6:30 am. 10 degrees.

Kris has been up in Seeley Montana racing the dogs as a qualifier for the Iditarod next year, so we have been taking care of the kennel as best we can. It’s been a busy weekend, so every dog in the kennel has had their full share of running, yet it’s still hard to contain their excitement about getting out on the trail. As for the crew, we’re managing pretty well, if I do say so myself. Writing down harness colors for dogs has helped tremendously and we’ve sorted out twelve solid teams.

I was told I’d be driving a woman today who was out last year. When she got there, she beelined over to me and gave me a hug. It took me a moment to place her. She was from Georgia and her husband had passed away from cancer. Last year was the first trip she had taken without him, which was bittersweet for her. She loved Colorado but missed her husband so much. We had a lovely time and went around the trail under a bright sunny day (not helping our lack of snow and sad condition of the trai, but fantastic for uplifting spirits.)

Poor Brian had to do all the running around taking care of guests while I got to spend time with my female dog team – Courtney, Kat, Bambi, Sage, Penny, Wendy, Boot and Cookie.

The afternoon was even easier for me, as I again got to drive, but the passenger was ready to take over at the second stop, so I got to ride in the sled for most of the trip. Should have had my camera, but it was a great easy day. Joel was back at the kennel and he is incredible. He has most the dogs fed, dogs watered, and makes our lives easy for us!