Valentine’s Day on frozen Lake Superior — what a great way to celebrate a winter’s evening!  Chequamegon Bay is at the southwest corner of Lake Superior, surrounded by the towns of Ashland and Washburn, Wisconsin.  For the past 13 years the residents of the area come together to celebrate the cold of winter with a ski and snowshoe race across the frozen bay — the Book across the Bay.  This event is unique in that it begins at 6:30pm, and the course is lit by hundreds of frozen luminaries marking the route along the ice.  The event draws over 2,000 participants skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.  This year’s route was changed at the last minute because of four days of warm temperatures and a big thaw.  The snow that had covered the frozen lake became liquid, then froze again into a huge sheet of ice.  The race organizers changed the course to a loop and spent hours “churning” the ice to lay a path that provided some traction for skiers and walkers.  Their hard work paid off and it was a beautiful event, accompanied by light snowflakes.  After crossing the finish line there was a huge bonfire to warm up at and a post-race party in a giant heated tent.  Hay was scattered on the frozen ground and hay bales were stacked around the perimeter.   Everyone was treated to a  hot chili feed, delicious local beer, and dancing to a great live band.  It’s a party of the best kind, and a delightful way to enjoy and appreciate our winter weather and scenery.