Ski Jumps: Austrian wins, 463 feet longest jump

We had a family gathering at the ski jumps today (Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain, MI). The Austrians seemed to be flying high with two jumps of 462 feet... I didn't get to see all as it was time for dog soup, but the conditions were very good.

ADDENDUM: Manuel Fettner, age 24, of Austria won the competition , his longest jump being 463 feet. 10,000 fans were in attendance.

Brrr, but not too bad

STRAW BALE COUNT: 46

It was a minus sixteen wind chill today so while it was cold, it was a 'do-able' day.
Skinny had his run with Sierra (and me)and each dog received extra extra straw, for
the windchills coming tonight. Every dog had a free run. I groomed the trails.

There is, of course, a beautiful full moon, to freeze by. Five dogs are in the house tonight, even Lillen, who flatly refuses most times, ran into the house willingly.

Well, there are nights of minus thirty or forty each winter, so it's not REALLY cold, but the ski jumps are this weekend and the wind does make a difference on whether or not that goes on. And kennel friend, Julia, is skiing the 25 K Noquemanon xc race in Marquette, MI. Betsy and Annica plan to come for the jumps. Tim's family is sidelined this year because of surgery.

Rain Snow Rain

Weather did not cooperate yesterday, measurable rain, then measurable wet snow and then more measurable rain. Trails are very punchy.

Ice Rain and Straw

STRAW BALE COUNT: 44

Houses that needed fresh straw were filled and houses that needed to be cleaned out and receive fresh straw were raked and filled. It takes a bit of time to do this so our friend, Jim, took on that chore while I did the regular chores. Late day yesterday the ice rain started falling. I put a tarp up over Lillen's house (age 13) to keep her a bit dry. She will not go in her house if I put a coat on her, so the tarp helps a bit.

Even with icy trails we did take a short sled run and neighbor, Jeanne, took a xc ski run.

All 31 Dogs Out Running

Today was a perfect day to make sure that every dog here got a great run. We are looking at the prospects of freezing rain/ice/snow in the next two days, so early a.m. tomorrow all dogs will be checked for fresh straw needs, but , today was their day to celebrate and run for fun. The whole kennel cheered as groups of dogs took their turns running laps, running trails, running free. We love to see them so happy.

Photos: Yo, Yo and Sleds, Buddy and Ruthie

Aliy/Allen prep for Denali Doubles, 20 dog team

Be sure to check Aliy/Allen blog above, SPKennel, and ride along with their 20 dog team as they prep for the Denali Doubles Race. This is the link to the race info on Jeff King's site... http://www.huskyhomestead.com/Denali_Doubles_Sled_Dog_Race.htm

The Denali will have a new format, fun to run? definitely fun to follow.

Warm Runs

I was gone for a bit today but came back in time to see some of the teams running in the 40 degree temperature. The dogs were wild to run and happy to have Julia, Anna and Jim with them.

In spite of no new snow, the trails are nearly perfect, one icy spot up in the pines.

Teams run today:

Eos, Zeus, Ruthie, Medio
Buffy, Eos, Kiddo, Quattro
Zeus, Ruthie, Rosie, Matilda
Eos, Buffy, Zoom, Herman
Eos, Buffy, Medio, Matilda