Trail Check

Yesterday we ran all our the trails in an effort to get as many miles as we could. Total run was 23 miles and all dogs did well. Griffin was great most of the time and I think running him loose previously helped build his stamina so he could be in the main team longer.

Salmon was off and on her tug so Im a little concerned by that but will watch her to see if there is anything wrong. Her feet looked great so it may be fatigue from age. I thought Buddy may be suffering from the same thing but he looked great on the line yesterday... was off and on but over all, for his age, hes really holding up well.

Juno continues to amaze me and I had her running single lead for a little while. We had a little trouble with a road crossing that shook her up a bit but putting Ichabod back up with her got her mind calm and back where it should be.

Once we were out of the road and back on trail I went up to comfort her. If youve never met Juno you wouldnt understand what I mean when I say she 'talks', shes like no other dog Ive had in so many ways. I gave her a hug, a few good pats and she let it all out... barking, croaking and practically sobbing in my arms. Shes so young but bounces back quickly and its my pleasure to give her a shoulder to 'cry' on when she needs it.

We stopped at our favorite tree arch in the forest for pictures and to give the dogs more rest. Temps were a bit high at 20+ and the sun was out in full force so we took quite a few breaks. But even with those stops we made really great time.

According to the GPS we ran about 2 hours with a half hour worth of breaks. The dogs held up REALLY well... though Im starting to see weakness in the team with these extra miles and the need to get these new pups working. If we are going to keep building our distance we need more than nine dogs, a few of which are getting too old to pull 100% of the time.

All in good time... by next year we should have a nice strong team... maybe too strong with these big babies!!

Pups handled the run VERY well. They were all ready to crash about a mile from the truck so I gave them another rest. They are soooo strong and easily able to keep up with the team no matter what our speed. Ive found myself wanting the main team to go faster just to keep the bungling babies out of trouble. They can easily pass the team when we are going our regular pace and Boreas especially likes to trip up the leaders until I call him off.

The whole run was amazing... the weather was acceptable, the trails very passable and we had little trouble. It was so soothing to be out there and after the dogs were loaded I took Calypso with me for a moment to sit flat on my back and stare in awe at how clear and blue the sky was. It was so quiet at the trailhead... no noise, no wind, just silence and the feel of the world attaining a perfect harmony with everything all around...

Next run will probably be doing the slick track at the lakes to great ready for the Pleasant Valley Fun run.

Ive decided to only do the ten mile with the team taking six dogs. I may bring my smaller sled for that but I'm not sure... I want it to be fun for them, a quick run to kick up their heals and then to enjoy the ARDM bonfire and run out at Jasin's house the day after. Season enders should be just that, pure fun... no expectations, no stress, just musher and dogs all taking advantage of the last days of winter...

Weighed Chronos at the vet (the smallest male in the litter) hes at 52lbs and Calypso is at 42. The Buffalo Brothers (Boreas and Thani) are probably over 60lbs at this point...