HAPPY NEW YEAR !

   

Wishing you all a very Safe and Happy New Year !  I know that I will be sleeping through the arrival of 2014.  No party in this animal...yet !

BACK HOME AGAIN

Well, I wasn't so lucky.  On the 27th, I caught what ever it was that Angie had.  Knowing the course that this illness took with Angie, I wasn't too excited.  My temperature was over 101 and soon 102 and then up to 103.   I could sum it up with one word...MISERABLE !  My BIG concern is my lungs, as I have Asthma.

Sunday I went to the Emergency room and respiratory therapy came and gave me a breathing treatment.   Armed with a Zpack and also an rx for prednisone, I decided to spend the next few days in a motel, hoping that Bob would not catch what ever it was that hit me like gang busters.

My first thought was this would be rather nice...TV and a bath tub.  Well, day one and two, I could care less about either.  I just slept.  The last night I will admit, I enjoyed watching TV and I did enjoy a relaxing bath...A Sign !   I must be getting better.  I was.   My temp was back to normal and I was wanting to get home.  

I got home armed with a can of Lysol and a box of disinfectant wipes.

Still pushing fluids, and taking my supplements.  Breathing is still an issue and my peak flow is really low.  Trying to get through this without going on Prednisone, which I believe is a miracle and a curse.

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

My Dad wishing you all a Merry Christmas !

Best Christmas present ever for me...a picture of my dad on Christmas Morning celebrating Christmas with the family back home.    Miss you Dad.  Love You !

As for us here in Willow, we have been having temperatures that have been sitting at -25 to -30.  The northern lights have been dancing in the sky.  So very beautiful.  We had planned to take a camping trip to Yentna Station, but we decided to wait, due to the cold weather, knowing that it would be far colder out on the river.  

Angie arrived earlier in the week and she was all excited to visit and run her dogs with us.  I have 6 of her dogs training with my team.  I was excited as it would be great to see Angie and a wonderful opportunity for us to get all of the dogs out each day.  We would each run a 10 dog team.  

We got in one run with Angie and she was terribly cold on the run. Turns out that she was sick and running a temperature of over 100.  She has been on our couch sick ever since.  No fun for her.  

This morning we had Christmas egg casserole and opened presents together.  Then we had Terry, our neighbor come over and we watched the movie Polar Express.  Another day off for the dogs.  Amber has been enjoying being a house dog and has been giving Angie a bit of competition for the couch.  

Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !

Dé·jà vu

Power outage.  Back to lanterns and battery power.  A reminder of training back in 2011 for Iditarod 2012.   We lived off grid and it was a way of life.  So nice to have power on a daily basis.  Oh, how we have softened and like the conveniences that electricity gives us.

OUR NEW DRYING RACK

Still working on organization...makes traveling through life smoother.  Makes a musher's life easier.  I love the new drying rack.  It works GREAT.  And I love not having stuff all over the floor.  The booties dry in 20 minutes.

A BIG Welcome to The CV Kids!

A BIG Welcome to Carter, Nikoli, Moses, Samuel, Connor, Nicky, Sullivan, Michael, and Joe.   I hope that you have lots of fun learning about the Iditarod.  I am looking forward to visiting you guys this Spring and hearing about all of the books that you are reading !   It is nice to know that you are following the blog.  Tell Mrs. E that I say "HI".

Fun Question:   Who has the same name as one of the Iditarod checkpoints?   (It is spelled differently though.)

VACCINATION TIME

We order our vaccines by the tray

We vaccinate our dogs annually with 5 way and also for Kennel Cough. The dogs also get their rabies shots, but a Veterinarian is required to give those.  We save a lot of money by giving our own shots.     

Chop ready to get her shot 

Almost done...Good Girl, Chop!

Well, this morning as usual, we watered the dogs and scooped the kennel.   We chose today to give the dogs their vaccinations because it was a rest day for them.   It was a "Go To Anchorage Day" for us.  After a quick breakfast, Bob prepared the syringes with the vaccine.  Mary came over and helped me bring dogs in one at a time to get their shots.   We had quite the system going. It was a "revolving door" process.  As one dog entered, the other one left.  Bob was able to sit through the process and give the shots out of the cold.  

In the above picture you can see chop getting her shot.  Not one dog yelped through the whole process.  We were done in about an hour.  

A ton of Inukshuk

It is always a good feeling getting re-stocked with kibble.  Soon we will have to have a "kibble bagging party", bagging up all the kibble to send out on the trail for Iditarod.  

MINUS 25 DEGREES IS WARMER THAN -15

Booting Yen

Booting Otter

Well, woke up this morning to the thermometer reading -25 degrees.  We made the decision to run the dogs short due to the temperatures.  So it would be out to our loop on the other side of the highway and back.   Funny how today it seemed so much warmer than the other day when it was only -15 degrees.   That day we all froze.  I had such cold feet and hands and my core was also cold.  Today on our run, my feet were nice and warm and so were my hands.  Dogs did great.  

Along the Parks Highway

One of our road crossings.

Even though it was kind of overcast, there is a real beauty out on the trail.   I was bummed that my camera battery only lasted long enough to get two pictures on the trail.   When we got into the trees it was so beautiful.   I am going to order a special battery for my new camera and I sure hope that it will work in the cold .  My older camera that I have used for the past 4 years here in Alaska worked even in -50 degrees.   It had two AA batteries in it.  I used lithium batteries and never had an issue.  Sometimes change is good...sometimes frustrating.  Still trying to work out the bugs.  

-Minus 25 Degrees

Last night I re-strawed all of the dog houses.  The dogs just love getting new straw.  When they see me pulling the jet sled loaded with straw, they get so excited.  Some wait patiently, while others make it hard for me to get the straw into the houses.  I think that Amber and Otter seem to enjoy it the most.   They quickly get into their new strawed houses and curl up.  They just look so content.

A MUSHING STORY THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE !

I just received a letter and was asked to share one of my mushing stories.  

I have so many stories that I could write a book.  : )   This is the one that I shared.  I titled it  “HO HO HO, Merry Christmas…3 days early”. 

Two years ago, while training for Iditarod 2012, we were on a regular training run through a sub division.  An interesting note is that in Alaska, it is very common for dog teams to train on the roads.  We chose to make a loop through this subdivision so that our dogs would be used to cars, trucks, people and loose dogs.   When you come into a village you never know what you will find.  In some villages there will be roads, vehicles, and people and loose dogs. 

We had gone this route at least 40 or more times.  For whatever reason (and I can’t seem to figure it out), this time my leaders took me down a driveway.  I couldn't believe my eyes, and all I could think was “this could be ugly!”   I was heading down a narrow driveway that was plowed to the hard ground.  With that, there is no setting your hooks to hold your team.  My leaders went right up onto the front porch and turned to the right, out of sight.  It was all I could do to hold my team and I was standing on my brake with all my might.  I did not want to end up on the porch with the sled as well !  

A man came out of the house and grabbed my leaders and flung them off the porch…and under his breath I heard him mutter “Mushers”!

With a little difficulty, I was finally able to get my team untangled and we were heading back out his driveway and we turned back onto the road.   The rest of the run was beautiful and uneventful.

Cell Phone Saga....

Beautiful picture of Bob's team, taken by Bob with his iPhone.
If I had an iPhone that would work, I would post a pic of my team taken on this gorgeous, -15 degree day.  

Well, over the past 4 years, I have had nothing but fun with cell service and my cell phones, while here in Alaska.   Originally I had a T Mobile phone and it worked great.  However, I got a letter from T Mobile that said that I had 30 before they were ending my service.  I had too high a percentage of roaming...I was roaming 100% while training.  So...I ended juggling 2 phones, a AT&T phone and my T Mobile.

Two months ago I got a Smart Phone....(which is rather dumb).  In getting my iPhone, I got rid of my two other phones.   Now here I am, and I have no phone while I am on the trail and it is cold.  I keep it in an interior pocket where it is nice and warm.  When I take it out it lasts about 30 seconds and it shuts off.  Mean while, Bob is there with his phone and taking pictures and movies.  And...he can also receive and place calls.  

Why on earth doesn't my 4S iPhone work???  

Today's run was 42 miles.  Our temps were -15.  I will say that I was rather cold on this run.  It was a beautiful day.   Here's hoping that I will soon have a camera so that I can capture some of the beauty that I am so privileged to see and enjoy while on the trail.

OH WHERE, OH WHERE ARE THE DOG BOWLS?

Room Service, Please

 Woke up this morning to a winter wonderland.  We got nearly a foot of snow.  It was really fluffy and light.  I had fun this morning watering the dogs.  Had to play hide and seek with the dog bowls.  Found all of them.

Amber greeting me and excited about the new fallen snow.  After I watered the dogs, I went digging for buried treasures.  Then I took the snowblower out and cleared the driveway and the center of my dog lot.  I want to keep that area clear so that I can drive the truck between my two lots for when I want to truck dogs.

Mary came over today and we got all the dogs out again.   We had a fabulous run.  26 miles and nice conditions.  Only saw one other team out there today.   It was nice having a softer trail and I am sure that the dogs enjoyed it.  After we got home, we hurriedly put the dogs back to their houses and then I went into the kitchen and started cutting up veggies for a veggie tray.  Then out the door in our mushing clothes and off to a nice gathering of friends and a Christmas sing-a-long.  A wonderful time.  Now time for bed.    I will post pics of the run tomorrow.

SNOW COVERED ICED ENCASED SLED...INSIDE FOR A THAW OUT !

Yesterday we traveled some new trails for me.  It was wonderful.  One head on pass and no moose.  We were blessed with a gorgeous sunset and view of Denali.  My sled has been encased in ice since our warmer temps and rain and freezing rain.  It was a good opportunity for it to thaw out and dry out today.  Got all of the dogs out yesterday on our longest run.  It was great to have Mary run my second group.

Had one fun experience when Bob took an left turn and my dogs went straight.  As I looked for his headlamp, I could see it off to my left.  My team was only partially down the wrong trail, but partially still can make for fun.  This is when necklines on your leaders is nice.  I have been running my leaders without necklines(Turbo and Arnie).  I grabbed Turbo and tried turning the team on our narrow trail, however Arnie had ideas of his own and his stubbornness make it difficult to turn the team.  He went the opposite direction.
I finally got the team onto the right trail and then went back to my sled.  I run with Critter Hooks...love them, but not at a time like this.   I could not for the life of me get my hook loose.  By now dogs were rested...(takes only minutes) and Mary came forward to try and help me get the hook out.  No luck.  So I had her stand on my sled, on the brake and I got off and started kicking that hook from every which direction.  It came free and away went Mary, with the dogs flying down the trail.

I went back and hopped on her sled and pulled the hook and caught up with her.  Set her hook and went up to my sled and we switched back to our own teams.   We crossed a river that just a day ago had 6 - 8 inches of overflow.  It was nicely frozen up and we had no issues.

At about our half way point, we were using our headlamps and it started to snow.  We snacked the dogs on the trail with salmon snacks.  They love their salmon!

We got back to the kennel around 7 pm.  After dog chores, time for a late dinner.

WEDNESDAY...TRAIL WORK FOR BOB AND INTO TOWN FOR ME

Woke up this morning to 9 degrees.  After spending 3 hours on the phone this morning attempting to take care of Medicare billing issues for my Dad, I finally was able to head out the door to Wasilla.  Time to stock up on food for the freezer.  As our runs get longer and longer, my available time will get less and less.  Before I new it, it was time to head back to Willow...I had gotten a lot done, but still had a few things left on the list.   They are now added to a future "To Do List".

Efficiency will be the key at home and on the race.  Organization and routines need to be in place.  After arriving back home, I organized our chest freezer.  Made order out of chaos.  It is nice to know just what is in that freezer and now the new stuff is in the bottom of the freezer and the older foods are near the top, to be used before we dig into our new stores.

I spent a few hours dividing up large packages of meat into smaller portion sizes.  The same was done to the large bags of shredded cheese.  Everything is easy to get to and easy to use.  It is nice to be able to lift the lid and know where everything is and have easy access to whatever we need.   Martha Stewart...eat your heart out.  This is one organized freezer!

10:30 pm and it is -6 degrees.  We are planning a longer run tomorrow, with an earlier start time.  It will be a toe and hand warmer kind of day.

PS  Notice that I said "attempted" to get issues resolved for my dad.  


 

MOOSE NEAR THE TRAIL...

We were debating running today, worried a bit about the trail conditions with rain last night.  I gathered up my 10 dogs to take out on the trail.  All were booted and we were ready to go.  Sled was loaded with salmon snacks and spare headlamp and an extra jacket in case I got cold.  We took off for the other side of the highway.  The run started with a bit of freezing rain.  Ugh.  Then it turned to itty bitty snow flakes.   Yeah!  Well, I guess you really couldn't call is snowing, but I was hoping that it would pick up a bit.

Passed two teams head on and had good passes.  Dogs just cruised right on by.  Further out on the trail we had what I call a "Train Pass"...three teams traveling right behind each other.   For them, they each just experience one dog team to pass, but for my team, it is three, one right after the next.  Basically passing 30 dogs and 3 sleds with literally no time between passes.  On the last pass, I had to go way off the trail to avoid the other team and I ended up flipped in the snow.  All was fine and I just uprighted my sled and away we went.  I glanced behind me and saw the other musher with a dumped sled.

On our return to the power line, my dogs suddenly put it into high gear, accelerating as if they were on a race track.  I glanced off to the side and sure enough, there it was.  You guessed it.  A moose, just off the trail.  I am not sure if we scared it off the trail or if it had been just munching away along side the trail.   My first moose sighting was right in this spot, but they were much farther away.  A far away moose is a happier sight than an up close moose.

Made it back to the kennel safely and snacked the dogs.  Spent extra time with the entire team this evening.  Just talking and giving massages.  I will sit on top of a house or in between two runs and have two dogs loving on me and getting my undivided attention.  They are so very special, my dogs.

Hey Bronn Journey, if you are reading this post, I am enjoying listening to your music while I am on the trail with my dogs.  I have a mix of Praise, Country and Oldies and Bronn Journey on my shuffle.  My speakers are built into the ear flaps of my red hat.  www.bronnjourney.com

Leisurely Start to a Saturday...Late Afternoon Run

Well, today was a slow start.  Got up and watered and scooped the kennel.  Then worked around the house trying to get some more organization to the chaos.  Rigged up an accessory bad on my sled.  It is handy for my mitts, handwarmers, head lamp, etc.   Easy to get to without having to open up the main sled bag.

Then I hooked up a 10 dog team and we headed for the other side of the highway.   Went out to "Cookie Dough".  Trail was fast for the most part, standing water in some parts and slushy in others.  We didn't see any teams until we were on our way back.  Then we saw two teams heading for our side of the highway.  It was a headlamp kind of day end.

Arnie did great and had no problem keeping up with the team.  This evening our dog lot is like a skating rink.  It is very slick.  Time to put on the spikies.   Time to do the snow dance and pray for colder temperatures.

MUSHING IN THE RAIN...

You know the song "Singing in the Rain", Well, we are singing "Mushing in the Rain..."   in the freezing rain.
Went out for a morning run.  Just 13 miles.  Working Arnie back into the team.  He is doing great.  By the end of the run I was glazed in ice.  Time to put parka and mitts in front of the stove.

Later afternoon run was longer and happily, no freezing rain or rain.  Came in by headlamp...barely. Batteries failing and no back up.  Guess who will be putting a back up headlamp in the sled.  : )

Wonderful day!

A Picture of My Team Today, Taken by Donna Quante

2013 Husky Productions/Donna Quante

Got up this morning and same old routine...was able to do my dog chores without all of my layers.  It was a mere -5 degrees and actually warmed up to zero degrees after my run.  After watering, scooping the kennel and having a quick bite to eat, I hooked up 10 dogs.  I ran Ursa and Magic in lead, and I found myself worrying like a mother hen...hoping that we wouldn't encounter two certain teams on the trail.

At the end of yesterday's run, I missed out on sharing a most beautiful sunset.  My iPhone dies on me when I am out on the trail.  Kind of a bummer, as I have no way to make an emergency call or take drop dead gorgeous pictures.   In any event, today, I placed a toe warmer on the back side of my iPhone in hopes that I would be able to take pics while on the trail.

We went down to Little Willow Creek and under the bridge and the out onto the swamp on the other side of the highway.  We passed our usual turnaround and headed out for another run on "Cookie Dough".  Dogs were doing great and so was the musher.  We had a number of great head on passes with nice traveling teams and well behaved dogs.   Hoping to build back up the confidence in Ursa.

I had in my sled two pieces of salmon for each dog,  to snack out at our half way point.  When we got there, I stopped to rest the team, shower them with love and pass out salmon.  Then we were off and running.  On my way back to the kennel, when we were traveling along side the Parks Highway, Donna stopped and took this picture of my team.  Thanks Donna !

BULLIES AREN'T ONLY IN THE CLASSROOM

Bullies aren't only in the classroom or on the playground...they are on the trails too.  It is sure nice to encounter well behaved dog teams while on the trail.  There are two teams that I don't care to face head on on the trail.  Needless to say, my dogs don't like them either.  It can really take a toll on your leaders.  Kind of a bummer.  

NIght Run...Heat Wave up to -15 Degrees !

Great evening run with the dogs.   Took out a 9 dog team and headed over the other side of the highway and into the swamp.  27 mile run.  Passed a few teams on the way out and no issues.  Met two teams on the way back that I wish I hadn't encountered.  Not the best mannered dogs.

Tonight I made sure that I had a fully charged headlamp and my back up.  Last night I came in from a run on low beam, with the red light on....indicating that my headlamp could go out at any time.

After all the dogs were back at their houses, I tried out my new insulated gloves when I scooped the kennel. I was very happy with them and my hands stayed warm.  No dexterity, but you don't need much for shoveling poop!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Morning Run...So Very Beautiful !

TO ANCHORAGE WE GO

Well, the day starts as usual,  up early and water the dogs.  Then it was warm compresses on Arnie's head.  He is being so good.   I am now able to do it my self without holding him down.  He actually relaxes and just lets the warmth soak in.  Then it was pack up breakfast for on the road.  Scooping the kennel will have to wait until this afternoon.

We are on our way to Anchorage to pick up a ton of dog food.  Then we will run a few errands while in town.  With my "Hot Spot" I am able to get caught up on some work on the 4 plus hour drive.

Each time I have driven into town, I am seeing more and more moose along side of the road.  Ugh.  There was once a time when I enjoyed seeing them and was quite interested in them.   I spent 3 winters training with no issues and then in 2012 I experienced a moose stomping of my team.   Terrifying.  So, it is understandable that I am not too thrilled to see those guys along the road.   I guess along the road is better than on the trail.

Arnie is sharing the back seat of the truck with Buzz.  You can tell that he has been experiencing cabin fever.  He is eager to get back with the pack.

WONDERFUL DAY ON THE TRAIL

This afternoon I ran two 8 dog teams.  We are experiencing a heat wave now with temps in the teens.  : )  Much nicer than the -30s.  We just went out for a 20 mile run, across the highway and out to the intertie and back.  Interesting note:  That intertie runs all the way from Anchorage to Fairbanks.   The first run was in the daylight and a very nice time on the trail.  Temperatures with around 15 degrees.  Back at the kennel after the run, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then armed with headlamps, we hooked up the next team.

Arnie was outside on a post and he was going nuts.  I think that he thought that he was going to go for a run. Sorry buddy for the disappointment.

I was particularly taken by my second team.  I was running different leader combinations due to Arnie not being in the mix.  On team 2, I ran Magic and Win in lead, Chop and Ursa in swing, followed by Chip and Dale and then Chad and Otter in Wheel.  It was so beautiful watching this team move down the trail.  We had three head on passes with each team.

A wonderful day and evening on the trail.

UPDATE ON ARNIE

Thought I would post a picture of Arnie.  He is on the right.
Arnie is a very happy boy and a wonderful leader.  He is
pictured here with Betty.  She is also a very happy dog !

Arnie is much better.  He is responding to the antibiotics and his swelling has gone down considerably.  This morning he was much better at allowing us to put warm compresses on his head.   He found the coldest place in the house to sleep last night.

IN NEED OF A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP (Arnie or Jan??? Perhaps both! )

Yesterday, when I was getting ready to hook up a team, I was shocked when I saw Arnie.  His face was swollen up so bad that you couldn't even recognize him.  I immediately loaded him up in my car and we were headed to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital.  You could not even see his eyes.  First they thought that he had a severe allergic reaction to something.  Most likely an insect bite...but we are in the winter with sub temperatures.  Perhaps something taking up refuge in his straw???

He was put on benadryl and cortisone and the prognosis was looking good.   I was sent home with a dog who was supposed to be on the road to recovery.  Well, I arrived back home at 11pm.  He was getting worse and I started sending pictures of him to the Dr. and it was determined that I should bring him back in at 6 am.

So Sunday morning Arnie and I were again on our drive into Palmer to the hospital.  There he saw a different doctor and he took a totally different path.   He believed that it was an infection and to better examine Arnie, he put him out.  Arnie had a rather large abscess and further tests indicated infection.  So, he was put on IV antibiotics and spent the day in the hospital and I was able to pick him up at 5 and headed home.

He is wearing a cone on his head so that he doesn't bother his wound.  It is above his eye and believed to be the result of a foxtail.  They are so very nasty.   This is the worst that I have ever seen.

Arnie has been a trooper, however, he is not being all that cooperative on taking his meds and also on allowing us to wash his wound daily and applying warm compresses to it 3 times a day.  As he navigates around the house, he is bumping into everything.  Will be a very interesting next 10 days.

Forgot to mention, that yesterday was my first real day back on a sled.  I am not counting the other day when we only went 4 miles due to malfunctioning equipment.  It was wonderful to be back on the sled.  Our run was across to the other side of the Park's Highway and into that swamp.  We had a 20 mile run.  When we got back to the kennel, we went in  and had a quick sandwich and were heading out for another run.  It was when I was hooking up the second team that I noticed Arnie.

DAY OFF FOR THE DOGS...BUT NOT THE MUSHERS

- 34 degrees...we decided not to run the dogs today.  Extra morning feed and then water.  Then it was off to town for me.   I paid off the snowmachine repair bill so that we can get it picked up tomorrow morning.  Tried to buy a sheep skin steering wheel cover for my frozen but it wouldn't stay on the steering wheel.   I am trying to soften the impact of - 34 degrees.

Actually, driving into Wasilla did just that.  It is much warmer in Wasilla.  Went into Palmer to pick up a replacement washing machine.  Ours hasn't been spinning the clothes very dry and yesterday it started sounding pretty sick.  Time to be proactive...replace it before it dies.  I just love craigslist.

Picked up printer ink and other odds and ends.  Then it was a mad dash back to Willow to get to the Willow Dog Musher's Meeting.  Home from the meeting and we unloaded the washing machine.  It is thawing out in our back room.  We will take it for a test run tomorrow afternoon.

Just finished dinner...left overs from Monday night pot roast.  YUM.  Seems like it is better the second time around.

The plan for tomorrow is to get up early, water and scoop the kennel.  Then off to the Ski Doo shop to pick up our machine.  Hoping that the temps warm up a bit.  That will determine our run schedule tomorrow.  It is already 10:30...Time for bed.

MINUS 30 SOMETHING

The past two days have been in the minus 30's.  Very cold.  Yesterday I took off for my first day on the sled.  The sled was newly equipped with a guard for my snow hooks, so they wouldn't chew up my sled bag.  Well, the caution that I was given was that you didn't want to stop the first 4 miles along the parks with a hot team...and have to rely on a snow hook holding your team.

By the time I had gone 2 miles, my snow hooks were taking turns flying off my sled(over ten times).  They often would land on the sled bag near the brush bow (front of sled) and they would be out of my reach.  I would have to set one hook and cautiously go up to the front of my sled and grab the out of reach hook.  Back on the runners, I would take off again, only to have to repeat the process.   Well, this was not the way to enjoy the first run on the sled for the season.  

I turned my team and headed back to the barn.  The 4 wheeler had been put away for the winter.   All the rigging was removed and my 16 dog gang line has been changed for an 8 dog set up.  I did try and start the 4 wheeler, but it was too cold and it wouldn't start.  So, it was dogs chores and getting caught up on paperwork.

- 25 DEGREES and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BOB

 Last night I started the 4 wheeler  before I went to bed and then got up at 4 am to start it again.   I can tell you that I didn't want to get up when the alarm went off...let alone, head out the door  to the 4 wheeler.  It was a very cold cold.  I bundled up and went out and again, the 4 wheeler started right up.  I let it run for about 20 minutes.  Then I crawled back to bed to get a couple more hours sleep.  

This morning the temperature was -25 degrees. That is cold.  You know that it is colder when you go out to water and your nose hurts when you breathe.  Watered the dogs and then scooped the kennel.    Then it was inside to warm up and have breakfast.  

Each day I have been out with a team I have been cold.   I knew that today would be no different.  I pulled out my red Trans Alaskan Suit  and armed with hand warmers and toe warmers, I set off on the trail with my team.  

We had a great run.  I didn't see many teams out there today, but I did have two oncoming passes with Bob.  They were nicely done.  Then it was back home and time to feed and water.  We came home to the wonderful aroma of our dinner cooking in the crock pot.  Pot roast.  Terry joined us for dinner.  Later this evening we had a nice get together with our neighbors in celebration of Bob's birthday.  When you get a group of mushers together, you know what we talk about....yes,  Dogs.   A very nice evening.

A WAKE UP TO -10 DEGREES

This morning we woke up to minus ten degrees.  First thing on the agenda was to get my Subaru plugged in.  We would be heading to church in about 2 and a half hours.   Then it was time to water dogs and scoop the kennel.  Breakfast would be on the road.  I have gotten quite good at Sunday breakfasts to go !  Today on the menu was orange juice, coffee, french toast, ham and sliced fruit.

We arrived to church on time and it was great to see our friends.  After church we always have soup or something to share.   Today Mary made a delicious chicken noodle soup and biscuits.  Sandy also brought a blueberry coffee cake.  Fuel for the drive home.

The cutting of fish and meat has begun.

                                how we cut up of fish for snacks                                     

Empty dog food bags come in handy...

When we got home, we quickly changed into our mushing work clothes.  We loaded up the Subaru with about 50 salmon and drove to a friend's house.  We used his band saw and soon we had 5 dog food bags full of cut up fish and one bag of fish heads.  We left the tails for the resident raven.  I will say that it was a cold job and I had to stop a few times just to warm up my fingers.  You wouldn't know that there were hand warmers in my gloves.

After arriving home, the dogs must have known what was soon to come.   All eyes were on my every move.  I went inside to get a feed bucket and then returned to the car.  I filled the bucket with fish heads and walked through the kennel, giving each dog a frozen fish head.   They were in heaven.  Their only focus was the fish head between their paws.  There was a dead stillness across the kennel.  The dogs were soon happily curled up in their houses...perhaps dreaming of when they might get another fish head.

Well, it is time to go out and feed and then scoop the kennel for the evening.

BEAUTIFUL DAY OUT WITH THE DOGS

Hooked up a 16 dog team and took off on the 4 wheeler.  Saw two other 4 wheelers out there and 3 sleds.  Beautiful day, awesome dogs...great run.   Had 4 head on passes.  This picture is taken on our way back from our run.  Turbo and Arnie in lead, Merv and Win in swing.  Love the shadows in the picture.  

Back at the kennel, all dogs were watered and then had a treat at their house.  Lots of loves and attention.  I have three pairs of dogs who make it a real challenge to get harnesses on or off.   They are Spot and Roan, Chad and Otter, and Chip and Dale.  While working on one, the other is all over me and in my face.  A really nice group of dogs.  

Well, it was time to head into town and pick up items to help make life easier and more organized.  I had company with Amber along.   She loves riding shotgun and she doesn't eat up my seat covers.  : )  

Time to scoop and bring in my harnesses and gang line.  Will also cover the 4 wheeler.  Then it is to bed.  

FISH MONDAY

Well, we were on a mission today...we had our list.  First was to visit our friend Rick who just recently returned home from a lengthy stay in the hospital.  We borrowed and picked up a 4 wheeler (which wasn't running...must be a musher thing...)  We dropped it of at our mechanic's.  Hoping to get it back real soon.

David and Rena Davis, D.R. Davis Company, donated enough frozen salmon to me to snack my dogs all the way to Nome.  Thank you so very much David and Rena.  We now have enough salmon in our freezers to get us through the training season and Iditarod.  That is a really good feeling.

THREE WHEEL'IN SUNDAY

We woke up to a glorious sight !  Snow !  

And it just kept snowing the whole entire day.  

So, aside from the snow, the day started out as normal....as normal as it can be for a musher.  (That should give you a hint, along with the title of this blog entry.   Watered the dogs and scooped the kennel.  I can tell you there is nothing that I enjoy more than greeting the dogs in the morning.  They are so happy to see you. Tails a wagging and lots of nuzzles and kisses.  

This morning seemed to bring a special exuberance...and I am sure that it was because of the snow.  Most all of the dogs were out frolicking.  There were a couple who were still holed up in their houses...waiting for their water and kibble to be delivered to their door.  Such service.  

Then it was back in the house for the mushers and a quick breakfast.  Then out to start hooking up a team and getting ready for a run.  

Jimmy waiting patiently

Well, the run started out as usual.  Out the driveway and a right turn onto Serenity.  Another right onto Melia and then a right onto Del M.   As soon as I took the right on Del M, I saw a tire in the road ahead of me.   Further ahead, I saw Bob's 4 wheeler...I mean, 3 wheeler.  He broke an axle and that was the end of his rum.   It was back to the kennel for him.   I also turned my team so that I could go out and and help him get his team and 3 wheeler back.  

Back at the kennel, the entire axle came free of the what was once a 4 wheeler.  Bummer.  It is pretty much toast.  

A BIT COLDER...

Woke up this morning to 6 degrees.  brrr.   Sat down to a cup of coffee and then bundled up and watered and scooped the kennel.   Such a great start to the day, dogs excited and happy to see you...and me happy to see them.

Back inside and then breakfast.  Figured out my line up for a 16 dog team.  Today I went out with Merv and Win in lead.  After a short distance I stopped and put Win in swing and Arnie up with Merv.  Much better.

We headed to the other side of the highway and varied our run from the day before.  Had a head on pass with Bob through the tightest, twistiest, treed part of the trail.  Took some fancy maneuvering, but a great pass.

I am so proud of my team.  After ending up on a wrong trail, we drove through 3 dog lots with no issues.  Also encountered two loose dogs.  My leaders and team stayed focused and didn't bat an eye. They cruised right on by and we were soon back out to the Parks Hwy.

Turns out that that kennel access was new this year.  Many of us would take a "haw" at the   intersection and now there is a new trail there.  More of a gradual left turn rather than the 90.  Found out that I am not the only one whose teams ended up on Nick's kennel access.

A great day!

FIRST RUN

Woke up this morning and the temperature was 16 degrees.  What a change from the mild temperatures in Edmonds.  It was great to be back watering, scooping poop and just loving on the dogs.

I hooked up a 16 dog team and away we went on the 4 wheeler.  The dogs are looking great and Angie's have blended nicely into the team.  We went out to the highway and headed to the trails on the other side of the Parks.  Dogs pulled the 4 wheeler the entire run.  As for me...I was a bit of the cold side,..with very cold hands.  I will certainly be wearing more layers tomorrow and warmer .gloves.

I will be posting pictures when I am back on my laptop.

ALASKA BOUND

Well, after 3 flight cancelations I finally made this one.   As I was heading for the airport, I realized that I had left home without my laptop charger.  Ugh!  This has been my most challenging time just getting to Alaska.  After a brief hospitalization, my father'a life changed and so did mine.

He is now in assisted living and happily adjusted.  I couldn't leave without going through that adjustment phase with him.  And now, I am able to head north with a happy heart knowing that he is in a safe, loving environment, and one that he loves.  I am very grateful for the loving care that my father gets from the Chestnut Court staff.

The flight was half empty and I ended up with empty seats on either side of me !  SLEEP !

Bob was there to meet my flight at midnight, along with Buzz and the "princess" (Amber).  We arrived home about 3AM.

Second Draft

We are getting closer..still not liking the fangs.  : )   Let me know what you think !   

Rough Draft for Kennel Logo

My daughter Nikki, known as Nicolina in the art world has sent me a first draft of our new logo.  Can't wait to see the final draft !  http://nicolinaart.tumblr.com/  

"JOINING THE TEAM ! "

One Ear Up Kennel

A HUGE thank you to all those who have "Joined the Team".   There are many ways to "Join the Team" and all are so very much appreciated and important.  There are those who help out with the financial needs, by sponsoring a dog, filling the sled or buying booties.  With your help, I am able to make the commitment to do my best training my team for the upcoming 2014 Iditarod.   When you sponsor my team, you become a part of the team.

Training for and running the Iditarod is an IMMENSE financial investment. Sponsors play a big part of getting the team down the trail--I couldn't do it without you.  These dogs are so wonderfully amazing.  It all starts with training...these dogs are fed the best and their every need is attended to with love and care.

Team members, who offer support with their labor of love, is so greatly appreciated.  Last year we had help with sewing, baking, making snack bags for the mushers, powdering and bagging booties, bagging kibble, cutting and bagging dog meat and snacks(to name a few).  When drop bag assembly time is near, there is always so much to do.  Greatly appreciated is any help with fundraising, computers, websites, etc.  Again, your help plays a big roll in getting us to the starting line.  Any support, no matter how big or small is significant and appreciated.

Be a Prayer Warrior...pray for me and my team all throughout training and all along the Iditarod Trail.                                             

                                                                       

MUSHING FOR LITERACY...One of the most rewarding experiences that running the Iditarod has given me, is the opportunity to be involved with students from across the US.   During training and throughout the Iditarod, I received over a hundred letters from kids, sharing with me what they are learning in the classroom.  This past spring, after Iditarod, Bob and I visited 13 classrooms and gave two school assemblies.  The kids   are as amazing as the dogs.    It is wonderful to see their love of     learning and their excitement to share with us what they have learned about the Iditarod.  
 
       

At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank from the bottom of my heart, the following people who have "Joined my Team"  and are supporting the "One Ear Up" kennel and our third Iditarod.                                                                                               

Bob Chlupach, Richard Steves Sr., Angie Taggart, Jackie Leake, Margaret Morcom, Karen and Stephen Fry, Amy Young, Judi Worley, John MacFadden, Helga Byhre, Elizabeth Watson,  Marian Hudak, Dorothy Roat, Al and Lori Bergman, Helen Fowler, Bill Henning, and Nancy Edwards

Sign Ups for the Knik 200

Well, I got signed up for the Knik 200, last night after a couple hours of persistence.  I have no idea why I wasn't able to get my application accepted online.   By 10:00 I had already been at it for an hour.  Sent in an email hoping that it would document my time that I was trying to sign up.  My worry was that in the mean time, the race spots would go.  Finally, I called Bob and he went online and tried from his iPad.  My application was finally accepted, but somehow the payment page never came up.

Today I received a call from the Knik 200 and I was able to process my payment.  I was told that the race was closed after the first 24 hours.  Whew !   Today I logged on to the Northern Lights 300 and got my application printed and filled out.  Then off to the post office I went and got that envelope post marked.  I am hoping that I have the same luck with the Northern Lights.  

Last year I missed the sign ups for both races.  I was determined to get signed up early this year.  

GETTING READY TO HEAD BACK TO EDMONDS...

A Moment With Chad

Wow, the time just flew by.  I knew that it would.   This morning brought disappointment as the temperatures rose and we made the decision to not run dogs.   I have been running 2 teams a day and enjoying every moment of it.  Yes, even in the MUD.  It has been fun watching the dogs charge through the puddles.  By the time the 4 wheeler goes through, there is water and mud everywhere.

Looking out at the kennel, Roan, Spot, Chad, Ursa, Win, Chop and Circus are on top of their dog houses...some snoozing, others watching the kennel action.  Lake One Ear Up has receded and all of the runs are now above water.  There is still sand to shovel, but most of it has been distributed to the dog runs that needed it.   We figured that we got 3 inches of rain in 12 hours.  A lot of water for the ground to soak up.

Lake One Ear Up

Hydro Engineering



A Truck Load of Sand

                                      

Bye Bye Lake...Hello Dry Dog Runs

Win, Chop, Chip and Dale have adjusted beautifully to the kennel.  It is kind of like a homecoming for Win and Chop.  They are so dialed in to the cookies at their house after a run. After their run, they race back to their houses with tales wagging and eagerly wait for their cookies.   Chip and Dale are thinking that is a pretty good deal as well.  All 4 dogs belong to Angie and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to add them to my team.

Win and Chop

Chip

Dale

Win and Chop both run lead and Chip and Dale run wheel.   All 4 are so good natured.

Morning cup of Coffee atop a TON of kibble

PREPARING FOR WINTER

Well, the temperatures are falling.  This morning we woke to 22 degrees.  Time to dig out the refrgerware,  warm hats, neck warmers, work gloves,etc.

We went to the feed store and bought 10- 90 pound bales of straw.  I prefer smaller bales, and ones that are not compressed, but the local clean straw was damp and we made the decision to purchase the compressed bales shipped up from Washington State.  Last year I bought some local straw and it was filled with fox tails in it.  Not good for the dogs.

Time to work on the dog lot and time to fill in the holes.  Ursa..aka: "Digger" has really been quite the excavator... I do believe that she was digging to China !   She is very proud of her holes.

Ursa, Iditarod Finisher, is one of my leaders.  She runs great with  Magic.   

Here is a pic of the two of them after a run today.

      

WOKE UP TO FROST ON THE GROUND

22 Degrees in Willow this morning.   It is long john weather !   Watered the dogs quick this morning and then back in the warm house.   Time to layer up and get in a good brisk run !  

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT "ONE EAR UP KENNEL" ???

HEAR YE, HEAR YE...JAN IS BACK ! ! !

TURBO, The Dog Crier

OH, HAPPY DAY !   OH, HAPPY DOGS ! ! !

OH, HAPPY JAN ! ! ! 

It is so Great to be back, even though just for 11 days.  I will return to Edmonds to tie up loose ends and make sure that I have taken care of all of my father's needs.  He is excited to follow another Iditarod.  I now have a great following at Assisted Living.   When I return I will do a presentation for the residents at Chest Nut Court.  Then I will return to train full time.  

Had a wonderful run with the dogs.  Magic and Ursa in lead.  It is great to be back watering, scooping the dog lot, and feeding the dogs.   In between, I have been giving them lots of loves.  Took Jimmy and Turbo for an off leash walk.  Buzz, the Black Lab joined us.  Dogs have been enjoying massages and I can't get enough of them.