Posted on 03/23/08 12:03 PM| by TRex
It’s a cool morning along the south shore of Lake Superior. There is a commotion like no other in the small town of Copper Harbor, Michigan. It’s the start of a 36-hour adventure race and what would turn out to be our first “gnome hunt”.The race takes us out to the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and then back southwest towards Houghton. As we reach the tip of the peninsula we’re taunted by the one we now call the “Gnome”. He zips past us, mocking our clever team name “Whistle Pig”. We would not see him again in this race, but his taunting would echo in the deep forest and open water over the next 30 hours.
Hours later we find ourselves in the middle of a sun-baked trek. Our mud-puddle-filled, insect-laden, iodine-treated water is starting to dwindle. Then we see it - a footprint on the trail. In our delirium one teammate exclaims, “It’s his! - I know it!” “I can hear him laughing at us - taunting us in the trees!”
As we follow the footprints, sipping our iodine-bug water, we decide the shape and gait are not at all human. It’s at that moment of clarity we realize, “He’s a Gnome!”
As we reach each of our manned transition areas we hear fantastic tales about a competitor far ahead of us. How he would do a strange dance, while screeching in an unknown language. All that was understood were the words “Where’s my chamois butter?!” And then he would disappear into the dark as quickly as he came.
Ever since, we’ve been chasing the Gnome and his elusive companions.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 pm
hey daddy!
im so proud!
You guys will do great!
I love ya
good luck
stay safe
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 am
I think you just started the race… Go Gnomies!!!!
Race hard and have fun!
AGUANTE GNOME HUNTERS!!!
Vale
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Not sure if this is the way to send messages, but it’s the only way I could find. You guys are looking good, keep it up! I exhausted just watching the tracking marker moving through the course!
June 25th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Ok, I wasn’t sure if you guys are getting this or not, but I’ll just keep commenting and hope…
You guys are doing great! I’ve been obsessively refreshing the tracking page. I’m glad you did have to do the crazy water section! Keep up the good work!
June 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Wow, you guys are really doing great!! Keep it up, all your friends here at HealthPartners are cheering the team on from MN!! Pete, I feel horrible. I had intended on getting you a bag of smarties for your race. Good Luck and safe travels!
June 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Keep up the good work. Dave, hopefully you shaved your back to shed some pounds to carry around.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:00 am
We’re watching and cheering. Love, Mom & Larry
June 27th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Wow! Still going! You guys look strong and it is always so amusing to me to wake up in the morning and see how for you’ve gone while I was sleeping. Keep it up, you’re doing great!
June 29th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Hope your having a good time in the Bridger mountains! I’ll be flying over you this afternoon, so wave!
Seriously doing great, so many teams have quit but you guys rock! Keep it up, your nearing the finish line!!
July 1st, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Yeah Gnome Hunters…congratulations on a good race and a “healthy” finish!!! Love, Candy & Larry