MACLAREN, LAYOVER 29:45AM
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Gin Gin race results posted soon...
We're very sorry----race communications went down during the Gin Gin 200 sled dog race and our webmaster was unable to make updates. She is working hard to get these posted, please look back in a day or two for more info. Email us if you have any questions about the race, mushers, etc.
Thanks for your patience,
Zoya DeNure
Thanks for your patience,
Zoya DeNure
Zoya takes 2nd place--- Gin Gin 200 update
Home tonight after an awesome 200 mile race--the dogs ran strong --most of the team players were barking to go for that last 42 miles into Paxson/finish. The 109 mile run in the middle was interesting with a light snow fall all night.....and new trail on the Su, very soft most of the way and a little colder down river. Traveling up the Maclaren in the canyon is a beautiful a run and one of my favorites...it was dark going through there this morning but with a little moon light I could make out the rocks, and areas of open water...it's just gorgeous through there. A Long 109 miles, 12 hours of running. The dogs were in good shape for this jog and came in this morning trotting looking really sharp & lots of wagging tails. They are incredible....8 hrs into the run........Bligh was still trying to pull the hook when we would stop to snack. Robin was barking & still doing her lunging thing in the air.
Jodi and I had traveled within sight or sound of one another all night on that 12 hour run...very aware that Women's race was between us to win or loose. Today, we were within minutes of one another on the outbound trail for Paxson--her team has been steady, mine too, my team has speed and steady and I was almost certain I had it and could gain on her team...but knowing full well that you can't count on it until the race is over because anything can happen out there. Tonight a "something happened" all right. A wind storm on 13 mile hill would separate us enough to pick the winner and runner up. Caught in a very mean wind storm blowing gusts up to 60mph had me and my team literally crawling on the ground. It was nasty. My dogs were being blown sideways and off the road and my sled was flipping over on it's side...I had packed Harley in at 40 mile for the trip home and this was another element to the storm we had to work through. Bridle is my toughest leader who understands me well. She's my anytime, anywhere dog..she's really my hero who I can always count on.
I put her up in single lead and she got us through the 8 miles of unforgiving and relentless winds in under 20 minutes still putting us in 2nd place with a 42 mile run in just over 4 hours. The team wanted to get out of the wind and they were looking pretty hard at the brush down off the road...Bridle kept them straight and moved us forward when asked. I've not been through something like that before and it was really scary to be truthful. I was scared for the dogs because I could hardly handle the sled upright with those winds working against us but when we were moving and blowing off the road I would hook my arm through the driving bow and managed to keep it all together. I couldn't see my lead dogs and swing dogs through the wind at times... we made it in safe anyway and had a great race...all the dogs are healthy, happy and back home sleeping. more on the race later, good night, zoya
It looks like they are having troubles updating the site from their location at Paxson lodge tonight.
Jodi and I had traveled within sight or sound of one another all night on that 12 hour run...very aware that Women's race was between us to win or loose. Today, we were within minutes of one another on the outbound trail for Paxson--her team has been steady, mine too, my team has speed and steady and I was almost certain I had it and could gain on her team...but knowing full well that you can't count on it until the race is over because anything can happen out there. Tonight a "something happened" all right. A wind storm on 13 mile hill would separate us enough to pick the winner and runner up. Caught in a very mean wind storm blowing gusts up to 60mph had me and my team literally crawling on the ground. It was nasty. My dogs were being blown sideways and off the road and my sled was flipping over on it's side...I had packed Harley in at 40 mile for the trip home and this was another element to the storm we had to work through. Bridle is my toughest leader who understands me well. She's my anytime, anywhere dog..she's really my hero who I can always count on.
I put her up in single lead and she got us through the 8 miles of unforgiving and relentless winds in under 20 minutes still putting us in 2nd place with a 42 mile run in just over 4 hours. The team wanted to get out of the wind and they were looking pretty hard at the brush down off the road...Bridle kept them straight and moved us forward when asked. I've not been through something like that before and it was really scary to be truthful. I was scared for the dogs because I could hardly handle the sled upright with those winds working against us but when we were moving and blowing off the road I would hook my arm through the driving bow and managed to keep it all together. I couldn't see my lead dogs and swing dogs through the wind at times... we made it in safe anyway and had a great race...all the dogs are healthy, happy and back home sleeping. more on the race later, good night, zoya
It looks like they are having troubles updating the site from their location at Paxson lodge tonight.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
i luv my christmas pink mitts
Eddie in the treats.........dogs love Christmas at our place....(above) John and me working on the Gin Gin 200 at the kitchen table, and Judy with her new fur friend. John can make anything...& everything! from warm sheered beaver mitts for my mushing adventures to luxury soft pink polar fleece liner mitts. I love em.
zd
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
livin on a sled
where have I been? you ask!
on the trails!
........I come home from livin on the sled and life is calling...my email box is full, letters on my desk that need attention, Iditarod preparations, Gin Gin 200 demands, chores that call for me.......the phone is a ringing again...3 messages to return, the house needs a cleaning...."ahhh get me outta here and back on that sled!"
We've been traveling west, east and north on rowdy winding trails into the winter sunset, open country rolling hills into the dawn and seeing midnight cold and black! 8am dark, quiet and crisp. the runners glide over the snow and dogs feet dance as their backs roll, a perfect wave created through the team as they run together forward. My eyes focused and my breath calm. Over the moon on the Denali running with it's full light in force, through the thick of ice, snow and moose----and dancing with a cross fox was never so much fun! Spending every waking moment on my team these past few months and learning as much about them as I can has taught me very valuable lessons. I want to learn dogs not just run dogs, I think anyone can run dogs!
Dec. 28-30th
The Gin Gin 200 sled dog race is 5 days away and closing in. This is a 200 mile qualifier race for both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest and truly, a good qualifying race...there's a good long run without support in the middle of the race..109 miles long. Now, choosing the team. I can only pick 12....there's some very good dogs who will stay home from this race not because they aren't good enough or can't do it, but there's just too many good dogs for this particular race format to choose from. The training list is a short 29 dogs and they all deserve a huge applaud for working hard for their musher & these races and qualifiers..they are ALL Great dogs.
I came in this morning from Maclaren / 100 mile trip with 14 dogs running like mad with the wind at our back. We have just traveled 100 miles and the dogs look good and seem happy. They aim to please......personally I can't express the overwhelming feelings of gratitude I have for those dogs like I would like, I'm not sure if there's words for these things, only feelings and really positive images in my mind. but there must be words. the dogs are tuned in and we're close like family, they are my fur-kids...the dogs are the most amazing animals, a gift from god, truly, a gift. They love so much and they work so hard. We are blessed.
the gin gin team:
Sebe, Bridle, Sadie, Galen, Bligh, Naked, Dude, Peak, Harley, Probe and Trapper and either North or Storey.....more to come .....
now, it's time for some luxury r&r with tea and a little Irish music from Mom.
zd
on the trails!
........I come home from livin on the sled and life is calling...my email box is full, letters on my desk that need attention, Iditarod preparations, Gin Gin 200 demands, chores that call for me.......the phone is a ringing again...3 messages to return, the house needs a cleaning...."ahhh get me outta here and back on that sled!"
We've been traveling west, east and north on rowdy winding trails into the winter sunset, open country rolling hills into the dawn and seeing midnight cold and black! 8am dark, quiet and crisp. the runners glide over the snow and dogs feet dance as their backs roll, a perfect wave created through the team as they run together forward. My eyes focused and my breath calm. Over the moon on the Denali running with it's full light in force, through the thick of ice, snow and moose----and dancing with a cross fox was never so much fun! Spending every waking moment on my team these past few months and learning as much about them as I can has taught me very valuable lessons. I want to learn dogs not just run dogs, I think anyone can run dogs!
Dec. 28-30th
The Gin Gin 200 sled dog race is 5 days away and closing in. This is a 200 mile qualifier race for both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest and truly, a good qualifying race...there's a good long run without support in the middle of the race..109 miles long. Now, choosing the team. I can only pick 12....there's some very good dogs who will stay home from this race not because they aren't good enough or can't do it, but there's just too many good dogs for this particular race format to choose from. The training list is a short 29 dogs and they all deserve a huge applaud for working hard for their musher & these races and qualifiers..they are ALL Great dogs.
I came in this morning from Maclaren / 100 mile trip with 14 dogs running like mad with the wind at our back. We have just traveled 100 miles and the dogs look good and seem happy. They aim to please......personally I can't express the overwhelming feelings of gratitude I have for those dogs like I would like, I'm not sure if there's words for these things, only feelings and really positive images in my mind. but there must be words. the dogs are tuned in and we're close like family, they are my fur-kids...the dogs are the most amazing animals, a gift from god, truly, a gift. They love so much and they work so hard. We are blessed.
the gin gin team:
Sebe, Bridle, Sadie, Galen, Bligh, Naked, Dude, Peak, Harley, Probe and Trapper and either North or Storey.....more to come .....
now, it's time for some luxury r&r with tea and a little Irish music from Mom.
zd
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
These kids from Cali, Rock!
Thank you so much, you guys are awesome! The dogs say "woof, woof"(many thanks!)
Your friend & musher, Zoya Denure
Monday, December 17, 2007
Who runs Our house anyway?
We have 4 house dogs, 2 German Shepards (Ravin & Maudie) one very old retired sled dog named Eddie, and a big round fluffy Siberian Husky mix named Ethan.....and then there's Sport who is 11 years old, retired sprint dog from my Wisconsin dog sledding days. He's all white, with a big pink nose and enjoys coming in at night when it's cold. Trapper, one of my team dogs came in for a little massage 2 days ago and then there is Naknek who was off training for 4 days..he too likes the house. And last night, Robin, another young lead dog came in for a little visit. We have a full basement with work shop, sewing room, guest area and dog holding area..do you think we use the dog holding area very much? Not really. The joke around here is "who uses the sofa more-----us or the dogs?" If you said DOGS you were right! zoya
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Marlin, in his new life--living like a King.
We adopted Marlin from the Fairbanks Animal Shelter almost 2 years ago. He was very sweet, enjoyed running in small teamsand seemed to be happy in his new life at our kennel. marlin would run 3-5 days a week to begin with. The objective was to keep him trained/fit & find a nice recreational mushing home for Marlin. As the season progressed and so did the miles, this guy was looking back with those big brown eyes giving me "the look"...I could see plainly that he wasn't having fun anymore. He enjoyed being loose in the yard, near my side or under my feet more than running in team with a bunch of wild sled dogs. I got the message. The summer of 2006 I had met a nice couple from outside during one of my kennel tours. The woman talked to me about Marlin explaining that she might be interested in Marlin if for some reason he wasn't up for all this running in team. She told me that they have land, a big home, and time for their animals which include a cat, 2 dogs and horse. When he gave me "the look"..I called Connie.
Friends and kennel sponsors, the Kirbuz family adopted Marlin last year in March and now he's living the life of a king--in the house and assisting with chores around the horse barn. We're grateful to get regular updates with pictures. He's still a good looking boy with a big heart---we're very happy for Marlin. zd
Friday, December 14, 2007
Going into the woods is going home--john muir
..........our friends John & Jenny from Wisconsin have given us a special gift this year....we've been honored with the gift of a tree. A tree has been planted in a fire devastated National Forest near Yellowstone through the Arbor Day Foundation. This is a wonderful gift and we thank our friends for their thoughtfulness. I wanted to share this with others in case you were wondering what to get your friend or relative who has "everything"......
What a great gift idea for the Holidays or any special occasion. zd
What a great gift idea for the Holidays or any special occasion. zd
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The dogs are healthy and strong!
Is it already the 13th of December? I can hardly believe it. One minute it's Thanksgiving and now we're looking for a tree! This is a wonderful busy time of the year for us---lots of long training runs, camping with dogs, preparing for races and Iditarod, warm cozy nights at home in Paxson are so luxury right now, Christmas time is near....lots of cheer in the air.
What's new here at the kennel?
Paxson got about 6 inches of new snow making it safer to run bigger dog teams on sleds, we're running longer distances with more dogs/50 mile plus runs. The dogs are camping out more away from home and houses in their training program as we prepare for Iditarod. New leaders up and coming; Bongo still works hard in lead learning gee/haw, North has been leading strong with Diesel, Naknek has been running lead steadily also learning gee/haw, Mambo strong on the hills, Motta leads late in the long runs strong, little ones---Cinnebar, Obie and Jon Jon pups are harness training--and getting so big so fast.
Streak has secured her place in the team and Bridle runs through a snow storm strong leading us home after 100 miles of trail running.
It's been a over a week since the Iditarod rookie meetings in town. Since then I have been on the trail day and night. The days start to run together after awhile. Running, eating, sleeping...and over and over again. My dog care has improved this year over time, trial, error, experience and worry...I want to keep them healthy and strong. It's crucial to give them what they need at all times---- love, quality food, proper rest, massage, foot care, nurture -----total encouragement. The dogs love to run and they count on me to take good care of their heads, heart, hydration and feet! I feel as though my attention is more focused this year on details and keeping myself super organized.
It's safe to say that I've not worked this hard in in my life as I have this year in training. When I say it's been a little hard, it has. When I say I am challenging myself to be better, you can count on it. Taking on more repsonsibility is very rewarding and at times, and sometimes this means more work and less sleep. Oh well, a small price to pay for the life you want. I guess I never want to sit still. My eyes have been a little red lately, skin chapped some, lips cracked, hair a mess, and legs...hmmm, a little uh ...sore. I would consider myself to be in Very good shape but this last week out there has kind of whooped my butt. The dogs? healthy and strong. It's amazing to me how they can do what they do, eat like they can and do it day after day after day..... i am always learning so much as we peel through the layers!
Today I am back, feeling healed and good ! It's awesome what a little sleep and good food can do for you!
The trails out of Paxson take us over some rough stuff. Glare smooth ice, jumbled crusty ice, gravel, road, lots of tussocks, and wind swept trail. Great training for the dogs. Once we're out about 12 -14 miles, it's up lots of up hills and deeper snow. I LOVE these trails the most because they are more challenging with steep hills, winding trails and trees. I prefer the trees to wide open running as I am sure my dogs feel the same way. I think they get bored and then i have to work harder and sing more to keep them entertained.
We ran to Maclaren and back with a short rest in the middle last Friday and again lastnight. The dogs love to go---the sled is loaded with dog food, snacks for the dogs, dog coats, cooker, axe, booties, vet kit bag, people food, water, sleep bag, headlamps and warm gear. They know what's going on. They like to travel and seem pleased to camp at Maclaren. Most of the dogs know "camping". This is when they stay on the line rather than at their normal dog houses. This is what we do when racing. I give each dog a leaf of straw and they make a bed. The dogs tend to their feet while I prepare their meal. They were eating like mad on the run in and again once we arrived. I have to be careful of my fingers! I have good eating dogs, this thrills me to death! Bligh, Naked, Peak, Storey, Sadie, Trapper..all like to snatch fast their snacks!
When they eat like that, it's hard not to keep throwing them food. I have learned some tough lessons in this department last year and won't do it again! You can really upset the dogs stomach and nerves by over feeding them and then asking them to go run. It's good to be a little hungry! Just like us, we're not going to feel so good if we eat a huge meal and then go for a hard jog.
dogs-- dogs-- dogs---dogs--!
"Bonnie", a yearling team member went on this run, and she's been running strong this season. She's young and seemed confused about the whole run for 5 hrs and camp out for 5 hrs.. she's not done this before. She rested about 1 hr. That's not much rest at all and I was concerned she would be coming in pretty tired that night. No, I was wrong. Bonnie surprised me trotting in strong and still happy. The other dogs rested about 3 hrs total. They all looked good coming home, tails wagging and Bligh still jumping up and down. We left after 4 1/2 of rest. They ran home like mad that night in the cool crisp air. Moose tracks on the trail and snow falling lightly. Bridle and Sebe led me home.
It was snowing so hard by the time we got back to Paxson Lake-3am and dark......you really couldn't see a thing. We were about half way to our house on paxson lake when we lost the trail. Running loops about a quarter of a mile out from the house-----tired, a little dazed & confused we were pretty sure we had passed the kennel.......we couldn't recognize any landmarks or trees on the shoreline......it was just snow in our faces...then a light went on in Judy's cabin. I saw it in the distance and about that time faintly heard our dogs barking. Bridle and Sebe's ears went up and they knew what to do. Judy saw us out there running funky half loops and thought this was part of our training regime! After 100 miles of running, I don't think so! We all had a good laugh over that one.
the Bligh!
"Capt. Bligh" is one of the toughest dogs I've ever met. He really can do anything--this is a dog that can win. He's simply ....fast, nuts, awesome, AMAZING! I watch him trot at some crazy top speed when everyone else in team is loping. Bligh makes it look easy. He just keeps going & going like that energizer bunny. Bligh is a very talented dog who thrives on the job. Athletic and tough. This dog is just tough all the way around. Tough to feed--likes to literally dive into feed bucket! Tough to boot--he doesn't like to hold still until we're about 50 miles out and then it's still a toss up. Tough to harness...he really would harness himself if he could. He is so excited at the thought of eating or running he literally shakes in his skin. Even after 100 miles of running with very little rest Bligh is still going strong. He's got 2 brothers and one sister ----naked, storey and peak....and they are all similar variations of "THE Bligh"
"Streak" has been very happy this years and running really really well, more secure in team and has been running swing position with more confidence and pulling hard. Streak is great anywhere you ask her to run--happy in wheel, happy in team.
Robin, Sadie, Bonnie, Sebe, and Bridle-- tough girls. They just go, go, go and go some more....and they all have #1 thing in common--they all want to be the boss. I am very excited, pleased and in awe of their mental drive and physical talent. Sweetheart girls, they work hard but like to play hard too and when given the chance, will all come in for a night cap at our Maclaren cabins. I like the fact that they are smaller built dogs with a good attitude and one heck of a work ethic--they too, take their job quite seriously. I have a lot of respect for all these dogs!
Naknek has had some minor wrist soreness the past week due to the lack of snow, thus the hard pounding trails...I've been trying something new, ZALOX creme by Ten Squared racing..it seems to work good for me and my dogs. I've used it on 2 dogs this season and so far I am really impressed with how quickly it seems to work.
Anyone else using this product regularly? I would like to hear your thoughts on it please.
more to come as we head out tomorrow to break new trail ...over the Gakona River
have fun, see you down the trail
zd
What's new here at the kennel?
Paxson got about 6 inches of new snow making it safer to run bigger dog teams on sleds, we're running longer distances with more dogs/50 mile plus runs. The dogs are camping out more away from home and houses in their training program as we prepare for Iditarod. New leaders up and coming; Bongo still works hard in lead learning gee/haw, North has been leading strong with Diesel, Naknek has been running lead steadily also learning gee/haw, Mambo strong on the hills, Motta leads late in the long runs strong, little ones---Cinnebar, Obie and Jon Jon pups are harness training--and getting so big so fast.
Streak has secured her place in the team and Bridle runs through a snow storm strong leading us home after 100 miles of trail running.
It's been a over a week since the Iditarod rookie meetings in town. Since then I have been on the trail day and night. The days start to run together after awhile. Running, eating, sleeping...and over and over again. My dog care has improved this year over time, trial, error, experience and worry...I want to keep them healthy and strong. It's crucial to give them what they need at all times---- love, quality food, proper rest, massage, foot care, nurture -----total encouragement. The dogs love to run and they count on me to take good care of their heads, heart, hydration and feet! I feel as though my attention is more focused this year on details and keeping myself super organized.
It's safe to say that I've not worked this hard in in my life as I have this year in training. When I say it's been a little hard, it has. When I say I am challenging myself to be better, you can count on it. Taking on more repsonsibility is very rewarding and at times, and sometimes this means more work and less sleep. Oh well, a small price to pay for the life you want. I guess I never want to sit still. My eyes have been a little red lately, skin chapped some, lips cracked, hair a mess, and legs...hmmm, a little uh ...sore. I would consider myself to be in Very good shape but this last week out there has kind of whooped my butt. The dogs? healthy and strong. It's amazing to me how they can do what they do, eat like they can and do it day after day after day..... i am always learning so much as we peel through the layers!
Today I am back, feeling healed and good ! It's awesome what a little sleep and good food can do for you!
The trails out of Paxson take us over some rough stuff. Glare smooth ice, jumbled crusty ice, gravel, road, lots of tussocks, and wind swept trail. Great training for the dogs. Once we're out about 12 -14 miles, it's up lots of up hills and deeper snow. I LOVE these trails the most because they are more challenging with steep hills, winding trails and trees. I prefer the trees to wide open running as I am sure my dogs feel the same way. I think they get bored and then i have to work harder and sing more to keep them entertained.
We ran to Maclaren and back with a short rest in the middle last Friday and again lastnight. The dogs love to go---the sled is loaded with dog food, snacks for the dogs, dog coats, cooker, axe, booties, vet kit bag, people food, water, sleep bag, headlamps and warm gear. They know what's going on. They like to travel and seem pleased to camp at Maclaren. Most of the dogs know "camping". This is when they stay on the line rather than at their normal dog houses. This is what we do when racing. I give each dog a leaf of straw and they make a bed. The dogs tend to their feet while I prepare their meal. They were eating like mad on the run in and again once we arrived. I have to be careful of my fingers! I have good eating dogs, this thrills me to death! Bligh, Naked, Peak, Storey, Sadie, Trapper..all like to snatch fast their snacks!
When they eat like that, it's hard not to keep throwing them food. I have learned some tough lessons in this department last year and won't do it again! You can really upset the dogs stomach and nerves by over feeding them and then asking them to go run. It's good to be a little hungry! Just like us, we're not going to feel so good if we eat a huge meal and then go for a hard jog.
dogs-- dogs-- dogs---dogs--!
"Bonnie", a yearling team member went on this run, and she's been running strong this season. She's young and seemed confused about the whole run for 5 hrs and camp out for 5 hrs.. she's not done this before. She rested about 1 hr. That's not much rest at all and I was concerned she would be coming in pretty tired that night. No, I was wrong. Bonnie surprised me trotting in strong and still happy. The other dogs rested about 3 hrs total. They all looked good coming home, tails wagging and Bligh still jumping up and down. We left after 4 1/2 of rest. They ran home like mad that night in the cool crisp air. Moose tracks on the trail and snow falling lightly. Bridle and Sebe led me home.
It was snowing so hard by the time we got back to Paxson Lake-3am and dark......you really couldn't see a thing. We were about half way to our house on paxson lake when we lost the trail. Running loops about a quarter of a mile out from the house-----tired, a little dazed & confused we were pretty sure we had passed the kennel.......we couldn't recognize any landmarks or trees on the shoreline......it was just snow in our faces...then a light went on in Judy's cabin. I saw it in the distance and about that time faintly heard our dogs barking. Bridle and Sebe's ears went up and they knew what to do. Judy saw us out there running funky half loops and thought this was part of our training regime! After 100 miles of running, I don't think so! We all had a good laugh over that one.
the Bligh!
"Capt. Bligh" is one of the toughest dogs I've ever met. He really can do anything--this is a dog that can win. He's simply ....fast, nuts, awesome, AMAZING! I watch him trot at some crazy top speed when everyone else in team is loping. Bligh makes it look easy. He just keeps going & going like that energizer bunny. Bligh is a very talented dog who thrives on the job. Athletic and tough. This dog is just tough all the way around. Tough to feed--likes to literally dive into feed bucket! Tough to boot--he doesn't like to hold still until we're about 50 miles out and then it's still a toss up. Tough to harness...he really would harness himself if he could. He is so excited at the thought of eating or running he literally shakes in his skin. Even after 100 miles of running with very little rest Bligh is still going strong. He's got 2 brothers and one sister ----naked, storey and peak....and they are all similar variations of "THE Bligh"
"Streak" has been very happy this years and running really really well, more secure in team and has been running swing position with more confidence and pulling hard. Streak is great anywhere you ask her to run--happy in wheel, happy in team.
Robin, Sadie, Bonnie, Sebe, and Bridle-- tough girls. They just go, go, go and go some more....and they all have #1 thing in common--they all want to be the boss. I am very excited, pleased and in awe of their mental drive and physical talent. Sweetheart girls, they work hard but like to play hard too and when given the chance, will all come in for a night cap at our Maclaren cabins. I like the fact that they are smaller built dogs with a good attitude and one heck of a work ethic--they too, take their job quite seriously. I have a lot of respect for all these dogs!
Naknek has had some minor wrist soreness the past week due to the lack of snow, thus the hard pounding trails...I've been trying something new, ZALOX creme by Ten Squared racing..it seems to work good for me and my dogs. I've used it on 2 dogs this season and so far I am really impressed with how quickly it seems to work.
Anyone else using this product regularly? I would like to hear your thoughts on it please.
more to come as we head out tomorrow to break new trail ...over the Gakona River
have fun, see you down the trail
zd
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Maclaren Fun Run weekend race
Maclaren Lodge is hosting a fun run 50 mile race this weekend, 14 dog class, starts on Saturday......call Alan and Susie at 822.5444 for more info.
zd
zd
Thursday, December 06, 2007
100 miles
Paxson
6:30 am
9F
we woke at 5am, fed all the dogs around 5:30 by headlamp light, it's dark and foggy on the lake this morning. We're getting two teams geared up to head out 50 miles to our maclaren cabins on the river, with a short rest/feeding break before returning home. The run will take us 8 miles north on Paxson lake ice to the Denali Highway and then 42 miles of road grade running. it'll be dark on the way out and dark when we're hooking up to come home. This time of year, we live with headlamps attached to our heads, extras stuffed in our pockets and the main lamp stowed in a light case in my sled. I am a fan of LED lights, they are bright, and cost effective. The Coast headlamp being one of my favorites. Judy will be back at the kennel today labeling Iditarod food drop bags and sorting other items for my race preparations. This will be our last little trip on the Denali highway until there is more snow. We need to take a look at the river trail for the Gin Gin, something John will do while I care for the teams resting. Right now with the lack of snow the trail to Macl. will be fast going and hard packed with some bare spots, can be tough on the dogs--they are more prone to injury when you stick them in situations like that. With that said, we have been looking at our other trail options and I believe we have better ones at this point, of course those other options present their own challenges such as more ice, windblown lakes and overflow. Tomorrow we will run the other dogs out to the Gakona River breaking new trail, crossing the river for the 1st time this year and connecting into some other trails that connect to the Copper Basin & Chisto. It's a good work out for the dogs as they are forced to slow down and break trail, they learn to listen and trust, not just run....they can do that later.
there is more snow the higher you climb in the hills--that's where we want to be. It would be like driving your car with no road- Ok, you can do it, but it isn't Great! For us, we spend the majority of our time daily on sleds...many many hours a week. We're going to find new places to train even if that means working on cutting/breaking trails and we will keep our fingers crossed for snow...maybe our friends in NH can send us a few inches & Carrie in Wisconsin can send a couple more ...and the kids in MN....if we can borrow a little here and there from, it will surly add up to...more than we have right now!
today's dogs going are Sebe, Motta, Peak, Bonnie,Storey, Bligh, Streak, Probe, Robin, Naked, Hunter, North, Bridle, Sadie, Trapper, JayJ. JayJ, North, Bonnie are all "extra's" in my training program. Diesel dog is also an extra who will go tomorrow.
The "extra" dogs in race training are dogs I feel that have great potential, physical talent and mental toughness, eager to go.... they have the possibility to race this year. No final decisions will be made until later this month.
trail snacks..what the dogs like to eat? We will take herring for the trail.....herring are quite high in calories..and very good for the dogs!
have yourself a Great day, from zoya and team
6:30 am
9F
we woke at 5am, fed all the dogs around 5:30 by headlamp light, it's dark and foggy on the lake this morning. We're getting two teams geared up to head out 50 miles to our maclaren cabins on the river, with a short rest/feeding break before returning home. The run will take us 8 miles north on Paxson lake ice to the Denali Highway and then 42 miles of road grade running. it'll be dark on the way out and dark when we're hooking up to come home. This time of year, we live with headlamps attached to our heads, extras stuffed in our pockets and the main lamp stowed in a light case in my sled. I am a fan of LED lights, they are bright, and cost effective. The Coast headlamp being one of my favorites. Judy will be back at the kennel today labeling Iditarod food drop bags and sorting other items for my race preparations. This will be our last little trip on the Denali highway until there is more snow. We need to take a look at the river trail for the Gin Gin, something John will do while I care for the teams resting. Right now with the lack of snow the trail to Macl. will be fast going and hard packed with some bare spots, can be tough on the dogs--they are more prone to injury when you stick them in situations like that. With that said, we have been looking at our other trail options and I believe we have better ones at this point, of course those other options present their own challenges such as more ice, windblown lakes and overflow. Tomorrow we will run the other dogs out to the Gakona River breaking new trail, crossing the river for the 1st time this year and connecting into some other trails that connect to the Copper Basin & Chisto. It's a good work out for the dogs as they are forced to slow down and break trail, they learn to listen and trust, not just run....they can do that later.
there is more snow the higher you climb in the hills--that's where we want to be. It would be like driving your car with no road- Ok, you can do it, but it isn't Great! For us, we spend the majority of our time daily on sleds...many many hours a week. We're going to find new places to train even if that means working on cutting/breaking trails and we will keep our fingers crossed for snow...maybe our friends in NH can send us a few inches & Carrie in Wisconsin can send a couple more ...and the kids in MN....if we can borrow a little here and there from, it will surly add up to...more than we have right now!
today's dogs going are Sebe, Motta, Peak, Bonnie,Storey, Bligh, Streak, Probe, Robin, Naked, Hunter, North, Bridle, Sadie, Trapper, JayJ. JayJ, North, Bonnie are all "extra's" in my training program. Diesel dog is also an extra who will go tomorrow.
The "extra" dogs in race training are dogs I feel that have great potential, physical talent and mental toughness, eager to go.... they have the possibility to race this year. No final decisions will be made until later this month.
trail snacks..what the dogs like to eat? We will take herring for the trail.....herring are quite high in calories..and very good for the dogs!
have yourself a Great day, from zoya and team
Monday, December 03, 2007
rookie class and rowdy ride
The Iditarod rookie mtg. weekend in Anchorage was amazing. So much wisdom shared from those who have been there before us. I can't say "thank you" enough to those who took the time to be with us for a short little while over the weekend. THANK YOU again. I really enjoyed every last bit of it, still soaking up all the facts, tid bits and stories. The Iditarod race and all it's people are amazing, highly organized, kind, self motivated, and certainly looking to make this race...a great one for everybody. Very impressive. Lots of rookies this year, a little scary! However it's very entertaining to read about all the rookies and their varied places & lifestyles. Wow-colorful and diverse! I wonder though where those from places like Ohio and Kentucky train their dogs for such a wild marathon with ice, snow, mountains, stumps, stobs, open water, etc...?? Where down there do you train on long stints of glare ice or into strong gusting headwinds?? When I think Kentucky, I think of Alan Jackson and fried chicken! (forgive me!)
The vet talk with Stu was awesome, the media/communications portion was quite interesting, Jeff was passionate and directed offering many useful tips. I enjoyed meeting all the mushers I've not met before and a day at Buser's was perfect.
Speaking of glare ice and winds...back on the trail 1st thing today and problem solving mile by mile as we go. -10 here in Paxson and wind gusts up to 55 mph on Paxson Lake and 65 mph in the high country. The wind chill was raw, wicked cold making the simple chore of putting booties on my dog team a little more of a challenge. I couldn't set anything down on the ground without it blowing clear across the lake. Judy stood there to assist all bundled up. The wind was so noisy we really had to communicate with head and hand gestures. I walk through the yard putting harnesses on all the dogs, turning them loose and putting booties on one by one as they meet me down by the sled. The lake has a terrific amount of exposed glare ice and glaciated ice making the run from home to the highway and connecting trails a wild run.
25 mile run, 9 dog team, 70 lbs in the basket.....North and Diesel in lead. We shot down the lake like a train on fire...I tell the dogs to "easy" ( as we cross the ice) they listen and we easy across the ice. The wind was strong at our backs pushing me forward but only for a few more precious miles.
A few miles later into the run we have a highway crossing. As soon as we got across the road, my brake hit a bare stump that had been worn down by us, day after day in training. My break snapped, breaking right in half. "No way am I turning this team around" --this was the 1st thought. 2- "What to do now? I whoa'd the team about 300 yards up and hooked down in the trees. Looking at the brake and where it broke, I knew this wasn't something I could fix until I got home. Shooooot. My tool kit was limited and all the bolts, nuts, wire and tape in the world isn't going to fix this one. On the race trail I will have sled parts with me and sent out to checkpoints--in case something like this happens.
My dogs are listening and it's important that we train anyhow like we would with or without a brake as long as I'm not compromising their safety and well being. I would figure something out and would have a little time to think about it as we travel. We had about 6 miles of pretty flat terrain on the pipe before we hit the steep hills...and everyone knows what goes up must come down...We were off again happily bouncing down the trail. My only real concern was coming home without the break...coming back across the highway and across the ice....when we reach our highway crossing, it's vital we come to a complete stop. About 7 miles later, I used my right foot like a drag coming down some of the hills we had just climbed...since my main drag ripped off my sled going to Paxson a few days prior I was without one today...this didn't work so good. I fumbled a bit almost biting the dust behind my team, not pretty. My arms were holding on while my feet were trying their best to keep up and half my body was running on the side and jumping back on the sled...The wind was whipping me from the side the further out we traveled, sharp cold pain on my cheeks and tip of my nose. I had my parka on and barely enough time to get it up and around my face as i needed to hold on and steer the sled. The wind seemed to be gaining and I felt like I was loosing. Mnt. Sanford stood tall reassuring me I was doing the right thing. I eventually stopped and fastened my snow shoe on to act as a drag...this didn't work so well either. The leaders stood on top of the hill with their heads down, the wind was pushing my team from the side and they were trying their best to stay upright. I kept trying and finally decided that we would just use our feet and I would push my right toe down on the base of the broken brake for a little leverage when needed. This would work for a little while and we were off again moving through the wind. I was VERY excited to have the opportunity to work with the dogs in these conditions. Diesel has not been in wind before...he did fine. They were happy and I sang and cheered them on. On the homeward bound trail, we would again hit the pipeline and take off for home...now the wind had blown much of our snow away on the sharp gee turn....SNAP! my left stanchion broke. You gotta be kidding- I thought.
10 miles to go. We got home on a real positive note with unwavering faith today. The sled came in tonight for surgery and tomorrow our training program will take us out on a much longer run on similar terrain. I guess this old sled needed to come in.
zd
The vet talk with Stu was awesome, the media/communications portion was quite interesting, Jeff was passionate and directed offering many useful tips. I enjoyed meeting all the mushers I've not met before and a day at Buser's was perfect.
Speaking of glare ice and winds...back on the trail 1st thing today and problem solving mile by mile as we go. -10 here in Paxson and wind gusts up to 55 mph on Paxson Lake and 65 mph in the high country. The wind chill was raw, wicked cold making the simple chore of putting booties on my dog team a little more of a challenge. I couldn't set anything down on the ground without it blowing clear across the lake. Judy stood there to assist all bundled up. The wind was so noisy we really had to communicate with head and hand gestures. I walk through the yard putting harnesses on all the dogs, turning them loose and putting booties on one by one as they meet me down by the sled. The lake has a terrific amount of exposed glare ice and glaciated ice making the run from home to the highway and connecting trails a wild run.
25 mile run, 9 dog team, 70 lbs in the basket.....North and Diesel in lead. We shot down the lake like a train on fire...I tell the dogs to "easy" ( as we cross the ice) they listen and we easy across the ice. The wind was strong at our backs pushing me forward but only for a few more precious miles.
A few miles later into the run we have a highway crossing. As soon as we got across the road, my brake hit a bare stump that had been worn down by us, day after day in training. My break snapped, breaking right in half. "No way am I turning this team around" --this was the 1st thought. 2- "What to do now? I whoa'd the team about 300 yards up and hooked down in the trees. Looking at the brake and where it broke, I knew this wasn't something I could fix until I got home. Shooooot. My tool kit was limited and all the bolts, nuts, wire and tape in the world isn't going to fix this one. On the race trail I will have sled parts with me and sent out to checkpoints--in case something like this happens.
My dogs are listening and it's important that we train anyhow like we would with or without a brake as long as I'm not compromising their safety and well being. I would figure something out and would have a little time to think about it as we travel. We had about 6 miles of pretty flat terrain on the pipe before we hit the steep hills...and everyone knows what goes up must come down...We were off again happily bouncing down the trail. My only real concern was coming home without the break...coming back across the highway and across the ice....when we reach our highway crossing, it's vital we come to a complete stop. About 7 miles later, I used my right foot like a drag coming down some of the hills we had just climbed...since my main drag ripped off my sled going to Paxson a few days prior I was without one today...this didn't work so good. I fumbled a bit almost biting the dust behind my team, not pretty. My arms were holding on while my feet were trying their best to keep up and half my body was running on the side and jumping back on the sled...The wind was whipping me from the side the further out we traveled, sharp cold pain on my cheeks and tip of my nose. I had my parka on and barely enough time to get it up and around my face as i needed to hold on and steer the sled. The wind seemed to be gaining and I felt like I was loosing. Mnt. Sanford stood tall reassuring me I was doing the right thing. I eventually stopped and fastened my snow shoe on to act as a drag...this didn't work so well either. The leaders stood on top of the hill with their heads down, the wind was pushing my team from the side and they were trying their best to stay upright. I kept trying and finally decided that we would just use our feet and I would push my right toe down on the base of the broken brake for a little leverage when needed. This would work for a little while and we were off again moving through the wind. I was VERY excited to have the opportunity to work with the dogs in these conditions. Diesel has not been in wind before...he did fine. They were happy and I sang and cheered them on. On the homeward bound trail, we would again hit the pipeline and take off for home...now the wind had blown much of our snow away on the sharp gee turn....SNAP! my left stanchion broke. You gotta be kidding- I thought.
10 miles to go. We got home on a real positive note with unwavering faith today. The sled came in tonight for surgery and tomorrow our training program will take us out on a much longer run on similar terrain. I guess this old sled needed to come in.
zd
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