Back in Alaska!!!

I made it back home right on time Thursday night and it sure felt good to be back! Don't get me wrong, I had a great time and learned alot, but I was glad to be home!

The plan was to up the teams to 8 mile runs this weekend. So, on Saturday, Jen came over with her dogs and her four wheeler to run two teams.

Jen's Team:
Polar Bear & Sami
Raven & Stubby
Shammu
Patton & Panzer

Cathy's Team:
Kia & Muktuk
Kako & Hannah
Rufus & Glacier
Gateway & Sherman

Tom took off after us with the sno-go to run the extra mile of trail before we made it that far with the dogs. He discovered that the trail was blocked at one spot so he found a way around it by going across an old gravel pond. I was leary at first, but he was sure it was solid enough to hold up for us to cross it over and back. So, we went for it. Since I am here to type this I can safely report that it was solid enough!! :o) All in all that trip was about 9 miles so it was a good run for them. The best part is that no one seems sore or anything afterwards. Well, except maybe Sami, but she was good again this morning as reported by Jen.

Tom ran his team tonight (Sunday):
Cheyanne & Fred
Sioux & Baleen
Butternut & Pepper
Kivek & Bolio

Tom said this team looked good, but the leaders left a bit to be desired on the directional part of leading. Fortunately, they are likely to be a follow team when we head to the mountains for Thanksgiving!

We need more snow for the trip to be worth making. Right now, the trails are marginal for running sleds and being able to control the teams. We will see what happens as the time gets closer for the trip. We might have to postpone the whole thing if there isn't enough snow to run safely.

Well, we need to feed. Will post more after the next training runs later this week.