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Vikings rampage on Candle Creek trails

About 75 people sign up for annual Birchleg event
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Mary MacLennan and Steve Rainer of Barriere look threatening in their Viking costumes while they enjoy participating in the annual Birchleg event.

By Keith McNeill

The Times

About 75 people, many of them in Viking costume, signed up to participate in this year’s Wells Gray Birchleg, organizers report.

The event was put on by Wells Gray Outdoors Club at the Candle Creek cross-country ski trails on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The Birchleg is an unofficial version of the Birkebeiner – a cross-country ski race that is held every year in Norway and other locations.

A Norwegian-style lunch is included.

READ MORE: Vikings have fun at Birchleg (Feb. 4, 2014)



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Barriere resident Carman Smith and Clearwater’s Hazel Wadlegger show off their Viking costumes during the Birchleg.
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Below: (Clockwise from left) Asher Cisna (in an authentic Irish-Viking helmet), Cadence Cisna, Theron McLarty and Kallan McLarty surround the photographer.
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Brooke Uher plus parents Mark and Carolyn Uher of Grindrod, B.C. (located north of Enderby) get ready to take part in the Birchleg. They heard about the event through the Larch Hills cross-country ski club, they said.
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Jessica and Kash Baker carry their skis to the Candle Creek cross-country ski trails to take part in the Birchleg.
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A group of Vikings take a break from pillaging and get ready to go skiing. Pictured are (l-r) Reid Muddiman, Noelle Muddiman and Kim Muddiman of Clearwater, Barb Smith of Barriere, and Upper Clearwater resident Linda Brierley.