Yukon Quest Fundraiser

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This Saturday evening, I had the privilege of being a part of the Yukon Quest's annual fundraiser- Bunny Boots and Bids, a beer and wine tasting event. Mushers from both the 1,000-mile and 300-mile races wear tuxedos and serve hors d'oeuvres as guests mingle and check out the beautiful silent auction items. Later on in the evening, it was time for the live auction of priceless items like a custom-painted toilet seat cover, a cheesecake (went for $300), and stays at mushers' kennels. It was a blast to visit with fellow mushers as well as mushing enthusiasts. Thanks so much to all the volunteers that made this event possible! Can't wait for the race itself!

Amanda Gecas, Matt Hall, and Ryne (left to right) 

Thanks to Amanda (left) for convincing us to take this photo.

Sled Time

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There's a reason it's called dog sledding and not dog quad-ing---- sleds are SO MUCH BETTER than four wheelers.  

That's right, Two Rivers was just covered with a hefty blanket of snow meaning it is time for the sleds! Today I took out two 6-dog teams on the first sled run of the season. There's not enough snow quite yet to take out a full team, so for now we'll stick to 6-7 dogs. Pure Bliss. 

Also, I found these photos of the evening sky before a storm from a few weeks ago.  

Puppies Video

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Jezzy TUCKERED OUT after a run with the puppies. (Yes, she was sound asleep in that position.)

Jezzy TUCKERED OUT after a run with the puppies. (Yes, she was sound asleep in that position.)

While the adults are busy training, bumping up the miles, and building muscle, the puppies are growing and becoming more and more animated. Here is a short video of both Fenton and the Outlaws and the Ducks as they enjoy the abnormally warm autumn weather. Stormy and Jezzy are the official puppy wranglers, and as you can see, the puppies know that Stormy is all bark and no bite! Perhaps they'll learn their manners some day... 

Uploaded by Ryno Sled Dog Kennel on 2013-10-31.

Quest 300 and the Founders Club

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Ryno Kennel has officially signed up for our big race of the season- the Quest 300! Check out musher #19 on the Yukon Quest website to see our profile! http://www.yukonquest.com/site/yq300-mushers/ 

The Quest 300 is notorious for being one of the most challenging mid-distance races of the season. Climbing Rosebud Summit, descending the infamous Eagle Summit, tromping through overflow, and frigid -40F temperatures are just some of the challenges we might encounter. The race will be a great learning experience for the young dogs as well as a test for my own race planning skills. It begins on February 1st in downtown Fairbanks so MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

With the racing season beginning, now is when we need your help. Ryno Kennel Founders Club is a once ever chance to show your support of Ryno Kennel from the very beginning. Join Ryno Kennel from our inception and be one of the few that can say they've followed Ryno Kennel from Day 1. Click the Founders Club at the top of the toolbar or the linked logo above. 

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Be part of Ryno Kennel FROM THE BEGINNING.... 

Parents and Puppies

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After duck hunting, Mom and Dad tackled kennel projects while I was in class. Dad built a beautiful harness rack (see the pictures below), and Mom completely reorganized and outfitted our minimal kitchen.  Not only that, but they managed to find time to give the puppies lots of attention! The final three pictures are of Katy human and Katy canine!

Duck Hunting

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Last weekend, my parents arrived from Colorado for a week-long Alaskan visit. This is their first time seeing the dog yard, playing with the puppies, and getting a taste of the Ryno Kennel lifestyle. First on the schedule: duck hunting. Derek recently discovered a great duck hunting location in the Minto Flats. Even though we had a combined total of four days of duck hunting experience, Derek, Mom, Dad, Andy, Jezzy and I hit the slough.

At first we had some slight hiccups (ducks flying away when I blew my duck call, Jezzy retrieving the decoys in impatient excitement.) However, we finally started to have success. The only real natural in the group was Jezzy. Jezzy instinctually knew how to retrieve ducks, drag them across the slough, wait quietly by the decoys, and scout for grouse in her spare time. Watching her work and perform the job she loves to do was more rewarding than getting my first duck. It reminds me of a quote from the movie Juno  when Vanessa was in the process of adopting Juno's baby. In reference to her natural desire to be a mother, she asked Juno's father:

Vanessa : Have you ever felt like you were just born to do something?

Mac : Yes. Heating and air conditioning. 

Jezzy would have responded, "Yes. Retrieving ducks."

 

Straw, Snow, and Fish- oh my!

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The first pictures are from the beautiful fall days we've been experiencing. But fall is quickly changing to winter with a few recent snows. These early snows don't last long, but the teaser gets everyone excited for winter! In anticipation for the cold, we've been stocking up on straw, fish, and meat. Derek and Andy have been helping in the preparations. 

Fall Sunrise

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Here is a fun little video of a few clips from recent morning runs. Many of the yearlings have had their chance in lead, with Stetson's being highlighted in the video. What fun we've had in the cool 30F mornings!! 

Also, the music in this video is from one of my childhood/high school/college/adult friends: Micaela Cooley. She is a phenomenal cellist and vocalist who could surely win American Idol. 

Fall Harvest  is a song played by her band Barleywine Revue. The lead singer in this particular song is not Micaela, but it's a foot-stompin' song nonetheless! 

 

Nutmeg Pups

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I'm excited to welcome new members to Ryno Kennel- Nutmeg and Nacho puppies! That's right, our family just grew a little larger, totaling the kennel to twenty-two dogs.  Ryno Kennel now has a solid foundation of future superstars to develop in the upcoming years. I realize that everyone believes their puppies are best, and I'm no exception.  I'm so excited to work with such a promising group of young dogs. Stay tuned to follow our progress!