Yesterday we went on a walk down the road to the Chena River. We anticipated a few puddles but what we found was incredible! Grange Hall, which is normally a dirt road, was instead a waterway. The surrounding trees and fields were marshlands with flowing streams connecting each new marsh. Flooded rivers are amazing!
Katy braving the pouring rain to serve dinner to the sled dogs.
While I'm recovering from an injury, I recruited some top notch help. For the next couple of weeks, Katy (my mother and Katy canine's namesake) will be helping with the chores around the kennel as well as learn all about being a handler. From scooping poop, to feeding and watering dogs, to free running, my mom experiences it all-- rain or shine. And recently it has been raining. ALOT. I was hoping Alaska would woo my mother with clear skies, balmy temperatures, midnight sun, and picturesque wildlife, but instead she has dealt flood warning rains, mud puddles, and mosquitos. Even though Alaska isn't on her best behavior, Katy seems to be enjoying herself nonetheless.
Katy Human feeding Katy Canine
Supai, Jezzy, and Katy all helping Ryne do physical therapy stretches. Not everyone was necessarily helpful….
Here are some pictures from recent springtime activities.
Down at the river, we found a big white spruce stuck high and dry when the water level dropped. While chasing Jezzy, Sally ended up on the spruce and decided she'd prefer not to swim back to shore. The crew and I went out to giver her encouragement. This was a time when longer legs were definitely an advantage!
While cleaning out the computer, I found this video from a couple years ago. 106 days until fall training.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Ryno Kennel is home to Iditarod and Yukon Quest veteran, Ryne Olson and her growing sled dog racing kennel in Two Rivers, Alaska.
All Photos Taken by: Scott Chesney, Julien Schroder, Kalyn Holl, or other Ryno Crew. All rights reserved. Please contact prior to using any photos.
BIG THANKS TO THE RYNO TEAM
Big Dan’s Trucking
Rick and Sue Patton
All Dog Sponsors
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