Cabin Building

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This summer, Derek and I are in the process of building a small trappers cabin on the property. Last spring, Derek hauled in about 60 logs, so now it's time to peel and prep for building in the fall. As you can see, Stormy likes to supervise our work while Jezzy prefers to be underfoot, demanding to play fetch. The last two pictures show how quickly the yard is greening up. Just a few more days and everything will be full and lush!

Another May Day

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With the spring semester coming to an end, I had a moment to post some pictures. First, I'd like to highlight the ingenuity of a fellow commuter who made my day. I took this picture at the stoplight on my way home (I apologize for the dirty windshield, but it is break up season). Hopefully some day my Ford Focus can be that cool. 

This evening I snapped a few shots of the pups (Supai, Amy, Katy, and Stormy) playing during an evening stroll. 

White Mountain Camping Trip

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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

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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

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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

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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!