Photoblog 1

Stopped For Water

Car Training!

Vinnie & Clapton goofing off...

The Co-Pilot

After Run Snack

After Run Rest

Please do not attempt to feed the animals...

Post-Eating face...

My AWESOME leaders for the day..
6 year old Ralph and 1.5 year old Beatle!

Fall in Full Swing

Even though my life revolves around the winter...

fall is still my favorite season! Most people think of Autumn as a "shutting down" phase from summer...after all, its getting colder and the plants are dying and we can no longer wear t-shirts and shorts! But in the dog mushing community, it signals the beginning of another mushing season.  

Powderhounds race team has already been training for about three weeks, logging a lot of quality miles. The seasoned veterans are teaching the youngins well, and said youngins are having a blast with their new routine. As for me, it is extremely rewarding to see my "home-grown" dogs doing so well and I love getting up in the wee hours of the morning to go out and run them (just as long as the coffee holds out). 

Aside from dog training, I am also preparing to move in about 3 weeks. The dog trailer is spending the week at Airport Automotive in Pinedale, Wyoming where it is undergoing repairs and updates in order to make the drive to Michigan. Next week, it will be at Gus's Welding in La Barge, Wyoming to be fitted with outriggers. A huge thanks goes out to both of these business's, as they are donating their time and materials to Powderhounds! Also, thanks to my Grandpa Jack for donating the trailer and friend/carpenter Jace Smith for donating his time, labor, and expertise to build the boxes on the inside. My dogs will be riding safely and in style thanks to all of you. 

If all goes according to plan, my mom, my dogs, and myself will be taking off for Michigan on October 15th. Although the drive itself will be a new adventure (I've never been east of Nebraska!!), the real journey starts once we arrive at Caribou Creek Kennels.

"It is like a voyage of discovery into unknown lands, seeking not for new territory but for new knowledge."
Frederick Sanger 

Mush On,

Emily

Status

Today was the first day of Fall Training, which means that the first official run of the season is COMPLETE! 
I rolled out of bed at 4:30 to water and prepare for the run, and we ran out of the yard at 6:00 just as the sun was starting to light the sky. For the first run of the season, I was surprised that I didn't forget anything too important, and everything went smoothly aside from a few antsy yearlings and Ralph missing a few haws. Yeehaw!


14 Dogs...5 miles. 

Ralph and Opal lead
Followed by:
Clapton & Vinnie in Swing
Ringo & Noble
Waylon & Gimour
Olin & Willie
Beatle & Dodge
and Beckett & Viking in wheel

Tomorrow is round two, and after this mornings run, I have high hopes.

Happy Trails!