This is most hectic time of the year for those in mushing. Between racing and training there is little time for anything else. Eric Morris usually writes this section but just was not able to get it done. We had hoped to get this newsletter out two weeks ago. As I write this Eric is frantically trying to get his gear together so he can depart for the UP 200, a race in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

This newsletter is still growing and we're still learning. Many people did not get the last issue due to a problem with the mail server and the list management software. We have implemented a new distribution program in hopes of resolving this issue. If you did not get a newsletter in December you can find it online at www.redpawfeed.com/newsletter.htm. You can also find the other back issues there if you recently signed up.

We hope you continue to enjoy this newsletter. As always, if you would like to contribute or have questions, please send them to editor@redpawfeed.com.

Answers:

From Linda Fredericksen
Baiting the water usually works for keeping the dogs hydrated. I bait with different Redpaw products and occasionally some beef fat. I do, however, still have dogs that won't drink when it is available. For these dogs, I try freezing some very heavy bait so they get frozen chunks of food and mainly water. I find that I have to have a very good plan when doing the latter, however, because if I continue to freeze the bait, then those particular dogs will ONLY eat the frozen and continue to turn away from the baited water. I will only freeze the bait if I believe it is mandatory at that time that they have water. Other times I will just wait them out and not offer frozen and they usually will begin drinking on the second offer of baited water. Watch out! They will end up training you!

From Zoya DeNure

The trick: Keep it tasteful. Dogs like Flava!

I like to make cube-snacks out of ice trays for the trail. Freeze em! I mix H₂O + fish + tasty glucose = hydrated tasty snacks.

(Editor's note: This article was submitted on 1-30-2004)

This past week was "Yukon Quest food drop" week at Windy Creek Kennel, also know as spend-money-like-crazy-and-waste-a-million-Ziploc-bags week. When Ken decided to focus all his attention on the Iditarod this year, I took a look at the dogs he left out of his pool of dogs and thought, "this looks like a pretty decent Yukon Quest team". I ran the Quest once, in 1998, finishing second to last in my first major dogsled race ever. Ever since then, I have wanted to run the race again, but things never quite worked out right. But this year, after deciding not to leave Alaska to run the stage races down south, it seemed like the right time to give the Quest another go.

The reality of running the Quest hit home while cutting up and bagging a few hundred pounds of meat into little tiny pieces at 30 below zero. I suddenly had vivid flashbacks to being out on the trail -- cold, tired, and utterly miserable. Whose idea was this, anyway? Suddenly, I was not so sure running the Quest was such a great idea after all! But food drops actually went very smoothly, and I was once again able to recall the beauty and challenge of being out on the trail, alone with your team.

One thing that helped a lot was that Redpaw had made a special run of food, bagging it in 8lb bags just for Quest and Iditarod mushers. That saved us many hours of repackaging dry food for the race. I sent out equal quantities of both the 32/20 and the 38/25. My plan is to feed the 38/25 dry when I get into checkpoints. I've found that with the high fat content, the 38/25 works best fed dry or soaked only a short time. This will be my primary calorie source for the dogs during the race. But if I want to soak food in my cooler to haul in between checkpoints, I will use the 32/20.

So what else did we pack? For the dogs, we sent out 3 gallons of Redpaw poultry fat, 200 pounds of horse, and 100 pounds each of salmon, Eureka race mix, liver, lamb sausages, and turkey skins. I also sent out some human grade chicken breasts from Sam's club as an experiment, and hot dogs for my leader Niuk and anyone else that decides to get picky. For myself I sent out pizza, calzones, cheese fondue (my favorite) cheesecake, and gulash along with a bunch of snack food. I sent out about 300 sets of chemical hand warmers (I'm totally addicted) for both me and the dogs, 30 sets of gloves, 10 sets of socks, 2 sets of extra long underwear, 6 neck gaiters, chocolate covered espresso beans, 6 sets of runner plastic, foot ointment and muscle liniment, and 1200 booties.

While both of us gave a visible sigh of relief after unloading the 34 bags that consisted of the food drops at the designated drop off location, we both know that this was just a warm up for Iditarod food drops. With an additional 13 checkpoints compared to the Quest, we'll wind up sending out even more stuff. But we've got a full 2 weeks before those are due, and we can be professional procrastinators when we want to be. I think we'll probably start packing those bags in about 12 days.

Gwen Holdmann

The Siberian Husky highlights this section with the collaboration of two experts: Lisa Phernetton and Lynn Kissock.

Lisa Phernetton founded the Minnesota Chapter of AdoptAHusky in July of 2001. Her involvement with the breed began in 1998.

Lynn Kissock has been a volunteer for the organization for five years and has had the breed for 10 years.

I would like to applaud the work they and all other rescue organizations do, taking responsibility for the dogs that had owners that didn't.

I continue to be amazed at what I see and hear with regards to the treatment of dogs, as pets and as working companions. I believe that we in the mushing community, with significantly larger numbers of dogs, have an even greater responsibility to our dogs and our community, to avoid a blemish on the face of dog mushing. We must provide care and commitment to our loyal companions and hard workers, until their untimely (not brought on by humans, unless in the best interest of the animal) death by natural causes or placement into an equal or better situation than our own. (The soap box has now been pushed off the stage.)

My involvement with Siberians began in 1998 with the purchase of a pet Siberian Husky named "Nieko". She had every bad trait possible rapped into 1 small furry bundle. She quickly taught us all about the "NEVER off leash rule". Counter surfing, drive for small prey and landscaping were some of her talents. She was the escape artist extraordinaire. We knew that if we were going to live with this breed we better do our homework. We later agreed that this should have been done BEFORE we decided if this was the right breed for us. It is quite clear, the Siberian Husky breed is certainly not the breed best suited for your average family.

Three years after acquiring Nieko in July of 2001, we finally decided it was time to add to our pack. Little did we know how quickly our pack would grow. Coming from a background of showing horses, I decided to get into the conformation showing of dogs. We purchased a bitch from a longtime breeder in Colorado. While waiting for our new puppy bitch, we also began our involvement with the Adopt A Husky organization, a rescue group dedicated to finding homes for Siberian Huskies in need. In a matter of 2 weeks, our single dog household grew to 2 permanent residents, 2 foster dogs and me, taking on the task of building the MN Chapter of Adopt A Husky, Inc. (AAHI). Life couldn't have gotten any better at this point. Of course, family and friends who thought Nieko was nuts really believed WE were the crazy ones for allowing, not only one of these dogs in our house, but four!

Since our involvement with AAHI in July of 2001, we have had the pleasure to foster nearly 70 dogs in our home (averaging 8-10 fosters at any single time). It's so rewarding caring for these dogs. We bring some back to good health and teach others all about love and manners. Then when that special home comes along, seeing a wagging tail jump into the car is the ultimate reward, as you know they have finally found their "Forever" home.

While things have changed in many ways in our home, we certainly wouldn't trade it for the world. We have since added four more to our permanent family for a total of 6 resident dogs now.....oh, and did I mention they all live in the house! The foster dogs are still welcome into our house with open arms, where they build the health and foundation to a happily-ever-after they all deserve.

Lynn Kissock is an IT trainer and professional speaker by profession, but has many passions that occupy her time. She is a motorcyclist, actress, voice-over talent, creative writer and most importantly, mom to two beautiful Siberian Huskies.

Lynn has been involved with the breed for close to ten years, when she and her then boyfriend adopted their first Siberian, Caesar, from the Humane Society. She learned quickly that the Sibe is not just a pretty dog, but a handful of challenge. This did not deter her, however, and she learned as much as she could about the breed. In researching Siberians she came across the web site Adoptahusky.com, a 501c non-profit Siberian rescue organization. Lynn became involved with the organization by first transporting dogs from shelters to foster homes, but soon became a foster mom herself. She has since adopted two of her fosters Goober and Kaya.

You can find Lynn at the MN Renaissance Festival playing Princess Alexandra. Kaya occasionally accompanies her during the festival day, quite to the delight of the audience. She is also active as a spokesperson for Adopt A Husky and can be seen at most dog-related events around the Twin Cities Metro area with other volunteers educating the public about Siberian Huskies.

I have a sickness; it's my love for all things difficult and my desire to seek out the challenges in my life. One example of this is my love of the Siberian Husky. There are two in the near vicinity right now -; chewing on anything they can get their little pink mouths around. I had company over last night and had to keep a close eye on both of them every time I heard a door open. That was after spending hours de-furring my home.

So, why, other than loving a challenge, do I have such an affinity for this breed? There are so many reasons, they're beautiful, and have personalities not seen in other breeds; how many Labrador Retrievers do you know that will sit and talk to you about their "Maw maw"? After you read further about the history of the breed and some of their personalities and characteristics, you'll understand.

Origin of the breed

The Siberian originated in - well, Siberia. The Chukchi people of Northeastern Asia bred the dogs as an endurance sled dog to aid their nomadic lifestyle. These nomadic peoples were both hunters and herders. The Huskies were not only haulers, they also were used to help herd reindeer.

In around 1900, Alaskans heard about this high endurance sled dog and imported them. Almost immediately they were recognized as superior racers, making their first appearance in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race in 1909. A team of Siberians led by John "Iron Man" Johnson won the 400-mile race in 1910. From that point on the races were dominated by teams of Siberian Huskies.

One of the more famous stories involving a Siberian team is that of the 1925 diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. It was a relay of Siberian pulled sleds that delivered the medication necessary to quash the epidemic. The movie Balto tells the story.

Characteristics: Size, Appearance, Temperament

By 1930 the breed was officially recognized by the AKC. The standard set for the Siberian is compact and powerful, nimble, quick and graceful. Males average 21 to 23 inches at the withers, and 45-60 pounds in weight. Bitches 20-22 inches and 35-50lbs.

The color and markings of the Siberian are not quite so standard. Colors are varied; all-white, black & white, silver & white, fawn & white, piebald (mostly white with large spots of color) and red & white. Some huskies have a distinct mask around their eyes, whereas others are open-faced with no mask at all. Otherwise markings are somewhat similar, with white underbelly, lower legs, rump and bushy white under-tail. That brings to mind their coat, soft and thick, with a soft downy undercoat and a longer silky outercoat. The undercoat keeps them warm in winter and cool in the summer. Typically Siberians have short to medium length outer-coat, however there are "Wooly" Siberians, whose fur is much longer. The Siberian doesn't just shed this undercoat; they actually "blow" their undercoat at least twice a year. This means the fur comes out in "chunks'. Siberians are fastidious cleaners, and as a result they typically do not smell. They clean themselves like cats do, and do not require much grooming.

Eye colors can be just as varied as the range of coat colors and a mix of eye color is not uncommon. The most common eye color is blue, followed by brown, yellow and either bi-eyed (each eye is a different color) or parti-eyed in which one eye has two colors.

Siberian Huskies are very adaptable to a range of climates. They can work in temperatures as low as 75 degrees below zero, and live in climates where the temperatures reach into the 100 degree mark. The important thing to remember, though adaptable, the Siberian needs to have adequate shelter and water. As with any breed, be careful when working a dog in extreme conditions.

When feeding a Siberian, keep in mind they tend to be picky eaters and can have tender stomachs. As with most dogs, quickly changing a Siberian's diet can cause upset. Siberians typically should be fed once a day, with a food tailored to their active lifestyle, high in protein and vitamins.

Siberians typically do not have many health concerns, other than a tendency toward zinc deficiency and some potential eye problems. Eye problems such as glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, cataracts and corneal dystrophy, though not common, should be screened for. Hip Dysplasia is not common in this breed.

Temperament and character of the Siberian is what attracted me to this breed (along with their lack of doggie smell). They each have a unique personality though some common traits are found. Sibes are not territorial nor are they possessive so are really a poor choice for a guard dog. They are eager to work and typically bond to one person. This bond does not mean that they will act negatively towards others, on the contrary, they are friendly to most people and would welcome anyone into the home, thief or not.

Siberian Huskies are also a very intelligent dog, which paradoxically means that they are very difficult to train. Because of their intelligence they have very little patience for repetitive training. A Siberian will probably know what you want him to do; he just may not want to do it. These smart dogs also tend to get bored very easily; they will seek out entertainment no matter what the cost. This "entertainment" comes in many forms, digging, chewing, climbing, and essentially anything destructive. Left unattended a Siberian Husky can do considerable damage just trying to keep themselves busy.

Siberians crave attention and do better with a companion. Two Siberians are better than one. These dogs are pack animals and need to establish their place in the household. Make sure that while training them you establish your place as the Alpha. Establishing yourself as the leader (leader does not mean bully) will ensure that your dog looks to you for guidance and to establish boundaries. Because of their constant need for entertainment a Sibe owner needs to be attentive to the dog's need to get a lot of exercise and play time.

Not only can these dogs be destructive when bored, they also commonly suffer from separation anxiety. Their anxiety manifests in destructive behavior, either chewing or in an effort to escape. My first Sibe Caesar dug a hole in the floor by the front door of our apartment before I learned the crating lesson.

This leads to the running conversation again. I have mentioned the running fact a few times now, and not by mistake. This is a breed that should never be let off leash. Their instinct to run long distances is one that cannot be trained out of them. In my experience speaking with people about the breed I do inevitably hear someone telling me about this "one Siberian" they knew that was never on leash. But with their prey drive and desire to explore all it takes is one time and they're gone. Sibes left alone in a fenced area will eventually get out of said fenced area, either by digging, chewing, or climbing. Caesar was dangerously close to being re-named Houdini. He was quite the escape artist. When most other breeds run, they eventually circle and come back home. When Siberians run, they run in a straight line with no intention of returning. The two times Caesar got out he managed to run thirty miles before being caught.

About Adopt A Husky

The destructive and free-spirited natures of these beautiful dogs are two reasons rescue organizations such as Adopt A Husky, Inc. (AAHI) are kept busy. A typical scenario for these dogs is this: a person buys a Sibe puppy, cute & fuzzy. The dog is left at home during the day and destroys the house because they're bored, or the dog is left out in a fenced yard and they break out. The third, fourth, or fifth time the dog breaks out, rather than the owner learning by their mistakes and crating the dog during the day or never letting the dog off leash, they don't go to the pound to pick the dog up again. This is where we come in.

We arrange to pick up the Sibe, sometimes having to pay the shelter for a dog they were going to put down in a day anyway. Other situations AAHI rescues Siberians from are backyard breeders and collectors or hoarders (people who keep getting more and more dogs, often feeling they are rescuing them). After paying to have the dogs vet checked, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated, they are placed in foster homes where they are cared for by a Siberian loving family and evaluated for placement in a forever home.

I have volunteered with AAHI for close to five years now, first just by helping out with transports, and then after purchasing a Sibe-friendly home, I have now fostered a number of Siberians. I still transport when possible, and staff most of the events that AAHI is present for (Land O' Lakes and Minneapolis Kennel Club Shows, Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Expo, and the upcoming Pet Expo to name a few). I am also coordinating a communication effort to spread the word about our organization and the breed we work to save.

The goal of Adopt a Husky is to rescue these wonderful dogs from neglectful or abusive situations, educate the public about this breed, and after fostering them in our homes, ensure that they are placed in a home that truly loves and understands the breed for the wonderful, if not at times trying, companionship they offer. We accomplish the challenge of finding Sibe-understanding homes by interviewing potential adopters and visiting them to ensure they are well aware of not only the good traits, but the difficult traits of this breed as well.

Not only have I volunteered with this organization, I am also the proud owner of my second "Foster Failure"; dogs who I fostered, then fell in love with and adopted. Kaya was my first; she was shuffled more than a deck of cards by the time we got her at six months of age. Born in Nebraska to a breeder, she was given as a present to the breeder's 13 year-old niece. A gentleman passed by the nieces' house in Fargo daily and after seeing this beautiful puppy tied out to a tree for the umpteenth day in a row, offered to buy her. The response of the teen's mother was "Good, she's no good and we were just going to shoot her anyway". This Good Samaritan took Kaya to his home and his two older male dogs. His dogs did not appreciate a puppy in the home and began to display some behavioral issues. He contacted a local rescue group, who then contacted AAHI. I met a volunteer in Alexandria, MN to transport a six-month old pup. This pup took one look at me and became mine. We bonded instantly, (so much for adopting an older male Siberian). Kaya's full name is Malenkaya, which is Russian for "little one", a name she has really grown into. At two years of age, she is only 35lbs and 19 inches at the withers.

Goober, my most recent foster failure, on the other hand is a big boy. He's 25 inches tall, and filling out nicely; at this point is approaching 60lbs. Goober was a stray picked up by Eau Claire, WI animal control. He was adopted out by their shelter and then returned within a few days because he "ran away too much". On the day before he and two other Siberians were to be euthanized, Adopt a Husky picked them up. Lisa Phernetton (one of the stronger vertebrae in the backbone of AAHI) met me in WI to give me a new dog to foster. I was supposed to foster another dog, and Lisa didn't want me to even see Goober. She knew. The instant I saw his face, a thin mask and a wide white stripe- the goofiest face you've ever seen (hence his name). This long lanky puppy-coat shedding, underweight creature stole my heart.

Even though they pose a challenge (a close eye on all doors, a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner, interesting "landscaping" and uprooted rose-bushes) Siberians are a wonderful companion for the right person. Whether used as a working dog pulling sleds or Skijoring, or just as a house-pet, these dogs are entertaining and loving creatures. My "problem children", Kaya and Goober keep me on my toes, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Hello, my name is Bianca Seay and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I am studying Biology and Psychology and am interested in a career with working dogs. I recently spent time in Germany participating in my University's Semester Abroad program. This program allows students to pursue independent research in a European country of their choice. I did preparatory research on working dogs, met with contacts, gathered information, and will write a substantial research paper.

I would like to invite everyone, from all areas of working dogs to complete a survey that I have created. The goal of this survey is to gather data that will help us to better understand the world of working dogs and the people who support them. The results will also be compared to the results of the German working dog participants.

Thank you for your time and support.

Bianca Seay

From the editor:

Please take the time to help out and participate in this survey. Bianca will share the info with everyone who participates so we'll all learn something in the process. You can download the survey for in MS Word format here. Instructions are included and it will only take a few minutes to complete. If you have questions or have trouble downloading this survey, you can reach Bianca at galxsea@yahoo.com.

Personally I have been thinking a lot about runner plastic the last month and have decided to look into some of the facts about the plastic itself. It seems there are so many different types and colors that confuse me easily. I have heard that this color wears longer; this color is faster but wears out quicker. So I have decided to look to the industries suppliers on what they suggest about their different types and colors of plastics and what exactly is the benefit to one or the other.

Because there are a few options out there I have decided to split this into two separate articles. This issue will deal mostly with the Fast Trax style of plastic. Look to the next issue of Makin' Tracks for details about the QCR and Matrax styles.

First of all, there is the first form of runner plastic, which is the screw on type. Just speaking from my experience, which is definitely not that of a true veteran of this sport, it seems that the screw on plastic isn't available in very many forms. It seems restricted to a couple different colors of which I have dealt with white and black. I understand that the white plastic is very durable and lasts a long time but not the best gliding plastic. Thus it is not the main choice for racing situations. The black plastic has excellent glide but it wears out very quickly on abrasive snow conditions let alone a gravel or black top road. One of the main problems I have encountered with the screw on plastic is that the holes in the wooden runners become worn out and I have wound up moving the holes and going to larger screws over time. I would think that eventually you are degrading the physical endurance of the runner base itself over time and looking at replacement of them eventually. One of the nice things about the screw on style is that you can get it in thicker form up to 3/4'' which is much thicker than the quick change styles making it easier to scrape the surface of the plastic to smooth it back out once you have put some time on it and worn grooves or scratches into it, therefore you can get more use out of them than the easy change options.

When attaching the plastic with screws make sure that you space the screws from 6-8'' apart and not any more. If you spread them out too far snow will get packed between the runner and plastic and cause humps.

I decided to ask Jim and Mary Ann Miller of Prairie Built Sleds to help provide me with some details about the Fast Trax' plastic and they were very generous in providing the following information.

All of our Fast Trax plastic is produced as an extrusion or a continuous flow of material. The reason we have chosen this method of manufacture is because of the consistent uniformity of the shape, the ability to develop our own formulas, and we can guarantee an exact fit to the Rex Runner every time. The Fast Trax plastic can also be fitted to other aluminum runners as well although the fit is not guaranteed. The types we have available now are light gray, yellow, blue and a new product this season is a dark gray.

Light gray works very well when the snow is wet and sticky. It works in temps down to about +10, but works best in temps of +25 or warmer.

Yellow plastic is a more economical plastic and is often used in training. It works well in temps down to about +15, and then works good again at -25 and colder.

Blue Fast Trax has a better wear quality in abrasive tough sliding conditions. This type of plastic can take much scuffing and still have a good sliding surface. It has been used extensively for long distance runs. The temperature range for this type is approx. +20 to -10 degrees F and works best at 0 degrees to +20.

An important factor in addition to the temperature is the type of snow conditions the plastic is being used in. Different types of snow will have a great effect on the glide quality and is usually overlooked when selecting the type of plastic. The beauty of this system is the ability to change the plastic quickly and to give the musher enough choices to select the right type.

All of our Fast Trax plastic goes through extensive research and testing in the field as well as in the laboratory. This season we are testing 6 new products; we have 7 kennels besides ourselves testing plastic. So far from our own testing and the feedback from others, we have decided to produce 1 of the 6; it is a dark gray, almost black. This plastic is performing much better than the blue in cold weather conditions. It is very new, so we do expect to learn more about how it performs in the future. The dark gray has a better glide quality than the others. All of the runner plastic we produce changes easily and the procedure can be done in 3 minutes or less. This allows mushers to quickly switch to another type of plastic if they feel what they are using isn't performing.

We make every effort to listen to our customers. We use that information to make improvements and provide products that mushers are looking for. Phase 1 of our development was the ease of use on and off the runners. Phase 2 of our development is the perfection of the glide quality of the plastic itself.

-Jim and Mary Ann Miller

I spend a good deal of time surfing the web for information about the columns that I write and I ran across this article that I thought appropriate to share with those that have not read it and figured it was a good way to end this issue.

Taken from the Alaska Science Forum, dated February 20, 2003. Titled "Evolution of Gear Makes Iditarod Faster ", Article #1634 by Ned Rozell

Bud Smyth of Big Lake competed in six early versions of the Iditarod. The last time he raced to Nome was in 1983, but this year his sons Ramey and Cim are signed up for the race. He said a major advantage for his sons is the plastic "quick-change" runners used to reduce friction between the sled and the snow. Quick-change runners allow mushers to change their runner coatings soon after traveling over rocks and gravel.

"In the first year of the race, everybody had p-tex (plastic), wood or iron runners," Smyth said. "By the second year, I was using a white plastic that all broke off by the time I got to Farewell. Now you have plastic that the guys can change at will."

Emmitt Peters agreed that the sacrificial plastic runner has helped speed up the race. Older styles of plastic runner attached to the sled with many screws, which could be difficult to remove and replace in the cold.

"Now one screw holds (the plastic runner) up front," Peters said. "In ten minutes, you're done. It used to take two-and-a-half hours."

"If anybody wants to keep creating they have to be about change"

- Miles Davis

Wise words among many other positive self- affirmations that add diversity, color and perspective to our daily life activities. At home with my dogs and on the trail, dog training is all about creating, re-creating, projection and consistency.

LIFE or something like it

There are days when your life is going just the way you like it. (Think back to one of your most perfect days.) You wake up without the alarm, the smell of coffee brewing from the kitchen, depending on if you have a kitchen. In Alaska that is optional; don't laugh because it's true!

Phone rings! "Hello?"

"Hi, Zoya, it's Gerry here,"

"Oh, good morning Gerry!"

"Why don't you just keep that darn dog, and Suzie too."

"What do you mean?"

"Just keep them both- they're good dogs and you'll do good by them" replies Gerry. "You need em."

In complete surprise and total Musha bebe gratitude, I thank him again.

Gerry knows dogs and has done quite well for himself, taking an Iditarod Victory in 76.

Well, that darn dog is 16 months old, ran 100 miles in a race for me with no qualms, great attitude about life, loves to rally down the trail all day long and eats like a horse! Suzie is a nice running leader who shies around the boys.

Grabbing for your mushing garb; good old faithful Patagonia under wear and exhausted holy socks! You keep digging around for the smart wools.

Next comes a peek out the window; and outside thermometer reads minus 10. (Perfect!)

Lastly, you take a minute to go over the days training regime. Your wicked fast team is outside barking their heads off and you know it's time to go!

On your way out the door for a days training run, a new adventure, a different challenge and more memorable times to chalk up spent with your favorite critters.

As good as it gets?

FLIP

I'm out on a night run, it's dark, a little foggy in the flats about 12 miles from home; the wind picks up and I drive the dogs to a gee (a right turn). All of a sudden I'm missing Flint in wheel (editors note: wheel is the dog position right in front of the sled). Flint is somewhere (but where?) in this windstorm. You couldn't see a thing out there, just clouds of snowy dust.

I call for him and stop every mile. I was worried for him all the way home knowing we've got packs of wolves out here.

Once I made it home, I went out by snow machine w/sled attached to flee him back, but no Flint. I followed wolf tracks through a slough and back. No Flint.

Only 2 miles from the house now, fresh single dog tracks ran alongside the trail.

Flint ran home beating me back. The snaps on the neckline and tug got cold and somehow unsnapped right at that same exact moment. This just doesn't happen!

Yes, it does.

Or how about when you're all packed up to go to the race and your truck doesn't start the morning of because it's minus 40.

Your dogs stop eating 3 days before the race because of nerves?

One of your leaders develops this "backwards sneeze" race day. (And what the heck is a backward sneeze?) It's a real deal.

You borrow a friends "neck gator" for a run but it turns out, it's a sheath protector.

You're going out for a short 20 miler training run; you grab the old training sled (the thing is old as dirt but light as a feather) and once you get out with your nice looking string of 12 dogs the spring holding your brake on pops off and you are left with just half a brake that keeps getting stuck under the right runner. There's always an adventure awaiting you.

SPORT

The heart of Dog Mushing Sports is here. You can read about it in the newspapers, adore cute pictures of sled dogs, go on-line to read articles and follow your favorite mushers as they check in and out of checkpoints in premier races such as the Kusko 300, Copper Basin 300, Klondike, the Yukon Quest and of course the Iditarod.

It's all dog and it's all very cool, literally speaking.

Speaking of cool, an average winter day in the Fairbanks/Nenana area would be a minus -20. A high temp day would be 0. Now if it were to shoot up to an astonishing 20 above this is called a heat wave. You understand.

The Right Place

Mushing is to Alaska as country music is to Nashville.

Everyday I am reminded why I love my life and home; Alaska. And why I wouldn't trade it for the world. Living my dream, I am still challenged daily by different events from the trail to home, tired dogs, tired me, my work at the High School as a yoga instructor and special language tutor, time with the house dogs, time with friends, time alone (what's that?) and of course, time with my partner.

NATURES beautiful BEAST

Nenana Temp: -21
Wind chill index: -15
Let's do the math -36 = damn cold.

Rookie mistake # 1

Ever been cold before? Never thought in my 26 years that I would be ignorant to the cold and its evil parallel; Frostbite. Ignorance is not bliss in Alaska. It can be deadly. Frigid temps make for cold toes and fingers. The cold eventually creeps its way in to your mitts, your boots and gear. Miracle worker: hand warmers. Shake 'em up and then stick 'em down in your arctic mitts and boots (I like to do this each time I stop for a major rest and or checkpoint) These simple little things keep your precious toes and fingers toasty and allow you to think more about your dogs and dog care rather than you. Not keeping my hands and toes warm enough in blistering lows -20 and -30's on longer training runs (60 plus miles out and back) has brought on some painful thaw-outs.

Allowing yourself to get cold doesn't make any sense and will make for a painful few nights of thawing out; screaming at the top of the lungs in pain near a heater as the feet begin to thaw. This is not a pretty sight. It was only a -21 going out but -33 coming back home. Who Knew? Check your local daily weather. Details count. If you're just out on a training run and or race; go over all details!

"She's a cute chick, drives a nice looking team, but man, she's green as grass"

-A comment someone had made at the CB300 drivers meeting about me as a new musher here in Alaska.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to read my entry. Please drop me a hello at zdenure@yahoo.com

Feel free to ask questions or make comments.Till then- "Don't Let Go!"

Your friend,
Zoya DeNure

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