montreal. We will be retracing part of the tour Elisabeth and I cycled last year. The length is roughly 60 km to 70 km with possibilities for shortcuts in case of bad weather or additional loops in case of great weather.

The route is easy, without any big hills. We will explore a historical region of Quebec, cycle through the covered bridge in Powerscourt (built in 1861) and get to see the beautiful orchards in and around Franklin. We are using nearly only back roads where traffic is light, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing ride.

When: June 2^nd 2002

Time: 11 am

Where: We will meet at the intersection of Covey Hill Rd., Rang St. Antoine & Rang St. Charles.

How to get there: Drive through Chateauguay on highway # 138 to Ormstown. Here turn left (south) on Chemin de Jamestown to Saint Antoine Abbe. Make a right turn on Rang St. Antoine which will take you to our meeting point.

Bring your camera and some food & drink for the day. This area does not have many restaurants, nor towns for that matter. Maps with the routes will be provided to everyone who registers by June 1^st.

In the unlikely event of really, really poor weather the tour will be held on June 15^th.

Beginning this past season, Viking Ski Club became a participating member in the umbrella group Regroupement de Ski des Fond Laurentides (RSFL) together with several X-C ski centers and outdoor organizations in the greater Laurentian region. Their popular card - Carte Réseau - could be obtained through the Club by Viking members, for a modest $10. The card granted holders one day’s free skiing at each of about 18 participating X-C centers. Conversely, cardholders from other areas had the opportunity to ski at Viking for a day. You may have noticed some signs outside the Clubhouse regarding registering with the host of the day etc.

A total of 59 Viking members purchased these cards, which we feel is an encouraging number. The financial benefit to the Club was around $3 per card but more

importantly, there is the possibility of new members in the future, as visitors try out our trails. Marginal snow conditions for some of the winter may have resulted in reduced usage of the cards, but hopefully, there were some positive experiences to be had at the different participating centers.

We will be continuing next season with Carte Réseau and look forward to improved snow and weather conditions, always the best drawing card.

"Recently this March I visited my daughter Karen and her family in the Yukon. where they live outside of Whitehorse.

While I was at their Mt. McIntyre Cross Country Ski Centre I was very lucky to meet Alain Masson and his wife Lucy Steele Masson. Alain was formerly a member of the Vikings with his sister Anne Marie and step-father Cyrill Beaudoin. It was around 1975 to 1976. He was very interested in racing and soon joined the "Fondateurs' of St. Jerome.

Since then, Alain has had many remarkable successes. First in 1984 he bicycle raced in the Los Angeles Olympics. Then he cross country skied twice in the Winter Olympics -1988 in Calgary and 1992 in Albertville, France. He was also an Olympic Waxing technician in 1994 in Lillehamer, Norway, and also in the recent Olympics in Salt Lake City, 2002. He is now the very much respected and admired coach of the Yukon cross-country ski team. March 13 to 23, 2002 he is with the team at the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland. His wife, Lucy Steele Masson is a chef du mission for the Games. Lucy's father Dr. Peter Steele competed in a race at the Vikings years ago. I remember talking to him.

Karen"s 14 year old daughter, Sarah Murray competed in the 2002 Arctic Winter Games in the Midget Class in the 1km Sprint, the 3km Classic, the 7.5 Freestyle and the Relay.

While in the Yukon our whole family took part in the Mt. McIntyre Ski Centre Loppet. The 3 grandchildren and myself skied in the 7.5km, while Karen skied the 30 km. Father, David Murray, did not ski as he was looking for his lost sled dog which had broken loose and luckily came home in 2 days."