Annually, we all lay a wager or take a hand shake bet as to when the first snow will fall in Two Rivers.
I believe someone just won a foot massage bet on this one! Not a bad wager!
Noon – October 6th, 2010 Season’s First real snowfall
Dogs on the Treadmill
The primary reason the we at SP Kennel mush sled dogs is that it is fun, exciting and we all LOVE to do it. Of course, our kennel is a professional outfit and we have obligations, races and commitments, to fulfill. But, the bottom line will always be …. we love it & the dogs love it.
It is hard to describe the “zone” that a sled dog enters when they are running – in a sense, they are utterly encompassed by the desire to pull. Nothing else matters. Sometimes, this is hard to see, especially when you are standing on the side line, watching a team zoom by at break neck speeds.
However, in this following video, you can watch Hummer (a 3 year old from the car litter) run on a treadmill. You will see that he is fully engrossed in his “job”. This was only his third time ever on the apparatus. He was a little nervous at first, wondering why “the Boss” was standing right at his side and a noisy fan was blowing in his face.
But, when asked “Ready?” Hummer tightened his tug line and started to pull forward as the belt went under his feet. The speed immediately jumped to 7 1/2 miles per hour (a slow, but comfortable pace). You will see that he looks around just a little at his circumstance. But, in less than a minute, his eyes glazed over, his natural instinct kicked in, and he lopes on the treadmill with out a care in the world. Amazing!
The Treadmill is owned by Oklahoma State University. It is housed in Denali, about a 3 hour drive south from SP Kennel. Dr. Michael Davis, a professor and director at the Comparative Exercise Physiology Laboratory at the University, has done amazing research in Equine Sports Medicine. He now has several labs in Alaska that are geared towards examining the “finest athlete in the world”, the Alaskan sled dog.
We are involved with several physiology studies this year. Most of the research will be done either before or after the busiest time of the racing season. However, we fully expect to truck the dogs down to the Treadmill to “practice” several times this winter. It is amazing to watch how cooperative and enthusiastic the SP Kennel dogs are as research subjects.
Nome in Summertime
Nome has been SP Kennel’s home away from home this past year. Not only, did the dogs and mushers spend a good deal of time trying to reach the small Western Alaskan village, but also then spent the month of April enjoying the surrounding countryside.
Bridgett and Scotty are always welcoming – whether it is to tired mushers or hungry sled dogs. This past weekend they welcomed just the mushers for a short Fall visit. This was the last chance to take a long weekend with out constant dog training and racing, so Allen and Aliy flew out to Nome.
A visit to Nome always brings back memories… perhaps it will for some of you as well.
Bullet, Dingle, Aliy, Cha Cha, Allen, Bridgett and Hoss at the 2009 Finish line
2010 Mushing Adventure Trips : Wildlife
SP Kennel coordinates “Natural Extremes” Mushing Trips every year after Iditarod. These are fun dog team adventures for the mushers, dogs and the guests. This past March and April, we spent almost a month exploring the western coast of Alaska with three groups of guests.
This video footage hopefully provides a glimpse of our adventures.
The Wildlife Excerpt
When I think about the “Alaskan World”, I think about all of the creatures – big and small – who share the wilderness with us. Often times, when I am mushing a team of Alaskan Huskys down a trail, I will get a funny feeling that we are being watched. Sometimes, I will catch a quick view of a red fox or a wolf, if I am lucky. And sometimes I will see the dogs all look in one direction simultaneously and I’ll know that we have company. But, more often than not, the wildlife in Alaska is smart and savvy and they will see us far more often than we will see them.
The video that follows is the best wildlife footage from the trips. As you will notice, sometimes wildlife cooperates and sometimes, it doesn’t. I apologize for the shakiness of the camera. More often than not, I was not prepared for wildlife viewing.
You have to keep a good sense of humor when dealing with wildlife and brisk winter conditions. Some of you might wonder how a duck could possibly survive this far north, but I promise you …. he was there!!
2010 Mushing Adventure Trips : Day Four
SP Kennel coordinates “Natural Extremes” Mushing Trips every year after Iditarod. These are fun dog team adventures for the mushers, dogs and the guests. This past March and April, we spent almost a month exploring the western coast of Alaska with three groups of guests.
This video footage hopefully provides a glimpse of our adventures.
Day Four Excerpt
After a day of rest and relaxation at Pilgrim Hot Springs, our goal for Day Four was ambitious. We left camp and mushed 7 miles of very challenging trail with excited dogs and mushers. After regrouping the teams, we then turned south and traveled several hours to a campsite along the Nome-Taylor Trail.
2010 Mushing Adventure Trips : The Dogs
SP Kennel coordinates “Natural Extremes” Mushing Trips every year after Iditarod. These are fun dog team adventures for the mushers, dogs and the guests. This past March and April, we spent almost a month exploring the western coast of Alaska with three groups of guests.
This video footage hopefully provides a glimpse of our adventures.
The Dogs Excerpt
The reason that Dog Mushing is special is because of the bond that exists between man and dog. This bond is unique and special in the dog mushing world. As Mushers, we are completely dependent on our dogs, but in the same sense, our dogs are completely dependent on us. There is a mutual agreement of utter trust and dedication.
Each SP Kennel dog has his or her own personality, physical and mental abilities and desires. Knowing each dog, from when they are young puppies, to when they become key members of a team, is important to us. They are treated with dignity, respect and, often, a sense of humor. Because, of course…. they are family.
Here’s to the Dogs!
2010 Mushing Adventure Trips : Moose
SP Kennel coordinates “Natural Extremes” Mushing Trips every year after Iditarod. These are fun dog team adventures for the mushers, dogs and the guests. This past March and April, we spent almost a month exploring the western coast of Alaska with three groups of guests.
This video footage hopefully provides a glimpse of our adventures.
Moose Excerpt
Wildlife is a natural part of life in Alaska. One of the most common animals that we run across while dog mushing is moose. Moose are the largest species in the deer family and can get weigh up to 1,800 pounds and stand over 7 foot at the shoulder. Most of the time, this giant animal, will avoid canine encounters at all costs. Wolves are their nature predators, and a “pack” of Alaskan Huskys must smell, at least, similar to it’s wild canine cousin.
During our trips, we saw moose while we were camped at Pilgrim Hot Springs and while we were mushing. The camera was not always accessible, but we managed to video several quality “Moose minutes”.
2010 Mushing Adventure Trips : Day Two
SP Kennel coordinates “Natural Extremes” Mushing Trips every year after Iditarod. These are fun dog team adventures for the mushers, dogs and the guests. This past March and April, we spent almost a month exploring the western coast of Alaska with three groups of guests.
This video footage hopefully provides a glimpse of our adventures.
Day Two Excerpt
Our goal was to mush our dog teams 25 miles from Salmon Lake north to Pilgrim Hot Springs.
The day started with bright blue skies and no wind. We made great time for several hours through the gorgeous mountainous landscape. Then as we climbed higher, we encountered a ruthless ground blizzard and struggled through “Golden Gate” mountain pass. The final seven miles were challenging with windy, cold conditions. We reached the Hot Springs in the evening and finally set up camp for us and the dogs. It was a long, tough Day Two.