Swim Lessons

/

What better way to survive the hot summer temperatures than taking a swim? Many of the Ryno dogs are experienced athletes, but not necessarily natural swimmers. I have to admit, water sports are not my strength either. After a few tries, everyone was cruising around through the water almost like labradors! Earl, Katy, and Cartel were the first to take to the water. Fenton, Lefty and Frosty were slightly more reserved but thoroughly enjoyed it once they jumped in. Derby, Fez and Stormy took the most coaxing and were only inclined to swim if everyone else was swimming. Jezzy, of course, was a natural. 

Earl the Fish

Fez

Jezzy

Fez

Stormy

Derby

Katy and Fenton

Derby, Cartel, and Jezzy

Fez

Fenton

Fez

Happy Birthday Fez and Derby

/

Happy 3rd birthday to Fez and Derby!

Puppy Derby
 

Fez and Derby joined Ryno Kennel at about 10 months old after spending their early months getting extra attention from tourists at Jeff King’s Husky Homestead. As you can guess, Fez and Derby are from the Hat Litter, born to Hooch (Judy Currier) and Suspect (Jeff King).  From their early days of puppy romps, these two have travelled farther across Alaska than most people do in a lifetime. Over the past two years, Fez and Derby went on to race in the Quest 300, Two Rivers 100, Alpine Excursion 50, Copper Basin 300, Old Mail Trail 200, and Yukon Quest. To many more adventures- Happy Birthday.

 

Alaska Adventure Scouting

/

Glacier

This weekend, Derek, Jezzy, and I did some more trail scouting for the Alaska Range Adventures now that the snow is mostly gone. Wow. Sure wish I could live there year round! Flying overhead, we saw three small herds of caribou, ptarmigan, and lots of moose! On two separate occasions, a cow and calf were swimming in deep sections of the Tanana River through ice chunks. I think they must have been so excited by break up that they had to go for a swim! Three spots are already reserved for the Alaska Range Adventures. Only six spots left. Bucket list? 

Riley's Old Mail Trail 200 Write-Up

/

In the Old Mail Trail 200 a couple weeks ago, Riley ran the adult team to a 5th place finish. Here he provides a little insight into each member in his team:

"Ham- Ham was once again a critical member of the team during the OMT-200. He lead with his sister Neptune for well over half the race and seemed unfazed by the warm 40+ degree weather. 

Niagra- Niagra, as always, was a hard working and consistent member of the team. She finished happy and healthy. 

Sally- Sally ran up front in swing for most of the race and was a hard driver and key for speed for the first 85 miles. During the last 30 miles she needed a couple quick rests to re-motivate herself but finished strong.

Supai- Supai was a happy and energetic boy. He worked hard the entire race and finished with a wagging tail. 

Rucu- Rucu wasn't a big fan of running in the warm weather, regardless he worked his tail off and  pulled more than his fair share. 

Perm- I really don't have any "favorites" when it comes to the dogs, but if I did Perm would be one of them. The OMT-200 was our second race together and just like in the Copper Basin 300 Perm shined when the pressure of competition was on. Perm was animated and screaming to go the entire race, even after we'd reached the dog truck and finished the race.

Katy- Katy was charging hard in swing with her sister Sally the first three quarters of the race and led with Neptune for the last 50 miles, finishing happy and healthy. 

Fez- Fez is a team member who really loves her job as a sled dog. She happily worked hard alongside her teammate Niagra for the duration of the race.

Kindi- Kindi is a super hard worker and happy girl... Unfortunately she worked a little too hard early on in the race and developed a slightly stiff shoulder, resulting in a leisurely ride inside the sled for her for approximately 80 miles of the first half of the OMT-200. Letting me know that she would much rather be working in the team, Kindi loudly voiced her objection to her sled ride all the way to Manley. At the half way point of the race Kindi caught a comfy ride back home to Two Rivers with the Ryno Kennel handling team, which consisted of Jezy and her assistant Derek.

Neptune- Neptune led the entire race, she was tough headed and hard driving for all 200 miles and was still banging her harness to go at the finish line."

Easter Weekend Girls' Campout

/

This past weekend, the Ryno Kennel dogs were on their best behavior and showed two young girls what mushing and camping is all about. 19 Ryno dogs, 9 SP dogs, Aliy, Tessa, Kat, NJ, Dominique, and I travelled 20 mountainous miles to Cache Mountain with the girls, Kat and NJ, driving their own team for 10 miles each. Future Quest mushers in the making! That evening, Dominique brought supplies to dye easter eggs for an easter egg hunt the following morning. Warm temperatures, beautiful views, great company, and lots of sunshine made for an incredible trip in the White Mountains.

Photos (top to bottom, left to right): Fez, Amy, Eider, Derby, Belle, Sally, Rucu, Drake, Katy, Supai and Perm, Fire, Perm, Cartel, Brant, Supai

Faces of Kindi

/

On today's run, I tried to take a normal picture of Kindi, forgetting that Kindi is never normal. She's always happy, sassy, and ready to rock! Every day is the best day EVER. Until tomorrow of course. 

Red Lantern!

/

Fire, Cartel, and Derby resting at Tolovana Lodge. 

Yesterday afternoon, the yearling team and I crossed the finish line of the Old Mail Trail 200, marking the first mid-distance race for the yearlings! I couldn’t be more proud of the pups, especially given the  40-50F temperature. It was as if overnight, winter had ended and spring had arrived, followed closely by summer. By the end of the race, the team was running through puddles, and my sled was dragging through muck and thawed tussocks. While initially I was disappointed by the rapid end of winter, I have to admit, I rather enjoyed wearing sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket rather than two neck gaiters, a beaver hat, and a tightly cinched fur ruff. 

So how did the yearling athletes perform?

Brant- Brant was rock solid. A couple weeks prior to the race, I questioned whether he’d make the team simply because he overworks in the beginning of a run, leaving little energy for the end. Eventually he learned how to pace himself and was a valued member of the team this race! He ran mostly in wheel and was a real cheerleader. 

Eider- Eider was one of the best yearlings in the team the first leg of the race. He ran in swing due to his focus and drive. During our 8-hour mandatory layover at the halfway point in Manley, Eider flirted with Fire for the bulk of the stop, meaning he missed out on critical rest time. His lack of rest took him off his A-game for the second half of the race, but hopefully it was a lesson learned. 

Fenton- Fenton is a powerhouse. He drove hard the entire race, and even with his size and thick coat, Fenton seemed to handle the heat better than most of the dogs. He was never distracted, always excited, and rested well at each stop. CHAMP. 

Lefty- Lefty is the weird kid in gym class who everyone thinks would be uncoordinated, but then surprises everyone by sinking 3-pointer after 3-pointer on the basketball court. In other words, Lefty is easily overlooked and half the time he’s chasing birds or watching for moose, yet he’s perfect at his job and seems to find it incredibly easy. 

The start

Coot- Since the first day in harness, Coot has been one of the most focused yearlings, and this race was no exception. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Coot look around or become distracted. Head down, swift trot, Coot is always in the zone. He struggled the most with the heat but still always gave 100%. 

Drake- Drake ate everything, always pulled, and loved every second of the race. He occasionally struggled with the heat and would pull the entire team over to “dip” snow, but other than that, he was a main player in the speed of the team. He’d be the cocky jock in high school that is exceptionally gifted but knows it. 

Belle- Surrounded by the 50-65 pound boys, Belle is the little tomboy of the bunch. She held her own and was eager to go every time we took a snack break. Her trot is smooth and effortless, and she’d get particularly excited whenever we were near other teams. 

Puddles at the end of the race. 

Overall, the Old Mail Trail 200 was a huge success. Riley and the adults placed 5th with Riley earning the Sportsmanship Award. The yearling team and I finished 10th, earning the famed Red Lantern for the last team across the finish line! A big thanks to all the volunteers and race staff of the Old Mail Trail 200. I really enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We’ll most certainly be back next year! 


Tropical weather! 

Race Time!

/

Adult team on a training run in preparation for the Old Mail Trail

With the temperatures soaring and the snow melting, we're squeaking in one final race for the season! Tomorrow at 10:00, two Ryno Kennel teams will be embarking on the Old Mail Trail 200! The race begins in Nenana, Alaska and traverses through the Minto Flats to Manley, Alaska (approximately 85 miles). Once there, each team will take a mandatory 8-hour rest in Manley, and then run the 85 miles back to Nenana. The two teams consist of:

Riley: Ham, Katy, Sally, Rucu, Kindi, Supai, Perm, Fez, Niagra, Neptune

Ryne: Fire, Cartel, Derby, Brant, Coot, Eider, Drake, Fenton, Lefty, Belle

Since this is the yearlings' first race, the yearling team will take a more conservative pace, resting in the middle of the 85 mile run. Expect to see Ryne and the yearlings closer to the back. Riley and the adults will be giving it their all and testing their skills on the fast, flat trail. 

To follow the race, check out the Old Mail Trail, Nenana, AK Facebook page or http://www.oldmailtrail.com. Most updates will be posted on the Old Mail Trail Facebook page. Derek will be following the race in Manley, but most likely will not have internet access to provide updates. 

 

Old Mail Trail Preparation

/

Studly Fenton 

This weekend, the yearling team and I headed to the White Mountains for our final camping trip before the Old Mail Trail 200 on Friday. The team consisted of leaders Fire and Katy, Derby and Belle, Fenton and Lefty, Drake and Coot, and Brant and Eider. CJ did not accompany us on this trip. She's been helping Derek on his trapline this winter, getting to experience trail breaking, overflow, and the life of a trapline dog! 

Throughout the winter, the yearlings have had periods of brilliance and periods of distraction. This trip, however, the yearlings were so mature and focused that you would not have known they were yearlings! We crossed glare ice and frozen overflow, climbed steep hills and passed many distractions like snowmachiners, snow bikers, and skiers. Throughout it all, they were real champs! Bring it on Old Mail Trail 200!

White Mountain camping

Pretty boy Eider

Handsome Lefty

Cute Coot