Iditarod 2009: Dropped Dogs
To everyone involved in sled dog racing, the term “dropped dogs” is a very familiar one. I’ve used the term here recently, and it occurred to me that those of you who are not as familiar with the sport might find a little explanation useful: In every sled dog race … Read More
Iditarod 2009: Allen Through McGrath
As soon as I got back to McGrath yesterday afternoon, I hustled down to the checkpoint in hopes of being there for Allen’s arrival. I was disappointed to learn that I had missed him racing through by an hour, but pleased to realize that he was running so fast. I … Read More
Iditarod 2009: Aliy In Takotna
I should probably have edited this video down a bit, but it took me long enough to mess around with the audio and I didn’t want to delay posting it any longer. Come to think of it, Aliy may kill me for posting it at all, but maybe if enough … Read More
Iditarod 2009: Mission To McGrath, Time In Takotna
I have just returned from my 24+ hour mission to Macgrath, during which I also spent some time in Takotna. Here’s a quick recap and preview: My flight arrived in McGrath at 9:30 yesterday morning and I walked about a mile to the checkpoint. I was able to confirm that … Read More
On The Web: Scruggs — SP Kennel “Greeter”
Here’s a sweet little follow-up video on YouTube from the researcher who visited SP Kennel in January. The “Little Pup” is Scruggs, the first dog you see when you drive into the Kennel. He takes his job as the Kennel’s “Greeter” quite seriously and goes out of his way to … Read More
On The Web: SP Kennel Video Tour
I just found this video on YouTube, posted by one of the researchers who visited SP Kennel in January to do physiology research. The description reads: This past January I went to Fairbanks, Alaska to do a research study on sled dogs. Their ability to cover long distances with minimal … Read More
Iditarod 2009: Last Minute Line-Ups
In reviewing my recent posts, I realized that I’ve given you bits and pieces about the selection of dogs for SP Kennel’s Iditarod teams. It’s a complex process, so I though I’d give you a fuller explanation all in one place. Iditarod rules require that every dog who will run … Read More
Iditarod 2009: Early Wednesday Update
Good morning! Aliy blew through McGrath at 3:57 this morning, spending only one minute to check in with race officials before pulling her hook and heading on down the trail to Takotna. I hope her dad was standing right there to give her a kiss and send her on her … Read More
Iditarod 2009: Late Tuesday Update
Aliy is on her way out of Nikolai with 15 dogs and Allen is on his way in with the same number. I can’t tell you the teams’ strategy, but I can tell you that tomorrow will be a big day for decisions! We got a call from Aliy’s dad … Read More