Bush Games
/Today we took the dogs down to the river. While there, Matt, who grew up in Eagle, decided to show us how to play bush games.
April Fun
/Supai enjoying a morning at the office.
Today, I finally accepted that Spring is here- it's time to coil up the ganglines and put away the sleds. Luckily, there's still fun ways for the dogs to work off some energy. Derek and I took a couple big groups of dogs down to the river to explore and swim.
Nugget Creek Cabin
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Last night Derek, Riley, and I mushed out to Nugget Creek Cabin for the last camping trip of the season. Since the run is only seven miles, Fenton, Lefty, and Belle joined us for their first ever camping trip. But they weren't the only newbies to the team- Jezzy decided to play sled dog for the day.
White Mountain Camping Trip
/This weekend, we enjoyed the rapidly melting snow by taking a trip to the White Mountains Recreation Area. Just a short drive out of Fairbanks, this is one of my favorite areas to explore with lots of scenic vistas and cozy cabins. This time we shared the experience with fellow mushing friends Amanda, Riley, and Maliko. What a blast!
Valley Funale
/Today's race was an absolute BLAST! Sally and Katy were first-time leaders, and they were charging down the 10 mile course. Unofficially, I think we came in fourth place. Following the race, we enjoyed food from a community-wide potluck. Burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, cookies, cake, and drinks were a perfect way to finish a race.
At two o'clock the kids had their turn to race. Cartel, Stetson, and Neptune took turns with neighborhood mushers Sammy, Merica Gale, Noah Jane, and Bella. Thanks so much for Two Rivers Dog Mushing and Pleasant Vally Store for putting on such a fun event!
Valley Funale
/Today is the Valley Funale, one of my favorite races of the year! We'll be competing in the 6-dog , 10-mile class at 11 am. Shortly after is the kids race. Can't wait! If you're in Two Rivers today, be sure to come by Pleasant Valley Store for the community event!
Who's the Ryno Kennel Team for the Valley Funale?
Katy and Sally
Fez and Cartel
Ham and Rucu
Ryne
Woo Hoo!
Old Mail Trail 200- Tolovana Roadhouse
/This past weekend, Derek, Tom, the team, and I headed out to manage the Tolovana Roadhouse at the confluence of the Tanana River and the Tolovana River for the Old Mail Trail 200 Dog Sled Race. I had yet to explore the Minto Flats area and was excited to see some new country. As the name suggests, it was very flat, but also incredibly beautiful. The team and I ran the 50 miles to the Tolovana Roadhouse (owned by Dave and Leslie with Paws for Adventure) the day before the race to organize and prepare for the racers. Derek, Tom and Jezzy flew in to meet us.
That evening, Cody and Paige with Squid Acres Kennel joined us at the roadhouse where I met their canine athletes fresh off the Iditarod. I was impressed to see Paige out exploring and camping after arriving home from Iditarod just two days prior!
Two teams from Squid Acres camping in front of Tolovana Roadhouse.
The following day, the Old Mail Trail 200 racers weren't expected to arrive until 2:00 in the afternoon, so the team and I dropped on to the river to run the trail from the Iron Dog snowmachine race down the Tanana River. Once again, another glorious spring day.
The following 24 hours were a rush of dog teams from the Old Mail Trail 200 race. A big congratulations to Brenda Mackey for her first place finish, Tom Lesatz for second, and Jessie Holmes for third. It was a blast to watch all the teams, and I have a new appreciation for race volunteers who stand outside waiting for mushers. Thanks to Dave and Leslie for putting in a great trail as well as renovating Tolovana Roadhouse into a luxury cabin!
Ducks in Harness
/Recently the Ducks learned what all the excitement was about. All four duckies had their turn in harness and were naturals! From left to right is Coot, Eider, Eider, then Brant and Drake. Future all-stars. Notice Fenton's photobomb in the first picture?
Spring Weather Fun Run
/Recently, the weather has skyrocketed up to 40-45 degrees, which is a bit too hot for the thicker coated dogs. To make sure everyone gets a chance to let loose some energy, I took a big group on a free run. Stormy, Cartel, Sally, Amy, Katy, Fenton, CJ, Lefty, Belle, and I went to see how the Chena River was faring in all this hot weather.
Aliy and Team to UNK
/This is a photo taken by Sebastian Schnuelle of Aliy and team on the way to Unalakleet. What makes this picture so awesome? Not only is Aliy having an incredible race, but check out who has been leading with Quito---WAYLON! Waylon couldn't look less like a sled dog. With a short coat and wiry body, he looks like a whippet. His bark sounds like a mixture between a frog and an old man coughing. Waylon and I were both rookies in the 2012 Iditarod. Who would have thought this little guy would be a leader on a top Iditarod team. So cool.
