Another great sled run...

Took the dogs out yesterday and had a great run. Robert and Kathy joined me and we all set out as a great long mushing train. Its so fun when we can run together and we always learn so much from each other and each others dogs.

At the beginning Robert suggested we let our dogs run loose together and have a bit of fun. That went really well and it was nice to see who would get along, who was insecure and who to watch out for around strangers.

Every one of my guys did very, very well except Hermes and Hera. I know about Hera's insecurities so she didn't run loose but looked like she might snap at some of the other dogs coming around her while she was on the line. Hermes was very insecure and was on his guard a lot. Something for me to watch out for later on with him around strange dogs.

Thani gave his usual 'smile' to every one but was very good about not acting upon any aggression. Its clear to me that he is very protective of his team and will let the other party act first before he engages. If the other dog is peaceful there is no harm but I am certain if the other dog strikes Thani will be right there to defend himself as well as his pack.

Gaea got 'bounced' by a few of Roberts dogs but she did the perfect thing in rolling on her back in submission. Roberts three looked more perplexed by her behavior than anything and Gaea learned that being a submissive halts further conflict. It also allows another musher to come in and help relieve the pressure from the situation which Robert did immediately. It was a wonderful controlled reaction that will help her as she grows older.

My team, as usual, was flying. We were heavily loaded again but the dogs didn't seemed to notice. We had to slow down a few times so Gaea could keep up but for the most part she was pretty fast. She didn't have to ride in the sled this time and the added length shes gained on her legs has helped greatly.

We hit the slough trail again trying to find the break through. Couldn't find it this time but learned a bit more about that path.

When we were stopped to fix a minor tangle I figured I could put Thani in and he could help the team through the slough since it was still a little bit rough. I shouldn't have added him so soon through cause the team picked up even more and strength and speed and when we hit one of the corners I literally flew off the sled!

I didn't have time to put my arms out to break my fall and did a full face plant right in a drift! Wow! That was one hell of a ride!

The dogs had stopped about four feet from me so there was no worry about getting to them. It was a good thing too cause my face was so covered with snow, quickly melting into water, that I couldn't have told them to stop if I tried.

Looking back on some sections of the slough was so awesome... I could see both Robert's and Kathy's teams snaking their way through. Would have made for some great pictures but it was starting to get dark so I didn't bother.

Once we got to the section where I thought we could break through I put my sled on its side as an anchor and walked up to check the forest a bit more. It was really dense so I walked back to get Robert's opinion. I checked my team and they had pulled the sled up enough so it was snagged on a small but pretty good size spruce tree. It was stout enough that I figured it would hold them while I took another look but in coming back the second time the rear members of the team had pulled up the sled, fully loaded with my gear AND broke down the tree getting it stuck on another tree by trying to follow me! What a mess! I clearly need to find other ways to anchor them!

There is no trouble getting them to stop where they need to and rest while I fix a tangle or mess with things in the sled bag but if I go out of sight my pups freak and don't want me to leave without them!

After a second look we figured it was time to turn back and get the most of the daylight for the rest of our run. My head was starting to hurt but I dismissed it as trouble with my contacts. Further down the trail I started to get the shakes and realized it was a low blood sugar attack coming head on.

At that point I had caught up to Robert and Kathy, who left before I did, but couldn't talk to explain what was going on. I made it out to the main trail and wanted to sit and let them get some space in between our teams while I got something to eat and melted some water if I didn't feel good after eating my energy bar.

Gaea had other plans when she decided to go with the moving team and not realize we were behind resting. I watched Robert and Kathy's headlamps as they looked back at me a few times and since they weren't moving I figured something must be wrong and that Gaea was not taking the hint to stay behind.

I pulled up my sled, we rushed up to them, Robert did a great turn off the trail and gave us plenty of room to pass, good thing too cause I didn't have the energy to put my headlamp on to see if the dogs were getting by okay. Right after passing I had to stop them again and get some kind of food in my stomach while I explained to Robert and Kathy what was going on.

Kathy had the good idea that I should turn back early and head for the truck but I really didn't want to. The dogs were pumped and wanted to keep going. I was slowly getting my body shakes under control and feeling the half of energy bar that was now in my stomach. Feeling like that would be the cure I continued on, passed the turn off that would be a short cut back to the parking area but after only a few more miles my body started to crash again.

Fortunately Gaea was still keeping up well, all the dogs in the team looked good and only Hera was showing signs of fatigue. We had about a mile left to go and with a little encouragement I talked her all the way to the truck. There was no way I could have found the energy to bag her in the sled.

Once back at the truck I had the other half of the energy bar and watched Kathy's headlamp come in, then Robert... getting in before them gave me time to stretch out in the truck for a little rest and to slowly get the dogs unharnessed and loaded.

Kathy and Robert helped me muscle the sled into the back of the truck as we called the end to another wonderful run, despite my crippling health issue...

There is no worse feeling than being on the runners watching the dogs ahead of me in perfect strength, health and form while my body wastes away. It would have been heartbreaking if I had to turn them back early due to musher weakness. I don't think it would be as much of an issue with my old team, before the pups came along, but with these guys... they just want to go, go, go! I cant let them down...

Total miles: 15+