Got the team out yesterday. Had a great run with them and was very happy to see their power fully back as it was before. They were really cookin!We had to get out late since the weather was iffy and we are trying to let the truck sit only a few hours before James gets out of work so he can crank it again before we get back in from the trail. We don't want it to get too cold out there and cause damage to the engine. This set up is working wonderfully, except that we are doing about half our run in the dark. That problem will soon be solved since our winter solstice has passed and we are back gaining day light again.
Day light, or lack of, was a problem this time out. By the time we got to our exploration path it was getting dark and we were only able to break our way through one woody patch and another small slough before having to turn back. It was unfortunate with the dogs fully back on their game and ready to tackle so much more. Still, they had fun on the return trip and kept me on my toes most of the time.
When they are running fast like that its tough to negotiate trees. Coming up on them and tight spots are fine going slow but when they want to pick it up I have to think much faster as it is usually a turn around one tree, then another, then another all in quick succession. Such is life when breaking out new trails and not being totally sure what changes need to be made to keep it safe.
Every time I think a tree is going to be trouble Hera, who is an excellent avoider of trees, whips the sled around with all her strength. This works beautifully every time if I have all my weight on the correct runner. Hard to do when trees are coming quickly though. Still, my Laughing Husky toboggan is still alive, kickin and doing fabulous! Not bad for a tree jockey with a six foot bed!
Didnt take any pictures on the trail for this run since it was too dark most of the time. Had a couple nice highlights out there though... the first one was when we were coming back off our newly broken trail with great drive and speed. Since it was dark I stopped the team just to make sure we didnt have any tangles I wasnt seeing. I went down the line checking every one and was surprised to see Hermes in lead. I had forgotten I put him there and wouldnt normally do so since the trail was iffy and I like to watch him in case he gets into trouble. Apparently he was doing so well that it slipped my mind that he was up there. An incredibly wonderful sign that he is growing strong into his leadership role.
And the other highlight was when James came by to start the truck and we were just getting back onto the fields. I told him to wait and watch for my headlamp. I thought it would be neat for him to see the team in action, or not to see them!
He waited for us and called to Juno, his baby, as we came close. As soon as she heard his voice she picked up speed and all the team caught her excitment as we flew back to the truck. What a blast!
Total Miles: 13.6
Max Speed: 17.1
Moving Average: 7.3
Time Moving: 1.52.09
Time Stopped: 0.48.45
Posts
