So we were attempting the big hill this day! For anyone who has been paying the remotest bit of attention to this blog, you will note that this run is the one I "scouted" out on the bike earlier in the fall. It is a 10-mile round trip, with a nice fairly steep hill near the beginning. The rest is a windy, downhill thru the trees and makes for a nice run.
But, this time I was taking everyone!! That's the biggest line I've ever run, 13 dogs. That's a hell of a long line. That means my leaders are about 45 feet ahead of me. That's a long ways away, but some people regularly run teams this size or larger. I like to refer to them as "crazy people."
This is the front of the line... see the 4-wheeler and dogs wayyyy back there? Yup. It's long. Holy crap.
So we got off to a great start. Hookup was smooth and the dogs were all very well behaved. It was a blast having everyone with me.
There, up ahead, is where we were heading. Can you see the outline of a snowy trail through the trees winding up in the middle of the photo?
No? How 'bout here? Yes! There it is!!
Turns out my 4-wheeler, without 4wd, with NO chains, had a heck of a time getting up that big hill there! Luckily there were 13 dogs working their butts off to get it up. I had the throttle going full-out and my tires were spinning, I was just about to get stuck in the steepest part. But those guys just dug right in and dragged us up. I was quite proud of them - each and every one of them worked hard. I'm not really sure what I would have done if it hadn't made it up...
Yay, the we reach the top. Look at that view Ripper!
*Ripper turns to take in the scenery*
Yet another view from the top.
And that was all the photos I got till near the end. The trail was so bumpy and crazy I really had to pay attention just so I didn't get thrown off the quad.
Now they're starting to look like sled dogs!! This was actually only about a -10C day.
All in all a swell run. This was a few days ago, and we've had a ton more snow since. Next time - we're tackling this on the SLED!!!
6 comments:
Looks like a lot fun! I can't even begin to imagine how you care for and have the time for 13 dogs. Do they all sleep inside in the winter?
They do take a lot of time. You just don't have a life otherwise... but that's ok!
And they don't ALL sleep inside... at the same time that is! I alternate bringing in a whole whack of them. Right now there are 8 furry quiet, sleeping, lazy canines on the floor. (ok, so Ivy is on the couch beside me...I can't get her off!)
And actually, currently I'm building a "Super-Insulated-Outdoor-Doghouse-Condo-Thingy." It's an insulated HUGE house made out of wooden pallets. Not the most beautiful thing you've ever seen, but come 40 below, it'll be cozy for them. It's built so 8-9 will be able to fit inside and keep each other warm. It's mostly for my old guys who need that warmth more than the others. Should be great. I'll show pictures when I'm finished, if it ain't too ugly...
Hi Stacie!
This is Ted's mom-Theo Musher, that is. He is alive and well in Madison WI and really hated the hot summer we had here this year. We were promised a few flakes later this week but it is not quite the same as No. MN to be sure. Ted had shown me your blog a few times and I loved the pictures and your great sense of humor. Check out my blog which is linked to my profile. Guess who set me up with my blog? Ted is into his art and writing now but does miss the dogs.
Anyway, good luck to you and happy Thanksgiving.
Barbara
Hi Ted's Mom!
Glad you enjoy the blog. I owe it all to Ted starting his up then getting me sucked into it. Then addicted, and obsessed... gee thanks Ted! :-)
Good to hear he's doing well - I miss his blog updates, but still keep him on my links hoping he'll get back at it one day.
I'll check out your blog too. One can never have enough blogs to read!
I love the first picture where the dogs are playing. Way to go getting the fence in. I finally got one in and the dogs love it. Sure beats a bunch of long lines. So do the neighbors, I come home from work and find they've left their dogs in for doggie day care :)
And I like that last photo, frosty faces after a nice run.
Do you have enough snow to set a hook yet?
Hi, Stacey!
This is Ted. I updated my blog, just to let you know. I won't be mushing for a while though, but am looking forward to seeing some races here in WI if they have any. Plus I'll be following the Quest.
Looks like you are having a lot of fun! Are you planning an expedition this year to see Wayne and Scarlet Hall?
I can't wit for Quest season so I can see how he does.
Happy trails.
Ted
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