Snowshoers going strong

By IAN MINIELLY

iminielly@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — The Superior Snowshoe Walking group has released its 2018 schedule.

It is the seventh year for the snowshoe walks and while Sam Davey said they used to have 100-plus come out for each walk, they now average somewhere between 40 to 100, however the weather is a mitigating factor in attendance, as real cold nights tend to have limited participation.

Davey said the walks are community events, open to the public, and if someone would like to try, but does not have snowshoes, he or she can coordinate with Hobby Wheel to receive a set of snowshoes. No one should use not having a pair of snowshoes as an excuse to not give it a try, he said.

Davey said, “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.” While most just walk the 1.5 or 2-mile courses, Davey said a few speed merchants navigate the trails at a rapid clip and they usually just leave first and return first.

Volunteers act as a rear guard to make sure everyone returns to the starting location.

Each of the 11 walks is sponsored by a local business. The sponsoring business provides food at the end of the walk. While the walks and chow are technically free, there is a “participation jug” put out for each walk, where people are encouraged to financially support the walk and meal.

The walks are every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Headlights or flashlights are recommended, but not required.

The walk schedule and sponsors are:

—Jan. 3: Mark Fitting Annual Memorial Walk, Michigan Information Center, Maplewood Restaurant.

—Jan. 10: Bessemer Walk, Iron Belle trailhead behind city hall, Bessemer VFW.

—Jan. 17: Gogebic Country Club, Elk and Hound.

—Jan. 24: Manny’s Walk, Manny’s Restaurant.

—Jan. 31: Miners Park Trail, Cold Iron Brewery.

—Feb. 7: Corullos’ House, 5316 Spring Lane Road, Don and GG’s.

—Feb. 14: Schaumburg Park, Oma, Pit Stop in Hurley.

—Feb. 21: Stan and Sue Carr’s House Walk, Powderhorn.

—Feb. 28: ABR, Golden Dragon Restaurant.

—March 7: Mt. Zion Walk, Bell Chalet.

—March 14: Wolverine Ski Trails, Wolverine Ski Club and Hobby Wheel, potluck and bonfire.