7:00 am. 2 degrees.

First day back after turning 36. Yikes! Nothing seemed to go right today. 2 of the three four wheelers were too cold to start. Seems like the team work we had figured out a week ago had all fallen apart. Hooking up dogs was a wreck with lines not tight enough and dogs pulling out of their harnesses. Kris was back and helping out so of course nothing went right. Finally got on the trail. Turbo was trying to find his place in the hierarchy of dogs, trying to bully his running-mate Chapelle by running on her side and pushing her out as far as she could go. Turbo didn’t realize there can only be one alpha on a team and that was me. After a brief discussion, he decided to stay on his side of the line and run like a gentleman.

Had a few dogs chew necklines, but overall, the ride was smoother than I expected. For being so cold in the morning, the sun was beating down warmly and with the fresh snow, it was a nice day to be out. After we got back, got the dogs put away, we set up a smaller team with some of the old timers to run a shorter distance. They decided the only time they wanted to pull was on the way back to the kennel. Not to worry, at least they pulled. And today, a sled dog was born. My dog, Alma Rose realized in such a small team, if she didn’t pull we weren’t going anywhere, so at last learned to pull for the whole trip. Her ears go back and tail goes down when she’s working. She was paired with Wess, a dog who loves to lie around and sun bathe. He was very patient, with his fuzzy fur coat tufting out of his harness. Alma had none of the jealousies she has been having when she runs with females.

We enjoyed a great lunch and relaxed a little before watering dogs, sorting harnesses and heading home. Back again tomorrow morning.