Country Roads

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This weekend, Derek, Fire, Niagra, Eider, Amy, and I took out the puppies for a fun run on the frozen sloughs around the Chena River. Every now and then, it's fun to just take a small team out and explore the beautiful area of the Chena River Valley. The frozen sloughs remind me of country roads (hence the John Denver song in the video) as they meander through dense willow and spruce thickets. Beaver dams and tussock peninsulas separate the smooth, level roadways of the sloughs and ponds, making for exciting portages. Overall, lots of fun, and I'd say the puppies had a blast too! 

Yearling Campout

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This weekend, Riley and I took the yearlings on their first ever campout. It's important for young dogs to understand the significance of straw and how to relax and sleep when out on the trail. We brought along Cartel, Ham, Katy, Amy, Fire, and Drummer (Amanda Gecas sled dog) as role models; however, they weren't the best examples. Amy preferred to flirt with Drake and Coot rather than rest. I think the cool temps and running sleds for a change had everyone excited! Needless to say, the yearlings were less than perfect campers, but with a month before our first race, we have plenty of time to practice. 

Cartel and Ham leading the way. 

The Persuasiveness of Puppies

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Have you ever experienced the annoying little sibling who insists on having your attention, regardless of how much you ignore them? Well, whenever the puppies come inside, Stormy gets her share. 

Fen and Chagga- "Hey, you weren't napping were you?"

Chagga and Fen- "I don't understand. Are you sure you don't want to play."

Stormy- "I'm ignoring you…"

Fen- "I KNEW you'd play with me…."

Run Pics

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Both Rucu and Kindi like to stick their tongues out at the camera. 

Night Run

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There's something so simultaneously mesmerizing and exhilarating about watching a team of dogs run through the night. Perhaps it's the complete darkness with only a tunnel of light illuminating the team. Perhaps it's the rhythmic movements of each dog's gait. Whatever the reason, the effect causes you to focus solely on the dogs in front of you, watching their movements as an hour passes by in what feels like one minute. Occasionally I glance off the trail, and the past few nights, tracks have revealed that mushers are not the only ones in the woods of Two Rivers. Grouse tracks, hare tracks, moose tracks, and massive grizzly bear tracks are crisscrossing the trail. Nothing gives chills like sign of grizzly bear close by!