climbing a mountain

.......might be easier at this point.....than to hear...'you may not be safe to run Iditarod".......

.........a head injury? you've got to be kidding me??

Waiting is the hardest part. I have dr. appoinment #2: the imaging center
in Fairbanks next week (CAT scan) for the 5th of Feb.

This will take place 1 day prio to Iditarod vet check for the dog team.
They want to check for bruising, bleeding and or clotting. none of that sounds nice but the good news is, I feel okay and we'll be safe. things work out, god loves us, we're alright.

dr. visit # 1: the day before yesterday in Glennallen and it's true indeed that we suffered a head injury 2 weeks ago on paxson lake ice. cripes. symptoms include slight memory loss, physical weakness, dizzy spells, nausea and lack of appetite. these things will get back to normal soon, I am told. rest and recoup were the firm directions given. i am trying to follow his directions. we had no idea this was anything to worry about. I had a bump on my head and some unpleasant headaches but my plans and focus took over my aches and pains and on the road again we were for more racing and traveling with dogs.

i am frustrated. As long as I keep myself focused on the big picture and set day to day goals for myself, we'll be fine without going stir crazy off the trails with dogs. I am doing light work in the yard for now, strawing dog houses, walking loose dogs on lake, catching up on correspondence, replacing lines and snaps on sled, organizing gear room, spending a little more time inside working on summer business changes, home changes and going to bed a little earlier than normal:)

I haven't been on a dog team since we got off the T200 trail last Sunday, and it's been more hard on us mentally than anything else at all. the dogs are wound up wanting to go, their metabolism is running in high gear right now----they look at me in the yard as if they were saying.."what's up, let's get outtttta here ma".....I am supposed to take it easy for a bit, but how do I explain this to my team? john will get them out again tomorrow on a nice tough run breaking trail in the high country. he hasn't been on the team much this year--he'll enjoy them, they are a fun crew to run. I hope to be back on them very soon.

some of the young dogs who came off the Klondike 300 have changed a little since the finish.....they excude more confidence in the yard, on the line & display a little more attitude in general...i like to see this.
Motta has really come out of her shell & shows great big promise for future racing and leading. she seems to like racing better than this training at home on the same ol trails. She has come so far from being this shy dog who never really seemed excited to go to now barking and lunging ahead on the line at race start. On the trail, she is all business and ready to take responsibility when given the opportunity.

Bongo is a different dog now with this amazing big bounce in his spirit and attitude...he feels good about his big 300 mile journey, I can see it. he really pulled through on the 300 miles leading more than not through all the overflow and open water..miles of it.... and Up and Over each and every hill to forks and back, over and over again. Robin is more affectionate now compared to before this race and Bonnie, is just NUTS.......happy-nuts..She's far from shy now. Bonnie is a super cute comapct little dog with a tough body and tougher head...she is driven and super high energy with more to burn than ever. They are all in good shape.

Mambo and Probe both went from running the Klondike to running the Tustumena with 4 days off. Solid dogs with physical talent. Djembe did super leading with her Bro, Bongo on and off for about 150 miles. Zither, Cookie, Streak and Hunter were all rock solid and all about doing their job on the trail --more experienced, they were there to coach the young dogs when needed.

My kennel support crew at the home kennel ----these are dedicated hard working talented good people who take great pride and care in all that we do here at this kennel when it comes to a well rounded life with dogs, dog needs, people/musher needs, race demands, house and home care while we're away and when things don't go as we have planned, they are quick on their feet with smiles, pies and goodies...:) to make changes as needed and accomodate where they can. This makes the hurt of an upset schedule a little less...

Judy, Brianna and of course my wonderful good man, John--thank you, I appreciate you all very much. There's tons of good people behind us and this includes friends, family, kennel sponsors, and fans, tons of super fans .....thank you for supporting us with your love, time, money, cookies, booties, headlamp batteries, vet care costs, etc. We will keep you posted as we know more.

happy safe trails to all,
zd