We have had a bit of a cold snap here in Alaska… which in no surprise considering for many years the beginning of February is exactly when the Yukon Quest starts! And how many years did we gather at the starting line at –30, 40, -50? While the National Weather Service forecast didn’t look like palm trees and pelicans, it also didn’t say -40. So, we loaded up the dogs, lots of warm gear and drove to a warmer – yet windier location – and did some training.
We have the perfect training set up here at SP Kennel in Two Rivers but sometimes it’s nice to see different trails. This is also an important learning tool for the younger dogs who haven’t traveled and raced in far off places. Two of the dogs who are less experienced are Gravy and Razz. In order for them to learn and feel comfortable about new and different experiences, we often pair them with experienced “elders”. (Shhhhhh…. Violet might be offended by the term elder!) So Gravy hung out with Spark and Razz cooled her jets with Violet. It takes longer than you would think to unload all the dogs and gear, set up sleds, dress dogs and mushers and then hook up.
The two teams traveled together for the training run. We simulated race conditions by stopping to snacks (salmon snacks) at specific times during the run. It was a particularly solid run and everyone did well.
We were even treated to one of nature’s most glorious shows!
One month. Holy cow. Ready on our end! Go SPK!
Nice !! …following you from down here in Kodiak.
Nice to see the Fire Litter pups passing their knowledge to the young ones! Iditarod Mountains indeed….up and over twice! Smart choice to get some specialized training in….and those lights…..WOW! One month and counting….how time flies!
Wow–checked the weather next week–burr-r-r! Bet Allen isn’t missing sleeping out in this cold!
Sweet Violet can teach Razz as well. Nice to mix it up a bit. Wonderful Beauty with those lights! Go
SPK Dogs!!
Punxatawy Phil says 6 more weeks of winter here in PA, (and snow, though not -28!).
Hope Training goes well and see you in Iditarod 2021!
Way to go Sparky and Violet. Train the youngsters well! Maybe Violet would prefer to be called a “mature” dog. I like that better than elder too 😂 Looks like we here in the South/Central US will be getting a taste of your kind of weather next week. Of course, not nearly as cold as you get in AK, but cold enough for us. I like it. Bring on the ID, I’m ready.
FIRE LITTER rules!!!
Thanks ever so much for all the news, go RED TEAM!!!
Beautiful scenery! Starting to follow you again as March approaches. It will be a different year with a different race. I love to follow you and your team Aliy
Silly me, no “dog in that race,” I think I might be the last to realize the YQ was cancelled this year. Anyway, I’m sure you and Allen are enjoying your chosen runs more than you would racing through the -30 to -40 degree trails of the YQ.
I’m sure Violet’s ok with being mature, not so sure about being paired with Razz. LOL
Have fun all!
Thanks for sharing the gorgeous videos and picks from the White Mountains.