I havent posted lately due to my hectic schedule... and when I say hectic I mean its even more packed than usual!First there was the local newspaper interview for the rec mushers, the next day meeting with the writer to take photographs on the trail, then out to ADMA to run dogs for an out of town film crew looking to do a documentary on Fairbanks about mushing, ice art, etc... and then another opportunity came up for a TV spot through Art Expo (a show I will be in this weekend) for the local news. Whew... where all these opportunities came from I have no idea! Additionally Im not sure if any of this stuff will make print or the 'air' for that matter. Ive been way to swamped to follow up on any of it.
But I would like to relate running the team for the film crew at some point. That was a great highlight as my team could do most everything the sprinters could not. This resulted in us doing multiple passes for the camera and taking a camera man for a ride in the basket so he could get extra footage. A strenous but very rewarding day that was...
Just yesterday we finally headed out for our White Mountains trip... FINALLY! And it was gorgeous!! As always! Love that place!Our cabin was really sweet, I had never been to the Borealis site but as soon as we arrived I instantly feel in love! Wonderful location, cozy cabin, perfect place to picket dogs... everything just perfect!
Even the trip in was awesome. The dogs simply flew even with our heavy camping gear. I decided to let them have their head more than usual and the hills made everyone even out nicely. I can honestly say I have never run my team 20 miles without stopping. They usually always would need a break but not this time. The only stop we made was to get firewood but that was so quick Im not sure I would count it as a break.
The way out was a bit tougher. I'm not convinced that most were able to sleep or settle in enough for good rest that night... humans included! The cabin was nice and warm but Griffin wouldn't settle, nor would Remus or Hera. Not sure why...The pups didnt settle much either. They all came along and slept in the cabin with myself, James, Juno, Ajax and Buddy. Every time there was a whine or a noise from one of the dogs outside one pup would get up and have the rest on their feet. It was like that just about every hour. Its all part of training but Im glad we were only spending one night. I was missing my bed already!
The team and I have not been able to do a run longer than 17 miles all this season so I was wondering if a 20 would be a stretch. The first 20 was perfect, flawless but halfway through the next 20 the following day I could see them start to break down. I put my butt into work mode and we hammered through with only a quick break about 12 miles in.
Despite the moderately tougher trail home (all those hills included) they smoked that trail. I was very pleased with their performance and glad to have the need to put myself back to work again. That felt really good...The pups did wonderfully as well. They far exceeded my expectations both the first and second day. It was great to have an excuse to have them in the cabin with us. All those furry bodies around was heavenly... though I do still miss my girls so much.
Aquila and Mercury had to stay home due to injury and age. Camping out wasnt quite the same as my last trip to the Whites. Those are memories I will treasure for all time... old friends, dear, dear soul mates... I feel a part of me is lost when Im on the trail without them... even Spock had to stay home this time...
I feel a connection with all the dogs in my kennel but I feel an even deeper bond for those Ive raised from birth. The pups, Juno, Ajax, Hera and Griffin were the only ones with us that fall into that category.I left Hera outside cause she has never felt comfortable in any kind of enclosure. Griffin stayed outside as well cause I felt it was the 'right' thing to do for him to be out there with the other outside adults but it just didn't feel right. I wanted him close, right there with me... I know our time is short (as is with all dogs) and every moment is so precious. He got to come in in the morning so that helped but the division I feel with the other dogs bothers me.
I do value every one of them very much but when most came to me their minds had already been set, their behaviors molded in other ways than my own... there is just something so different about my line of dogs, those Ive raised up from day one. I dont know what it is, why it is so or what makes them so special. All I know is that I never want that feeling to go away and I will try my best to treasure it as much as I possibly can...
White Mountains
9 dog team plus the four pups and wee little Ajax
20 miles in, stayed overnight, 20 miles out...
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