Lead Dog Graphic Arts: Nenana Hospitality

Yesterday Robert, Kathy and I took a trek out to Nenana to our good friend Jasin's kennel. Its always a pleasure to head out that way and any excuse to run new trails in that part of Alaska is tough to pass up.

Due to my dog truck being a bit iffy on its breaks I had to leave it at home and pile as many dogs as I could into my Jeep. Kathy took extra dogs in her truck and Robert carried all of our sleds on top of his dog box as well as his own team in his cab and in their boxes.

My pups are used to traveling in the back of our Jeep but aren't quite as accustomed to having to share the space with everyone else. They did really well though and only had one growling incident which ended right after I told them to relax.

I took them out for a 20 mile run with only eight dogs on the line, and at the end, only seven since Salmon was getting tired. It was something I was expecting and I welcomed the extra weight to slow my guys down so we could stay with the other teams. The Jeep ride on the way back was very quiet, everyone was sleeping soundly!

Despite the older age of some of Robert's dogs I was extremely impressed with how well they held up and their pace! It was good that my younger guys had the weight handicap (I carried our usual load) but even on the way back when the dogs were the most tired I didn't have a need to pass him and my team enjoyed a bit of chasing.

Kathy was also well equipped with a few borrowed dogs from another kennel, one (or two?) from Robert and three of mine. Laya was in her team and did great. I could tell she was impatient to go when I heard what sounded like a squeak toy instead of a dog barking! Shes a riot!

Ichabod and Reba were also in her team and did great. My team stopped very well out on the trail and we didn't have nearly as many whoa issues as we have had on our past few runs. It makes sense since I didn't have Ichabod in or Laya. I had suspected those two of jumping the gun and lunging on their harness but they are usually far enough ahead in the team that I'm not watching as closely.

The trail was beautiful and Jasin was a stand out host, as always... I just love his cabin, its so rustic and full of charm. We were treated my Kathy's salmon chowder and Jasin's warm pizza that tasted oh so good after being out on the trail. Many of us came back cold and hungry!

Jasin also provided us with a yummy ice creme pie. I was so stuffed from the other food that I could barely manage but it was far too good to pass up. The dogs got their treats as well, frozen chicken skins on the trail, fish baited water (thanks Robert!) when we got home and nice full meal for all before I fell into bed exhausted.

Thanks again to Jasin for an excellent time! Its always a wonderful thing for good friends and dogs to get together... something we don't do nearly as often as we should...