wow. You could barely move in there; the Millineum Hotel was so packed with media types at the musher meeting yesterday morning that I couldn't tell who was which. A musher? or a media? There are a lot of mushers entered in the Iditarod that I don't know and I don't know any of the Media! Oh wait I know one of the media---me. Yep. I get to write for the Whitehorse Star, the Duluth tribune and a couple of others. It will be fun I think.
The banquet was full---like in really full---where do all of these people come from? Maine, Wisconsin, Germany, South Carolina....even Alaska. The festivities began at 4:30 or 5:00 and went until 11:30. Zoya drew her number around 11:00---she will be the 89th team out of the chute. Only 8 teams behind her. That matters little in this race; there are so many teams that every time you stop to snack 17 others pass by. Zoya woke up nervous, we went out to drop and feed the dogs; that helped. More excited now than nervous. Lots going on with this race that has very little to do with dogs. That changes soon enough; once you are past Finger Lake nervous is gone and traveling with your dogs begins.
It is aabout 40 miles to the first checkpoint at Yentna Station, no food drop or anything here, they just monitor when the teams come by. Hardly anyone will stop here; the favored spot to rest is a mile or so beyond. 34 miles to the Skwentna Chkpt. from Yentna. Zoya has a planned break here, even though she is told that it is madhouse there.
The dogs look real good this morning; all are eating and drinking everything they can reach. Motta really likes this travel on the truck stuff; she turns barky and confident; different from the retiring little dog of the yard. The Bligh litter is nuts as is their father, Trapper; no food is safe, nor are pans. They are constantly shaking the truck with their enthusiasm and have their friendly frictions over food and the girls. Storey is the most intense dog I've ever seen. Everything he sees is exciting to him; his eyes bore holes. Hey; I need to break this off--time to run and do. I will get back to this; Zoya may write again before she goes, but otherwise I will keep this updated the best I am able. John
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Iditarod events, day # 1
arrived Chugiak lastnight around 11pm. Mom and I drove in one truck, John in the other....2 trucks, 3 sleds, 19 dogs, various giant bags personal gear, mandatory gear, mail out gear, dog feed, etc.....warmer temperatures down this way and good roads. We were glad to get settled in when we did--Mom was super tired, my body felt like moving after all day driving, my mind felt like running....my mind was not going to allow me a full nights sleep--how does one rest up before a race like this? Not happening. I've come to be OKAY with this! The head is very busy right now preparing for Iditarod. The head is very excited, a little overwhelmed and already on a schedule. The dogs are all in high spirits right now feeling my intense energy--focused, driven, organised and ready for anything....even that lava flow looking beast of a glacier/overflow out of Rohn.....I can imagine. The dogs are and I are riding the same wave right now and I can't wait to just pull the hook March 2nd. They are ansy in the truck. Streak slept in the house on the floor near the bed lastnight and Maudy had a sofa all to herself. All was quiet by 2:00am. 6am arrived and we were up dropping dogs, getting dressed, checking lists and mandatory paperwork for vet check.... and making a fresh brew of some really good coffee.....out the door by 7:45am.
tons of awesome emails coming in from friends, fans, kids and families.....but no time to write back now and do updates before race and little access between events--will get back to everyone after the Iditarod. I am able to read your email until the the 2nd and then it's trail time for 9-10 days. and thank you--I appreciate them all, the support is beautiful.
Need a shower but don't have the time this morning, hair is all swept up in a ponytail, throw a baseball cap on and let's go. It's about an hour drive to Wasilla/Iditarod headquarters from our friends place. We arrived headquarters this morning around 9am----the parking lot was full. Full of dog trucks, dogteams, mushers, handlers, vets, vet techs, media and mushing fans ---a handful of families from out of state plus teachers and tour directors. "we're here, yes! we're here!!!!!!!!!
It was nearly 2:30pm by the time we pulled out. So nice to see musher friends and their teams. I enjoy looking at other dog teams and seeing what others are running. Some dogs look older, some look too fat, some look out of poportion, some look super, some look too thin, some look great overall...they all look........Like dogs! and if you like looking at dogs and you enjoy a little competition and you're thinking about dogs.....you would probably understand. It was another hour or better before it was our turn down the line. The dogs all had their microchips read and an overall physical exam done by a super team of vets. You guys are great! I had a very nice team of vet techs today dealing with my dogs--they were super down to earth, real friendly, kind and gentle with each individual dog. I met some wonderful people today during the check and feel so thankful--the woman from Nome radio was much fun to talk to ! And there was a group of adventurous, caring, active and interesting teachers from the lower 48 visiting.....and even a young girl from Wisconsin who came up to introduce herself......I lOVE meeting new people and hearing their stories and sharing mine---from my love for our dogs to this fast paced and busy racing lifestyle. Dude was a hit today with his body wag and Bligh and Story were all talk with their high pitch screams of excitement. Even Djembe and Trapper had plenty to say while busy visiting. The dogs are wild right now and ready to go. It's the most exciting time of my dog mushing life right now and I am so so so so grateful to the people in my life who made it all possible..the dream of running this journey to Nome. thanks to all for all the patience, the wisdom shared, the moral support and encouragment...the love from my friends and family.....my heart is bursting with happy tears right now....thank you, thank you, thank you.
It all started back in 2001 with mentor Ann Jandernoa from Northern WI...it's kind of her fault that I'm here:)....Bill Cotter...my AK mentor..he was the most gracious kind friend and teacher and I'll always be thankful for that 1st year learning in Alaska...and my dogs, my team, my hubby who has made all things wonderful and good, my family and all my good friends and there's lots of you...........xoxox
I will update tomorrow night if time allows after musher mtg and before draw banquet---John will be doing updates regulary as I make my way to Nome...............love Zoya and team 2008
tons of awesome emails coming in from friends, fans, kids and families.....but no time to write back now and do updates before race and little access between events--will get back to everyone after the Iditarod. I am able to read your email until the the 2nd and then it's trail time for 9-10 days. and thank you--I appreciate them all, the support is beautiful.
Need a shower but don't have the time this morning, hair is all swept up in a ponytail, throw a baseball cap on and let's go. It's about an hour drive to Wasilla/Iditarod headquarters from our friends place. We arrived headquarters this morning around 9am----the parking lot was full. Full of dog trucks, dogteams, mushers, handlers, vets, vet techs, media and mushing fans ---a handful of families from out of state plus teachers and tour directors. "we're here, yes! we're here!!!!!!!!!
It was nearly 2:30pm by the time we pulled out. So nice to see musher friends and their teams. I enjoy looking at other dog teams and seeing what others are running. Some dogs look older, some look too fat, some look out of poportion, some look super, some look too thin, some look great overall...they all look........Like dogs! and if you like looking at dogs and you enjoy a little competition and you're thinking about dogs.....you would probably understand. It was another hour or better before it was our turn down the line. The dogs all had their microchips read and an overall physical exam done by a super team of vets. You guys are great! I had a very nice team of vet techs today dealing with my dogs--they were super down to earth, real friendly, kind and gentle with each individual dog. I met some wonderful people today during the check and feel so thankful--the woman from Nome radio was much fun to talk to ! And there was a group of adventurous, caring, active and interesting teachers from the lower 48 visiting.....and even a young girl from Wisconsin who came up to introduce herself......I lOVE meeting new people and hearing their stories and sharing mine---from my love for our dogs to this fast paced and busy racing lifestyle. Dude was a hit today with his body wag and Bligh and Story were all talk with their high pitch screams of excitement. Even Djembe and Trapper had plenty to say while busy visiting. The dogs are wild right now and ready to go. It's the most exciting time of my dog mushing life right now and I am so so so so grateful to the people in my life who made it all possible..the dream of running this journey to Nome. thanks to all for all the patience, the wisdom shared, the moral support and encouragment...the love from my friends and family.....my heart is bursting with happy tears right now....thank you, thank you, thank you.
It all started back in 2001 with mentor Ann Jandernoa from Northern WI...it's kind of her fault that I'm here:)....Bill Cotter...my AK mentor..he was the most gracious kind friend and teacher and I'll always be thankful for that 1st year learning in Alaska...and my dogs, my team, my hubby who has made all things wonderful and good, my family and all my good friends and there's lots of you...........xoxox
I will update tomorrow night if time allows after musher mtg and before draw banquet---John will be doing updates regulary as I make my way to Nome...............love Zoya and team 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Chisto Fun Days....
Going to the races? Chisto Fun days are happening this weekend starting tomorrow around 11am. They have adult sprint races at 11:30am, kid races at 1pm, raffles, food and family activities for all. Chisto is about 90 miles one way. The girls will leave about 7:00am for the drive. We'll load about 6:45 am and double check the small list of things going.....6 dogs, one sled, a few extra harnesses, cooler, bags, shovel, lines, dog pans, dog food, some coffee for the road....and send em out. Bri will sprint our yearling team on a 6 mile run, both Sat & Sun. Kayak, Canoe and Clyde are all just over a year old. This will be their first race. These dogs are fun to run ---they have a great deal of power and a huge love for running! This will be a fun experience for them as they hit new trails & meet other dog teams. This will be Bri's first race!
Kayak and Canoe are brothers (father is Wilbur), Naknek is Sebe's littermate and Clyde is Wilbur's brother (6 years younger) .....Clyde's sister is Bonnie -who just completed the Klondike 300 a few weeks back.
Fun Chisto team:
Naknek & Chuckie in the lead, Kayak and Canoe in swing and North with Clyde in wheel.
And for me? Ahhhhh.....100 snowy miles tomorrow with 18 dogs on my sled. I'm having a tough time picking the 16 to go next week end. If I could take 18, I would. The dogs are listening well and I enjoy running big teams. John likes 8 dog teams. There's a big difference between 8 and 16! I normally run 12-14 dogs and for the first time a few days ago, I finally ran all of my Iditarod dogs together. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. Their physical strength put together is admirable. Not much different than running 12-----but way more feet, more mouths, more tails, more kisses.....
This will be a fun straight shot tomorrow with maybe a 2 hr break in the middle. Most of my Iditarod preparations feel complete and or at least organized. still lots of little things to do, wrap up, pack in truck, double check over and over, sew and double check and pack....We have Sunday and Monday at home before heading to Anchorage. I am very very excited and sometimes emotional right now with feelings of overwhelming gratitude, total happiness, joy, and sometimes super nervous and i find i am doing bad things such as biting nails, staring off at the wall while my mind is someplace else on dogs and sometimes on the edge of feeling like I'm about to go sky diving! NUTS! My body is ready for bed about midnight or so but my mind is racing most of the night and getting me up super early......and I am waking in the middle of the night at all hours dreaming of already being on the trail.....caring for dogs, carrying my cooker pot and cooler, questions swirly through my mind...do I have my bootie bag, batteries, tool kit, etc. then I'm waking up looking at my watch, waking up and wondering what time it is and feeling like I have to hurry up and get dressed. AHHHHHHH......soon enough!!
Mum is here now and she's enjoying the view, the walks, the dogs and um....the dogs!!
We'll be back this weekend with pic's from the Chisto fun races....
Zoya
Kayak and Canoe are brothers (father is Wilbur), Naknek is Sebe's littermate and Clyde is Wilbur's brother (6 years younger) .....Clyde's sister is Bonnie -who just completed the Klondike 300 a few weeks back.
Fun Chisto team:
Naknek & Chuckie in the lead, Kayak and Canoe in swing and North with Clyde in wheel.
And for me? Ahhhhh.....100 snowy miles tomorrow with 18 dogs on my sled. I'm having a tough time picking the 16 to go next week end. If I could take 18, I would. The dogs are listening well and I enjoy running big teams. John likes 8 dog teams. There's a big difference between 8 and 16! I normally run 12-14 dogs and for the first time a few days ago, I finally ran all of my Iditarod dogs together. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. Their physical strength put together is admirable. Not much different than running 12-----but way more feet, more mouths, more tails, more kisses.....
This will be a fun straight shot tomorrow with maybe a 2 hr break in the middle. Most of my Iditarod preparations feel complete and or at least organized. still lots of little things to do, wrap up, pack in truck, double check over and over, sew and double check and pack....We have Sunday and Monday at home before heading to Anchorage. I am very very excited and sometimes emotional right now with feelings of overwhelming gratitude, total happiness, joy, and sometimes super nervous and i find i am doing bad things such as biting nails, staring off at the wall while my mind is someplace else on dogs and sometimes on the edge of feeling like I'm about to go sky diving! NUTS! My body is ready for bed about midnight or so but my mind is racing most of the night and getting me up super early......and I am waking in the middle of the night at all hours dreaming of already being on the trail.....caring for dogs, carrying my cooker pot and cooler, questions swirly through my mind...do I have my bootie bag, batteries, tool kit, etc. then I'm waking up looking at my watch, waking up and wondering what time it is and feeling like I have to hurry up and get dressed. AHHHHHHH......soon enough!!
Mum is here now and she's enjoying the view, the walks, the dogs and um....the dogs!!
We'll be back this weekend with pic's from the Chisto fun races....
Zoya
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Buzz
Can a model be a musher? Yes.
Seems kind of crazy, I guess. Who would have thought back then----- 7-8 years ago.....that I would be living in Alaska with dogs and training for the Iditarod? Not me, I would have told you "you are nuts, period." And then one day, something changed inside me. "I can do that", I thought. My love for our life with dogs is big like any mountain, strong like a rock and their love for running/racing facsinates me to no end...these dogs are amazing athletes who thrive in their element. Just being part of that world is special and magical to me. Going to Iditarod is truly an honor. Running with dogs for 10 days will change my life again, I'm sure....something I've been dreaming about for a long time. Excited and scared to death......didn't know I could feel both at the same time.
I truly believe you can do anything you want in this life...as unlikely as it seems for me to be out there doing this.....we can be and have anything we desire with a great amount of work, determination and unwavering faith. (a little luck is a good thing, too) and again, lots of work and determination.
People can change their lives and change directions as many times as they like. Evolving is natural and beautiful. I wasn't brought up with limits. (thank you Mom)
It's been a wonderful, loving, tough at times, eye-opening, Very humbling and miracle like experience living in Alaska. My life is so different now in many ways but the girl is still the same. I'll tell ya what, I've grown thicker skin since moving north and I've got more muscle now than I ever had in my entire life. I laugh at that. Living with dogs is fun and keeps us busy, my husband is a blessing, having such good friends in our life is a blessing and all the support from family and fans has been ...A blessing. Our life is very full and we're always working in the now for a better future, growing the things in our life with love and hard work. I am so grateful.
I've been getting a flood of emails & letters from a wide range of people over the last 3 years intrigued about my past life as a professional runway model.
Yes, you've all heard the story...Model to Musher. Now you can see a few of the images for yourself from my modeling portfolio's to my real life now....the modeling pic's shown on my site are from Milano, Italy and Madison, WI. These were a few of my personal fav's. http://www.dogsleddenali.com/
on the left side bar, look for model to musher.
10 days till race start--I have lots to do.
We'll be back soon with more pictures as we prepare for our 1st Iditarod journey..across Alaska.
zoya
Seems kind of crazy, I guess. Who would have thought back then----- 7-8 years ago.....that I would be living in Alaska with dogs and training for the Iditarod? Not me, I would have told you "you are nuts, period." And then one day, something changed inside me. "I can do that", I thought. My love for our life with dogs is big like any mountain, strong like a rock and their love for running/racing facsinates me to no end...these dogs are amazing athletes who thrive in their element. Just being part of that world is special and magical to me. Going to Iditarod is truly an honor. Running with dogs for 10 days will change my life again, I'm sure....something I've been dreaming about for a long time. Excited and scared to death......didn't know I could feel both at the same time.
I truly believe you can do anything you want in this life...as unlikely as it seems for me to be out there doing this.....we can be and have anything we desire with a great amount of work, determination and unwavering faith. (a little luck is a good thing, too) and again, lots of work and determination.
People can change their lives and change directions as many times as they like. Evolving is natural and beautiful. I wasn't brought up with limits. (thank you Mom)
It's been a wonderful, loving, tough at times, eye-opening, Very humbling and miracle like experience living in Alaska. My life is so different now in many ways but the girl is still the same. I'll tell ya what, I've grown thicker skin since moving north and I've got more muscle now than I ever had in my entire life. I laugh at that. Living with dogs is fun and keeps us busy, my husband is a blessing, having such good friends in our life is a blessing and all the support from family and fans has been ...A blessing. Our life is very full and we're always working in the now for a better future, growing the things in our life with love and hard work. I am so grateful.
I've been getting a flood of emails & letters from a wide range of people over the last 3 years intrigued about my past life as a professional runway model.
Yes, you've all heard the story...Model to Musher. Now you can see a few of the images for yourself from my modeling portfolio's to my real life now....the modeling pic's shown on my site are from Milano, Italy and Madison, WI. These were a few of my personal fav's. http://www.dogsleddenali.com/
on the left side bar, look for model to musher.
10 days till race start--I have lots to do.
We'll be back soon with more pictures as we prepare for our 1st Iditarod journey..across Alaska.
zoya
Saturday, February 16, 2008
life is good
Stone, happy big white dog free to do as he pleases, free in the yard to roam and play..the blue eye...belongs to Zither...my buddy.
Judy taking a break with her Samoyed team on Paxson lake and Bri..playing us a lovely tune...
The count down continues till Iditarod. The days roll by so fast as we prepare and work hard.
My mother flies in on the 20th, Aunt Jodi comes in shortly after. Will be so so nice to have family here.
Today is the 16th and I am setting out around 2 with my team to Maclaren. Cloudy here, looks like it could snow again.
zd
Friday, February 15, 2008
Iditarod Food Drops- Airland in Anchorage
This was one busy place with literally a hundred volunteers for Iditarod buzzing around organizing drops.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Road Trip....
2/12/08
11:00pm
we're on the long road headed for Anchorage tonight. the weather is pleasant with mild winds. no ice or snow to slow us down. the moon provides a subtle glow above treeline. Hardly any traffic tonight. plenty of moose tracks crossing the highway between our place and Glennallen. the wind is picking up now as we pass Sheep Mountain Lodge. John and I enjoy these trips very much --the busier we get at home with our work, the dogs and people, the more these trips to town feel like a mini -vacation together. Our road trips are filled with road goods; stories, some of our favorite music, interesting news programs..all though lately it's a great challenge to find anything outside the political arena, the phone, computer, magazines we don't have time for at home, maps, books, town cloths and usually a dog or two or more....good coffee in the travel mugs and a thermos full of yummy -good -for- your -soul Yogi tea, one of my favorites is Kava. It's also a really good time to discuss dog racing.
We've been going over Iditarod -everything tonight in the truck. Iditarod is the main course meal served nightly.........
John should write something up for novice mushers.......... like me. A general guide from mushing basics to running 1,100 miles for all people. I asked him what he thought it cost to run the Iditarod. He busted a gut laughing. He laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes! He said "you want to know how much it cost to run the Iditarod? or how much it's costing You to run the Iditrod?? "Um what do you mean, how much it's costing Me to run the Iditarod?" Yeah yeah, I know what he means.
He laughs at me because I spend way too much of my money on things I probably don't need ....3-4 pairs of different boots, 3 sets of hearty good bibs all by different outfits, cold weather parkas, some bigger and better than others all the way down to the base laters against the skin....Duofold, Cabela's, Turtle fur wooly blend.. I am trying this item or that one to see which is better, warmer, lighter, easier to dry out and move around in and okay, if it looks nice, that is a bonus too....all very important.... and then he laughs more when I come around to his way of thinking after trying this and a little of that. And yes, some of the gear items he's been loyal to for the last 30 years certainly work ..Bunny boots for example. They keep you dry in wet situations, warm even at chilling temperatures of -50 and are easier to care for on the trail and off. And military liners, mitts and base layers are all very good too. We all have to find what works for us.
So, we have a lot of everything and it's all good stuff. We can outfit our handlers, family and friends.....But now I have to laugh because 6 years ago before moving to Alaska..I had 6 different bathing suits, a closet full of shoes for all occasions; dancing shoes, day shoes, evening shoes, concert boots, hiking boots, etc. and hand bags..let's not even go there. While we change as people, some things will never change----- Forever a girl who appreciates a variety of quality items.
I've never been really interested in sitting down and picking john's brain about mushing; the what if's, trail /logistics.......the things other people call to talk to him about. when we're not busy running dogs and working on various projects /aspects of our day to day dog life and work, we're certainly trying to squeeze in time for other things we're into. Q: why not pick his brain? and people tend to think John's my mentor..that's not how it works, ask any other husband and wife. A: Because he's my husband after all and I never really have looked to him as if he were this super musher. Yes, Ok, we know, he is forsure a super musher now I'm taking notes. When we met and fell head over heels and upside down on our heads, the common love for dogs and this lifestyle was simply a real bonus. I didn't even know who the musher "john schandelmeier' was...but if you would have asked me then about Iditarod mushers Doug Swingley, Martain or Susan..I would have been able to answer your questions.
So now, I am running the Iditarod and it's time for me to pick his brain, musher to musher.
He is so good at providing valuable information. He's a book full of the good stuff from obvious time and experience on the trail and he has this photogenic/photographic memory recalling trail details from checkpoint to checkpoint that never ceases to amaze me. From the stobs to twists down the gorge to shelter cabins between checkpoints, open water holes for mushers to actual mileage beteen points. the hard facts.
Humble, kind and ego-less....how did I ever find such a good guy, so handsome and funny, too. He's been cooking for several days and sewing everything from happy orange mitt liners and neck gators for the race. We've been going over my run /rest schedule to possible scenerio's on the trail....broken sled parts, hurt musher, tired musher, sick dogs, tired dogs, sore and tired musher/dogs....bad trail, overflow and water.....super cold temperatures, trecherous weather and winds....all the things that can happen, might happen and will happen eventually at one time or another on the trail. It's wonderful to have someone who cares so much as to sit and talk about this stuff in great length and detail for hours with equal interest and passion. the dogs are never far from our thought or conversation and Iditarod is what we've all been focused on for a very long time.
Thank you to my super best friend and the greatest husband a girl could ask for.
It's been almost 6 years since I moved to Alaska, changed my lifestyle for dogs and started to dream about this running event...the Iditarod.
Today, we're on our way together with a super team we've raised and trained and cared for and an older, happier, wiser me for it...change is scary sometimes but it can lead to new opportunities, new friends and open new doors to places you didn't know you could goor would go....when one door closes, others surley open.
it's been a beautiful day in Paxson with full sun over our head warming our faces and fingers. today was spent packing the final drops, gearing up the teams coming and going with Brianna and loading the truck to the gill. There's 3 of us working full time together and soon, my mother will be here to join the fun. 50 some bags all labeled, all packed and organized, stuffed & squeezed to the gill with everything I think I will need for me and my wonderful team of 16 dogs for 1, 100 mile journey across frozen Alaska.
some of the main items in each drop:
Dry dog kibble (eagle pack), salmon, herring, pork fat, tripe, people food for the two legged gal, dog booties, mitten liners, work gloves, powdered socks, extra lines, spare harnesses, batteries, face gators, matches, dog blankets, extra vet care supplies, garbage bags, return bags and some personal gear for Tokotna.
V-day at the kennel----we're busy but we still do Valentines. Most women will get flowers and chocolate. This girl is getting a new and improved race sled...John has reserved the day to build the sled.. Romantic! I've got little pink gifts for all at home...pink coookies, pink juice, and pink flowers.....After running dogs all afternoon, me and the girls will do a pot luck in the house and have a girls night 'in' with movies, good food and sweet treats. Happy V-day to you and yours. xo
11:00pm
we're on the long road headed for Anchorage tonight. the weather is pleasant with mild winds. no ice or snow to slow us down. the moon provides a subtle glow above treeline. Hardly any traffic tonight. plenty of moose tracks crossing the highway between our place and Glennallen. the wind is picking up now as we pass Sheep Mountain Lodge. John and I enjoy these trips very much --the busier we get at home with our work, the dogs and people, the more these trips to town feel like a mini -vacation together. Our road trips are filled with road goods; stories, some of our favorite music, interesting news programs..all though lately it's a great challenge to find anything outside the political arena, the phone, computer, magazines we don't have time for at home, maps, books, town cloths and usually a dog or two or more....good coffee in the travel mugs and a thermos full of yummy -good -for- your -soul Yogi tea, one of my favorites is Kava. It's also a really good time to discuss dog racing.
We've been going over Iditarod -everything tonight in the truck. Iditarod is the main course meal served nightly.........
John should write something up for novice mushers.......... like me. A general guide from mushing basics to running 1,100 miles for all people. I asked him what he thought it cost to run the Iditarod. He busted a gut laughing. He laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes! He said "you want to know how much it cost to run the Iditarod? or how much it's costing You to run the Iditrod?? "Um what do you mean, how much it's costing Me to run the Iditarod?" Yeah yeah, I know what he means.
He laughs at me because I spend way too much of my money on things I probably don't need ....3-4 pairs of different boots, 3 sets of hearty good bibs all by different outfits, cold weather parkas, some bigger and better than others all the way down to the base laters against the skin....Duofold, Cabela's, Turtle fur wooly blend.. I am trying this item or that one to see which is better, warmer, lighter, easier to dry out and move around in and okay, if it looks nice, that is a bonus too....all very important.... and then he laughs more when I come around to his way of thinking after trying this and a little of that. And yes, some of the gear items he's been loyal to for the last 30 years certainly work ..Bunny boots for example. They keep you dry in wet situations, warm even at chilling temperatures of -50 and are easier to care for on the trail and off. And military liners, mitts and base layers are all very good too. We all have to find what works for us.
So, we have a lot of everything and it's all good stuff. We can outfit our handlers, family and friends.....But now I have to laugh because 6 years ago before moving to Alaska..I had 6 different bathing suits, a closet full of shoes for all occasions; dancing shoes, day shoes, evening shoes, concert boots, hiking boots, etc. and hand bags..let's not even go there. While we change as people, some things will never change----- Forever a girl who appreciates a variety of quality items.
I've never been really interested in sitting down and picking john's brain about mushing; the what if's, trail /logistics.......the things other people call to talk to him about. when we're not busy running dogs and working on various projects /aspects of our day to day dog life and work, we're certainly trying to squeeze in time for other things we're into. Q: why not pick his brain? and people tend to think John's my mentor..that's not how it works, ask any other husband and wife. A: Because he's my husband after all and I never really have looked to him as if he were this super musher. Yes, Ok, we know, he is forsure a super musher now I'm taking notes. When we met and fell head over heels and upside down on our heads, the common love for dogs and this lifestyle was simply a real bonus. I didn't even know who the musher "john schandelmeier' was...but if you would have asked me then about Iditarod mushers Doug Swingley, Martain or Susan..I would have been able to answer your questions.
So now, I am running the Iditarod and it's time for me to pick his brain, musher to musher.
He is so good at providing valuable information. He's a book full of the good stuff from obvious time and experience on the trail and he has this photogenic/photographic memory recalling trail details from checkpoint to checkpoint that never ceases to amaze me. From the stobs to twists down the gorge to shelter cabins between checkpoints, open water holes for mushers to actual mileage beteen points. the hard facts.
Humble, kind and ego-less....how did I ever find such a good guy, so handsome and funny, too. He's been cooking for several days and sewing everything from happy orange mitt liners and neck gators for the race. We've been going over my run /rest schedule to possible scenerio's on the trail....broken sled parts, hurt musher, tired musher, sick dogs, tired dogs, sore and tired musher/dogs....bad trail, overflow and water.....super cold temperatures, trecherous weather and winds....all the things that can happen, might happen and will happen eventually at one time or another on the trail. It's wonderful to have someone who cares so much as to sit and talk about this stuff in great length and detail for hours with equal interest and passion. the dogs are never far from our thought or conversation and Iditarod is what we've all been focused on for a very long time.
Thank you to my super best friend and the greatest husband a girl could ask for.
It's been almost 6 years since I moved to Alaska, changed my lifestyle for dogs and started to dream about this running event...the Iditarod.
Today, we're on our way together with a super team we've raised and trained and cared for and an older, happier, wiser me for it...change is scary sometimes but it can lead to new opportunities, new friends and open new doors to places you didn't know you could goor would go....when one door closes, others surley open.
it's been a beautiful day in Paxson with full sun over our head warming our faces and fingers. today was spent packing the final drops, gearing up the teams coming and going with Brianna and loading the truck to the gill. There's 3 of us working full time together and soon, my mother will be here to join the fun. 50 some bags all labeled, all packed and organized, stuffed & squeezed to the gill with everything I think I will need for me and my wonderful team of 16 dogs for 1, 100 mile journey across frozen Alaska.
some of the main items in each drop:
Dry dog kibble (eagle pack), salmon, herring, pork fat, tripe, people food for the two legged gal, dog booties, mitten liners, work gloves, powdered socks, extra lines, spare harnesses, batteries, face gators, matches, dog blankets, extra vet care supplies, garbage bags, return bags and some personal gear for Tokotna.
V-day at the kennel----we're busy but we still do Valentines. Most women will get flowers and chocolate. This girl is getting a new and improved race sled...John has reserved the day to build the sled.. Romantic! I've got little pink gifts for all at home...pink coookies, pink juice, and pink flowers.....After running dogs all afternoon, me and the girls will do a pot luck in the house and have a girls night 'in' with movies, good food and sweet treats. Happy V-day to you and yours. xo
zd
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Crazy Dog Kennel Refridgerator Magnets are super cute! Buy yours here...
Choose from a great variety of pictures....choose a sleddog team, from individual dogs....Hunter covered in snow, Chuckie with a big happy yawn and puppy pictures, etc. Our magents are created by Creative Visions in WI, artist; Carrie Henke. We have a limited supply through March. You can order yours online by emailing Crazy Dog Kennel : zdenure@yahoo.com
$7.00 each or 5 for $ 30.00
Sunday, February 10, 2008
day to day
Judy above ....on Paxson Lake with her walkin shoes on and a handful of happy dogs...... Ethan, Eddie and Ravin all helping out with food drops and ...old man Sport....helping Zoya powder her socks.
cold days
I keep watching the weather forecast---and the sky, looking for clouds. Still minus 50's this morning in Paxson. Warming around us though, that's a good sign. I was out at 5:30 this morning looking thru the dogyard; all I saw was a few eyes peaking out at me here and there, they know it is too early for me to be feeding........
The house and garage were chaotic yesterday with food drops scattered in various stages or readiness. They were about put together by the end of the day, most are ready to close. We will leave a bag open for each checkpoint to stuff last minute items in when we arrive in Anch. to drop them off. there is always something.
The next step is to organize my travel plans---I know I'm going to Nome to meet Zoya---would like to get out to one checkpoint somewhere toward the latter half of the race. We'll see...... availability of flights and expense----it costs to get out to those remote sites. Need to send a bunch of dog kennels to Nome also. We have a few, will need to round-up some more; seems that sizes are critical if you are an airline; dogs don't care much. Airline regs are a bit questionable when it comes to shipping dogs---they want the dog to be able to stand up and turn around without their head touching the top of the kennel;;;;;;;;; sounds okay until you have traveled with an animal in turbulence and realize that since dogs are not belted in, they slide all over in a kennel unless it is tight enough so they can brace themselves or are traveling two to a kennel. Personally, I think that 2 dogs per kennel is far and away the best solution, not just because of less room to get bounced around, but because of the company. Oh well.
Okay; time for more wood on the fire----it is still 50 below....
john
The house and garage were chaotic yesterday with food drops scattered in various stages or readiness. They were about put together by the end of the day, most are ready to close. We will leave a bag open for each checkpoint to stuff last minute items in when we arrive in Anch. to drop them off. there is always something.
The next step is to organize my travel plans---I know I'm going to Nome to meet Zoya---would like to get out to one checkpoint somewhere toward the latter half of the race. We'll see...... availability of flights and expense----it costs to get out to those remote sites. Need to send a bunch of dog kennels to Nome also. We have a few, will need to round-up some more; seems that sizes are critical if you are an airline; dogs don't care much. Airline regs are a bit questionable when it comes to shipping dogs---they want the dog to be able to stand up and turn around without their head touching the top of the kennel;;;;;;;;; sounds okay until you have traveled with an animal in turbulence and realize that since dogs are not belted in, they slide all over in a kennel unless it is tight enough so they can brace themselves or are traveling two to a kennel. Personally, I think that 2 dogs per kennel is far and away the best solution, not just because of less room to get bounced around, but because of the company. Oh well.
Okay; time for more wood on the fire----it is still 50 below....
john
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Clean Bill of Health (zoya & dogs)
Hunter happily being examined on table for vet check...we had a heck of a time getting him OFF the table..he enjoyed all the attention!
Bonnie wasn't so sure she liked all the attention, on the table!
and .....zoya is back in action-- giving chop chop lessons. not the dancing kind today:)
................after Iditarod, perhaps!
pictured above, right:Motta at Iditarod vet check in Fairbanks
We're going to the Iditarod with a clean bill of health....WHAHOOOOOOOEY!
The CT scan came back clean and we're thrilled.
We're feeling better and moving ahead.
-50 here in Paxson today. Brrrrr.
The dogs will sit until things warm some....our highs midday have been around -25...this is just fine by us and feels quite good compared to the deep cold mornings. Once we leave the lake and head into the hills, things warm up in a hurry. Warm-----as in -15 to -20. The dogs run with coats at these temperatures, booties on all 4's and plenty of fat snacks in the sled.
Bridle has a little frost nip on the underside of her belly I'm trying to heal up, the girl has little hair as it is and is one of the dogs who doesn't tell you when something hurts.
Most of the dogs on my team have real good coats, there's just a small handful of dogs that need more attention in that area.
Moose are a factor on most of our trails right now with all the new deep snow. John was out about 5 days ago when a moose came around a corner 7 miles from home inbound, as he was turning into the woods on a sharp gee turn the moose was alarmed kicking up and running through the team to meet up with her calf that was standing on the opposite side of the trail. The dogs cried aloud and Sebe was barely missed by the kick. Whew. That was a scary close call.
Brianna and I took 2, 10 dog teams out yesterday on a 25 mile run and within the first 8 miles, scared up a resting cow on the side of our trail. I didn't see her until we were on her more or less. She was a big girl and very surprised to see us. She popped up tall and ran across the trail about 100 feet in front of my team. The dogs were not happy to see her as this was the same team that had the moose encounter last week. The cow ran into the woods and kept going. Peak and Sebe were looking back at me for reassurance. Galen thought he might want to chase her down as he lept off trail in her direction from the middle of the team only to get bounced back into team. The leaders happily drove faster as we passed the moose.
Most of the dogs are all snuggled tight in their houses this morning with new warm fluffy straw, Hansel, Catania, Stone are all loose trying to get other dogs out and playing and some of the older dogs ..Sport, Eddie...are in the house with me helping mom with chores, our house dogs are all lazily perched on their beds and everyone is working this morning on drops. We will deliver drops next week Tuesday in Anchorage.
We want to wish everyone on the Yukon Quest good luck & safe travels. They start today out of Fairbanks. Looks like it will be a cold race if this snap stays. We talked to a few friends lastnight who are running it for the first time and we want to reassure you that you're in our thoughts and prayers! We're rooting for all of you!
back soon with more from the ranch.
zd
Saturday, February 02, 2008
dog food, booties, a little bit of sun, books and more
-35 at the house
-41 on the lake.
Iditarod food drops
-41 on the lake.
Iditarod food drops
The food drop bags have been labeled with my name (ZOYA) for over a month, thank you Judy. One thousand dog booties-- all sorted, counted, powdered and bagged for 16 dogs, 4 paws each. Thank you Judy! The girls are working with food drops today, chopping and sorting pork rinds, cutting salmon, bagging herring and chopping more of that tasty stuff (50/50 pork) from Delta Meat and Sausage. It's cold today and nobody is whining. The frosty smiles and white frozen coated hair tell a different story. These girls are tough!
Hansel and Stone are running free in the yard and Brianna will run the pups out on a longer run toward Paxson this afternoon in hopes for warmer temperatures. Henry and Naknek will lead the way with Cinnebar in swing and brothers Jon and Obie in team. Henry is doing so good this year and having more fun now than ever, no race pressure this year and he is all bright eyes and big smiles. The dog just loves to go and has great big patience for those young pups who know very little. I really need to get more pictures of these dogs for the journal.
Bright and early this morning we held a kennel meeting over some wicked coffee, oven roasted almonds, and toast with jam....for the following 7 day outlook--kennel goals, top priorities, the running schedules for the teams in training and wrapping up food drops for the Iditarod. We have a small window of time for some of these tasks and everyone is working hard to meet the needs of these race demands.
Did I mention how great my crew is?
We're going about our business here as normal as we can and getting ready for Iditarod which is coming up fast. The only thing different right now ? For the next few days, I'm not able to run anything longer than a short 6 mile run but this should change soon after the next doctor appointment. The 6 mile run is sure great fun and I'll take what I can get.
I'm resting more .....physically speaking that is...sitting and working on other projects is resting for me...and hey, we're getting lots done! I look around and have time to notice things like....the mail, eeek....I need to look at last weeks mail! the dishes...oh god, I could do them! and the living room windows.....they need a cleaning...nah, I will leave that to our house cleaner!
John is running my team on longer runs for the next 4 days, thank goodness. The dogs ran a 23 last night and after John got in, we went through the run mile by mile. Seems like Motta wasn't into the run, breaking trail until the return leg home.
She's a funny dog this way...she isn't excited to go out but once she's out there with her team she has fun with it and her working ethic is solid. This little running break is nice, giving me more time to work on other things that need my attention But I sure hope to make a trip to Maclaren and back with the team next weekend feeling the runners beneath my feet and cold breeze on my cheeks. I am feeling better and we're anxious to see the Doctor. I've never been this anxious to see a Doctor!
Summer is coming and we should be ready. Normally we go full speed ahead until mid April and then scramble to open for business by mid May. As the majority of our dogs go to a well respected tour company each summer ----Alaska Excursions in Skagway, AK
That leaves us with about 10 dogs and room to board others. So our summer business is changing up as we grow and evolve, with our new compainion business, Denali Highway Tours & Cabins! The new business venture needs some love and nurture, but we're giving it what it needs! It's so exciting to see our ideas come to fruition! Our website will be up and running soon at: http://www.denalihighwaytours.com
Although, the sitting and typing takes time and time is something I haven't had since I was born! (or so it seems!) We're concentrating our focus this summer exclusively on Alaskan-style, luxury cabins rentals as well as exclusive in -house kennel tour available only for our visiting guests on the Denali Highway.
The past four summer seasons, we've been running a nice laid back operation that has been growing slowly. From summer tours to gift shop to cabin rentals....and I have spent much of the time talking to lovely people on Princess Bus tours 4 days a week from May-Sept.
I feel it's time to do something a little different this year with the hopes of expanding my knowledge in other areas of interest...such as yoga, dance and writing. I'm looking into 3-5 week programs for the fall after our fishing time in the bay. We're both very excited about the changes in our life and business in hopes to have more time and freedom each summer while learning new things.
Change is so exhilarating, change brings new opportunity, new challenges and new direction. The Alaska Wholesale show is coming up next weekend in Anchorage at the Eagan Center. This is an excellent time and place for shop owners to browse and find wonderful authentic crafts, unique art, hand made jewelry and cards, hand crafted soaps, hand dyed scarves and clothing, and many quality goods made by Alaskan's....we were there 2 years ago and met all kinds of lovely people while selling our jewelry and such.
Brianna will be heading up that way to have a look for our gift shop this year while we keep dogs moving and wrap up food drops. My Iditarod dog team has 20 picks as of today, I'll narrow it down in the next 3 weeks.
Bridle, Sebe, Sadie, Galen, Robin, Probe, Mambo, Bongo, Bligh, Storey, Naked, Peak, Bonnie, Motta, North, Djembe, Dude, Trapper, Hunter and Streak.
Zither and Cookie are out only because they are the oldest (7 yrs old) and they don't have as much pizzazz (they have been there and done that knowing the routine) as some of the younger dogs. They like to go just fine and they finished the Klondike 300 in good order but lack the top end speed...when you have all kinds of younger dogs raising their paw for the job, it's tough to justify taking some of these older guys along.
They are super dogs with mental & physical talent and will continue to train. They will be ready to go just in case they need to fill in the shoes of another dog last minute. Bonnie has really become a top dog in the team running with the big dogs effortlessly or so it seems, she's doing everything like a pro as if she's been doing this her whole life. It looks to me like she just may be ready to go on a 1,100 mile journey...she is tough. She is young but she is showing me things that tell me she is ready.
She's much like a younger version of Sebe.. I saw the same thing when Sebe was 12 months old and since then, that little dog has worked wonders. We'll keep training and we'll see what happens.
Some good books...
I want to mention here before I go----the bookstore is a definite must-stop for me when we're in the big city and a small luxury I can't live without, a very dangerous place for me to blow lots of cash.......
" Being Caribou " - Karsten Heuer
"Your Aura And Your Chakras" - Karla Maclarn
"Born On A Blue Day" - Daniel Tammet
"Persian Girls" Nahid Rachlin
It's warming up today to -20. A good time for me to head out and hook up for a short 6. :))
zd
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