I'm not being very good about blogging yet this season, am I? Life has just been too busy. Thank god I have a handler this season because I have no idea how I'd be surviving without one!
Kadee's pups went off to their new homes a few weeks ago, with the exception of the 3 I kept. Those 3 just moved into the main dogyard yesterday to free up the puppy kennel for Myst's pups, who are ready to move outside this week. As I tried to plan out where everyone was going to reside in the main dogyards with Chloe, Viktor and Lucas moving in back there I realized, "Oh crap, I need more tieouts." With the foster dog and my handlers 2 dogs here plus the new puppies and all the adults... I'm probably up to about 30 dogs in the yard at the moment.
The foster dog (who is from sledding lines) is actually doing REALLY well in harness with the team - hell, if he sticks around for the season he may very well make the Beargrease team!
We're excited and getting ready to move into camp 2 weekends from now. Can't wait!! Training has been going really well so far this year and we're miles ahead of any other year at this time, despite the really warm fall we're having. I can't believe how warm it is this year. Discouraging, but we're working through it. I only hope this isn't a precurser of the winter to come.
Only good thing is we've also had such a dry fall that nothing is flooded and I have yet to need to train in the rain (not my favorite thing!).
I've been on a gear buying spree lately, which has my credit card groaning from the extra weight. :P But I'd prefer to get this all purchased before winter hits. New headlamp, new sled, new winter boots, new outriggers and droplines...and unfortunately still a few more things to buy too. BIG THANKS to all my corporate and doggie sponsors who've pitched in to help me with the massive expenses this season is bringing.
Back to training: Odie & McKinley's kids continue to wow me in harness. Sully in particular is the star of that group. He is so incredibly hard-working - like a cross between Anthem and Odie. And my 2 year olds are all doing fabulous training up in lead this year. Some better than others, but for the most part all 4 of them are turning into really nice leaders. I'll certainly have my choices of lead dogs in races this year.
Speaking of which, my major race signups are all done. We're confirmed as being in the Beargrease Marathon and Can-Am 250, and am awaiting word to make sure I made it into Greenville's Wilderness Race (100-miler). I'll also put a team into the Stratford Nighthawks race this season too, although signups for that will be later on.
That's all for now! I'll try to write more frequently as the season progresses, but all depends on how incredibly busy with work and training I am.
-J
