Cross-country skier Helena Russell enjoys an old ritual from back home in Sweden that has become a hallmark of COVID winter.
She finds the picnic table and crackling fire pit that normally arenât there by the nature center at Love Creek County Park in Berrien Center â an offering in case you donât want to hang out inside.
Then Russell, who now lives in St. Joseph, sets out snacks on the table and, before perching herself on the cold wooden bench, lays out a furry sheepskin sheâs had for years. Sheâs also used stadium and camping mats or even newspapers inside of a plastic bag in the past â for a cushy tush during a post-ski meal.