SPK Dog Log

Here are a few pictures of Nome from the last few days. Yesterday afternoon we had the Meet the Mushers event in the “Mini” Convention Centre. It’s such a popular event with the queue going out the doors as they opened.

Meet the Mushers

Meet the Mushers

Aliy with Michelle Phillips and Jodi Bailey; Meet the Mushers

The dogs were enjoying the warmth of the sun today.

Amber making the most of the sunshine; Chipper enjoys her salmon

Izzy and Schmoe dozing in the sunshine

A few days ago we all sat around the dinner table writing, addressing and stamping the postcards for Dog Fan Club and Team members. Moira posted them on Friday – we hope you all enjoy them!

We’ve had some free time to get out and about around Nome. Here are a few of our favourite pics around the area.

Tonight is the Musher Banquet and Pirzegiving then the crew packs up and ships out Sunday night and Monday. We always enjoy Nome but we’re looking forward to getting home.

Chemo and Chena

Pretty Chipper and Clyde

Five and Nomex

Beautiful Big O and Scooter

Scout in his day bed

Scout in his night bed; Outlaw

Brothers Waylon and Willie

Sleep Scooby; Olivia watches over daughter Lydia

RETURNED DOG UPDATE

We understand Tinder is on is way back to Anchorage and will hopefully be there today. We’ll keep you posted.

The dog lot in Nome is a fantastic place to be. There are dedicated volunteers watching over our friends day and night and the dogs are cozy in their straw beds. We visit several times a day to feed them, walk them, love on them…

Allen greets Rodney

Moira gives Schmoe some love; Izzy sleeps

Amber and Commando

Good boy Driver

Dutch and Iron

Sparkie-doo-dah

Felix stole Rodney’s fish; Junior tells everyone how it is

Moira scoops poop while Amber supervises

Congrats to Debbie Gunter who is a fan of Rodney and Augustana Women’s Basketball who are fans of Quito

Rodney is a rock star. He just finished 8th in the Iditarod as a two year old. His stand out feature is his appetite which is one of the most important traits for a sled dog. Good boy Rodney!

Quito led the Black Team in the Iditarod Ceremonial Start but sat out the big race. She is the best dog in the world and her kids are proving themselves to be worthy successors.

You both win a signed Iditarod poster plus a photo print portrait of your dog along with a few other kennel goodies. We hope you enjoy your packets!

Keep an eye out for the next random draw. Everyone who has joined by the time of the draw and hasn’t already won will be in to win!

Click the button below for more information about how to join:

Click this button to take you directly to the Dog Fan Page.

Woohoo!!

It was so thrilling to see Allen, Scout, Chena, Chipper, Lydia, Willie, Waylon, Scooter, Chemo, Olivia, Nomex, Five, Outlaw, Clyde and Scooby cross under the burled arch at 1.24pm this afternoon.

Tinder was the dog Allen left behind in White Mountain and he will hopefully be with us later today. Don’t worry, we’ve saved some salmon for him. He got a touch of the “runny bum” and wasn’t eating so well so Allen thought it best he stop in White Mountain.

The wind was blowing pretty hard and the sun was shining. Welcome to Nome.

Here are a few pictures from earlier this afternoon.

At the first road crossing

At the first road crossing

Second road crossing into Nome

Second road crossing into Nome

Allen said a quick “Howdy” on the way by

Allen with Mark Nordman, Lead dogs Scout and Chena

Clyde is pretty satisfied with another good job done, Scooter enjoys her salmon

Two year old rookies Five and Scooby settle in for a good, long sleep

Woohoo! The Black Team has passed through Safety checkpoint they and are zipping along at 9.8 miles an hour. Next up is the climb over Cape Nome then the last run along the shoreline to Nome.

We’re so excited to see everyone!

It may be a while before I can get anything up on the blog as we need to see to the dogs before coming back to the house, so keep an eye on our Instagram or Facebook as I might be able to post a few pictures directly there.

RETURNED DOG UPDATE

Butt scratches for Mismo; “Yeah that’s the spot”

Handsome Champ; “Wait… there are other dogs in this neighbourhood! Linda, did you know that?”

And they’re off!

Allen and 14 team mates are on their way to Nome. 77 miles to go that includes a climb up Cape Nome and mushing through the infamous blow hole!

We don’t know yet who off the team finished their race in White Mountain but as normal we’ll let you know once we find out.

As with the Red Team, once they get through Safety checkpoint we will head down to the dog yard and prepare for their arrival. Straw filled beds, fleece jackets and blankets and delicious dinner and snacks!

We can hardly wait!

RETURNED DOG UPDATE

Late last night both Champ and Mismo arrived into Anchorage! Pics to follow.