Yay!!! We're at camp. Oh, I so love "camp life". I love focussing on us, the dogs, eating and sleeping. No other worries or concerns, no schedule or agenda........ it's just all about running dogs and being with Richard. It truly doesn't get any better. I just hope one day, I can look forward to more regular camp outings.... you know, toasty warm woodstove, the smell of fresh cinnamon buns in the oven, classical music playing, lots of blankets and quilts to snuggle in, a few good books laying around to browse through. Heavenly.
Live Free And MUSH!
Valley Snow Dogz Kidz Event at Loon Mountain Resort
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Something To Howl About
Tisha Is Back On The Team!
Hardly able to believe she is in harness after being so sick this summer. Still a few pounds lighter than her normal weight but she looks great and is just as crazy as ever. She is one tough little Malamute.
Testing What Cookqiz Really Knows....
I switched the run around, taking a number of new turns to see if she would initiate the turns and boy did she ever. As always, hungry to learn, anxious to take commands, eager to please and focused on the trail. Cookqiz was nicely paired up with Rosie for a really fun and exciting run.
Our Favorite Left Hand Turn At Camp
Well, we ran alonside a Buck on this trail last year, it's a narrow, twisty turn trail so seeing a Buck next to us for a few minutes was a little daunting. Ever since then, the dogs accelerate into this turn...... so much fun!
WASHAKIE.... Or "BOB" to his friends....
He's just so darn adorable. His winter coat is coming in thick, elegantly outlining his gorgeous face. What a soft cutie-pie he is. Just love him!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
HANA AND ROSIE
A very tight bond here. Rosie is a remarkable animal. Words cannot describe her devotion to her kennel mates and to me. We are often 'one and the same', we think at the same time when on the trail. With her best friend Yahboo by her side and Yahboo's devotion to me, my lead girls and leaders in training are simply a gift. I have no doubt that Hana will be a leader too. She spends much of her time with Yahboo and Rosie and I cannot wait for my two lead girls to show Hana what mushing is all about.....
TUMAC aged 3 1/2 months
A great photo that truly shows his peaceful nature. He is a loving, loving, gentle soul who is wise and responsive and yet, the biggest baby ever. Already sits for his food by the chainlink gate as I approach. He learns very quickly with a quiet and humble demeanor.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Our Season So Far
Winter has come a little early. Mornings are frigid and the early evenings are cold too. Training is under way and has been since the 1st September. Dogs are really doing good this season with a quick return to fitness and a desire to be on the trail as much as possible. Their keeness being spiked by the colder than normal days and the fact that 'daddy' seems to want to come along too.
Uktousa sees the retirement of two dogs this season leaving us with 11 dogs in harness, 3 retirees and 2 puppies in waiting..... waiting to be sled dogs. For now, they remain bed dogs.... that's right, they spend every night in bed with me (us). The perfect way to raise happy, lovable dogs :0)
Most of our training is done at night, we are so used to it now that it feels almost more normal than running during the day. It's just a little more costly as I'm going through so many batteries.
Watching the sun set and catching the last glimmer of light on brightly colored leaves has just been magical. There is never a run that I don't think to myself how lucky I am to have this activity in my life and the companionship of such devoted and remarkable animals.
I don't know what we will achieve in terms of race goals this season. The economy is having an affect on us and so, emphasis is on adventure for now, but we have a very serious and committed approach to our training in keeping with what might have been our race goals..... just incase things change for us and we can indeed consider a couple of races and share the trails with our friends for some fun competition along the way.
As we are ontop of our goals so far despite my personal setback of 'flu', I know the dogs will be ready for some longer distances this winter of over 50 miles or so, whether just for our own enjoyment or in preparation for a designated race. Either way, you can bet we will simply enjoy our time together, everything else will be a bonus!
Uktousa sees the retirement of two dogs this season leaving us with 11 dogs in harness, 3 retirees and 2 puppies in waiting..... waiting to be sled dogs. For now, they remain bed dogs.... that's right, they spend every night in bed with me (us). The perfect way to raise happy, lovable dogs :0)
Most of our training is done at night, we are so used to it now that it feels almost more normal than running during the day. It's just a little more costly as I'm going through so many batteries.
Watching the sun set and catching the last glimmer of light on brightly colored leaves has just been magical. There is never a run that I don't think to myself how lucky I am to have this activity in my life and the companionship of such devoted and remarkable animals.
I don't know what we will achieve in terms of race goals this season. The economy is having an affect on us and so, emphasis is on adventure for now, but we have a very serious and committed approach to our training in keeping with what might have been our race goals..... just incase things change for us and we can indeed consider a couple of races and share the trails with our friends for some fun competition along the way.
As we are ontop of our goals so far despite my personal setback of 'flu', I know the dogs will be ready for some longer distances this winter of over 50 miles or so, whether just for our own enjoyment or in preparation for a designated race. Either way, you can bet we will simply enjoy our time together, everything else will be a bonus!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Diva Has Retired From Being A sled Dog
I love this dog. She has blessed my life with utter devotion and incredible dedication in her role as lead dog and mamma to her 3 pups. She is and always will be 'outstanding'. After running her this season, it was clear that her head and heart would continue to guide her down the trail, but her body was clearly not able to, at least... not in harness. Still in fabulous shape, athletic, agile and healthy..... it is her time to savor her good health at her tender age of 12 and simply enjoy many adventurous hikes with me and Richard and become very spoiled and super cherrished. Here is Diva and Richard stepping out as we enjoy a Fall foliage hike together with lots of cuddles along the way.
Beautiful Fall Foliage
It was a fun walk with Diva Mamma and a great opportunity to enjoy taking some photos of the beautiful, Fall colors.
Hana and Rosie Sharing Toys
Hana and Rosie love to share Toys and play together, however, Rosie really thinks that Hana and Tumac are her babies and is often found trying to nurse them. She also takes the toys afterwards, and places them under her belly and makes sweet, nurturing noises as if to comfort her 'plastic' babies. She really believes she is a 'mommy'.
Our Friends From Scotland Hitch A Ride....
What fun we had. Hugh and Judy from Scotland were visiting Whatleigh and friends, including us and they were able to spend some time with us in the dogyard, then we ran dogss and finally, dinner and a fun night together. The dogs got a great workout with 3 of us on the rig. We chatted and loved the dogs as the sun set and then on we ran into the night. Such a wonderful time with good friends .
Tumac Meets Hugh
We had such a wonderful time with our friends Hugh and Judy from Scotland. They have a true love for my big dogs and a passion for my Hedlunds. Hugh is desperately holding on to Tumac who is simply horse-sized for a 3 month old puppy. Tumac's muzzle has grown quite a bit and he looks a little like his mom Tuloon in this photo and a lot like his papa, MacKenzie. It was a joy to share him.
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