Expansion
/With growing dog numbers, we've been expanding. Recently, Derek and I have been designing and building pens from scratch with the help of Cartel, Jezzy, and supervisor Stormy.
Pinnell Trail Vacation
/Before starting this summer's research project (more to come about this), I decided to take a short vacation from my three summer classes and research preparation. The 27-mile Pinnell Trail seemed like a perfect option. Located on the Steese Highway near Eagle Summit (a famous climb on the Yukon Quest), the Pinnell Trail traverses high mountain tundra with steep climbs and equally impressive views (unless it's completely obscured in fog) . Because the region is prone to high winds and dense fog with zero trees to offer protection, two shelter cabins are evenly spaced along the trail for use on a first come, first serve basis. Below are a few pictures of the INCREDIBLE views.
Canicross
/Maliko (a good friend and fellow dog musher) and I have been working with the young dogs by canicross! Canicross involves tying an energetic sled pup to your waist and being pulled along, all the while taking care not to trip on tussocks or tundra. Besides being a blast, this is a great way to teach young dogs directional commands. Some dogs are more focused than others, but all pull so hard that I only last a short while before my knees need a break! Fire and Kindi are modeling the technique in the pictures below.
Burning Space
/With the anticipation of more dogs, Derek and I burned a section of dry grass behind the dog yard to make room for future Ryno superstars. The area will look black and scarred for a short time, but by fall it should be covered in vibrant new growth. Good thing Derek is a smokejumper to make sure the fire didn't get out of control!
Chickies!
/Yesterday we added five new members to Ryno Kennel: two silver-laced wyandottes, two rhode island reds, and one buff brahma. That's right- chickens! Meet Alfalfa, Agnes, Matilda, Ginger, and Henny Penny. We're all looking forward to fresh eggs this winter. Of course, Jezzy and the sled dogs probably have a different plan in mind....
Ladies in Harness
/The Ladies (Katy, Amy, and Sally) ran for their second time in harness, and they were naturals! Sally is the most confident of the three. Amy gets the most excited to pull, barking and whining whenever stopped. Katy is still a playful pup but pulls hard. In addition to Stormy and Cartel, the Ladies were learning from the best: SP veterans ChaCha, Bullet, and Spicy.
Meet the Hats
/I'd like everyone to meet the newest members of Ryno Kennel- Fez, Derby, and Stetson from Judy Currier's Lara-Ke Kennel. The litter is hat themed (if you didn't already guess) and show lots of potential at almost one-year-old. I can't wait to see how they do!
April Snow Showers Bring May....
/I jinxed Spring's arrival by posting the break up blog video. Winter won't release it's grasp just yet, but luckily, that's great for dog training.
Break Up Fun
/With break up arriving, the trails are turning to mush and huge puddles are forming in the dog yard. But don't despair! There are still fun activities for the dogs to do, like go romping in the Chena River. Not only is this a good way to release some of their husky energy, but it also gets them used to water, which is a very real obstacle in dog races.
Supai In Slow Motion
/I recently purchased a new camera, and wow, have I had fun learning all the features! Even though the camera is a point and shoot, it's equipped with stellar videoing capabilities. A few days ago I videoed Supai as he free ran next the the snowmachine. Occasionally, I like to let the dogs free run to stretch out. Rucu was also running with us, but he was too fast to catch!
Lee's Cabin
/Long live winter! Even though it’s April 11th, temperatures are below freezing and snow is on the ground. The mushing season isn’t over!
As a fun midweek break, I took the team up to Lee’s Cabin in the White Mountain Recreation Area for another campout. This campout had two new challenges for the youngsters: hills and another dog team. After grinding it through the hills, where Kindi did particularly well, we met mushing friend, Kristina, at the cabin. Kristina brought her own eight dog team, so the youngsters learned to camp with other dogs around. At every checkpoint in a race, the dogs will be camping right next to other teams, meaning that this campout was a great test for them.
On the run back to the truck the next day, Kristina and I practiced passing, which is another aspect key to racing. Good manners when passing another dog team prevent tangles, scuffs, and unwanted delays. I’m proud to say that all the dogs stayed focused, and we didn’t have a single tangle!
