UKTOUSA'S Angels In Fur Coats And The Valley Snow Dogz

Christmas Mush 2011

2011-12-15T19:18:00.000-05:00

My lovely Honey. Here we are for another Christmas Mush. A gathering of a few local mushers and their teams as we head down the trail wearing something red or jingly, dogs 'n' all. Team Uktousa had red Christmas bandannas, the ATV was decked in ribbons and tinsel and Richard and I both wore Santa hats. There was a lot of activity on the trail this year from hunters, loose dogs and a group of horses. I have to say how proud I was of my leaders, Rosie and Cookqiz when they made two great passes past the half dozen horses who were walking the trail. It was quite a confidence builder to mush a team past so many horses and have every dog on the team behave well and mind their own business. We had some great passes with other teams, but for the most part, we hung out with our buddies, Kim, Kelly and their lovely dogs, oh and... the lovely Nancy too. Nancy is our Mushing groupie! It was nice to see all our friends and their dogs and enjoy a few hours together on the trail and off the trail. All the teams were just great and I think it was one of the best Christmas Mushing yet!! Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

Getting hooked up!

2011-12-15T17:33:00.000-05:00

A great pass!

2011-12-15T17:30:00.002-05:00

Kim, Kelly and my team setting up for a some sandwich passes

2011-12-15T17:29:00.000-05:00

Wishbone, gives everything 100%

2011-12-15T17:27:00.000-05:00

Daisy and her big puppy, Honey. Honey LOVES loves loves water, she is a bit of a water hog!

2011-12-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

Nellie tempts TJ to dip his toes in some cool water and chill out for a few minutes

2011-12-15T17:21:00.002-05:00

Heading back across the fields

2011 Waterville Valley Santa Run

2011-12-07T21:58:00.001-05:00

Cookqiz - Hana sandwich with Peg! Once again it was time for our annual charity Santa run and what a blast with town folk, friends and dogs we had. This year we added a second team of dogs, driven by Kelly Berg from Kelim Siberians. Together we brought in Santa and his elves to Town Square for over 200 children cheering and ready to sit on Santa's lap. As always, the dogs were a huge hit with hundreds of people gathered around us for well over 2 hours. Kim and Kelly brought along their 11 week old puppies and we watched on as these pups were cuddled and kissed by almost every onlooker. What a super job the girls did as did Peg and Vladi. So grateful for your contribution and help. It was all for a good cause as we helped raise close to $1000 for the Whole Village in Plymouth, NH. Each year the event gets better and better. We can't wait for next year's !!

After so many years of working in Waterville Valley as a ski instructor, store manager and Personal Trainer, it is a delight to be bringing Santa into Town Square each year as well as finally being able to celebrate my new business venture ....Valley Snow Dogz, Waterville's very own Sled Dogs!!

2011-12-07T21:54:00.000-05:00

Putting bandanas on Santa's furry reindeers

2011-12-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

Two Elves

2011-12-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

Santa's elves and helpers -
Me, Kim, Kelly and Vladi

2011-12-06T16:07:00.002-05:00

The lovely Peg! My dogs just love her. She remembered the routine well from last season when Peg was at my side pretty much all season long. We miss you Peg! Here we are hooking up our team alongside Kim and Kelly's team. What a very fun time it was with so many supporters, friends and well wishers.

2011-12-05T22:27:00.000-05:00

Here comes Santa and his elves!

2011-12-05T22:23:00.000-05:00

Here comes Santa!

2011-12-05T22:18:00.002-05:00

Bringing Santa into Town Square. Hundreds of people gathered for Santa but also to welcome the sled dogs into Waterville Valley. Right behind my team were the wonderful Siberians of Kim and Kelly Berg who will be joining me this winter in offering sled dog excursions In Waterville Valley, New Hampshire!

2011-12-05T22:12:00.001-05:00

Peg does an outstanding job telling onlookers about Yahboo and her heritage. As you can see, Yahboo loves Peg and tucks her head into Peg's side. Good job Peg!

2011-12-05T22:09:00.001-05:00

Oh, the lovely Vladi. He was such a great sport volunteering to wear tights! Thanks for all your help, you were awesome! Vladi is going to help us a little this winter during our Waterville Valley Sled Dog excursions. Can't wait!

2011-12-05T22:06:00.000-05:00

Nellie and Daisy getting lots of attention

Celebrating 1 Year Since The Birth Of My Thanksgiving Babies

2011-11-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

Daisy and Tumac produced some wonderful pups who have all turned 1 year old and all seem to be thriving. My four are in harness and are proving to be wonderful in harness, eager to learn, insane pullers with a lot of hardyness to keep moving down the trail no matter what the conditions. I'm seeing some signs of early leaders and the making of some good distance dogs. Besides the excitement of how they are in harness, first and foremost, they are beautiful dogs who are as happy in harness as they are on the sofa next to us. Raised in the house, they tend to come in the house most evenings which allows us to really bond as we snuggle and cuddle together in the evenings. Happy Birthday Beautiful Doggies!

Aise and Illy

2011-11-29T17:46:00.000-05:00

Illy and Aise live with my good friend Linda Newman in Minnesota. Linda has some amazing dogs and these two seem to fit right in. Illy looks like her mom Daisy and her brother Wishbone and Aise looks a lot like Honey but is more slender and leggier.
Lovely girlies.

Rigel

2011-11-29T17:41:00.000-05:00

Rigel... ever so sweet, not to mention adorable. Rigel has a smashing life with Caroline and Andy in Maine. I'm so grateful to them for their good care and nurturing of this special boy who has had a few special needs along the way.
Happy Birthday Rigel.

Pretty Pear

2011-11-29T17:37:00.000-05:00

One of my most favorite photos of Pear. She radiates such joy! Love her to little pieces. Her coat is unusual, her eye color is unique and so is she. She is slowly making her way to the front of the team and I have no doubt that's where she'll stay!

Turkey Jim!

2011-11-29T17:30:00.001-05:00

TJ, my lovely gentle boy. Here he is, lean and leggy. This isn't a recent photo, he's filled out a little now but is so like his papa, Tumac. He's amazing in harness, he is all business and is going to be a great distance dog. Very hardy and recovers quickly. He's such a love.

Honey and Wishbone

2011-11-29T17:21:00.001-05:00

Honey in the background and Wishbone infront. In true Uktousa style, all pups MUST be bed dogs before they can become sled dogs !
Honey is a stocky, self assured, mild mannered dog. She's become and instant mom for Sofie, always centered, always present. To think we almost lost her at birth, I couldn't image a moment without her. Wishbone, oh my lovely boy.... a little shy, so gentle and yet such a dedicated hard worker in harness. His lovely blue eyes..... both are cuddlers, lovely doggies to snuggle with at bedtime.

Welcome Sofiel "The Nature Angel"

2011-11-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

Here she is, another little angel. Named Sofiel after the Nature Angel. She fits in so remarkably well with my Angels In Fur Coats. Sofiel arrived on November 3rd all the way from Fairbanks though born on Calico Buff. Sofie comes from a great kennel of working dogs on the Yukon River. She was bred by Andy Bassich and Kate Rorke . She is totally remarkable. Besides her human eyes, her savvy nature, self assured disposition, natural ability to be in with the adults after a mere few days, her instant willingness to listen and learn......she's the cutest, cuddliest puppy and I love her! She has become a natural companion to me and is loved by all the dogs in the kennel. She feels like an incarnated soul, there is just something so familiar about her. Sofiel might not have made it here had it not been for two wonderful friends, Linda Newman and Nita Fowler

She's Stunning My Little Sofie

2011-11-27T22:18:00.002-05:00

Sofie Likes To Howl

2011-11-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

Thank Goodness For Good Dogs!

2011-11-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

TJ has been running so well and making his way up the gangline. I had 11 dogs hooked up and was just about to pull the quick release when I saw dogs out of line... hmmmm what the heck I thought! I then quickly realized that TJ had chewed 3 tugs and 2 necklines in his impatience to get moving down the trail. Rosie, Cookqiz and Yahboo were released from the positions on the gangline but being the amazing dogs that they are, they didn't go anywhere... well, Rosie trotted ahead for a few feet and then looked back wondering why we weren't attached to her. She came right back when asked to. What good doggies!

Boy, have I got some catching up to do!

2011-11-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go? I know, work, work and more work and then running dogs at night and oh, back to work :) Despite the busyness of our days, the dogs are getting out and doing really well. Somehow we have more miles on us this year than last year and I'm not so sure how that has happened other than we have had more hook-ups perhaps, though sometimes shorter distances than planned due to temperature and conditions.

The pups are 1 year old now and in harness and boy... are they wonderful! Each one brings something a little different to the team and to our lives. All are great pullers and I'm pretty confident that all will be taking their turn in lead quite soon. Training 4 pups at the same time is not so easy as they feed off each other's energy when in harness. In the meantime, my stunning and most loyal leader Yahboo, is still out infront of these youngsters, unwilling to give her up place as my main leader and what an amazing job she is doing once again this year.

Mother Nature Takes Over...

2011-09-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

We're taking a little break from running as Mother Nature has given us more warm, humid days to endure. A good time to work on the ATV and Trailer and finish off some jobs in the dogyard. As soon as the temps become tolerable, we'll be back out there with a vengeance, doing what we live to do. Richard is onboard once again and will no doubt be running his own team from time-to-time. He's a gread daddy to the dogs and he'll be a big help as I start hooking up and training the puppies. I'm going to have my hands full with 4 of them!

Beautiful Wishbone

2011-09-24T12:11:00.000-04:00

The photo doesn't show the softness in his eyes and his look of absolutely devotion when he sees me near him. An old soul who reminds me a lot of Rosie. He comes from a place where he and I have traveled together before, many times over. I can't wait to see what he brings to my life and to my life on the trails. He's not as rangy as TJ nor is he as big, but he makes up for that with his power and heart.

He's All Legs TJ!

2011-09-24T12:05:00.000-04:00

He's such a lean, muscular leggy pup. So like his papa in every way. A loving, nurturing soul. So gentle and loving. He's going to be a great mover down the trail with that body and those legs.

The Girls Are Growing!

2011-08-20T21:30:00.000-04:00

Illy and Aise. 8 months old and looking good! Illy looks substantial and I see a lot of Tumac in her, but she has her mamma's eyes. Aise looks a lot like Honey, such a striking face with a pretty coat. Two happy girls! Thanks Linda for loving my puppies so much!

It's August Already!

2011-08-03T15:41:00.000-04:00

Just seems like yesterday that I put our mushing gear away, well, I guess it wasn't that long ago as we ran dogs to the end of April. Sometimes we squeeze a few runs out in May but not this year. It was time to pay attention to the wee ones. Hard to believe that the wee ones will be in harness soon. Where does the time go! They are getting lots of exercise and have some good muscle on them already. If the mornings continue to stay cool, I guess we'll start training before the end of the month and begin getting the pups used to the activity, the truck and the gear. In the meantime, I'm holding on to their puppyness as it passes way too quickly !!

Wishbone

2011-08-03T15:38:00.000-04:00

My beautiful blue eyed boy! Gentle doesn't even discribe him... he snuggles up with me at night and doesn't move until morning breaks. Always by my side, always touching me. He's a special boy! A little timid of new things but I know he's going to grow up to be quite a sled dog.

Turkey Jim

2011-08-03T15:33:00.000-04:00

Gosh, I don't know who is cuter.... TJ or Richard! Here he is dancing with Richard. Such a happy, lean and loving boy. A gentle soul like his papa Tumac.

Pear

2011-08-03T15:28:00.001-04:00

The lovely, lovely Pear! Such a happy girl. She's already very devoted to me and I have a really good sense that she's going to be one heck of a lead dog.

Honey Nee-Nee!!!

2011-08-03T15:25:00.000-04:00

Love love LOVE this puppy! Honey.... what can I say. She oozes naughtyness, lovliness, cuteness, honeyness..... here she is after planting a wet kiss on her dadda.

2011-08-03T15:21:00.000-04:00

Oh, he's so handsome! Rigel lives with Caroline and Andy in Maine, what a lovely home for this equally lovely boy! Richard just had chance to visit with him and Caroline and Andy. Lots of hugging all round! He is the prettiest boy! Thank you Caroline and Andy for taking such good care of 'his most handsome', Rigel.

2011-07-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

Wishbone, aka "Mr Dishy Wishy" (named by Kim and Kelly as they caught him licking the dishes in the dishwasher.. he's also their favorite)....... but here he is, loving his mamma.

TJ

2011-07-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

He's such an old soul, like his papa

"The Boys!"

2011-07-05T15:41:00.000-04:00

"I'm sure I saw a bird up there?"

2011-07-05T15:35:00.000-04:00

TJ takes after his auntie Cookqiz.. there's a picture of the blog of her doing the exact same thing. He's getting nice and leggy! He's 6 months old in this photo. Just can't wait for Fall training to start!!

Over The Rainbow Bridge

2011-06-24T17:38:00.000-04:00

Lovely Moose! We lost Moose on Thursday June 23rd 2011. The last few weeks were hard for him and us. He went from being a very healthy and strong dog all of his life, to finally revealing his age to us as he slowly started to weaken. We feel lucky that his aging didn't impact him too much. Always a hardy soul, very single minded and much more a people dog than a pack dog. He only cared for a small number of furry buddies, never really needing to be overly social. He enjoyed more time with us, walks every day and lots of special treatment like having the play areas to himself each and every night. Moose had been in our lives for little over 14 years. Remarkable for a big dog, a fine looking, well coated Alaskan Malamute. He was with me at the beginning of my mushing journey, a part of my first 2-dog team and then part of a bigger team. He was a great skijor partner, he held the line tight infront of my mountain bike and did many demonstrations in our earlier days of running "All Terrain Dog"... the one-stop place for mushing gear.

Moose was a huge part of my learning curve and I will be forever grateful for his patience with me (us) and all that we were able to learn and master through him and because of him. Moose was buried in our special rainbow garden alongside his friends - Sasquatch, Opechee, Keeper, Tisha and Biffa. The dogs broke out into a group howl as we brought Moose over to his resting place, I know they were fully aware of our sad loss. Right at that moment, 3 crows flew overhead making their skricky noise as if sharing messages from the spirit world with Moose, reassuring him that his spirit is being taken care of and that all is okay. I looked up as if to thank them, that they were here, for him.

We miss your peacefulness Moose! Love ya.

Wishbone

2011-06-11T19:58:00.000-04:00

Wish upon a star and one day, you might be blessed to have a dog like Wishbone. Nothing short of a beautiful manifestation of a sweet, gentle and devoted furry being. Steel blue eyes that look deeply and lovingly back at you. He's my boy!

Another Old Soul

2011-06-11T19:54:00.000-04:00

TJ... a beautiful, gentle soul. An old soul for sure. He's like his papa, Tumac. He just oozes lovliness. He will always remind me of how thankful I am to my dearest friend, Linda, for her gift of Tumac. Our union has been solidified greatly over the years as we have shared in each others gifts of furry angels.
Thank you Linda!

2011-06-11T19:49:00.000-04:00

Incase you haven't already gathered, I LOVE this puppy! She's nothing short of a gift. A life that almost wasn't but thanks, once again (and we will be forever grateful) to Kim and Kelly for helping to save her life. I think Honey and I have a deep bond with Kim and Kelly after working together to save this little life. Isn't she cute?,

My Girl Pups!

2011-06-11T19:43:00.000-04:00

My beautiful girls... Honey and Pear

Robert and Uncle Ricky

2011-06-11T19:33:00.000-04:00

Sneaking a quick photo opportunity before we hook up the dogs. Geez, this was just over a month or so ago, seems like just the other day! There have been a few cold mornings since and typically, we'd be out there running but sometimes life takes over and you simply have to let go and get on with other things. Anyway, just as we did just that, 5 girls came into heat so it was a good thing anyway. Oh, but Robert and Gaby... we miss you both! I know Robert will be back this winter so he can train with us.

Catching A Few Last Runs Of The Season

2011-06-01T22:15:00.000-04:00

The Family!

2011-06-01T22:03:00.000-04:00

Kim and Kelly's dogs. Kim shows Robert how to harness her dogs.

2011-06-01T21:59:00.001-04:00

Robert jumps right in and helps Kim and Kelly hook up their team

2011-06-01T21:56:00.000-04:00

Hooking up our teams side by side. Gaby stands with my leaders and Robert helps Kim and Kelly hook up.

Robert Drives A 16 Dog Team !

2011-06-01T21:52:00.000-04:00

Off they go! I couldn't believe how trusting Kim and Kelly were of Robert's capabilities to master the skill of handling and driving a 16 dog team! Look at the smile on his face. Gaby hitched a ride with them and was loving every minute of it. I don't think Robert's facial expression changed the entire time... one 'big' smile. My family are mushers!

Mamma Daisy Takes A Beauty Bath

2011-06-01T21:48:00.000-04:00

So, mamma Daisy (now back in harness) is such a water babe, instantly lays down in the big puddle and takes full advantage of holding the team still. Tumac looks back like to say 'hey lady!'

2011-06-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

Coming up behind Kim and Kelly

Sister Act... Running Dogs Together

2011-06-01T21:42:00.000-04:00

Heading down the trail! The storms had left lots of debris on the trail and along the way, we had to move trees and lots of tree limbs. But it was a great spring run with Gaby, Robert, Kim and Kelly

The Very Lovely 'Silly Lilly'

2011-05-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

Goober!

Everyone's Sweetheart

2011-05-28T21:10:00.000-04:00

Hana!

Darn Cold Day!

2011-05-28T21:04:00.000-04:00

Honey, Robert, Gaby and TJ. Such a great photo of the family hanging out together. It was so cold though, for mid-April. We were still running dogs. I had to give Gaby some of my heavy shirts as they didn't have enough warm clothing. Robert's got my neck warmer around his neck and a sheep next to his side :)

I Love You Robert!

2011-05-28T20:57:00.000-04:00

Honey decided that she absolutely love Robert from the start!

Hanging Out In The Dogyard

2011-05-28T20:52:00.000-04:00

My lovely nephew Robert and Gaby... just having a great time in the dogyard.

Mr Hollywood At His Best!

2011-05-28T20:48:00.000-04:00

Oh, I so love this photo. Mr Hollywood was a star. He loved every minute of being fussed and then wearing Gaby's cap. Look at the way he is looking at her. He just loved her!

Family Time In The Dog Yard

2011-05-28T20:44:00.000-04:00

Mr Hollywood with Gaby and Robert. My family. They all love each other, can't you tell?

Splitting Some Of The Dogs Into Two Teams

2011-04-04T21:49:00.000-04:00

Yup, it was time.... Richard starts running his own team of dawgs.

His Team Is On His Side Of The Truck

2011-04-04T21:45:00.000-04:00

Richard starts harnessing his team

Dumping the 220lb Passenger

2011-04-04T21:42:00.000-04:00

It was about time I dumped the 220lb passenger and handed him his own team. So I did just that. I had enough gear to run two teams and so, Richard had 4 dogs and I took 5 dogs. Our first time in a very long time that we ran two teams together. Usually if Richard has chance to run with us he's on a tandem sled or occasionally riding in my sled. Conditions were not so great to be adding more dogs to each team. I thought it better to be safe and give Richard chance to find his musher feet and let him manage a small team for starters! Now he's hooked !!!

Richard Catches Up With Me

2011-04-04T21:28:00.000-04:00

Tumac and Cookqiz make a great lead pair, they were movin' !!
At wheel are my lovely strong girlies.... Nellie and Hana.

Just after I took this photo, we tried a pass between our two teams, I didn't know what to expect as my dogs are used to running as 'one' team. But it went great, not a peep or a look from any of them. Tumac and Cookqiz did a clean pass and nobody seemed to notice we were now 'two' teams.

Richard Heads Up The Trail

2011-04-04T21:22:00.000-04:00

Richard having a blast with his cute 4-dog team

Early Season Run With Kim and Kelly

2011-03-26T11:19:00.000-04:00

Taking A Run With Kim and Kelly Earlier In The Season

2011-03-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

Just enjoying browsing through some photos at long last from this past winter season. Though looking outside right now, it still looks and feels like winter. We had a crazy run together, dogs were so excited to run with Kim and Kelly's dogs. We did lots of passes and took it in turn to lead. The girls used their GPS to track our distance and speed, I was almost too scared to ask how fast we were traveling at as I could feel it! The trail was fast, but the conditions were good, no ice and it wasn't rock hard. It was a really enjoyable run together.

Heading Up The Trail

2011-03-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Stopping on the trail boot camp style. 3 teams side by side.

Taking A Break

2011-03-26T10:58:00.001-04:00

Lovely girlies! Nellie and Hana. Both have worked so hard this season and will move into lead next season. Nellie is a workhorse, she is so driven. Hana matches Nellie's drive and pulling power and has been in lead a number of times. I love these two girls. Both have matured well and work anywhere on the team. Soulful and attentive, very affectionate and devoted. They also happen to be gorgeous!

Kim and Kelly's Wired.... The Snow Queen

2011-03-23T16:35:00.000-04:00

Stopping for a Snack and a Chat

2011-03-23T16:33:00.001-04:00

Can-Am 60,Fort Kent 2011

2011-03-18T21:03:00.002-04:00

We were as ready as we could be. Despite a long bout of bronchitis and missing some training, we got back on track and gave it our all. Here's Rosie and Cookqiz, ready to lead the team down main street and into the mountains. I love my dogs so very much. I gave thought for a short while to Biffa who had just passed away in February and of course, to my other furry family members. We wouldn't be where we are if it were not for each and every one of my dogs who have been a part of this crazy hobby.

Dogs were snacked and watered, loved and rubbed down and adorned with their usual red bandannas. They were pretty calm despite the chaos around us. It's just such a wonderful experience to be among some pretty awesome people, many we know and many just come to offer you their support.

Bag check was done, the vet check was excellent and so, we were ready to go. Peg had been a great help with the dogs and the gear and also dealing with the snow and parking area. I knew she would have a good time during my absence and it would be a fun experience for her too.

As we ventured to the start with many hands on the gangline, we were asked if we would carry one of the vets, Cindy, down Main Street with us. "Sure" I said. She wanted the experience and I guess figured my big guys would not object to the extra load. I love being counted down and having the officials stand on my bar break as I get chance to nip down the line and hug the dogs and connect with my leaders. Before you know it, you are off! The crowds seem like a blurr, the noise fills your head and your heart. For that moment, all eyes are on the dogs and they are the best team ever. After dropping down below the bridge we then get a chance to stretch out on the railbed but given the upcoming conditions, I certainly didn't want to burn them out so early in the race so we took a good pace until we reached the turn that takes you into the heart of the 60.

If conditions had been a little different I had hoped for a finish in under 8 hrs, I knew we were capable, but as is typical with Can-am, you never know what you are going to get until you get it and so, the best of plans need to be adaptable. We snacked a couple of times along the way, a quick hug, snacks for me and we just kept making our way through the mixed conditions we encountered. We passed 4 teams, passed by 2, passed a team again and so it would go on for a few miles. Sometimes teams can be just a short distance infront or behind but often, you just can't see them so you can feel quite alone for a very long time.

We went through heavy snowfall, low visibility and rain and back to snow again. A good mix of everything, plus high humidity. But I was in heaven.... I don't use an Ipod or anything, I enjoy the silence. The ability to put everything to one side and to let go of thoughts and just be in the moment with my dogs. It's priceless.

As the last few miles come upon us, I was behind two teams I had passed earlier. We crossed the potato fields and I caught up with the team infront of me and so we passed. I'd had some great conversations and chatter along the way with a couple of mushers and here we were, now just a few miles from the finish. Sandwiched between two teams, we flew into the last three miles of bottomless snowpits, twists and turns, steepish chutes and then the ski area trail which brings us to the finish line. The dogs had picked up the pace and were having a great run back.

It was lovely to see familiar faces and hear the cheering. 8hrs 40 mins. I had wanted to break into the top 20 in the 60 mile race and we came in 19th place, so I couldn't have been prouder.

The dogs finished strong, no injuries, no problems. They looked great at the finish.

The team was -

Cookqiz and Rosie

Yahboo and Tumac

Hana and Nellie

Lilly and Bobby

My Rigel Bag

2011-03-17T19:43:00.003-04:00

My wonderful bag which was the envy of a few mushers. Great, custom bag made for me by Andy Bartleet and Caroline Blair-Smith. As it was gifted to me following their adoption of Rigel, I now so name my bag, my 'Rigel' bag. Love my bag as did others !!!!

At the bag check, as always, my bag is filled to the brim. Train like you race, race like you train. Take with you all that you need so that you have it, so that's what I always do and with the weather being the way it was and not knowing what was ahead of us, I had enough food and water to feed an army!

We're Ready!

2011-03-17T19:41:00.000-04:00

Bring it on !!!!

Peg and Mr Hollywood

2011-03-17T19:38:00.002-04:00

Okay, so Peg has a favorite, but it turned out that Bobby was quite a 'favorite' anyway as it would seem that he has quite a following at the Can-am. I don't know how many people came up to us and asked if Bobby was with us! What awesome people to take so much interest in my dogs and in Bobby in particular. He had his photo taken numerous times, was hugged and cuddled and then suitably re-named by his fan club members..... "Mr Hollywood"

All Hands On The Gangline Please!

2011-03-17T19:35:00.002-04:00

Trying to keep the team from smashing into the parked car which wasn't there earlier. Helpers did a great job... Hugh, Judy, Louise, Peg, Ruth.... thanks so much for getting us to the start safely.

At the Start!

2011-03-17T19:30:00.002-04:00

I always love how Bobby Stands ready to fire down the trail. Such an awesome wheel dog.

I had decided to run Cookqiz with Rosie in lead. It was hard for me to not have Yahboo up there, but as you can see from the picture, she is slightly leaning out behind Cookqiz and leading from behind. She does a great job in guiding Cookqiz. Anyway, Cookqiz was ready and I wanted to proof the work we had done all season long. She's still got a ways to go, but goodness... she's been fabulous. She did an epic job given the conditions. Never a bad moment, never a slack tugline... she kept good pace through some tough stuff alongside Rosie. Love my leadpair.

Tumac has been leading a lot too, but I wanted this year to be all about Cookqiz. I've spent a lot of time nurturing this little star so the day was hers!

Cindy The Vet At the Start... On My Sled Bag!

2011-03-17T19:28:00.001-04:00

We were asked if we would take Cindy down main street from the start so she could experience being behind a team of dogs. Geez, with all the fine work these vets do for us, how could I say no! It was an honor and my big guys didn't mind the extra load. My sled bag was loaded on the inside and outside!

Passing Teams

2011-03-17T19:24:00.002-04:00

You get used to riding alone over much of the 60 miles and with being the last team out of the start shute and a 4 minute gap between me and the team before me, I wasn't expecting to catch anyone for some time. But we soon came upon a team but enjoyed the woodsy trail for a while before finding a suitable place to make a safe pass. We actually passed 4 teams along the way.

Heading Nicely Down The Trail

2011-03-17T19:22:00.002-04:00

Dogs were doing just great. I was thankful for the many times we had trained in inclement weather and for dragging Richard around as an added 220lb weight. Dogs were very strong and healthy.

Enjoying Some Time With Ann Stead

2011-03-17T19:19:00.003-04:00

as we wait for the 250 teams to come in. It was so nice to see Ann and Jamie doing what they love to do. It was a treat to see them both as I haven't seen them for a few years. They still look great!

Catching A Moment With Jamie Nelson

2011-03-17T19:17:00.002-04:00

Just minutes after she crossed the finish line in 3rd place. What a gruelling time this weekend for many whether on the trail or off the trail, dealing with the heavy snowfall, the pouring rain and then the icing and then... more snow.

Time To Venture Out!

2011-03-17T19:15:00.001-04:00

Enough cabin fever... time to run dogs. So I had to shovel off the roof first and then basically dig the truck out.

Digging Out Space For The dogs

2011-03-17T19:13:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness I brough a shovel with me!

Getting Ready For Peg's Birthday Run

2011-03-17T17:44:00.004-04:00

Peg's been a real trooper this season and has enjoyed time on the trail in the sled. I've really enjoyed her company as have all the dogs. It's been wonderful to have some company from time to time and have her ride in my sled and enjoy the silence of being behind a dog team andnot just doing the prep and post work involved in running a dog team, though she's scooped her fair share of dog poop!

Seeing as we were stranded at the cabin and waiting for the storm to pass, we shoveled out the parking area around the truck and dropped dogs in preparation of taking Peg out for her birthday mush as a thank-you for her help and support. The snow was very deep and of course it was going to be hard going, but the dogs are fit and in great shape and so with the race now behind us, off we would go!

Nik hooked up a team also and we ran right from the cabin in pretty deep snow. We didn't venture too far, but it was enough to just get the dogs back out there and give Peg something special on her birthday. We took it in turns to break trail, it was so incredibly beautiful.

When we returned to the cabin, I did something I've been yearning to do..... goodness, I hooked up Lilly and Mr Hollywood (aka) Bobby, to my sled and took a two-dog team out! Memories from the past, it was so fun to be out there with just my two Malamutes.

Good Company Makes The Trip Even More Special

2011-03-17T17:27:00.002-04:00

Cozy cabin with a few good friends. Anastasia, Nik, Peg and the lovely Ms Prime. We had a lovely potluck dinner for us and our neighbors following 250 race. A smorgasbord of everything left over and some pretty large steaks provided by Christine. Despite all being a bit on the tired side, we have a great evening.

Thank you Nik, Anastasia and Peg!

Frozen Trees Along I95 As We Headed Home

2011-03-17T17:24:00.001-04:00

When we saw the state of the trees for a good length of I95, I was grateful we decided to stay in Fort Kent and not drive home in what could have been another series situation. It was spectacular to look at though.

Puppies are 3.5 Months Old Already!!

2011-03-15T20:37:00.003-04:00

Lovely boy TJ, just the spitting image of his papa, Tumac. Hard to believe that so much time has passed already, but I'm really trying so much to be with them as much as I possibly can. Raising 4 pups is no easy task but I have to say, it's all coming together, the routine, the training, the together time.... Daisy has been a good mom and Rosie has been a very good surrogate mom. Daisy is finally back in harness and loving it! She's been pulling like a crazy sled dog the last few nights. I'm so happy for her and happy for me as I've missed her all season. I really wanted her on my Can-am team but it wasn't going to be. She needed the time to recover, heal and get her strength back. She was pretty lame after giving birth and was sore for a long time.

We've had updates from Linda on Illy and Aise who are settling in just great and Linda and Neil are just loving their two pups. Updates and photos can be accessed via Linda's blog -

http://topointsunknown.blogspot.com/

We've also had some lovely photos of Rigel (aka Pepper or Mr Pepito as we used to call him). He's settling in nicely to with Caroline and Andy in Maine. He now has his own page on their website - http://www.sledpets.com/

Auntie Nellie and Honey

2011-03-15T20:34:00.002-04:00

Honey is so like her Auntie Nellie, just as robust, just as funny and no doubt... will be just as strong!

Honey In Full Chase!

2011-03-15T20:31:00.001-04:00

What does she look like?

Pear's Stunning Eyes

2011-03-15T20:27:00.000-04:00

Just what color are they?

Honey, Wishbone and Daisy

2011-03-15T20:25:00.001-04:00

Hana and Honey

2011-03-15T20:24:00.000-04:00

Pear Enjoying Some New Snow!

2011-03-15T20:21:00.001-04:00

She's a good sized female, taller than the boys so far!

Handsome TJ

2011-03-15T20:19:00.000-04:00

..he's so like his papa