Another snow machine broke down today and the run had to layover in Tanana...no spare spark plugs...not thinking!!
All is well. Jan got some meds and a new wrist splint to help with her hands and wrist going numb.
Tomorrows plan is to go 60 miles and then another 60 the following day to make the trip to Ruby in the next 2 days. Will still be camping on the trail at least one night.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Ricky for Jan...on the trail again
7th team out of Manley and 2nd to arrive in Tanana. It was a 60 mile day lots of highlights: two snow machines blowing up, multiple body slams and drags on the trail, a collision with a tree...all is fine.
Nineteen miles of mushing on a plowed road. That means an easy trail to follow, but no way to set a snow hook to stop the team. The day seemed frought with diving for the handle bars of the sled when the dogs elected to take off before Jan was on the ready. The body drags were not as severe as being pulled over the railroad tracks in Willow as it was in soft snow, but the multiple instances left our hero tired and sore upon arrival. Couldn't get all the details, but hit a tree shortly after one unprepared take off while trying to get on the beaver mitts and drive at the same time...ouch! One of the vets tried to help, but was waist deep in snow and couldn't reach her.
They are staying at the Community Center in Tanana and will have to camp out the next two nights on the trail. Hal (Jan's snow machine partner) was one of the machines left behind in Manley so she will camp in a tent with Bill Grimes and Von Martin (her tent is still in Manley). Kent and Hal's machines should be fixed by Tuesday and will try to catch the rest of the teams then.
Picked up drops in Tanana so have been resupplied for the next two nights at Bone Yard Cabin and Trapper Cabin and then on to Ruby.
Ned shredded his foxtail protector and will have to have make shift jockey strap until Jan can make another. The dogs are doing well and running fine. Had smoked oysters and tortillas for dinner. Trying to thaw out drinks as everything has been frozen and a bit dehydrated for lack of liquids.
The sixty mile day was long and I didn't get an arrival time, but Jan snacked the dogs every 20 miles for rest. The next two days are 42 miles and 45 miles, then 35 miles to Ruby. Should have cell service in the villages going forward and will be in touch.
Oyster burritos? Good luck with that!
Nineteen miles of mushing on a plowed road. That means an easy trail to follow, but no way to set a snow hook to stop the team. The day seemed frought with diving for the handle bars of the sled when the dogs elected to take off before Jan was on the ready. The body drags were not as severe as being pulled over the railroad tracks in Willow as it was in soft snow, but the multiple instances left our hero tired and sore upon arrival. Couldn't get all the details, but hit a tree shortly after one unprepared take off while trying to get on the beaver mitts and drive at the same time...ouch! One of the vets tried to help, but was waist deep in snow and couldn't reach her.
They are staying at the Community Center in Tanana and will have to camp out the next two nights on the trail. Hal (Jan's snow machine partner) was one of the machines left behind in Manley so she will camp in a tent with Bill Grimes and Von Martin (her tent is still in Manley). Kent and Hal's machines should be fixed by Tuesday and will try to catch the rest of the teams then.
Picked up drops in Tanana so have been resupplied for the next two nights at Bone Yard Cabin and Trapper Cabin and then on to Ruby.
Ned shredded his foxtail protector and will have to have make shift jockey strap until Jan can make another. The dogs are doing well and running fine. Had smoked oysters and tortillas for dinner. Trying to thaw out drinks as everything has been frozen and a bit dehydrated for lack of liquids.
The sixty mile day was long and I didn't get an arrival time, but Jan snacked the dogs every 20 miles for rest. The next two days are 42 miles and 45 miles, then 35 miles to Ruby. Should have cell service in the villages going forward and will be in touch.
Oyster burritos? Good luck with that!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
FRIDAY IN MANLEY
Well, we ended up staying another day in Manley. The weather has been gusty with snow flurries all day. The dogs had another rest day and they are all starting to get restless. I clipped toe nails this morning and then I took care of feet.
I made a bunch of new neck lines and tug lines...one of Terrance's dogs decided to eat a few neck and tug lines. Now I have a good supply. We had to place an order for dog food to be trucked in. I ordered a 40 bag of kibble and also a 50 pounds of beef for the dogs. We also bought 10 pizzas and batteries. Kind of an interesting combination. I also ordered stainless steel dog bowls. They stack so much better than the cut down paint buckets that I have been using. They are very light weight but take up so much room. They also are easily chewed and will blow away in the wind.
This evening I put dog coats on the dogs and gave them some fresh straw. I also gave them an evening feeding. I will get up early in the morning and feed them a half meal and a heavy watering.
We are planning on heading out at 9 am. I will be going out with the second group of three mushers. We have decided that we will stick together and travel with each other. It is a peace of mind for me. Scott and I travel at the same speed and we also run about the same run rest schedule, so that will be good.
Our first 19 miles will be traveling on a plowed road. We will stay hooked up to a snowmobile, to control our speed until we are out of town and past a couple of turns. Then we will release ourselves from the snowmachines and they will travel ahead of us, putting in the trail. While on the road, we will not be able to set a hook and stop our teams. I have a really nice drag matt and should do OK on the road. We will also have a snowmachine at a hazard to make sure that all the mushers make it through it OK.
Tomorrow will be our longest run of 62 miles. We are hoping for good weather, but with temps falling. Soon we will be at -30. I will put on extra base layers tomorrow. I may also take out my beaver mitts. They are so very warm.
Last night I went to Linda Johnson's and she sewed for me. She made some fleece booties and also stitched fox tails to belly bands so that I have pee pee protectors for my not so hairy males. My experience of the people we have met in Manley is that they are all so very nice. They have gone out of their way to be helpful and I personally have appreciated all they have done for me. I will be thinking of Chuck when I am driving my sled with my modified drag tomorrow. Thank you Linda and Chuck.
I think that I will enjoy the stays that we have at the schools. It is really neat to be able to spend time with the school children. While in Manley, we passed out tooth brushes and I had pencils and knit gloves and notepads that I passed out to the kids. The big message that we gave the kids is to believe in themselves and to dream big. The school children took great care of us and seemed to enjoy our visit as much as we did of theirs.
I am not sure when the next place that we will have email on the trail. We are staying in the community center in Tanana. When we stay in schools, that is where we will have Internet access. I have heard that we should have cell service in Tanana. If that is the case I will be able to call Ricky and he can update the blog for me.
Jerry, one of our Veterinarians, took out my stitches. My finger has been doing really well. I have been able to keep it free of infection and it is healing nicely. It is still quite sore to the touch and more of a bother than anything as it is one of my primary use fingers and it slows me down a bit.
A big thank you for the many emails. I love hearing from everyone. Please know that my time on any of the school computers is limited and that I would like to respond to each and every email, but it is not always possible. I do appreciate hearing from you.
A very big thank you for those who have sponsored me...you play a very big part of my team getting down the trail to Nome !
Well, I should get to sleep as it will be an early wake up to feed and water dogs. Then I will have to pack my sled and be ready to go.
Good night.
I made a bunch of new neck lines and tug lines...one of Terrance's dogs decided to eat a few neck and tug lines. Now I have a good supply. We had to place an order for dog food to be trucked in. I ordered a 40 bag of kibble and also a 50 pounds of beef for the dogs. We also bought 10 pizzas and batteries. Kind of an interesting combination. I also ordered stainless steel dog bowls. They stack so much better than the cut down paint buckets that I have been using. They are very light weight but take up so much room. They also are easily chewed and will blow away in the wind.
This evening I put dog coats on the dogs and gave them some fresh straw. I also gave them an evening feeding. I will get up early in the morning and feed them a half meal and a heavy watering.
We are planning on heading out at 9 am. I will be going out with the second group of three mushers. We have decided that we will stick together and travel with each other. It is a peace of mind for me. Scott and I travel at the same speed and we also run about the same run rest schedule, so that will be good.
Our first 19 miles will be traveling on a plowed road. We will stay hooked up to a snowmobile, to control our speed until we are out of town and past a couple of turns. Then we will release ourselves from the snowmachines and they will travel ahead of us, putting in the trail. While on the road, we will not be able to set a hook and stop our teams. I have a really nice drag matt and should do OK on the road. We will also have a snowmachine at a hazard to make sure that all the mushers make it through it OK.
Tomorrow will be our longest run of 62 miles. We are hoping for good weather, but with temps falling. Soon we will be at -30. I will put on extra base layers tomorrow. I may also take out my beaver mitts. They are so very warm.
Last night I went to Linda Johnson's and she sewed for me. She made some fleece booties and also stitched fox tails to belly bands so that I have pee pee protectors for my not so hairy males. My experience of the people we have met in Manley is that they are all so very nice. They have gone out of their way to be helpful and I personally have appreciated all they have done for me. I will be thinking of Chuck when I am driving my sled with my modified drag tomorrow. Thank you Linda and Chuck.
I think that I will enjoy the stays that we have at the schools. It is really neat to be able to spend time with the school children. While in Manley, we passed out tooth brushes and I had pencils and knit gloves and notepads that I passed out to the kids. The big message that we gave the kids is to believe in themselves and to dream big. The school children took great care of us and seemed to enjoy our visit as much as we did of theirs.
I am not sure when the next place that we will have email on the trail. We are staying in the community center in Tanana. When we stay in schools, that is where we will have Internet access. I have heard that we should have cell service in Tanana. If that is the case I will be able to call Ricky and he can update the blog for me.
Jerry, one of our Veterinarians, took out my stitches. My finger has been doing really well. I have been able to keep it free of infection and it is healing nicely. It is still quite sore to the touch and more of a bother than anything as it is one of my primary use fingers and it slows me down a bit.
A big thank you for the many emails. I love hearing from everyone. Please know that my time on any of the school computers is limited and that I would like to respond to each and every email, but it is not always possible. I do appreciate hearing from you.
A very big thank you for those who have sponsored me...you play a very big part of my team getting down the trail to Nome !
Well, I should get to sleep as it will be an early wake up to feed and water dogs. Then I will have to pack my sled and be ready to go.
Good night.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
How you can follow our progress....
http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/pages/Serum-Run-25/167624819933013
www.serumrun.org
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0f717UVqnIM1YnnsN1Jfd9nK8B91Tq9bB
2011 Serum Run Tracking
www.sewardhelicopters.com
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http://www.sewardhelicopters.com/serum-run-trail-weather
Hope this gives you more info from on the trail !!!!
www.serumrun.org
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0f717UVqnIM1YnnsN1Jfd9nK8B91Tq9bB
2011 Serum Run Tracking
www.sewardhelicopters.com
var widget = new Spot.Ui.LiveWidget({ renderTo: "spot-live-widget", feeds: [ "0CaaryLgdPXTSTVPZpBzCoRVlHpVRQVkl", "0bV3QkmBZxYlyUevukT7LuEl4qWypHYpf", "04mHgyjuhIKbD7BI4iW3ZD8MMS5Qr9YeH", "0yQ8FdlmgXQZsAQVhGHsVUhO7jP8gGPTB" ], height: 500, width: 700, mapType: "physical" });..
http://www.sewardhelicopters.com/serum-run-trail-weather
Hope this gives you more info from on the trail !!!!
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY IN MANLEY
Wednesday was wonderful. It was a day of rest...NOT ! Washed my dog coats, had a soak in the hot springs, a local, Chuck fixed my sled drag. Seems like all of the village turned out for a potlatch and fed us. It was wonderful..good food and socializing.
Got to organize my "stuff" and also send some of it home. I had the vets check my dogs. Ned got a little frost nip and I am treating with salve. I took great care to keep all of my dog bowls, kibble and gang line away from my dogs. I placed them in the middle of my picket line of dogs. Well, I didn't really even think of the team that was staked out next door. We had a nice burm of snow between the teams, but one of the other dogs plowed through the snow and chewed two necklines and ate some of my kibble and chewed a couple of dog bowls.
A few of us had an evening soak in the hot springs. So relaxing, but so hot that you can't stay in too long. The decision was made that we are staying another day in Manley so that we don't have Iron Doggers running us down. They travel at speeds of 120 mph and they would be on our trail heading for us. There would be no way for them to stop.
Thursday morning the school kids brought us cinnamon rolls and orange juice for breakfast. Then we did the ceremonial serum transfer to another serum runner. The kids got to hear the history of the 1925 serum run and who all carried the serum.
Today I spent my free time taking care of my dogs and repacking my stuff. We had three of us trying to stuff my -60 degree sleeping bag into a stuff sack and then I sinched it down...as it was a compression sack. It now fits in the front of my sled. Yeah !
We went to the Reddingtons and Pam brought out all of her ruffs. I picked out a lovely ruff and of course it was the most expensive on there. It was not ready to sew on my parka so I let someone else buy it. I will have to hope that my sad looking Cabelas ruff will protect me from the elements. I bought a beautiful pair of hand knit wool gloves.
I got to watch the kids with their bead working. It was so neat. The kids kind of all learn together, with the older children helping out the younger ones. I was trying to sew some fleece botties and make some pee pee protectors for my male dogs. The sewing machine didn't work, so I call Linda Johnson and she told us to come up at 8:00. It was wonderful visiting with her and listening to her tales. When I left I have sewn fleece booties and also the protectors. She wouldn't take any payment for her time. Thank you so much Linda.
It looks like we will be spending another unplanned day in Manley. It is a great place to stay, but we have run out of dog food and will be trucking in kibble and meat for the dogs and also some people food. Our next drop bags are waiting for us in Tanana.
I have decided that I want to keep these kids in contact and have already made plans to send care packages for them, full of art supplies and fun stuff.
Got to organize my "stuff" and also send some of it home. I had the vets check my dogs. Ned got a little frost nip and I am treating with salve. I took great care to keep all of my dog bowls, kibble and gang line away from my dogs. I placed them in the middle of my picket line of dogs. Well, I didn't really even think of the team that was staked out next door. We had a nice burm of snow between the teams, but one of the other dogs plowed through the snow and chewed two necklines and ate some of my kibble and chewed a couple of dog bowls.
A few of us had an evening soak in the hot springs. So relaxing, but so hot that you can't stay in too long. The decision was made that we are staying another day in Manley so that we don't have Iron Doggers running us down. They travel at speeds of 120 mph and they would be on our trail heading for us. There would be no way for them to stop.
Thursday morning the school kids brought us cinnamon rolls and orange juice for breakfast. Then we did the ceremonial serum transfer to another serum runner. The kids got to hear the history of the 1925 serum run and who all carried the serum.
Today I spent my free time taking care of my dogs and repacking my stuff. We had three of us trying to stuff my -60 degree sleeping bag into a stuff sack and then I sinched it down...as it was a compression sack. It now fits in the front of my sled. Yeah !
We went to the Reddingtons and Pam brought out all of her ruffs. I picked out a lovely ruff and of course it was the most expensive on there. It was not ready to sew on my parka so I let someone else buy it. I will have to hope that my sad looking Cabelas ruff will protect me from the elements. I bought a beautiful pair of hand knit wool gloves.
I got to watch the kids with their bead working. It was so neat. The kids kind of all learn together, with the older children helping out the younger ones. I was trying to sew some fleece botties and make some pee pee protectors for my male dogs. The sewing machine didn't work, so I call Linda Johnson and she told us to come up at 8:00. It was wonderful visiting with her and listening to her tales. When I left I have sewn fleece booties and also the protectors. She wouldn't take any payment for her time. Thank you so much Linda.
It looks like we will be spending another unplanned day in Manley. It is a great place to stay, but we have run out of dog food and will be trucking in kibble and meat for the dogs and also some people food. Our next drop bags are waiting for us in Tanana.
I have decided that I want to keep these kids in contact and have already made plans to send care packages for them, full of art supplies and fun stuff.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
TUESDAY--THIRD DAY ON THE TRAIL
Hi Everyone...It is me ! We arrived in Manley as scheduled. Today was so nice...even though temps were below zero. We had clear skies and very little wind. The snow was still punchy and slow for the most part. I left fourth and came in third. The dogs are doing really well. I am taking pictures and hope to be able to post them...but we will have to see.
It was quite exciting to be chosen the musher to carry the serum from the train. I was the first musher out and on the trail. When I arrived in Old Minto, I put the serum to warm by the fire, and then after our meeting I passed the serum on to Von for the next leg of the journey.
We left the next morning for Tolovana Lodge and it was really a neat place...out in the middle of nowhere. We had hot water ready for the dogs by our arrival. I was quite dehydrated and spent the evening drinking hot chocolate and many cups of tea.
My snow machine partner is Hal Lapoint and he is great. We are getting along great and he is a big help.
This morning we had pancakes made for us by the lodge, but I enjoyed one of my french toast breakfast that I had in a foodsaver pack and also I shared a wonderful breakfast burrito that Ricky made with Hal. It got great reviews.
Dinner will be Elk Lasagna tonight ! But.... I am going to go and take a shower ! Yeah !!!! And Erin Told me that she has a blow dryer left in the shower room for us to use. Tomorrow we will wash one set of clothing...we are all going together for the wash as none of us will fill a load.
Then I will get a ride to the post office and I can't wait to get my package from Ricky...elk meat sticks. They other night Bill shared his Salmon dip and crackers...YUM !
We will be here in Manley for two days and I am looking forward to it. I will fgo through my action packers and figure out what I don't need and will work on lightening my load. I am also looking forward to meeting with the children of the village.
Will upday when I can !
Thanks Ricky for figuring out the system and updating for me ! ! !
It was quite exciting to be chosen the musher to carry the serum from the train. I was the first musher out and on the trail. When I arrived in Old Minto, I put the serum to warm by the fire, and then after our meeting I passed the serum on to Von for the next leg of the journey.
We left the next morning for Tolovana Lodge and it was really a neat place...out in the middle of nowhere. We had hot water ready for the dogs by our arrival. I was quite dehydrated and spent the evening drinking hot chocolate and many cups of tea.
My snow machine partner is Hal Lapoint and he is great. We are getting along great and he is a big help.
This morning we had pancakes made for us by the lodge, but I enjoyed one of my french toast breakfast that I had in a foodsaver pack and also I shared a wonderful breakfast burrito that Ricky made with Hal. It got great reviews.
Dinner will be Elk Lasagna tonight ! But.... I am going to go and take a shower ! Yeah !!!! And Erin Told me that she has a blow dryer left in the shower room for us to use. Tomorrow we will wash one set of clothing...we are all going together for the wash as none of us will fill a load.
Then I will get a ride to the post office and I can't wait to get my package from Ricky...elk meat sticks. They other night Bill shared his Salmon dip and crackers...YUM !
We will be here in Manley for two days and I am looking forward to it. I will fgo through my action packers and figure out what I don't need and will work on lightening my load. I am also looking forward to meeting with the children of the village.
Will upday when I can !
Thanks Ricky for figuring out the system and updating for me ! ! !
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 21 Ricky reporting for Jan
JAN LEAVING NENANA WITH THE SERUM Successful departure from Nenana about 11am on Sunday the 20th. Jan carried the Serum for the opening day and was first to leave Nenana. Arrived at Old Minto about 4pm with all dogs doing very well...second team to arrive in Minto. Conditions on the trail were blizzard with wind and snow, and the trail had deep snow. Spent the night in cabins with no electricity, but warm wood burning stoves. The residents of Old Minto were wonderful and served dinner of Moose Stew and fry bread, and then a breakfast of sausage, eggs, and pancakes.
Departed Old Minto at 11am. Again the weather was blizzard conditions with wind and snow and the trails were snow blown. Arrived safely in Tolovana and stayed at the Tolovana Road House that was warm. Cooking food in the lodge at the road house in pots of water. Tomorrow, will leave for Manley and the Manley Hot Springs and have a day layover scheduled in Manley (but forgot the swim suit for the hot baths). The finger with stitches is doing well with no signs of infection.
I will post more as I hear from Jan. She is happy and well and having a great time. Check out the pictures on Facebook on the Serum Run to see the launch from Nenana.
Departed Old Minto at 11am. Again the weather was blizzard conditions with wind and snow and the trails were snow blown. Arrived safely in Tolovana and stayed at the Tolovana Road House that was warm. Cooking food in the lodge at the road house in pots of water. Tomorrow, will leave for Manley and the Manley Hot Springs and have a day layover scheduled in Manley (but forgot the swim suit for the hot baths). The finger with stitches is doing well with no signs of infection.
I will post more as I hear from Jan. She is happy and well and having a great time. Check out the pictures on Facebook on the Serum Run to see the launch from Nenana.
Friday, February 18, 2011
ANCHORAGE DAY....
Today I went to Anchorage with Buddy. There was a beautiful sunrise this morning on our drive. We ran here and there and there and here. Here is a list of stuff that we bought....cots, liner gloves, mushing mitts, action packers, dehydrated fruit, toe warmers, duct tape, bibs, dry sacks, steak nuggets(beef jerky), carabiners, tug line rope, plastic coffee cup, digital voice recorder, sun glasses, and batteries. (I am sure that I left out a bunch of stuff.)
Then we picked up my new sled. It is beautiful...I can't wait to get it out on the trail...it will be in the morning.
I still have so very much to do and so very little time to do it in. I will set my alarm for early. I am still trying to figure out how I am going to pack everything.
My finger is feeling much better and my Dr. changed the antibiotic that I was on. I am being really careful. It will be a challenge to keep it clean on this trip. The veterinarians are going to take out my stitches in 13 days.
Here is a link to follow serum run: www.serumrun.org
I will post others soon.
Then we picked up my new sled. It is beautiful...I can't wait to get it out on the trail...it will be in the morning.
I still have so very much to do and so very little time to do it in. I will set my alarm for early. I am still trying to figure out how I am going to pack everything.
My finger is feeling much better and my Dr. changed the antibiotic that I was on. I am being really careful. It will be a challenge to keep it clean on this trip. The veterinarians are going to take out my stitches in 13 days.
Here is a link to follow serum run: www.serumrun.org
I will post others soon.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
THREE DAYS UNTIL WE LEAVE FOR NENANA !
Didn't know a finger tip could throb so much...but know that hurts always hurt more at night when you are trying to sleep...
Well, I have come to the realization that having a bandaged finger will be a pain in the butt...I didn't run a team yesterday, but plan on running today. Will be fun to bootie those dogs up. My finger doesn't fit into my liner gloves...hmmm.
Our temps have been in the minuses in the morning and by mid afternoon, they are in the 20's. It has been so beautiful out. My last run in the swamp was fun, as I got to see other teams out there. Most often I never see another team.
Last night I was at Angie's again helping her with her Iditarod drops and preparations. We had two food saver machines going, sealing her clothing that she will be shipping out. We made more of the colorful wristie type wrist warmers. I will miss seeing her off, as we leave before the Iditarod starts. I hope to be able to follow her progress while I am on the trail. It would be so neat to see her cross under the burled arch in Nome, but I think that I will have to leave before her arrival.
Today I will be going into Wasilla for a shopping trip...a few last minute items(OK, more than a few) on my Serum Run list. I am also looking forward to a massage. On the way back to Willow I will pick up my new sled from Bernie Willis. I am very excited about that.
Well, it is 4:40 am and I am going to see if I can get back to sleep.
This morning Buddy is going to swing by and pick up my Siglin sled, a bale of straw, and my action packers. He will be transporting them for me to Nenana on Saturday. Excitement is rising...(and hopefully not panic). I think that I have things pretty well under control.
Well, I have come to the realization that having a bandaged finger will be a pain in the butt...I didn't run a team yesterday, but plan on running today. Will be fun to bootie those dogs up. My finger doesn't fit into my liner gloves...hmmm.
Our temps have been in the minuses in the morning and by mid afternoon, they are in the 20's. It has been so beautiful out. My last run in the swamp was fun, as I got to see other teams out there. Most often I never see another team.
Last night I was at Angie's again helping her with her Iditarod drops and preparations. We had two food saver machines going, sealing her clothing that she will be shipping out. We made more of the colorful wristie type wrist warmers. I will miss seeing her off, as we leave before the Iditarod starts. I hope to be able to follow her progress while I am on the trail. It would be so neat to see her cross under the burled arch in Nome, but I think that I will have to leave before her arrival.
Today I will be going into Wasilla for a shopping trip...a few last minute items(OK, more than a few) on my Serum Run list. I am also looking forward to a massage. On the way back to Willow I will pick up my new sled from Bernie Willis. I am very excited about that.
Well, it is 4:40 am and I am going to see if I can get back to sleep.
This morning Buddy is going to swing by and pick up my Siglin sled, a bale of straw, and my action packers. He will be transporting them for me to Nenana on Saturday. Excitement is rising...(and hopefully not panic). I think that I have things pretty well under control.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
TUESDAY....EEKS ! WELL INTO COUNTDOWN !
Well, it is 6:45 am and I am ready to brave the cold(-20) and water the dogs. Then I am heading to Angie's to cut and bag meat. She has a wonderful industrial meat cutter. I am also going to food saver two peeled oranges...i think they might be refreshing on the trail...yum...frozen orange sections !
Woke up this morning to frozen water pipes at 5 am...we turned on the heater under the house and we have water...yeah ! Makes it so much easier watering the dogs !
I will be on a quest to find boot liners today I think...or perhaps tomorrow. My feet froze yesterday in my Cabelas TransAlaskan boots with the intuition liners. (wondering who to thank for my lousy circulation in my feet...I think that perhaps it is my mom's side of the family, as I remember my grandfather complain of cold feet.) I tried wearing a foot warmer in them but it didn't work. I am thinking that because they are a closed cell liner perhaps there wasn't enough air ? I am now wishing that I had purchased additional Cabelas liners for my boots.
This morning Ted helped me try and gorilla glue my Lobens. I took them to a boot repair and they glued them with no success...If that works, then I will go and buy a pair of Insulated Neos. (overboots)
I am going to try my Northern Outfitter boots today with toe warmers and see how that works.
Bye for now !!!
Woke up this morning to frozen water pipes at 5 am...we turned on the heater under the house and we have water...yeah ! Makes it so much easier watering the dogs !
I will be on a quest to find boot liners today I think...or perhaps tomorrow. My feet froze yesterday in my Cabelas TransAlaskan boots with the intuition liners. (wondering who to thank for my lousy circulation in my feet...I think that perhaps it is my mom's side of the family, as I remember my grandfather complain of cold feet.) I tried wearing a foot warmer in them but it didn't work. I am thinking that because they are a closed cell liner perhaps there wasn't enough air ? I am now wishing that I had purchased additional Cabelas liners for my boots.
This morning Ted helped me try and gorilla glue my Lobens. I took them to a boot repair and they glued them with no success...If that works, then I will go and buy a pair of Insulated Neos. (overboots)
I am going to try my Northern Outfitter boots today with toe warmers and see how that works.
Bye for now !!!
STILL HAVE ALL MY FINGERS
Well, I sure got a lot of meat cut up. Then the band saw decided to bite me....It cut through my glove and I could feel that I had been cut. That was an "OH...NO" moment. I walked to the house and took my glove off to see the damage. Angie and I both looked and we didn't like what we saw. I got online and found a Dr. in Willow who was on my medical plan.
Went in and he figured that I hit the bone, but we opted to not take X-rays since he was going to treat me with antibiotics anyway because of the nature of the injury and also because I will be on the trail for 20 days. I ended up with 3 stitches, with one being a stitch through the finger nail. I couldn't watch that.
I was lucky...it could have been far worse...
Monday, February 14, 2011
A BEAUTIFUL MONDAY--HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !
Worked most of the morning trying to do some fundraising. Serum Run is in a world of financial hurt. Our musher coordinator is considering dropping out to save costs for the group. That would be terrible. She has worked so hard to put this together over the past year. We need to raise $2750.00. This morning I think that I got another $250 to the $800 I raised yesterday. $1700 still needed to be raised by this Friday.
We came back over Ramano Lake and went home. Our run took about 3 and a half hours. I had Otter and Jack in the lead the whole time. They did great. It was such a beautiful day, however, my feet froze.
This evening I went to Angie's and we both were food saver sealing meals and gloves and matches. I took over a bunch of meat to cut up. Russ has a wonderful meat saw. I will go back in the morning and cut up all of my meat. It will be so nice to have a nice saw.
Well, I am tired and am going to go to sleep. Will be up early in the morning Good night !
Stevens Lake
At 2:00 I took out an 8 dog team. We went out onto the swamp and I saw Don Duncan out there. Then we went around Stevens Lake and then out to Lost Lady Loop. I saw Margaret and her team. I saw Bob Storey and we did a beautiful head on pass. I ended up taking a wrong turn and decided to go exploring. We ended up with what looked like we were going to come to the end of the trail at someones house. I turned the team and we followed our trail back. Caught Lost Lady Loop again and then went on Bruno Blvd., where we encountered Bob Storey again and and we had another beautiful pass.We came back over Ramano Lake and went home. Our run took about 3 and a half hours. I had Otter and Jack in the lead the whole time. They did great. It was such a beautiful day, however, my feet froze.
This evening I went to Angie's and we both were food saver sealing meals and gloves and matches. I took over a bunch of meat to cut up. Russ has a wonderful meat saw. I will go back in the morning and cut up all of my meat. It will be so nice to have a nice saw.
Well, I am tired and am going to go to sleep. Will be up early in the morning Good night !
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Bernie Willis Sled Test Drive
I borrowed Angie's Bernie Willis sled and took it for a run. It was awesome...like a pair of high performance skis. I loved how it handled and promptly took it out on Ramano Lake to try it on the hills and through the trees. I was very happy with how it drove. I was a bit worried how I would like it as it was narrower than the sled that I have been running.
When I woke up the temperature was -20. It got up to 16 degrees. While I was on my run my feet were so cold.
I worked on cleaning up "Whitey"...at least the cab. Tomorrow I hope to clean the back. We will be driving the dog truck to Nenana in one week. After tomorrow, the count down begins.
Paula and I vacinated the dogs and I will cut nails tomorrow.
Went to Bill Grimes and hung out with Buddy and Von and Bill. Had dinner and shared mushing stories and looked at Bill's photo albums. Talked about Serum Run and of our building anticipation and excitement. A nice evening with nice people. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone on Serum Run. I am so bummed that Buddy will not be able to join us. He is such a good friend and a fun guy to be around. We will miss him.
When I woke up the temperature was -20. It got up to 16 degrees. While I was on my run my feet were so cold.
I worked on cleaning up "Whitey"...at least the cab. Tomorrow I hope to clean the back. We will be driving the dog truck to Nenana in one week. After tomorrow, the count down begins.
Paula and I vacinated the dogs and I will cut nails tomorrow.
Went to Bill Grimes and hung out with Buddy and Von and Bill. Had dinner and shared mushing stories and looked at Bill's photo albums. Talked about Serum Run and of our building anticipation and excitement. A nice evening with nice people. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone on Serum Run. I am so bummed that Buddy will not be able to join us. He is such a good friend and a fun guy to be around. We will miss him.
Friday, February 11, 2011
TGIF....
Well, it is Friday and I decided that I would sleep in today. I haven't done that in forever.
Then Ted and I went to breakfast and then I spent the morning on the snowmachine re-grooming my chute out of the dog lot. The snow plow literally obliterated my chute that I spent hours on grooming the other day. It was entertainment for the dogs and the llamas. I think that they were taking bets on whether or not I would get the snow machine stuck again. Wednesday I had to have Ted haul me out with the Ford.
I took out an 8 dog team with the 4 dogs that I didn't run yesterday. I will say that I was just a wee bit leery heading out of the dog lot, as another musher who shares my swamp access trail had a moose trample his team a few days ago. Thankfully, all his dogs were OK. I would have been terrified ! I have encountered moose there on the trail many times...however, they have never bothered me...they have just startled and ran.
We had a beautiful run,however, my feet were so very cold. Went out to Ramano Lake and then out to Frying Pan Lake and then back Ramano Lake. Dogs did great. I was wishing that I had my camera with me as a movie would have been so beautiful. It was pretty out there with all of the new snow.
Got back and fed and watered the dogs. Ted made homemade soup for dinner this evening and it was so good. I try and work on my packing for Serum Run and get a final list going. There is still so much that I have to do.
I will be able to get to bed early this evening and I plan on sleeping in again tomorrow. It is so nice to be getting caught up on sleep.
Then Ted and I went to breakfast and then I spent the morning on the snowmachine re-grooming my chute out of the dog lot. The snow plow literally obliterated my chute that I spent hours on grooming the other day. It was entertainment for the dogs and the llamas. I think that they were taking bets on whether or not I would get the snow machine stuck again. Wednesday I had to have Ted haul me out with the Ford.
I took out an 8 dog team with the 4 dogs that I didn't run yesterday. I will say that I was just a wee bit leery heading out of the dog lot, as another musher who shares my swamp access trail had a moose trample his team a few days ago. Thankfully, all his dogs were OK. I would have been terrified ! I have encountered moose there on the trail many times...however, they have never bothered me...they have just startled and ran.
We had a beautiful run,however, my feet were so very cold. Went out to Ramano Lake and then out to Frying Pan Lake and then back Ramano Lake. Dogs did great. I was wishing that I had my camera with me as a movie would have been so beautiful. It was pretty out there with all of the new snow.
Got back and fed and watered the dogs. Ted made homemade soup for dinner this evening and it was so good. I try and work on my packing for Serum Run and get a final list going. There is still so much that I have to do.
I will be able to get to bed early this evening and I plan on sleeping in again tomorrow. It is so nice to be getting caught up on sleep.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
WHAT A DRAG....
Well, today I went up towards Talkeetna and joined Terrance, Joe, Buddy and Bill for a run down the intertie. I pulled into Terrance's driveway and parked the truck. Looking over my starting position, I kind of thought that it would be rather interesting...but I had no idea the extent of it.
I got the dogs ready and hooked up the sled. I had kind of a sharp u turn driveway to get out to the road. Well, my team was stretched out to the curve in the u turn...as I came around the turn I realized that my leaders did not make the turn, but rather went straight along the house and around a parked van. Joy for Joy. As I came around the turn I dumped the sled and drug alongside Terrance's team and up and over his snow hook. There was no stopping or setting a hook in the driveway. Made for more fun. I went and got my leaders and turned them, bringing them alongside the van and then lined them out facing the road. Bill held my leaders and Buddy stood on my brake. We took off and went out onto the road....ended up dragging down the road....and down the road and down the road. My snow hooks were all messed up from the mess in the driveway. I couldn't have set them in the road anyway. The dogs were on fire and had no intention of stopping. They were in travel mode. Normally when you dump the sled they will stop, but on the road, the going was fast and easy. I kept trying to get over to the side of the road, but even so, it didn't do me any good, as I couldn't get a hook in as it was tangled at the front of my sled. I did my first drag across a set of railroad tracks. To make matters worse, I was wearing my brand new omni heat jacket and I was skidding on my right elbow. I was imagining the elbow of my jacket shredding.
Finally we came to a stop and I was in the drift with my sled so I was no longer dragging down the road. I realized that my voice was a bit horse from screaming WHOA !
Finally I saw Terrance and his team heading down the road towards me with Buddy and Bill along too. Buddy pulled up behind my sled and he hooked me off to his smowmachine. Then I was able to upright my sled and straighten out my snow hooks. I followed Terrance to the intertie and then it was smooth sailing. It was a great run. Trails were beautiful. I always enjoy running on new trails. The dogs had to work hard and the temps were warm so we rested them regularly.
On the way back before we hit the road, I stopped and undid 4 tugs on 4 dogs (it de-powers the dogs). I had concerns of the dogs going too fast down the road and I wanted to be in control.
Dogs did great traveling the road...and I enjoyed the return trip standing on the runners rather than dragging down the road. When we got to Terrance's, the team took a nice turn into the driveway and all was uneventful. A nice ending to a great run.
I guess I was over due for a good drag. Now I have it behind me....
PS the jacket is fine....the elbow is sore and bruised.
I got the dogs ready and hooked up the sled. I had kind of a sharp u turn driveway to get out to the road. Well, my team was stretched out to the curve in the u turn...as I came around the turn I realized that my leaders did not make the turn, but rather went straight along the house and around a parked van. Joy for Joy. As I came around the turn I dumped the sled and drug alongside Terrance's team and up and over his snow hook. There was no stopping or setting a hook in the driveway. Made for more fun. I went and got my leaders and turned them, bringing them alongside the van and then lined them out facing the road. Bill held my leaders and Buddy stood on my brake. We took off and went out onto the road....ended up dragging down the road....and down the road and down the road. My snow hooks were all messed up from the mess in the driveway. I couldn't have set them in the road anyway. The dogs were on fire and had no intention of stopping. They were in travel mode. Normally when you dump the sled they will stop, but on the road, the going was fast and easy. I kept trying to get over to the side of the road, but even so, it didn't do me any good, as I couldn't get a hook in as it was tangled at the front of my sled. I did my first drag across a set of railroad tracks. To make matters worse, I was wearing my brand new omni heat jacket and I was skidding on my right elbow. I was imagining the elbow of my jacket shredding.
Finally we came to a stop and I was in the drift with my sled so I was no longer dragging down the road. I realized that my voice was a bit horse from screaming WHOA !
Finally I saw Terrance and his team heading down the road towards me with Buddy and Bill along too. Buddy pulled up behind my sled and he hooked me off to his smowmachine. Then I was able to upright my sled and straighten out my snow hooks. I followed Terrance to the intertie and then it was smooth sailing. It was a great run. Trails were beautiful. I always enjoy running on new trails. The dogs had to work hard and the temps were warm so we rested them regularly.
On the way back before we hit the road, I stopped and undid 4 tugs on 4 dogs (it de-powers the dogs). I had concerns of the dogs going too fast down the road and I wanted to be in control.
Dogs did great traveling the road...and I enjoyed the return trip standing on the runners rather than dragging down the road. When we got to Terrance's, the team took a nice turn into the driveway and all was uneventful. A nice ending to a great run.
I guess I was over due for a good drag. Now I have it behind me....
PS the jacket is fine....the elbow is sore and bruised.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
SNOW !
Got up early this morning and it was snowing. This is really good news as it will mean that my swamp access will be good. I haven't run from the dog lot since before the new year. I have been trucking the dogs because of the condition of the trails on the swamp. Right now the swamp trails are beautiful and my access is awful. Go figure !
Well, I got the snowmachine out and groomed the inbound trail to the dog lot. Then I started working on the chute out of the dog lot. I got the snow machine stuck. Soooo...Ted is getting up and ready to come and drag out the snowmachine with the truck.
Once I get the chute open and groomed, I will take out an 8 dog team. (The dogs that I didn't run yesterday. ) I still have to get my sled off the dog truck and all my gear out of the truck. What will be a 2 hour run will have taken 6 hours !
Well, I never did get a team out...Ted used the truck to pull out the machine...and I promptly got it stuck on the second run through. I then decided that I should dig out a bit more snow before I tried again. Then I was successful at running the drag through and through and through the chute. As I was heading to the blue house Ted hollered at me and asked if I wanted to go for breakfast. I had a hearty breakfast and then decided that I would go to town.
I got a lot done. Went to the lock smith and got a copy of the snowmachine key made. I picked up runner plastic for my new sled that is being built. (Can't wait !) Delivered it to Bernie the sled builder. Picked up snaps for my picket line that Don is making for me. I stopped by All Seasons...clothing store. Nearly went broke ! Thanks Buddy !
Actually, I got a discount and the parka that I got was on sale. I ended up buying a men's XXL. Lol ! You have to understand that to stay warm in -50, the key is layering. I can actually put my mushing anorak under this parka. So I have a lot of versatility with this parka. (and it matches my sled !) I bought a omni heat powder puff jacket. It is like down, but synthetic. It is really warm. That will be my warmth layer. I also found a very comfy pair of polar fleece pants that will fit over my smart wool base layer, my polar stretch layer, and my army level 2 layer. I have a wind stop layer from REI. I will have to see if all of the layers will fit over each other. Tonight's homework.
I have never experienced - 50, but I think that I will be OK with all of my layers. Now I just need to get a pair of bibs or pants that are ballistic and waterproof. (and that fit over all of my layers...) I am concerned with my footwear, but am going to take additional toe warmers and hope for the best. Oh, I also found a neat knit hat. I am expecting my hair to be quite frightful after days on the trail....so I think that I most likely will resort to wearing a hat !
Well, I got the snowmachine out and groomed the inbound trail to the dog lot. Then I started working on the chute out of the dog lot. I got the snow machine stuck. Soooo...Ted is getting up and ready to come and drag out the snowmachine with the truck.
Once I get the chute open and groomed, I will take out an 8 dog team. (The dogs that I didn't run yesterday. ) I still have to get my sled off the dog truck and all my gear out of the truck. What will be a 2 hour run will have taken 6 hours !
Well, I never did get a team out...Ted used the truck to pull out the machine...and I promptly got it stuck on the second run through. I then decided that I should dig out a bit more snow before I tried again. Then I was successful at running the drag through and through and through the chute. As I was heading to the blue house Ted hollered at me and asked if I wanted to go for breakfast. I had a hearty breakfast and then decided that I would go to town.
I got a lot done. Went to the lock smith and got a copy of the snowmachine key made. I picked up runner plastic for my new sled that is being built. (Can't wait !) Delivered it to Bernie the sled builder. Picked up snaps for my picket line that Don is making for me. I stopped by All Seasons...clothing store. Nearly went broke ! Thanks Buddy !
Actually, I got a discount and the parka that I got was on sale. I ended up buying a men's XXL. Lol ! You have to understand that to stay warm in -50, the key is layering. I can actually put my mushing anorak under this parka. So I have a lot of versatility with this parka. (and it matches my sled !) I bought a omni heat powder puff jacket. It is like down, but synthetic. It is really warm. That will be my warmth layer. I also found a very comfy pair of polar fleece pants that will fit over my smart wool base layer, my polar stretch layer, and my army level 2 layer. I have a wind stop layer from REI. I will have to see if all of the layers will fit over each other. Tonight's homework.
I have never experienced - 50, but I think that I will be OK with all of my layers. Now I just need to get a pair of bibs or pants that are ballistic and waterproof. (and that fit over all of my layers...) I am concerned with my footwear, but am going to take additional toe warmers and hope for the best. Oh, I also found a neat knit hat. I am expecting my hair to be quite frightful after days on the trail....so I think that I most likely will resort to wearing a hat !
Sunday, February 6, 2011
REST DAY
TODAY WAS A REST DAY...a day to get so much done. I didn't run the dogs today, but got up early and watered them. Then I worked on cleaning up and organizing my room. Have to be able to find all of my gear that I will be taking on serum run. I have to be ultra organized so that I am ready and have what I need. There is still so much to do.
I washed clothes today and then headed to Buddy's to clean out his garage. We grabbed subway sandwiches for lunch and then I packed out most all of my "stuff" from his garage. We hung the arctic oven tent to dry. I was bummed...I forgot the tent poles. But we managed to hang it. I will try and get the poles up there tomorrow.
I cleaned up about half of the dog lot...I am probably the only musher who sweeps a dog lot. I have Ricky to thank for that. He bought a broom for the doing the dog lot. Anyway, I go around with a hoe and loosen up the frozen poops and then I come back with the broom and poop box and sweep those frozen babies into the box ! It actually works quite well. While working in the dog lot, I enjoyed a beautiful sunset.
Angie came over for dinner this evening and we all had a great time. She is getting her drop bags ready for Iditarod. It was fun to exchange ideas. It was also fun to listen to Ted's stories.
I washed clothes today and then headed to Buddy's to clean out his garage. We grabbed subway sandwiches for lunch and then I packed out most all of my "stuff" from his garage. We hung the arctic oven tent to dry. I was bummed...I forgot the tent poles. But we managed to hang it. I will try and get the poles up there tomorrow.
I cleaned up about half of the dog lot...I am probably the only musher who sweeps a dog lot. I have Ricky to thank for that. He bought a broom for the doing the dog lot. Anyway, I go around with a hoe and loosen up the frozen poops and then I come back with the broom and poop box and sweep those frozen babies into the box ! It actually works quite well. While working in the dog lot, I enjoyed a beautiful sunset.
Angie came over for dinner this evening and we all had a great time. She is getting her drop bags ready for Iditarod. It was fun to exchange ideas. It was also fun to listen to Ted's stories.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
SATURDAY...FINALLY BACK OUT ON THE TRAIL
Today was a beautiful day...crisp and cold and clear blue skies. I took two teams to Shirley Towne. The dogs hadn't run since the Bowers race. We just went about 18 miles each run. The first run was about -5 degrees. It warmed up and actually got up to 15 degrees.
I ran Tok and Ned in lead on team one. We encountered 3 dogs on the trail and they went right on by them. When I took out team two, we encountered the same three dogs. This time they were coming right down the middle of the trail heading straight for us. I held my breath and kept the team going. Jack and Otter ran straight on by them and the team followed. No distractions. I was impressed.
I encountered a US Census worker while on the trail. He was trying to find an address. I am sure that is quite a challenge for the census workers...rural Alaska. I don't think that he ever found it.
It was good to get back out on the trail. I wanted to run from the community center on out to Willow Swamp, but they were having the winter carnival. It was quite a zoo there.
I ran Tok and Ned in lead on team one. We encountered 3 dogs on the trail and they went right on by them. When I took out team two, we encountered the same three dogs. This time they were coming right down the middle of the trail heading straight for us. I held my breath and kept the team going. Jack and Otter ran straight on by them and the team followed. No distractions. I was impressed.
I encountered a US Census worker while on the trail. He was trying to find an address. I am sure that is quite a challenge for the census workers...rural Alaska. I don't think that he ever found it.
It was good to get back out on the trail. I wanted to run from the community center on out to Willow Swamp, but they were having the winter carnival. It was quite a zoo there.
Friday, February 4, 2011
LIFE AFTER DROP BAGS ! ! !
It feels sooo good to have drop bags done ! What a job !
Well, now it is time to get caught up on everything that took a back seat. I did withdraw from the Willow Tug 300. After listening to the race marshal go over the trail report and trail markings, I made a decision that was probably good under the circumstances, but a tough one. I didn't want to go on a race that was 300 miles, possibly ill marked (I asked the race marshal directly if it was marked as well as last year and he replied "No") and one in which the trail had overflow waist high. I also would have been running it starting with very little sleep.
So today, I will concentrate on picking up the many pieces, and getting back to an organized state.
I need to get to Buddy's and put his garage back together. It was so incredibly nice to have had the use of a large heated garage to work on drops. Thank you so much Buddy ! ! !
Well, now it is time to get caught up on everything that took a back seat. I did withdraw from the Willow Tug 300. After listening to the race marshal go over the trail report and trail markings, I made a decision that was probably good under the circumstances, but a tough one. I didn't want to go on a race that was 300 miles, possibly ill marked (I asked the race marshal directly if it was marked as well as last year and he replied "No") and one in which the trail had overflow waist high. I also would have been running it starting with very little sleep.
So today, I will concentrate on picking up the many pieces, and getting back to an organized state.
I need to get to Buddy's and put his garage back together. It was so incredibly nice to have had the use of a large heated garage to work on drops. Thank you so much Buddy ! ! !
Thursday, February 3, 2011
45 MINUTES SLEEP AND BACK AT IT....
THE DROP BAG SAGA....Well, Buddy and I worked on drop bags until 3 am. I felt kind of bad to have kept Buddy up till the wee hours, but his help was so appreciated. Drove back to Willow with the truck loaded with poly bags of kibble, grocery bags tied with chopped meat and meat snacks in gallon zip lock bags. All of the orange drop bags were labeled. The only ones stuffed and zip tied were the one that were mine, full of personal stuff and my food.
Upon arriving home, I backed the truck up to the blue house and made the decision that it would be best if I laid down for a bit. So I very quietly snuck into the house, trying to not wake up Ted and Paula, but of course Pod, one of the house dogs had to announce my arrival. By that time it was about 4:30 am. I was worried that if I fell asleep, I wouldn't wake up so I set 6 alarms. Starting at 5:30 multiple alarms started going off. It was like a three ring circus for me in my groggy state to shut the alarms off. I had two cell phones and an alarm clock and it seemed as thought they were all going off at the same time.
I went out to the blue house and started bagging salmon snacks that were already cut up and in the freezer. Then I used the chop saw and cut lamb and chicken into small chunks and filled zip lock bags. I tossed all of that into the back of the truck. I filled a gallon zip lock bag with solidified fat and took it to the house and melted it. I poured it into two plastic drink bottles. I would use that on the trail if our temps were really down to add more calories for the dogs.
I grabbed a handful of zip ties and was on the road for Anchorage by 7am as planned. I made good time driving, but right before Anchorage the traffic was backed up. I made good use of my drive time and Ricky was an incridible help. We were on the phone most of the drive, with him googling businesses and getting phone numbers for me. He even set up an appointment with my Chiropractor and also one for a massage. Thank you Ricky. That enabled me to get on the road earlier.
Upon arriving at Airland transport, I found an out of the way place to start assembling my bags. I parked the truck, dropped the tailgate and I laid out each drop bag in order. Then I placed a bag of kibble, a bag of chopped meat and two snacks on each one. I then checked my list and added an extra meal to designated drops. Then I strategically placed bottles of emu oil and the fat bottles. Lastly I placed packages of precooked bacon that was food saver sealed and in zip lock bags through out the bags. I had forgotten to put them in my personal drop bags and they would be so nice to have on the trail.
I started loading the bags and getting them ready to zip tie shut. I noticed two truckers there in the parking lot watching my process. I was feeling very pressured and under the gun to get this done by 10:00. I decided to run over to them and ask if they might be able to help me. They exchanged looks at each other and shrugged their shoulders and said yes. So, as I bagged up each bag, they zip tied them shut. It make the process go much quicker and I am so thankful for their help.
They tossed each of the bags into the back of the truck and I ran off to help with the straw bagging. We unloaded bales of straw from large trailers, bagged and zip tied them. Then we placed 8 on a pallet and tagged each bag for their destination. Then we Then we wrapped each pallet with that stretchy plastic that comes in large rolls.
Next came the food drops. Each musher backed up their truck to the loading dock and their bags were unloaded and tagged. Then they were placed on a pallet for the drop destination. Same process was done to the drop bags. They were sealed in plastic wrap.
It was such a good feeling to have this done. I have however thought of all of what I wish that I would have put in my bags. Over all I did well and will be OK. I will make a list now of what I will need on the trail.
On the drive home I had a Dr's. appointment, a chiropractic adjustment and a massage. I then picked up barn yard animal food for Paula's animals. Then I called Buddy and asked if I could come by tomorrow to clean up his garage. I was so in need of sleep. Buddy's garage looks as though a tornado has gone through it. I did follow half of my orders and I took an Epsom salts soak in a hot tub. Heavenly...but I didn't do my stretches.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
DROP BAGS...DAY TWO
Well, today found me bright and early in Wasilla. Made the rounds to WalMart, Target, Sportsman's Warehouse, and AIH. They I headed to Talkeetna where I am working out of Buddy's house to do my drop bags. It is great to have a heated garage and a big kitchen to work out of.
Spent quite a bit of the day cooking and preparing meals in foodsaver bags. Bagged up a bunch of kibble and then we labeled all of the drop bags. Then took an inventory and laid out all of the food and started assembling a bag of food for each day on the journey. Buddy thought that I had way too much food, but when we counted it all out there was not too much extra. I have some meals ready for the race this weekend if I run it.
There is still so much to do it seems. I am hoping that I have all of the meat cut up that I need. I still have to cut up 40 bags of meat snacks for the dogs. I am thinking that I will also cut up some more meat just to be on the sure side.
I have booties to count. I have used so many in training and shredded them up. I am hoping that I don't have to buy too many more booties. I will hold my breath on that one.
Tomorrow I will put together my snack bags for each day and also figure out the needed gloves, batteries, hand and foot warmers, neck warmers, etc etc. etc. that need to be shipped out to the trail.
There are still many things that I need to purchase for the trip.
I am very excited that I have the opportunity to purchase a pair of beaver mitts for $50.00 tomorrow. I so hope that they fit. I have wanted a pair so bad, but I have not afforded myself them, as they are $250 .00 and up. I will also be looking at many other items. So I will start my day off on an adventure of seeing what treasures that I can come by.
I will post pictures as soon as Buddy sends them to me.
Spent quite a bit of the day cooking and preparing meals in foodsaver bags. Bagged up a bunch of kibble and then we labeled all of the drop bags. Then took an inventory and laid out all of the food and started assembling a bag of food for each day on the journey. Buddy thought that I had way too much food, but when we counted it all out there was not too much extra. I have some meals ready for the race this weekend if I run it.
There is still so much to do it seems. I am hoping that I have all of the meat cut up that I need. I still have to cut up 40 bags of meat snacks for the dogs. I am thinking that I will also cut up some more meat just to be on the sure side.
I have booties to count. I have used so many in training and shredded them up. I am hoping that I don't have to buy too many more booties. I will hold my breath on that one.
Tomorrow I will put together my snack bags for each day and also figure out the needed gloves, batteries, hand and foot warmers, neck warmers, etc etc. etc. that need to be shipped out to the trail.
There are still many things that I need to purchase for the trip.
I am very excited that I have the opportunity to purchase a pair of beaver mitts for $50.00 tomorrow. I so hope that they fit. I have wanted a pair so bad, but I have not afforded myself them, as they are $250 .00 and up. I will also be looking at many other items. So I will start my day off on an adventure of seeing what treasures that I can come by.
I will post pictures as soon as Buddy sends them to me.
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