We snuck out Friday to get the dogs on the trail while we had our warm spell. My idea was to take a nice easy route, not much trail breaking and have them all coming in looking prime. It almost worked that way...We took Moose Creek Bluff and enjoyed working the hill there. The dogs did very well and with 11 on the line it was weird not having to help push the sled. I did a little bit but it was mostly to get the sled kick started then they took over the rest.
I saw Griffin really kick it in for most of the trip. The temps were nice (~10 below) and I think he was really liking our old trail. It was the first time we had been on the bluff this year.
So after the bluff I couldnt resist taking them around the fields. Some of the trails were broken out and some we had to break through. Fortunatly there werent too many that were really deep so for the most part we had a nice easy run, in total about 10 miles.
For our next trip Im thinking of taking them on another familiar route that should be about 15 or more. Im hoping that the run after that we can get a 20 miler in then I can assess the team to see if they are ready to push farther.
This season its been a real delight breaking trail and exploring. Its what our type of big freight dogs are supposed to do. Heavy loads, deep snow, moderate pace... or at least its supposed to be moderate. I dont consider 7-8mph breaking through heavy snow to be a slow pace or an adverage of 10-12 on packed trails. They could probably go faster on the clear tracks but I am determined to keep them slow and teach them how to pace themselves while pulling our heavy sled load.
Speaking of which, my sled is getting heavier on each trip out. The dogs, of course, act like they are pulling a feather no matter how much I add to it!
MollyAnna, the shelter foster, ran with us this last time and did well. I will have to run her many more times before I can get an idea of what type of dog she is. Buddy will probably stay home for the rest of the season. He has been off his tug quite a bit. I think he is showing his age. Since he was a rescue we are not really sure how old he is.
Spock though is keeping up well and outdistancing the team at times. Merk is dropping back a little bit more now and I think he may stay home for a while. Aquila is still out due to her wrist and has had to stay home for quite some time now. Im trying to compensate by bringing her in at night after the dogs are feed and bedded down after their fun on the trail. She is enjoying the extra attention but its still weird for me not having her out there.
And finally, Lucy may be coming out with us more often. Im not solid on that yet as she still remains a handful but Im thinking of making a spot for her in the team.
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