Looks like the 2009 year is going to be very profitable for us. I view each year on the mushing season so I'm kinda skewed but as soon as the snow falls I consider that the start of 2009! And the September pay out of the Alaska oil dividend as our Christmas! : )I guess the first benefit to come was our meat saw that we purchased on a visit to Seattle this summer. It makes quick work of meat snacks and frozen blocks of trail food. It also does wonders on moose bones as Robert and I figured out just a few days ago! I was shocked at the efficiency of the saw on something as tough as a bone and was extremely pleased to see it working with our safety in mind. My other experience cutting frozen meat blocks has been with a skilsaw (NOT advisable) or chopping moose bones down to size with a long handled axe. Any work done with our Grizzly saw is pure heaven!
Our fishing trip to Valdez was also very profitable. I didnt realize just how many fish we caught until I filled up our freezer! Its so nice to see it so full of wonderful tasty silver salmon. The dog freezer is also nice and full of moose bones and scraps, thanks Robert! We had just finished up the last of the salmon heads when Robert brought over more meat for us. Perfect timing!With our dividend we also purchased a fine wood stove, something we had been talking about doing for years. James just laid down the hearth for it today and as soon as we lay tile to cover the base we will be ready for installation. That will help greatly with our high fuel prices and make us much more self sufficient in the case of a power outage or some other emergency.
The latest surprise to show up is my Wiggy's Antarctic sleeping bag that Ive wanted for so many years! I finally broke down and bought one with a portion of our dividend and I cant wait to try it out! I'm thinking a few nights out in the dog yard will be a wonderful test even though its barely dropping down below freezing.And if this day couldn't get any better... slight snow flurries are falling right now! Snow is on its way and we are so ready for it!! The pups are strong, working well in the team, all the adults are excited and ready for the trail and their musher will be a bit more prepared with more winter gear at hand for emergencies and every day winter survival.
Next years wish list item, an Arctic Oven Tent!
Here are some handy links to these wonderful products:
Grizzly Meat Saw: http://grizzly.com/products/G0560
Wiggy's: www.wiggys.com
Alaska Tent and Tarp/Arctic Oven: www.alaskatent.com/products/tents/arctic_oven.htm
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