It Takes a Team

Photo: Josie looking on from the pen, Jim, Dr. Pauline Schroeder, DVM, Michelle, IMAH technician and Buddy.

It takes a team to raise a village of dogs... not quite the saying, but the idea is there.

We did receive about 7 inches of new powder snow,light but deep. The morning was spent taming it and getting the usual work done. Dr. Pauline Schroeder and tech, Michelle, arrived about 2PM to do a round of vaccinations and wellness checks. All went smoothly and we are lucky to have a great team.

The storm left behind beautiful trails, which are all groomed and ready to go (not quite like magic, a few hours and manpower to do it, but they are great!)

Storm on horizon

Photo: Glory , age twelve, one of our original Scuba's pups... she's still running like a pup.
She raced at Nicolet when she was nine (in lead with Skinny).


Estimates of our snow to come vary, but minimum of six inches it seems. Add to that 28mph winds and today is a busy day (this week is a busy week).

We laid in more straw yesterday and will line all houses with a new fluff today. Temps in below zero area tonight although it has been mid thirties. The most wintery winter I can remember in recent years.

Friday, if she can get in our driveway, the vet comes for a house call (aged dogs checkup, cat's rabies shot, various items on agenda). And the food supplier had not received our shipment , so we're running for that , somewhere today. Just the usual busy of the kennel.

Iditarod starts on Saturday, March 7th. Stay tuned for info on a possible dog visitor. Meantime, I'll be shoveling my way into gates for a couple of days.

Two Teams, Iffy Trails

Two teams took off on a warmish day. The trails could have been worse, only one huge divot which the dogs skirted nicely and a few rocks kicked up, but it was a great run out there. Tim and Shanna were hardy and skillful drivers.

Returning home we took a six dog team on the internal trails which were fast and dicey (icey) and the drivers handled them well.

Dogs run: Buffy, Matilda , Sherpa (lead), Medio, Kiddo, Rosie, Zoom (team), Quattro, Copper, Herman (wheel). Ruthie ate her way out of her pen to be a leader, but it wasn't her day, sorry Ruthie.

Choosing dogs for teams

Tomorrow we have two adult drivers running dogs. Both have some experience. We think our first team out will be: Buffy, lead; either Ruthie or Matilda, lead;
Medio and Herman in team and who in wheel??

Copper (Iditarod, 06) is just chomping to be on any team out. He's great but his nipping would upset Herman so Copper might go on the 2nd team or Herman may be replaced, although he's earned a spot, for sure. ( a hard puller, no nonsense, let's go and go, dog).

Kiddo should go. She's an experienced racer, fit and ready. We've overlooked her a couple of times and her pen mates. If we run a 2nd team, they should all be on it.

Quattro is a wheel dog and runs well next to nipping Copper (she lives with him and rules the roost). Sherpa is a steady dog as well, a bit smaller, but no nonsense like Herman.

Lillen would love to run but it's to be a bit warm and eight miles might be too much for her shaky hips. She'll be mourning if we don't take her though, maybe on a 2nd team.

So my first guess right now is: Buffy, Matilda (she needs lead experience, would not put her here with a beginner); Medio, Kiddo, Herman (solo wheel), a five dog team. There's some strength for the 8 miles, some speed and good experience, on the whole. Sorry, Copper!!

Winter Sports Mecca

What is your favorite winter sport? You can probably find it here in NE Wisconsin/Upper Michigan. Because it is such a great winter spot, we sometimes have competing events, causing us to have to make choices between them.

Yesterday we chose to run dogs early and then to spend the day at Pine Mountain Ski Hill

watching the Continental Cup ski jumps. Some of our dog drivers are very involved in that competition. The Austrians had the longest jumps, one of which I saw at 431 feet. The hill record is 468 feet and I haven't heard if they broke it today or not. I've been watching these jumps for many years, but am always in awe of these jumpers, WOW!

Tomorrow we are planning to run teams on an eight mile run into Michigan, weather permitting.

The trails are hard packed and nice with just about two inches of new snow packed, but the railroad grade is icy from a Valentine's weekend of snowmobilers. We think we'll try it , though.

Skinny, Sierra, Buddy and I just came back from a dusk run... perfect and memorable!

Race Season

We are watching a lot of favorites, but not racing any teams from here this year.

Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore, http://www.iditarod.com/ and http://www.aliyzirkle.com/. Wishing them a great race. Their blog is really informative.

We have others to watch in Iditarod as well, including Karin Hendrickson, rookie, and Trent Herbst, veteran and Karen Ramstead, veteran.

Karen and Mark Ramstead are running the Yukon Quest 300 starting this weekend, http://www.yukonquest.com/ . Martin Buser is running his first Yukon Quest.

Beth Castaldi won the four dog class at Land O Lakes sprints last weekend, running the 2nd day with three dogs... yea, Beth! yea, Beth's dogs! http://www.sleddogcentral.com/

Race Results, Midwest sprints.

Photo: Beth and partners at LOL, 2008.

Ice, Rain, Slop

Ice, slippery+ rain, meltdown = SLOP. Wear Yaktrax!

Meltdown Continues

The temps have been up in the high 30's, low 40's and it is currently raining. The trails and pens are icy. Skinny and I did take our sled run yesterday , the icy trail making it easy for him to zip along. 29 dogs got their runs, skidding here and there. We have a scheduled long run for next Monday but not looking so great for trails so far.

Our winter sports friends are busy. This weekend the ski jumping tournament at Pine Mtn is scheduled to be a 'go', hopefully this meltdown won't wreck the snow packed scaffolding and inrun.

Iditarod heats up as only 25 days to go. We still holdout for someone to do dog care so I can go, but everyone is busy with their own winter stuff. If we don't go, we'll be watching via cyberspace.

Dog Return; Update on Redoubt Volcano

Tanni and Evalina returned for breakfast at about 7AM. Tanni slept the rest of the day, with no apparent ill effects of his morning adventures through deep snow.

Update on Mt. Redoubt: (from the site)
Comparing the time frame of pre-eruptive activity in 1989-90 (the only other eruption for which seismic data were available) with the current unrest, we would expect such an eruption to begin within the next few days or weeks. It is likely that the onset of an explosive eruption would be preceded by a further increase in seismicity. An explosive eruption would be accompanied by a sharp increase in seismicity. Should earthquake activity or other monitoring data suggest that an eruption is expected within hours, or is underway, AVO would move Redoubt from its current Aviation Color Code ORANGE to RED, and Alert Level WATCH to WARNING.

This is one of the scenarios that could occur, not necessarily what will occur.

Springlike Antics

It is 5:23 AM and thirty degrees. Tanni and Evalina dug out of their pen at 3:12 AM and are off running into the hills. Not my favorite way to be awakened. I imagine the nearly full moon has added to their eagerness to be out and about. Tanni is twelve and should not be running about like this. It's nearly impossible to find him at this hour.

This warm spell should last another few days... hope our trails can stay intact. Right now they are still hard packed and well groomed, with a deep base.

Volcano Activity Watch by Iditarod

The Seavey Iditarod racing kennel, which we visited last summer, is watching the heightened seismic activity of Mt Redoubt volcano. Ref: an article at http://www.cnn.com/, (thanks, Donna Quante for the link), the Seaveys are contemplating having to move their 100 dog kennel to the North to the grandfather's kennel. That's a huge undertaking at any time, but especially just prior to Iditarod when racing kennels already have a full schedule.

Current reports indicated heightened seismic activity and a Watch for Mt Redoubt. It is located

overland and across Cook Inlet from the Seavey kennel which is just out of Seward.

The photo is of foothills enroute to Seward, not of the volcano.

29 Dogs

29 dogs ran yesterday. Wind chill was minus seventeen, temps hovering around zero. Today we'll be into a warm up (twenties, thirties). Our original Butcher dog, Scuba (deceased, 1998), still has three running pups, Power, King and Glory . They took to the trails with great heart yesterday.

Skinny and I continue to take our one dog sled rides so he can check his route.

Skinny and Me

Skinny is the main man in the house these days, but he screams to go for a walk each day. Former Quest leader, mountain climbing dog, adventurer, etc. , it must be very hard for him to spend most of his day on a pillow, watching other teams! I hate it for him. Some times there are 'walkers' with strong backs (he can still pull very hard), but both Skinny and I have some touchy disc problems, so my walking him w/o an ATV is a bit dicier, although I do it, pleading with him , "Easy now".

Yesterday he was so eager to go, I did hook him to a sled. He usually wears a ManMat harness

(easier on the back) but he was SO excited I just grabbed an x back and off we went, Skinny and me. We stopped at every tree, went into snow banks in his hunt, etc, but he was thrilled to go . Today we will get some help from Lillen in our 'run'. We have tried him with teams but he wheezes and coughs... he just can't do the 'real' thing anymore. This was a half mile loop and I walked most of the way, the sled was just the go between .

Mt Redoubt Activity (Volcano, AK)

Mt Redoubt , an active volcano, has had some increased activity recently. Will try to copy the URL for checking or go to http://www.adn.com/ and check it out. Last August when my granddaughter and I visited AK, there had been some ash spewing from volcanic activity , shutting down the airports up there just prior to our trip (did not affect us). Redoubt is on Cook Inlet, southwest of Anchorage. The warning level is at Orange for now, with some increase in seismic activity in the last day. Hopefully, it will settle down before all of the Iditarod traffic.

When the volcanoes erupt, it causes air quality problems of all types, including for dogs outside.

www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt/php

Photo: Flying a bit north over Redoubt area, winter.

Cold Weather Gear, Here and in Alaska

At minus fifteen this morning and chatting with all going to Iditarod about warm gear, it's timely to review our favorite winter gear items. I will be wearing this hat as I go out to feed dogs this cold a.m. In 2000 I took a dog sled class/ camping trip with Aliy and Kaz Zirkle out of Two Rivers, AK. Temps reached minus thirty out there, but Aliy/Kaz had provided a great gear list for us and we were well dressed for our adventure. I am repeating some of this here, with credits to Aliy/Kaz, !

Natural Extremes. Take a trip with them! www.aliyzirkle.com, www.spkenneldoglog.blogspot.com

In the photo are three items I take to winter Alaska each time I go. The beaver hat has ear flaps that fold down and keep your cheeks warmer in bitter cold. This one I bought at the craft fair in Nome at Iditarod 03... that is a not to miss event, reasonable prices. Layer under it with a balaclava AND a neck gaiter (which you can turn as it frosts up).

The Outdoor Research overboots have a warm foam foot base and are surpisingly stable for walking. I wore them all day at the Finger Lake checkpoint and was very glad to have them. I purchased these on sale in a small gear store off Spenard Ave in Anchorage. Mushers sometimes carry these in their sleds, they are lightweight. Mine are size Large to fit over my mukluks or Sorels. (I wear a size 7.5 in boots).

The large mitts are useful for many outdoor outings. I have them strung together with leather shoestrings and put them through the sleeves of any jacket I'm wearing. They are large enough to not have to fumble when your fingers need a QUICK warmup. I put handwarmers in the thumb and hand parts. I also use them on the dog sled or on the snowmachine when going for long runs with the dogs. I will also be wearing this a.m., as a base layer, my expedition weight poly t-neck underwear tops and bottoms. My favorite outer pants are detachable bibs from Cabela's. They are out of them now or I would have a second pair. (I threw away the bib straps as I find bib straps a nuisance).

Hands: Gordini lava wool gloves with windproofing and leather/vinyl palms, REAL Ragg wool gloves or mittens (some Ragg mittens have leather palms), REI windproof fleece tightfitting gloves. I find I need all of the above for warmth, photo shooting, standing around AND the big mitts in the photo. You can layer the Ragg gloves with small tight fleece ones underneath as wool is not windproof. Nothing is perfect for hands but these are my favorites. Fingertips do still get cold in Gordini's but I put ToastiToes in the palms. (And I have tried expensive and inexpensive multiple types of mittens/gloves... lots of $$ in experimenting, these are my best, but not perfect, for hands.

Avoid COTTON in anything (sweatshirts, tee shirts, socks, etc.)

Socks: My new favorites (and I'm out every day in all weather, no matter what), are LLBean men's boot socks. I buy a Medium, wash and dry them and they shrink to a nice warm cushioned fit. (don't go by this suggestion, shrinking just works for me). I hardly, if ever, wear two pairs of socks (too tight, feet cold). I never wear sock liners and I never wear fleece socks or silk. But , we're all different so whatever works, it takes experimenting.

Not to be forgotten are the ThermaCare warmers sold in WalMart, etc. They are stick ons for neck, back, knees , wrist, etc. I carry a couple of them for checkpoints to add extra warmth , if needed (or if you have to sleep on a floor somewhere out there). Also , of course, handwarmers and ToastiToes for gloves, mittens and feet. They cool off quickly in below zero temps so a good supply is essential.

Another favorite item is the survival sheet that you can buy in camping sections. They are pocket sized folded up reflector sheets that give immediate protection from the wind. We have used them wrapped around us waiting for a plane on bitter cold lakes or airstrips. Also nice to have, easy to carry in an emergency ( or to sleep on a floor if stranded at a checkpoint).

Do you have our breakfast?

In a cold spell here, but not as bad as the last one. Minus seven right now with wind. The deer herd that yards up in the swamp over the ridge still counts sixteen, this year's fawns still looking good.

What it Takes

A sled dog kennel is a farm, 24/7/365 attention. We are never 'off duty'.

E.g. at 4:23 AM today, loud screaming came from the pens. I was already up, but I hurriedly grabbed my pants, boots, headlamp and went out the door with the three house dogs running ahead. Two dogs who never 'break out' were running in the valley. Luckily, ever vigilant Sierra, (Elkhound) was off and running, rounded them up and herded them back to their pen.

I would love to know what she 'says' to them to accomplish that. I could smell fox musk yesterday and again this a.m. so I'm guessing a fox came too close to the pen and they chased it.

Schedule, daily:

4AM I usually get up about this time and start the soup (cooked meat and rice).

5AM House chores, answer email, etc.

6AM Feed house dogs, finish soup, head out.

7 AM Feeding, checking health, pens, etc. Feed wildlife. Give the meds.

8AM If running teams, setting up, if not running teams, start the free runs. Clean the pens.

10AM Either still running teams, or doing catch up around the kennel, repairing gates, fences,

still free running dogs.

11AM Hauling more straw,grooming trails, cleaning out straw, hauling waste pails to pit, all the chores.

Noon If finished running teams, time for errands, loading up on supplies, hauling supplies.

Afternoon Sometimes running teams, hauling supplies (bags of dog food, meat, straw, fencing, etc.)

3PM Prep and soup or feed all the dogs, wildlife.

In below zero temps we go back out to pens about 7PM to check each dog. If very cold, we coat the dogs who will wear them.

And then there are the surprises, often daily, that require some kind of attention.

Well done

Enjoying salmon soup after a long run.

Snow Dogs

Each and every dog here loves snow. This week's great snow has them revved up to run.

Look at this six dog team all smiling. The two leaders are pen mates , Buffy and Rosie.

They race each other each a.m. in the free runs. Buffy has raced in Alaska. Rosie is fastest but Buffy is the leader.

Rosie runs lead well, as noted in this photo, but doesn't yet know her commands.

The two swing dogs are Sherpa and Kiddo. Kiddo is a veteran of numerous local races.

Sherpa is the youngest dog in our kennel and is Skinny's granddaughter.

The two hard pulling wheel dogs are Quattro, age seven and Copper, age four. Both dogs have racing experience, Copper in the Iditarod (06) and Quattro in sprint and 30 mile races.

Sixteen Miles, Granddaughter and Grandpa

No funny stories or shenanigans yesterday, just postcard perfect trails and sixteen miles of running with enthusiastic dogs. Katie ran four dogs (Ruthie, Buffy, Medio, Herman) and Jim ran six dogs ( Buffy, Rosie, Sherpa, Kiddo, Quattro and The Man, Copper). Three deer leaped from a high snow bank right out in front of Katie's team over by the Michigan turnaround, wish I had had my camera out, but the little pros didn't bat an eye at them, just kept barreling down the trail.

On the second run we met seven snowmachines but all was smooth. Most machine drivers are very courteous and like seeing the dogs. We always pull over and hold the dogs for a clean pass.

On blind curves our machine goes out in front.