North Wapiti Blog

2012 Don Bowers Memorial Sled Dog Race

2012-01-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Don Bowers race is a very fun, low key event perfect for training rookie mushers and rookie dogs! My purpose in running it this year was to get some race experience on my 3 rookie dogs - Rocky, Boo and Smartie. I also wanted to work with a few dogs that Richard raced last year, but that hadn't been on a race with me before - Casey, Beauty, Trampie, Kelly and Astro. Rounding off the team was a few of my 'leaders, but not top leaders' - Billie, Tess and Wifi - and finally some predictable power for the hills that I know this race has - Charge, Q and Turtle.
It was tough to load the team without running back and grabbing one of my old, standby leaders, like Jinx or See or Bang or Bingo or Runner, but it was right not too. Time for me to make a leap of faith.

Two years ago Tess had a bit of a meltdown at the Ceremonial Start and Restart of Iditarod. The crowds were just too much for her, I guess and she spent the first 10 miles of Iditarod wishing she was anywhere but there.
The smaller crowds of the Don Bowers were perfect for helping her regain her confidence, so she and Billie got the 'nod' to be the leaders out of the starting chute!

With able help from Brittany (yes, THAT Brittany who is up in Alaska visiting), Ruth Ann Stitt, Jamie West, Keith Blaha and Peter Duncan (thanks to you all!!!) the team got up to the start line and off down the trail.
Tess was totally solid in lead. I noticed Peter whispering sweet nothings in her ear as we were hooking the team up. It might have been his wonderful Scottish accent that calmed her!!! (I might have to put you to work at the start of Iditarod Peter!!)

The Bowers starts on the same trail as Iditarod, part of which we have been training alot on the last few weeks, so it was a nice comfortable start.

About 10 miles in Justin Savidis's nice looking team caught up with us. We had a beautiful 'Iditarod style' pass - no stopping, no brakes used, no words to the dogs....I love passes like that. Justin turned and lifted a hand as he kept moving down the trail.

The trail was beautiful and the team moving really nicely. It was certainly cold, but I barely noticed. We rolled through the 'Nowhere' Checkpoint and I was thinking about how quick this leg was going to be when the trail went soft. For the next 20 miles we slogged through sugary, loose trail up and down some monstrous hills that are infamous to Don Bower mushers. So much for that quick leg.

At Shulin Lake we started to pass mushers camped out on the side of the trail. My decision to not take one top notch leader with me came back to bite me in the butt a bit as Billie and Tess proceeded to try to scrounge food from each parked team. HUGE thanks to all my competitors for being understanding and helpful in getting my rambunctious rookies by.
I went around a corner, found a quiet spot and pulled my team over. They ate like starving wolves when I offered them the premade meal I had in my cooker. I laid out some straw for them, which they all happily dove into, cleaned up my sled, knocked off all the coffee in my thermos, fashioned my wonderful Dogbooties.com straw bag into a makeshift tarp, put some Adele on my iPod, pulled my arms into my SkookumBrand anorak, propped my legs up on my sled (sorry Gabi - no walls!!) and closed my eyes. Very nice.
Occasionally teams would start to bark as mushers finished up their breaks and hit the trail again but the dogs were resting well and none of us did anymore then crack our eyes open to watch dog teams roll by.
It was such a comfortable spot that I ended up not getting moving again till close to 3 hours after our arrival. Oh well, the extra hour rest wouldn't hurt any of us.

The next 25 miles was back to lovely, packed trail again and the dogs moved accordingly till Hal Morgan's barking dog lot told us we were approaching Morgan's cabin checkpoint. We checked in and checked out.
The next leg of the race was new and it was reported to be anywhere from 17 - 22 miles. I think it was actually closer to 25. It seemed to go on forever through cold swamps but eventually we pulled into Kirshner's warm and inviting homestead which would be our 'home' for the next 6 hours.
Local boyscouts directed with military like direction from Beth Wheeler buzzed around with buckets of water, our drop bags, our straw...whatever we needed. Very appreciated!!
I bedded down the dogs and got the cooker going to give them a nice warm meal which they all devoured. Once they were settled and my area organized it was up to the house for a delicious bowl of stew for me, coffee and glass after glass of water.
There was a tent for mushers to sleep in, but it wasn't heated and since I know I can do a 200 mile race without sleeping, so I decided not to bother with dragging out my sleeping bag.

I was due to leave at 10:30am, so alittle after 8 I gave the dogs a 'soup' of chicken, Energy pack and water. That's also a good time to watch them all get up and move around and make sure their are no injuries cropping up after some rest. With the exception of Charge, who had a bit of an upset stomach going into the race, everyone ate and looked good. Charge ate enough that I wasn't worried, but did give him some extra pampering - who doesn't love to be spoiled by their 'Mom' when they aren't feeling 100%???

When we went to leave at 10:30 the dogs were less then keen. I was missing my 'checkpoint' leaders (dogs that will always get up and lead a team out of a checkpoint). The vet offered to go walk in front of my leaders. I thanked her but said they needed to learn do do it on their own. I walked up front and chatted with Tess and Billie and this time they went. Not with any great amount of enthusiasm, but I knew that would come back once they got rolling and worked the 'kinks' out.

The first 15 miles or so was alot of stop and go as everyone took turns relieving themselves and I put a few booties on here and there. Everytime I'd walk back to the sled Casey was screaming to go, so I moved her into Billie's position in lead.
Holy Cow - she was driving and scrambling down the trail. I thought the enthusiasm might die down after a bit, but not so. If this was her 'interview' for an Iditarod lead dog position, it secured her the job.
In and out of Morgan's cabin and onto Oil Well Road (Thanks so much for the bottle of Tang - it totally hit the spot!!). It was a pretty nice afternoon - cold, but clear with a bit of a breeze. Denali looms over the trail up in this neck of the woods and I got to see some lovely vantages of it.

Just before Shulin Lake I passed Gerry Sousa and Tamara Rose camped with their teams. I like Tamara a lot and stopped to chat with her. Her run wasn't going great and she feared she would have to carry two dogs in her sled bag for the last 55 miles of the race. I sure felt for her.

The big debate on this race is always whether or not to try a 'straight through' 100 mile run to the finish or break it into 2 - 50 mile runs with a break in the middle. If you break it up, your team speed will be faster, but you have 'lost' your rest time to your competitors, if you go straight through your overall traveling time is likely to be slower.
I have always done this race as a 50-50-100 but I always waffle on it up to the last moment. This time was no different. I knew for my overall training it was good to get that long push on the team in a race but when I saw Tamara camped there, I was sorely tempted to camp with her, but I kicked myself in the butt and stayed on my race plan.

I've crossed Shulin Lake many times over the years, but never in the daylight as it was this trip. I knew the Shulin Lake Lodge was there, as it is always lit up when we go by, but I didn't realize all the nice little cabins that dot the shores of the lake. I glanced over my shoulder at one point and caught my breath at the sight of Denali and Mt Foraker with the lake in the foreground. What a tremendous view - very memorable.

I was prepared for another 25 miles of 'slogging' on the way home, but the trail had 'set up' nicely and it was a pretty good run through the hills and canyons. After passing Gerry and Tamara I had been in 2nd place, but I was fairly certain Gerry's team would catch me in the 55 miles to the finish. Sure enough, about 10 miles from the Nowhere checkpoint Gerry's seemingly impossibly bright headlamp lit up the night (for those of you that will be asking, I think it was one of the Lupine lights that Ken Anderson or Underdog feeds is carrying. Too pricey for this dog musher, but very impressive).

As impressive as Gerry's headlamp was the night sky. The sliver of moon was framed by the planets of Jupiter and Venus - and billions of stars twinkled away. Off to the south the city lights of Anchorage glowed red. I'm usually not a big fan of the glow of city lights, but, I think because everything around it is so black, the city glow of Anchorage is actually very pretty. Despite the fact that the temperature kept dropping and things were being to be very cold, it was a great night to be out and about.

Eventually Casey's inexperience on a run of this length was beginning to show. I wanted this to be a positive experience for her, so I swapped her and Wiffie out. I thought it was appropriate that he lead me across the finish line, as the last time we did this race he was in my sled bag at that point.

The dogs picked up when we hit the Corral Hill Trail. They knew we were headed 'home'. This year the race was supposed to end at Eagle Quest Lodge, so I was watching for the turnoff, but didn't see it. I had even stopped a few times and checked out a few turnoffs, but with all the markers around for a variety of events and races in the area, nothing seemed right. When I got to Vera Lake, I was certain I had missed the turn. Cell phones are allowed on this race, so I pulled out mine, powered it up and called Donna, who was at Eagle Quest waiting for me. "Where are you?", I asked "At Eagle Quest", she said. "Hmmm", I said, "That's where I'm trying to go".
Long story short, but race officials said they would come out and check markers and I turned my team around. The team was NOT IMPRESSED with this turn of events. Aft er a VERY long run we were at the intersection of two trails they KNEW headed to either their truck or their dog houses and I wanted them to turn around. They are good dogs though and they did what was asked of them, not with tremendous enthusiasm, but they did it, and moved steady back down the trail. I was very proud of them for that.
On they way back I had a head on pass with Tamara, who had missed the turnoff too. She turned her team around and followed me into the finish.

I had told Donna that if I was too late, she could just leave the dog truck at the finish for me - but to my JOY both she and Keith were waiting at the finish for me. I was tired and cold and very, very grateful for the help!! Thank you so much, you two!!!

The dogs were fed, unharness and put away. All the gear was gathered and thrown in the truck. We had a bowl of yummy soup at the Lodge and headed home.
On the way home we had two separate incidents with moose jumping out in front of us - but yet, on the 200 miles of trail I saw not one moose. Thank goodness, as that was the thing I had been most worried about prior to the race. I'm glad I didn't let my fear get the best of me and do something foolish like not run!

My thanks to all the wonderful volunteers that make this race possible; to Donna, Keith, Brittany, Ruth Ann, Peter, and Jamie; to 'Bet' for keeping the blog and FB page updated; but mostly to my amazing dogs - my respect and love for them never decreases. They are the most amazing creatures I know!

Photo by Donna Quante/Husky Productions

Karen

Congratulations Musher and Pretty Curly Tails - Bet

2012-01-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

WHOOOO BOY! What an exciting race that was!

Last night we stayed up to celebrate the 3rd place finish of the Musher and the Pretty Curly Tails in the Don Bowers Memorial 200!

It was very exciting in the North Wapiti house last night! Cricket even came in from guard duty to have a celebratory waffle with the rest of us!

I'm also happy to report that the anti-mooses screeching actually worked! The Musher said that she didn't see any Mooses the entire race! Or course, once she finished, you all dutifully stopped screeching, which explain the two suicidal Mooses that jumped in front of the dog truck on the way back to Willow... but no Mooses came close to the truck. Silly Mooses.

So, here is the Musher waiting to race

And here is the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails coming in to the finish line

Here are the Pretty Curly Tails making a bee-line to the truck after the finish

Here is a really cool picture of the Willow dog yard with the Northern Lights thingies

And here is a picture of the race superstar

Yep, you guessed it... little firecracker Casey led for about 80 miles of the race and the Musher says Casey has secured a spot on the Iditarod team!!!

The Musher will be posting her own blog of the adventures, so I'm going to sign off because I have to pick up all of the balloons and confetti.

- Bet

The Race So Far - Bet

2012-01-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho everybodies! It's your sitting around in Canada enjoying my chair, just woke up from a nap non-roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet here!

Its been a very exciting race so far... ok, that probably wasn't very convincing because I just said I had a nap, so let me try that again...

Holy Moley everybodies, this is a real nail biter of a race!

Ok, that wasn't very convincing either, so I'll have to go with: its been a very predictable and going as scheduled race... which is GREAT! No Mooses, no plowing trails with faces, and no pants on fire (yes, I know... so disappointing on the flaming pants thing)

The Musher and Pretty Curly Tails got into the Kershner Home checkpoint at 4:08 am this morning with all 14 Pretty Curly Tails. They had to take a mandatory 6 hour rest period. Here are the Pretty Curly Tails curled up and resting

Here is the sled resting

I can't tell if the Musher is in the sled resting or not... nobody tells me these important things.

The Pretty Curly Tails were checked out by the vet and found to be okey dokie spiffy keen!

According to the Musher, the middle 30 miles is punchy and slow because the pups don't have their "snow legs" yet... once again, clueless. All this time I've been studying baa baa sheepie things books and I should have purchased a "Translating Musher Talk for Dummies"

The Musher did say they were all having fun... I hope that's not code words for something else, but I'm guessing that they are all having fun, so that's good.

They left the Kershner Home checkpoint at 10:30am and plan on being back into Willow at the finish around 10pm... which is way past my bedtime, so I'll have an update in the morning. If you are on the Facebooks, the Photographer Minion Donna will make an announcement or something and I told her to also tell the mail list peoples, but she'll be really busy helping the Musher with the pups and stuffs, so that may not come for a while. You should definitely keep hitting refresh on the official Don Bowers 200 Web site for official updates and stuffs.

In the meantime, while you are waiting, there's an interview that has the Musher in it here. Click the blueish looking button that has a megaphone on it directly under the words stuffs.

Meanwhile, back in Willow, Alaska

Hey? Where did everyone go?

- Bet

AAAAAND They're Off! - Bet

2012-01-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Photographer Minion Donna Quante, we have pictures of the start of the Don Bowers Memorial 200!

Keep checking the Don Bowers link and also if you are on the Facebooks, don't forget to like them and let everyone know how much you love the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails!

So, here it was on Willow lake this morning before the race. A balmy -32 degrees... eeesh!

I was glad to see that the Musher was wearing her chilly gear and remembered her hat. Please note, that's the fluffy lined Skookum brand hoodie thing and not some wild animal attacking her head.

I have some pictures of the Pretty Curly Tails before the race, but I'll save those for tomorrow in case we don't have any action shots. I don't everybodies having Pretty Curly Tail withdrawal.

So, here's the Pretty Curly Tails taking off at the start of the race. The Musher has bib #10 and was the second out of the chute.

Front front to back we have: Billie/Tess, Kelly/Casey, Tramp/Boo, Smartie/Beauty, Turtle/Wifi, Astro/Rocky, and Q/Charge!

Sigh... I wish I was there watching the race from the warmth of a truck or nice hotel room, or at Starbucks or something.

Anyhoo, there they go, off to have fun and avoid the Mooses (keep up the screetchy noises please).

Go you Pretty Curly Tails! Have fun on the trail and be safe Musher!!!

- Bet

Don Bowers Memorial 200 Team - Bet

2012-01-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho Everybodies, its your back at North Wapiti lounging in my chair watching Silence of the Lambs and waiting for the part about the baa baa sheepie things, non-roving Border Collie, Bet.

For those of wondering about Cricket, I sent her off to the store for some supplies. For some reason I started craving Fava Beans and a little Chianti.

While we are all waiting for the start of the Don Bowers Memorial 200 race featuring the Musher and the Pretty Curly Tails, I thought I'd let you all know who is racing today... other than the Musher... of course the Musher is racing, I mean the Pretty Curly Tails are talented and all, but they do need the Musher for stuff and things. Who would open their snack bags and foods and stuff without having thumbs and stuffs?

Also, when I said "you" I meant all of you but that pesky Rob guy that mocked me on the Facebooks. He isn't allowed to read this post.

Anyhoo, here is the Don Bowers team for 2012!!!! In no order whatsoever, so don't go reading into the way they are listed as how they are running, because its not, so stop that!

Rocky!

Rocky is sponsored by Mary, Greg and the huskies: Yucab, Maracaibo and Rosa

Boo!

This is a picture of Boo as a youngster. Boo is sponsored by Tammy Taylor!

Kelly!

Kelly is sponsored by Deb Bok

Astro!

Astro is sponsored by former NW Pretty Sled Dogs: Spider, Batdog and Junior, now living with the Ellingers in MN

Turtle!

Turtle is sponsored by Kathryn and Pete Trussell, Frank and Paula Langenstein

Wifi!

Wifi is sponsored by Barbara and Jerry Lake of Hampton, TN

Charge!

Charge is sponsored by Pat Bach and family

Q!

Q is sponsored by Musher Minion Donna Quante

Casey!

Alice Fitzgerald is sponsoring Casey

Beauty!

Beauty is sponsored by friends of Save Our Siberians - Siberspace Rescue Fund

Tess!

Tess is sponsored by Marlene Daniels

Billie!

Billie is sponsored by LaRita Skipper

TRAMP!!!!

Tramp is sponsored by Chugiak Kennels, Nelson, New Zealand

SMARTIE!!!!

Smartie is sponsored by Karen Ernest and Trina!

The Musher reports that she plans for Tess and Billie to be the main race leaders, but Tess doesn't like crowds, and who does really? They're just so crowdy! So if there are crowds, then leader plans will change.

The pre-race report is that its cold (duh), and the race peoples are having problems keeping the trails open because of drifting snow, lots of snow... really big lots of snow... there are also cranky Mooses.

I want everyone to join me in wishing the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails a FUN race, and now everyone make a very high pitched screechy noise to ward off the Mooses, because Mooses don't like high pitched screechy noises coming from all over the world.

- Bet

Who is in Alaska - A Musher post hijacked by Bet

2012-01-26T17:43:00.004-07:00

The Musher has been very busy training with the Pretty Curly Tails, caring for the Pretty Curly Tails, plowing a trail with her face for the Pretty Curly Tails... and she's been meaning to post a Who is in Alaska post for weeks...

So... every time I log into Blogger, here is her post... half finished... so I'm finishing it!!!!!

It occurred to me this morning that I haven't actually let everyone know what dogs 'made the truck' for our trip to Alaska this year!!! Although I'm certain that with all the pictures, video, etc that have been posted in the last week that everyone who was really motivated has already figured it out!

I'd say 'Of course he made the truck, he ALWAYS makes the truck.' But the fact of the matter is that Crunchie is 10 1/2 years old. For a senior like that to keep up with dogs 1/3 that age is astounding, but then again, he is an astounding dog. (Crunchie is sponsored by Dana and Judy Kevelder)

Wolvie aka 'Wolverine'. The son of 2 of my all time favorite dogs, Grover and Kara. He is beautiful, talented, and a quiet, solid worker! (Wolvie's 2012 Sponsors are Brenda Potter, Carolyn Martin and Mark Fraser. Go Wolvie!!)

Astro - big, hardworking level headed boy. His first trip to Alaska, but a veteran of last season's races!! (Astro is sponsored by former NW Pretty Sled Dogs: Spider, Batdog and Junior, now living with the Ellingers in MN)

Q (aka Q-Zee, Q-tip). Hard to believe Q is 8 1/2 years old. A true powerhouse in the team. Q is a veteran of many races, including Iditarod. (Q is sponsored by Musher Minion Donna Quante)

TopDog - the very handsome, very polite and mannered Kara son. They just do not come any sweeter (or fluffier) then this boy. (Barb and Mike Branham and Cheryl Dawson are delighted to share sponsorship of TopDog)

PLEEZEE - was there ever any doubt Trampie was going to Alaska???? The very opinionated young superstar leader. And it's soooo much quieter here at North Wapiti... except for the Tramplings of course - Bet (Tramp is sponsored by Chugiak Kennels, Nelson, New Zealand)

I'm really high on this young dog. This is Boo - or Boosie to her friends. She a head down, tail down, get the job done kinda of gal!! (Happy Running! Tammy Taylor)

Billie is a favorite of many. A 'boomerang' dog (sold at as pup, but eventually worked her way back to NorthWapiti) who has shown us how silly were were for letting her go to begin with. She does have a few 'quirks' but her drive and work ethic make up for them!! (Billie is sponsored by LaRita Skipper)

Tess. I'd like to think if I were a dog I'd be a lot like Tess. A definite tomboy, not flashy, just solid, no nonsense kind of gal that gets the job done!!! (Tess, I know you belong to Karen, but will always view you as "my girl". Will be watching from afar this year. Marlene Daniels)

Kelly. Really nice young gal. Daughter of Moses and Kara, two of my former Iditarod main leaders, she is showing that she is ready to step up and follow in her parents pawprints!! (Kelly is sponsored by Deb Bok)

Runner is another veteran of the trail. A leader and one of the most enthusiastic eaters we have - a GREAT trait for a distance dog!! (Runner is sponsored by Maureen Zavodjancik)

Wifi aka Wiffie, although camera shy, Wiffie knows how to pull and is nothing but business on the trail (Wifi is sponsored by Barbara and Jerry Lake of Hampton, TN)


Photo by Donna Quante/Husky Productions

Roscoe loves to work and loves to shine in harness (Roscoe is co- sponsored by Diane Shepard of Glendale, AZ and Jackie Phalen of Maple Park, IL.)

Rocky made the team because he's got such long legs that he can hover over the deep snow banks and reach items on tall shelves... ok, I just made all of that up - Bet (Go Team North Wapiti! Mary, Greg and the huskies: Yucab, Maracaibo and Rosa)

Turtle is a total show off and all of the younger pups don't like him because he's so good at what he does: pull like a champion. (Turtle is sponsored by Kathryn and Pete Trussell, Frank and Paula Langenstein)

Smartie is sometimes mistaken for her beautiful father Crunchie, and has some big paws to fill on the trail this year, but we're pretty sure she can handle herself like the pros. (Smartie is proudly sponsored by Karen Ernest and Trina!)

Beauty is a chip off the Kara block in both looks and work ethic. (Beauty is sponsored by friends of Save Our Siberians - Siberspace Rescue Fund)

See see run, run see run, I made that up all by myself - Bet (See, though we aren't near enough to watch you perform, we'll be following you every step of the way on the computer. Go girl go.
Marlene and Doug Daniels)

Bingo is ready to roll at any time, and can also strike a model pose when the camera comes out. Her hard work got her on the team this year (Bingo is sponsored by Mary Atkinson)

Photo by Donna Quante/Husky Productions

Bang won't be outdone by her beautiful sister and continues to show her talent in lead and eating snow (Bang is sponsored by Kathy Carmichael)

Photo by Donna Quante/Husky Productions

Jinx continues to ooze talent and work ethic. Being THE lead dog at North Wapiti can be pretty stressful, but Jinx takes it all in stride (Jinx is sponsored by Kathryn Clark)

Charge can levitate, never gets tired, and always wants to run some more... we need to moderate his latte levels apparently (Charge is sponsored by Pat Bach and family)

Irving. Being a one-eyed dog has done nothing to slow down this hard worker, and the chicks just love him because they think he's winking at them (Good luck to all - Rachel and the Wyoming Siberian pack!)

Photo by Donna Quante/Husky Productions

And yup, the little redhead made the cut. Casey is here with us in Alaska... because redheads are the best. please note, the cartoonist made me write that... sigh - Bet (Alice Fitzgerald is sponsoring Casey in addition to her sponsorship of Herman, who is co-sponsored with her son Travis, so they can continue to sponsor the next great generation of North Wapiti dogs!)

Photo by : Donna Quante/Husky Productions

Ok, so there you have it, the 24 Pretty Curly Tails in Alaska!

Now, who wants to guess who will be racing in the Don Bowers 200 tomorrow?

- Bet

"Sometimes you gotta get out and break trail.."

2012-01-24T00:41:00.001-07:00

I strapped on snowshoes this afternoon and did a bit of trail maintenance....

...sometimes you gotta get out and break trail!!!

In case you are wondering the reason for this trail maintanance, I offer this picture...

The 'trench' on the right hand side of the trail was dug by my face yesterday during my departure from the dog lot.

I was watched carefully by the whole dog lot as I snowshoed, shoveled and snowmachined over the trail...

....I think I might have heard Trampie laughing under her breath at me.

"Keep trying Mom"

*sigh*

A Small World, for sure.

2012-01-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was running my team home along the Big Su River when I met another team on the trail. Alot of my young dogs are still amazed to see other teams while training (not something that happens in Perryvale a lot), so Rocky and Astro managed to get all tangled. I stopped to sort it out and the other musher stopped next to me, he pulled down his face mask and introduced himself as Joar "from Norway". "I'm Karen", I said as we shook hands. "Oh" he said, "I'm friends with Gwen Ross. She said you'd be up here training". Gwen is a friend of mine that has a number of dogs from our kennel and is now living in Whitehorse.

We chatted a bit about training, moose, and Quest drop bags before pulling our hooks and heading on our respective ways.

I thought about the encounter afterwards - a Canadian musher and a Norweigan musher with a mutual friend living in the Yukon meeting on a river in the middle of Alaska.

It is indeed a small world!!!! I love it!!

LIVE Doing What I Love

2012-01-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

I had been following the story of Canadian freestyle skiing sensation Sarah Burke with interest since her accident the day we began our trip up to Alaska. I was extremely saddened to hear of her death earlier this week. A loss of a truly inspirational human.

I have seen it said in many articles and commentaries about her death that 'at least she died doing what she loved'. Respectfully, I don't buy it.
I don't want to DIE doing what I love, I want to LIVE doing what I love.

I believe that most people with true passion in their lives - and I don't mean passion that has to be dogsledding or freestyle skiing or anything that dramatic, but passion for your family, your loved one, stamp collecting, biking, running, or tiddlewinks want to be able to indulge in their 'passion' for as long as they can. I know I do.
Don't misunderstand, I'm not in any way, shape or form suggesting that Sarah Burke or others that 'died doing what they love', were at all reckless, life has risks, all kinds of risks. Sitting on a sofa has risks.
All I'm saying is that even those of us that take more then the 'normal' risks in life often do it as carefully and as thoughtfully as we can - because we don't want to 'die doing what we love', we love doing what we do and want to keep doing it.

And as for how I'd like to die, well I'd like to die in a rocking chair at a ripe old age knowing that I have eeked every adventure and wonderful moment out of life I possibly could have.

My deepest condelenses to the family and friends of Sarah Burke. I wish she could have lived many, many more years of adventure.

Karen

Your NW Fix for 21 January 2012 - Bet

2012-01-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho Everybodies!

It's your non-roving, lounging in a chair, hanging out watching Cricket clean last night's dishes, Border Collie Bet here!

I thought I would give the Musher an obligatory cheesecake shot of me hard at work supervising the household, since she said she missed me (awwww, I miss you too Musher!)

Anyhoo, here are some pictures of the exciting training action in Alaska.

This first picture is of the Musher trying to do a sled wheelie on a corner of the trail. She gets only 3 points for staying on the sled and not face planting because the Pretty Curly Tails weren't going full speed.

Here is the Musher giving a thumb's up after navigating the turn, as even she was surprised that there wasn't some sort of dragging behind the sled action going on, especially in the presence of a photographer.

I would also like to address some comments on the blog and the Facebooks that bring into doubt the veracity of my non-roving Border Collie Reporter skills. Harumpf...

There have been some people that actually think that Mooses, penguins, Polar Bears, and Sasquatches don't live in Alaska. I assure you that they do. Just because somebody hasn't updated the Wikidoomaflatchy thingie with evidence to this fact, doesn't make it untrue.

There is also some doubt that the Pretty Curly Tails were actually supergluing their fluffs back on because of the cold.

For all of you doubting Thomases, and doubters of names other than Thomas, and frankly this doubting Thomas really needs to get out more and stop doubting everything, I present to you actual PROOF!

I just want to warn everyone that this next picture isn't for the squeamish or faint of heart, but that also no Pretty Curly Tails were injured or eaten, as Sasquatches are deathly afraid of the sound of a camera clicking, and ran off before any damage would be done... whew.

So here it is... a Sasquatch attempting to eat the face off a Pretty Curly Tail!!!!!

IEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! You can clearly see that Sasquatches prefer the warm and comfortable SKOOKUM brand Anorak! Skookum brand... the choice of Iditarod Mushers and Sasquatches... get yours today, and don't forget to use the coupon code RAMSTEAD for free shipping and the Musher gets a commission!

As I mentioned before, the Sasquatch was frightened by the camera clicking noise and ran off before eating the Pretty Curly Tail.. whew. You can also clearly see in this picture how the other Pretty Curly Tail has messily superglued their fluff onto their side. Despite having hunks of superglued fluff on them... they still are the most prettiest of the Pretty Sled Dogs.

So... there! Don't doubt the Border Collie!

- Bet

Your NW Fix for 19 January 2012 - Bet

2012-01-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Howdy ho everybodies! Its time for your Pretty Curly Tail Sled Dog fix for today!

Today's edition is: Pretty Cold Curly Tail Sled Dogs! I guess you could say they are Chilly Dogs... get it... CHILLY DOGS!!! You know... like the hot dogs with chili on them.... ok, its not funny if I have to explain it.

Anyhoo!

First up is Tess with her ice beard.

Then we have Charge, who appears to have a nose-cicle going on

Irving looks really thrilled, and on the look out for snow spiders to howl at.

Here is the Musher handling Charge back to the truck. Charge is helping by levitating.

Here is Beauty, Tramp, and Bingo waiting for their turn back to the truck... this picture is very rare as Tramp actually has her mouth shut.

Finally, we have Boo and Smartie

I have it on good authority that the Musher will be providing a list of who is actually in Alaska with her. Have you figured them all out yet?

- Bet

Your NW Fix for 18 January 2012 - Bet

2012-01-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho everybodies!!! Its time for your picture fix for today!

Now that Irving is convinced that all of the imaginary spiders in his dog house have frozen to death and has stopped howling, the Pretty Curly Tails are getting into the swing of training, and the Musher, Musher Mark, and Donna Photographer Minion are getting some sleep.

Yesterday was a very important training day for the Pretty Curly Tails. They have to practice things that they may encounter on the trail so that when they pop up in the race, they are ready for it and know what to do.

Today's exercise started out with the very important: look stunning in case a photographer shows up to take pictures exercise. Donna Photographer Minion played the unexpected Iditarod Trail photographer, and popped out of nowhere and started snapping pictures.

As you can see, the Pretty Sled Dogs are very well trained, and have natural talent for looking stunning and beautiful (I helped by doing some modeling poses on the off season so they'd get it just right).

In this picture you will see just how well they listened to me when I instructed them to look at the camera, but with a "come hither" look, tempting the photographer to stay and take more stunning pictures of them.

In this picture you see the ears back, using the" look at us working so hard and yet making it seem effortless because we are amazingly beautiful and are very fluffy" look.

Finally we have the "oh, what a coincidence that the sun is shining in just the right spot as to make us all shimmering and have golden halos because we are just THAT good" look

Here is an obligatory "behind the scenes" Musher photo shot just before her camera turned into a ball of ice... again.

Once they had completed the scenic tour of the Alaska back lands (or whatever they're called), it was time for the "HOLY POO WHAT JUMPED INTO THE SLED BAG" exercise.

I don't know if you know this or not, but it isn't uncommon for wild animals such as Mooses, penguins and the occasional Sasquatch to leap into sled bags during the Iditarod. The race coordinators try to keep those things quiet because then tourists will want to have wild things leaping into their sled bags and it'll just get way out of hand...

Here is Musher Mark as the "wayward polar bear" asking the Musher if she'd like her windshield washed for the price of some frozen fish. Polar bears are annoying like that.

When the Musher says "um, no thanks", the Musher Mark Polar Bear quickly mentions that the sled happens to be going the same way he needs to go, and before you know it...

... it makes a very ungraceful landing in your sled bag. It is well known that Polar Bears are not graceful.

The Musher tries to dislodge the Polar Bear, but to no avail. Polar Bears have very sticky feet (which is how they grip bottles of soda)...

There is nothing left to do except hope you drive past a soda machine on the trail and the Polar Bear jumps off.

Ok, I totally made that whole last part up... Polar Bears don't have sticky feet.

- Bet

Minus what???

2012-01-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am bilingual. No, no, I don't speak Spanish or even more then minimal French, but I am bilingual when it comes to kilometers per hour vs. miles per hour and Fahrenheit vs. Celsius.
It comes from living in Canada but training and racing a lot in the US.
I tend to speak in kilometers and Celsius when at home and miles and degrees Fahrenheit when in Alaska. I don't need to convert 80 kph to 50 mph, I just know.

Apparently though, that isn't the case for all of you. It's been suggested to me that I need to do temperature conversions for you all in my blog. I will strive to do that from now on, but that doesn't mean I will succeed, so for the times I don't I offer the following guide -

100F = 38C This is ridiculously hot and activities should be limited to sitting around with a cold drink in your hand.

75F = 24C A lovely summer day at NorthWapiti. Warm, pleasant .... perfect for a trip down to the river.

50F = 10C Still a touch too warm to run sled dogs, but nice for taking puppies for a walk in the woods!!!!

32F = 0C This is more like it for the crew at NorthWapiti!!! Good stuff in the fall, although not great in the dead of winter!!

0F = -18C Pleasantly cold according to sled dogs and mushers!!!!

-20F = -29C Okay, now things are getting very cold!!! Bundling up is mandatory now!!!

-40F = -40C This is SERIOUS cold. Mechanical stuff must be coaxed into working, many things just plain break....but a well cared for dog team will keep running!!!

Photo by Donna Quante

-50F = -47C According to many, there is only one thing to do at this temperature....NAP in a warm house!!

And there you go - the temperatures according to NorthWapiti!!!

Or, if you would rather, use Bet's method to convert - take the Fahrenheit temperature, subtract 32 and divide by 2.

So -35F would be -35 - 32 = -67 / 2 = -33.5 C

Not exact, but close enough for a Border Collie to decided whether or not she wants to go outside!!!

Karen

Your Daily NW Fix For Monday 16 Jan 2012

2012-01-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here are two shots that Karen got from the sled before her camera froze

Here are the Pretty Sled Dogs off on another training run as caught by Donna Quante

And a really cool short clip of the Pretty Sled Dogs in slow motion:

How Cold Is It? - Bet

2012-01-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho everyobodies, its your toasty warm non-roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet here!

How cold is it? Well here at North Wapiti Central, its a frigid -2F and we got some snows! Of course, from the Border Collie Broadcasting Center, its a wonderfully warm room temperature.

Its so cold that they cancelled the Copper Basin 300 because of hard blowing snow, temperatures 50 below zero and its just too plain icky for the Curly Tails.

How cold is it at Willow, Alaska... according to the Musher, its -34F and getting colder! EEESH, seriously?

Its so cold that the Pretty Sled Dogs are gathering up their shedded fluff and trying to paste it back on their bodies... or so the Musher claims.

Now you must be asking yourself... self: if the Pretty Sled Dogs have raced just fine and dandy and loving it in -50F Iditarod weather, why are they duct taping their fluffs back on themselves and being so cold, they should be loving it!

Well, your self is right, but like everybodies, they have to get use to the cold again. The weather here at North Wapiti Central has been downright balmy the past few months. Its been so balmy that the Pretty Sled Dogs thought it was shedding season, so they did some shedding and now they wish they didn't shed. Its sorta like packing for the Bahamas and ending up in the Antarctica place.

So, I hope you enjoyed the video of the Pretty Curly Tails going out on their run yesterday.

Here's Bang posing in front of the sled with its snazzy Eagle Pack logo... Eagle Pack, the official sponsor of North Wapiti Kennels and maker of the ultra tasty Eagle Pack dog food... try some today!

Here's Billie and Smartie hanging out in the dog yard. Please note that the fence behind them is five feet tall... so... dang that's a lot of snows!

Before their run yesterday, the Musher had a word with Jinx and See to let them know that the snow is very deep, so it was important they stay on the trail and stuff.

Afterwards, Runner and TopDog relaxed in their own homemade igloo

Then this morning as the sun crested the snow covered trees

The Pretty Curly Tails came out of their houses....

... and said HOLY MOLY ITS REALLY COLD OUT HERE!!!! GIVE US STRAW WE WANT STRAW, SERIOUSLY HOW ABOUT SOME STRAW!!!!?????

So, the Musher set about distributing some straw to them

Apparently the Musher wasn't moving fast enough and Astro got a bit rambunctious.

GIMME THE STRAW I NEED THE STRAW... WAIT A MINUTE, THIS ANORAK IS VERY TOASTY, KEEP THE STRAW, GIVE ME THE ANORAK!!!!

And Astro is indeed correct, as it is a Skookum brand anorak... Skookum, proud sponsor of the Musher and North Wapiti Kennels.

Even though its very cold out, training still must be done, so after their breakfast digesting period, it was time to hook them up for a run...

... after it became apparent that their hearts really weren't into it in such cold, the Musher decided to just take the day off and let them snuggle in their houses.

- Bet

Bliss

2012-01-14T19:36:00.002-07:00

According to www.yourdictionary.com"The definition of bliss is complete happiness. (noun)"

According to Karen the defination of 'bliss' is this ...

The day was brutally cold, spectacularly beautiful (sorry, my camera froze up 10 minutes into the run. Did I mention that it was cold?), and SO worth the wait!!!!!

BLISS!!!!!!!!

Taking Off - The Photographer Minion

2012-01-14T19:19:00.001-07:00

Here is a short film of the North Wapiti Pretty Sled dogs taking off on their first Alaska training run. Enjoy!

Pictures, Clarifications, and Stuffs - Bet

2012-01-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho everybodies, its the up from a nap, lounging around the house, staying warm, non-roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet here!

Before I get into showing some really cool photos the Musher has been taking in Alaska, I need to clarify some things.

The Snack Bag Sponsors received an e-mail thank you with a confusing message.

It was suppose to say "If you DIDN'T send a personal message, please let the Minions know what message you wanted included in your snack bag".

Rest assured, if you packed a snack bag and put a nice message in the bag for the Musher, its still in there.

If you sponsored a snack bag and wrote a message to the Musher when you paid, the message will get packed in your snack bag.

If you sponsored a snack bag and didn't include a message, but want to, just send an e-mail to the Minions and we'll make sure it gets in your bag.

Seems pretty simple, right?

Apparently simplicity eludes the Cartoonist, especially when she's swigging the Nyquil... which she apparently does all the time for no reason. Please don't tell her you are sorry she's swigging Nyquil, there's nothing wrong with her, except maybe she needs to get off the Nyquil and start paying attention to detail. We actually thought of holding an Intervention for her, but then realized she may not be even partially functional without it and are just leaving it alone.

So, if you get strange messages that make no sense, just assume its from the Cartoonist and she hasn't had enough coffee and started the 'Quil a bit early.

Thank you, and now on to some really PRETTY pictures of the Pretty Curly Tails in SNOW!!!!!

As you can see, they are VERY happy to have so much snow to romp in that they are howling with joy!

Such happy happy joy joy snow

And more happy

Oodles of happy

and then the traditional sugar coated Pretty Curly Tail

- Bet

You Wonderful Peoples!!! - Bet

2012-01-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

WOWZERS everyone!

It's your very humbled and overwhelmed with generosity and helpfulness non-roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet here!

A mere few minutes after my plea for snack bag help, everyone just piled on and totally sold out the rest of the checkpoints, thus ensuring tasty treats for the Musher along the way to Nome!

I am busy, busy, busy putting the names up on the blog of those who jumped at the chance to snack the Musher (please note, as far as I know the Snack Bag minion isn't going to pack frozen fishes for her), so give me some time to fill in the blanks. I may need some extra crampy toe massage after this marathon blog updating!

I'm also pleased to announce that the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails arrived safely in Willow, Alaska at their temporary home for the Iditarod with the Photographer Musher.

The Musher is extra pleased by the amount of snow there... from the picture it looks like a little more than a dusting there.

Don't mind me, everything's fine!

Stay tuned for more updates, pictures, and ways to help the Pretty Curly Tails, along with some fun games, surprises, and prizes.

Remember... I totally love all of you for your support and help for the Pretty Curly Tails and my beloved Musher.

- Bet

Weekly Update and Good Stuffs - Bet

2012-01-13T07:55:00.002-07:00

Howdy Ho everybodies, its your freshly peach scrubbed, snacking on tasty waffles, lounging on the cloud, warm, non-roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet here!

I gotta say, although I'm very sad that I'm not with the Pretty Curly Tails and Musher on this trip, the Sarah Handler respects my bed space, does a mean crampy toe massage, and my cuticles have never been better, so I guess its not all so bad not being on the road.

The tracking device shows that North Wapiti is now in the Alaskan wilderness, having finally found some winter along the way

The Musher did the happy snow dance and I'm pretty sure the Pretty Curly Tails were happy as well. I've been keeping an eye on the snow reports since the entire state of Alaska has received all of the snow it didn't get for the past 40 years all in one lump.

Here is a picture of the Pretty Curly Tail home away from home in Alaska

Yep, I'm pretty sure the Pretty Sled Dogs are gonna like their home away from home!

For those of you asking, here are some pictures of Rocket, who is recovering quite nicely (thankfully) and is even growing her furs back!

As you can see, she's not very excited about the amount of snow here in Canada, but I'm just fine wit it.

She wasn't especially dance motivated in this picture. She's saving it up for the Dance, Dance, Whatever Its Called competition we'll be having as soon as the delivery arrives.

By the way Musher, you really shouldn't leave your paypal login where Bait can see it... just sayin... I refused the semi truck delivery of sardines, you can thank me later.

So, on to more important thingies, and that is a BIG OL THANK YOU to the peoples that are stuffing snack bags for the Musher at the checkpoints! I've added your names to the sponsor part on the right hand side of the blog thing, and you'll notice that there's some checkpoints that need foods and snacks and stuffs!

Since time is running short (where does the time go... does anyone really know what time it is?), we're going to let peoples sponsor a snack bag! No muss, no fuss, no mailing, you get to sponsor a checkpoint snack bag and our snack bag minion will stuff it, and even include a personal greeting from you in the bag for the Musher!

All you have to do is click on the snack bag picture like the one belowSo, see that big square at the top of the blog that looks like this:

If you click on that, it takes you to the Snack Bag Instruction page!!! There's a handy dandy paypal button that will let you sponsor a snack bag for a specific checkpoint. Then you'll get your name on the blog as a sponsor, and a bag will be made for you and waiting at the checkpoint for the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails! Easy Peasey!

So sponsor your snack bag and give the grateful Musher some tasty things to eat on the trail!

I'll be posting some more later after my nap.

- Bet

A Quick Trip Update - Bet

2012-01-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho everybody! Its your warm in the house not traveling the road non-roving Boarder Collie Reporter, Bet, here!

In case you weren't aware, we managed to plant the Musher Tracking Device on the Musher before she left. We've been keeping an eye on her when we're not busy making cookies, or playing cards. Bait ordered some games for the Wii, and we can't wait to try out that Dance, Dance, Whatever Its Called game.

Speaking of dancing, Sarah Handler wanted me to pass on that Rocket is doing great, and even does the Rocket dance for her dinner. Rocket made sure to give the Pretty Curly Tails a team talk before they left, and as much as she wanted to go, since she hadn't been training with the rest of the Pretty Curly Tails, the Musher sadly left her behind... with me... behind... here...

ANYHOOO, we look forward to seeing Rocket do some real dance moves when the delivery guy drops off all of our new games. In the meantime I'm having a heck of a time keeping Bait and Tic off the Cloud. Now that Rocket is back outside, its like they cling to the cloud with every claw and refuse to leave it. I evicted them once and have found myself forced to spend all of my time on it guarding it from them... sigh... the work I do around here!

Oh wait, wasn't I giving a trip update? Oh yeah, ok, so the Dog truck is moving along now... earlier there were some challenging roads to get through and their pace slowed to a crawl.

Um... yeah, treacherous roads there... I'm pretty sure there were an equal amount of bathroom breaks in there as well.

Here is a picture of the pups at High Prairie Alberta

Then after more driving driving driving and driving, they stopped north of Fort St. John British Columbia

The Musher reported in and said that gas was expensive, and they ran out of Starbucks until they hit Alaska, so the coffee was expensive and icky.

Gee, I don't know... I think my latte goes just fine with the Turkey and Pumpkin flavored treats that Sarah Handler gives me

Until later... hopefully I'll be able to type tomorrow after Sarah Handler does my pedicure and peach facial scrub massage.

- Bet

AAAAAAND, They're Off - Bet

2012-01-10T17:03:00.001-07:00

Howdy Ho everyone, its your staying at home, pouting, non-roving Border Collie Reporter Bet here!

The Musher and Pretty Curly Tails left for Alaska today. I was trying to act as though I wasn't upset so I wouldn't upset the Musher, so here I am looking very stoic

La La La, don't mind my, I'm not pouting at all, nope, just resting my eyes, you just go ahead and pack that truck, don't want to be in the way or anything.

What? You're all packed and ready to leave? Oh, ok, well, you'll be back soon and all that, so there's really no need for me to get out of the chair really... have a good trip and all, see ya when you get back and stuff and things...

No, don't worry about me, I'll be fine here with Sarah and everybodies and all, the time will just fly by and before you know it, you'll be back... sniff.

-Bet

Exclusively Exclusive Fashion Statement - Bet

2012-01-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho everybody!

I just told you how I was waiting on the nyquil swilling cartoonist to do her job... well she finally came out of her stupor and did what I needed done and now its time to make the big announcement unveiling of the new totally cool and very exclusive, one of a kind, not gonna be anything like it after this year ensemble collection thingie!!!!

Drum roll please!!!

I said drum roll!!!!

Just tap your fingers on your desk or something ok, humor me!

That's better... eeesh.

Ok, here it is:

Its the new Limited Edition North Wapiti 2012 Iditarod Fleecy Vest!!!!!

I KNOW!!!! Isn't it cool... I mean warm... comfy... REALLY NEAT!!! And it matches the hat and mittens too!!!!

We gots two kinds: the Red/Black:

And the Gray/Black:

You can find sizing, description, and other info at the North Wapiti Shop (click on the shop button at the top right hand side), and order your very own fleecy vest to complete your North Wapiti ensemble!!!

I'm so excited a piddled a bit!

- Bet

Oodles of Stuffs - Bet

2012-01-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Howdy ho everybody! I'm back after my week of double-secret probation from that little New Year's Eve "incident". The Musher wouldn't allow me to touch the computer, or go talk to the Pretty Curly Tails, or leave the house (except for bathroom stuffs), and she even threatened to lock me in the outhouse at one point because apparently those flaming pants were... hers. Sigh.

Anyhoooooooo, I'm back now, but I have a ton of stuffs to talk to you about today, so this is gonna be a long post!

Pictionary Picture

It doesn't come as much of a surprise that nobody guessed the pictionary picture thing. One of you came kinda close, but here it is again to remind you:

The answer is: Gone With The Wind.

No, seriously, that's what she said it was.

Left arrow: they left, so they are gone
Squiggly lines blowing a leaf... wind

Yep, see what I have to put up with?

Musher Banquet Seating Winners

First of all, I wanted to announce the winners of the "you get to sit at the Musher table with the Musher during the banquet" contest thing sorta. We drew the names a long time ago and told them already, but wanted to post it here to be all official and junk:

Patricia Wall
Donna Morrow
Dinah Abood
LaRita Skipper
Polly Bray
Bill Bray

Congrats and all that. Please make sure the Musher doesn't partake in a whole lot of red wine during the banquet, and if she promises you something unrealistic, like skijoring behind a horse... don't believe her... well, actually you probably want to believe that one, so how about sky diving with a horse... yeah, not gonna happen.

Alaska Bound

I don't know if you've heard or not, but I'm not going to Alaska... sniff.

What with all of the stuffs the Musher has to do to get there, and stuffs to do while she's there, and since she and the Pretty Curly Tails will be staying at their gracious host's house and really, really busy doing stuff to get ready for the race and things, and then there's the coming and going, and races before the big race and such and things... that the Musher felt I would be more helpful here with Sarah Handler keeping the North Wapiti homefront safe and stuff, and things... and stuff.

After all, Sarah Handler needs help learning about tasty foods like waffles, peanut butter, and some vegetables when cooked properly, so she really needs me here to help with those things.

At first I was pretty upset about it, as you can see, but then I looked on the Interwebs about all of the things I would be missing in Alaska and found this picture of the snow fall they got in a place called Valdez.

Um... those are REAL cars down there. It looks very cold. How do the animals actually walk through that mess? I would surely lose one of my designer booties in that... so... I'm pretty ok staying in the warm house on the cloud with Sarah Handler. Besides, I can report just as well from the Border Collie Broadcasting Center (BCBC) and probably get you a lot more information than if I was there and stuck in a huge snow drift without the Interwebs. Plus there's waffles here.

Speaking of Sarah Handler, I know there hasn't been much on the blog about her since her arrival. You all got pretty familiar with Brittany Handler because of her many hi jinx with falling off of things, getting run over by Pretty Curly Tails, and general hilarity.

Sarah Handler isn't as fun... ok, she's actually very fun, its just that she's not fun in a blog material type of way... I keep trying to get the Pretty Curly Tails to run her over, or at the very least wrap her up in their rope thingies, but they are all in serious training mode, plus they don't want to blow their chance at going to the big race by getting grounded and have been behaving very nicely after the New Year's Eve pants incident.

Since Sarah Handler hasn't gotten much blog time, here is a recent picture of her as she was going out on the icy ground to feed the Pretty Curly Tails.

She didn't fall or anything... sigh.

Ok, so in other exciting news... do you all remember me telling you the importance of a matching ensemble? I know that some of you aren't as familiar with the latest trend in arctic fashion and how you too can look FABULOUS and STUNNING without resembling the Michelin Man thing.

Well, I have another exciting and cool announcement... but I can't tell you until that Nyquil sucking cartoonist gets off her butt and does her job, but I assure you that its really, REALLY cool and you will want to have one of your very own.

Until later

- Bet

'Elephant' Burgers

2012-01-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

To start this post off, I need to 'explain' it by showing you all a few pictures of what the trails have looked like the last few days...

Not only are they deadly slippery and difficult to control a team on, the gravel is frozen into the road, making it nasty on the dog's feet. After about 8 miles of running yesterday, I pulled the plug and turned the dogs for home. No point in risking hurting anyone at his point of the season.

Today things were no better, in fact, possibly slippery, so I worked on packing, washing harnesses, doing a bit of grocery shopping.....not as much fun as running dogs, but stuff that stills needs to get done before we head for Alaska on Tuesday (where there is PLENTY of snow, BTW).

Anyway, as I was darting and dashing around and in and out of the house today, the Food Channel was the 'background' noise, as it often is - I'm a bit of a 'Food Network' addict - and that is how I explain what was on the menu for dinner tonight - a hamburger with provolone cheese, lettuce, bacon and PEANUT BUTTER!! Yup, I said PEANUT BUTTER.

Sarah and I had seen a burger with peanut butter featured on 'Eat St', a show about food trucks and we were ....well....at first we were grossed out...but then we got thinking and chatting about it....a bit of internet research later and .... voila!!!

As I was cooking this creation I was trying to think of a name for it and eventually settled on calling it an 'Elephant Burger'.
Why an 'Elephant Burger', you ask???

Well, it is big (anyone that has had burgers here knows they are always big!!!), it has peanut butter in it and with peanut butter, cheese and bacon on it.... if you eat to many you will be packing alot of 'junk' in your 'trunk'!! Da...da...DA!!!

Mark is hoping we get some snow soon!!!!

(BTW.....Sarah, Bet and I all gave the burger a definite thumbs up. Mark was ambivalent.)

Facebook Save

2012-01-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

The picture pretty much tells the whole story, but just in case you need clarification ... stupid musher forgets to fill up ATV before going out on a long run. Facebook and Sarah save the day!!!!

Thankfully a bit of technology can even reach out into the Tawatinaw River valley, so using my iPhone I was able to get a Facebook message to Sarah, who phoned me and she agreed to meet me in Rochester with a jerry can of gas.

Yes, the team could have pulled a dead ATV home, in fact it would have been easier for them, as when I have it running, I have it in gear and have the team working against the engine resistance - but without headlights it wouldn't have been very safe - and without handwarmers I wouldn't have been as comfortable! =)

So Sarah saved us!!! Thanks Sarah !!! =)

Karen

Drop Bag Update - Bet

2012-01-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Wowzers peoples!!!

I just had to drop what I was doing (napping) and let all of you know just how wonderfully fantastically magical you all are!

After I mentioned the whole drop bag needed items thingy in my last blog post, the interwebs came alive and we're sold out of EVERYTHING except for 8 AA batteries!

This just in... ALL items are SOLD OUT, yipeeeee!!!!

I've added everypeople's names that supplied the drop bag stuff to our sponsor area and I send out a big ol' THANK YOU for the outpouring of love!

Ya know... if all I had to do was ask for stuff... and the stuff appeared, then maybe I can use my magical powers for good... hmmmmm.

Look into my eyes... and send waffles!

Oh, and another thing. The guesses on the Pictionary thing are pretty good... but so far nobody has guessed it. Let me know when you give up... seriously, I doubt anyone can guess it, but if you want to keep trying...

- Bet

The New Year's Eve Party - Bet

2012-01-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

SHHHHHHH, its your very hung over not so roving wanna take a nap Border Collie, Bet, here.

Ok, I made a HUGE mistake last night. The Musher, Musher Guy, and Rocket just wanted to sit inside a play Pictionary. Seeriously, the Musher cannot draw... if anyone can guess what this is... I'll give you a shout out on my next blog post:

Even when she told us... ummmm... no, really, no way.

But I digress... since the Musher, Musher Guy, and Rocket just wanted a nice quiet night inside, I decided to liven things up in the dog yard a bit, and I raided Bait's stash of catnip.

Yeah, yeah, I know, the Pretty Curly Tails are in training and all that, but I didn't think a little catnip on New Year's Eve would be a big thing... they've been working so hard and all, I just wanted to give them one night of fun and everything, and it was all fine... until...

Well, it started getting a little out of hand when they started singing and Cricket came out of the woods to find out what was going on, and then someone had the bright idea that we all needed to drop a lighted ball to count down to the New Year, but we didn't have a lighted ball, and then someone mentioned pants and before you know it, they were lowering the flaming pants.

After that it gets a bit fuzzy, but Q and Wolvie decided to go streaking and got caught by the Musher, and there's something about my being grounded or on probation or something... who knows, she was talking so fast.

I'm gonna go lay down now, I'm getting a bit dizzy.

-Bet

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T06:01:00.002-07:00

Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. I challenge you to just be yourself.
-Aisha Elderwyn

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

From this somewhat crazy dog loving, coffee dependent, wine loving, internet addicted, horse crazy, rather insecure, boot addicted, somewhat neurotic, painted toenail, scarf loving, outdoor craving, fun loving dog musher to you all!!!

All Work And No Play...

2011-12-31T21:58:00.001-07:00

The thing about Guardian dogs is that they are all work and no play. Always on guard...no down time...always serious about their job....

Ahem Cricket ....I'm trying to make a point here...

Get up....look serious...

That is NOT serious. You are a GUARD DOG!!!

Yes, I see your ferocious teeth - you still don't look like you mean business.

Really Cricket - you are PA THET IC....Pathetic...

I feel so safe.

Karen

My Last Post - Bet

2011-12-31T08:38:00.001-07:00

Of the year that is... hehehe fooled you all!

Happy New Year everybody! Its your roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet here!

As you can see, I've turned in my reporter hat for my nurse uniform... I have to say, I really don't like this hat because it keeps falling off in my water bowl.

The good news is that Rocket continues to be the same Rocket as before and that's a good thing, except she now has me massaging her crampy toes and she's learned how to do sad eyes and get goodies, which takes inventory out of my goodie count. If she starts getting waffles... well, that's where I draw the line, that's all I'm saying.

Ok, look, we've got a lot of things to catch up on, and since its almost bedpan time I need to get out my list of things to do and get you all caught up on things and stuff and junk.

First off, I want to thank ALL of you because ALL of the Pretty Curly Tails are now sponsored!!!! Yippeee!!!! Hopefully all of the whining and complaining and yammering (especially from that Tramp) will stop and the Curly Tails can concentrate on their training and stop doing marketing pitches for sponsorship. I have no idea what Newt is going to do with that giant Newt blimp, but that's his problem.

Anyhooo!!!

It has come to my attention that the Snack Bag post MAY have gotten lost in the holiday rush, so here's the deal again...

Musher needs stuffs on the trail
Pretty Curly Tails needs stuffs on the trail
We're gonna let you help get those stuffs to them on the trail, but we need to act fast!

So, see that big square at the top of the blog that looks like this:

If you click on that, it takes you to the Snack Bag Instruction page!!! It will tell you all about how to shop, stuff, and send a snack bag that will go to the Iditarod and sit at one of the famous checkpoints and wait for the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails to get there, then be eaten by the Musher on the Iditarod trail and then you can say that you made an Iditarod Musher happy by giving her tasty things!

Another way to help is to help us buy stuffs that the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails need on the trail and we have a list and some handy buttons where you can donate moneys so the Snack Bag Minion can buy stuffs for them... like

PRILOSEC OTC, which the Pretty Curly Tails really need to help keep them from getting upset tummies and those nasty ulcer things that are really REALLY bad for them!

HANDWARMERS that are used to slip into the Pretty Curly Tail coats at checkpoints to help them warm sore muscles and make them toasty warm and comfy

LITHIUM BATTERIES so the Musher doesn't have to set her boot on fire to see the trail... oh yeah, you should all remember that year.

As of right now (12/31/2011), here is our inventory:

Item	Need
Prilosec OTC	194
AA Lithium Batteries	60
Mini Mitts	64
Handwarmers	124
Juice Boxes	56
Gatorade	0

We have a long way to go, but its a start, so lets get on it peoples!!!

We also want to thank everybody that has already bought some stuffs and we're so thankful, we've put your names in the right hand side as Drop Bag Item sponsors!!! THANK YOU!!!!

-BET

Local 'Wildlife'.

2011-12-31T08:35:00.006-07:00

For Christmas Mark got me a very cool 'game camera'. It was pretty much a perfect gift, something I wanted, but could never justify spending money on!!!

I was quite captivated by Parks Canada's great You Tube Video A Wild Year - Banff National Park when I saw it on Facebook last year.

So with visions of "A Wild Year - NorthWapiti" dancing my head I've been having a lot of fun moving the camera around the woods and checking it in the mornings to see what we 'captured', looking for the 'perfect' spot to capture my 'Twelve Months, Four Seasons, One Revolution of the Sun' at the kennel.

I'm sorting out that camera placement and positioning is key to success in 'bagging' wildlife and requires a bit of skill. Skill I obviously lack, as this is all I've gotten so far....

Check back next year for "A Not So Wild Year - Cricket.....Twelve Months, Four Seasons, One Revolution of the Dog".

Sequels are not expected.

Karen

Peas and Carrots

2011-12-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Part of the work I do at this time of year is not only nurturing and bringing along new leaders but finding combinations of leaders that go together like....well....peas and carrots.
When all goes right 2 leaders that compliment each other well will raise the level of both dogs. Sometimes, with the exact wrong combination, the exact opposite happens.

Tramp is quickly proving that she is one of the best leaders in the yard here at NorthWapiti.

She is FAST (very fast), focused, driven and very keen to please - but she is rather....ummmm....how can I put this politely.....OUTSPOKEN.

Not all my leaders are .... um.....KEEN on sharing the spotlight with as ......um....INTENSE a dog as Tramp.

"What a DIVA", says Kelly

But Tramp is good enough up front to be worth the trouble to find the perfect running mate.

...or maybe she will shine as a single leader!!!

It's my job to sort that out!!!!

Karen

Not A Creature Was Stirring...

2011-12-25T08:58:00.001-07:00

Legend has it at midnight on Christmas Eve animals can speak....

I headed to bed at 10pm last night but in the middle of the night I woke to a dull, roaring type noise. I glanced at my ceiling clock/thermometer and watched as it clicked over from displaying -3C (that's a whole 'nother blog) to 00:01.
I strained to hear what the noise was and whether I had to get up to address a problem in the dog yard. As I concentrated I began to separate individual sounds from the roar.
The first was a rather shrill, demanding voice that I quickly recognized as Tramp complaining about...well....everything. Then there was Rocket on a tirade about porcupines and her itching stitches. A deep throaty voice kept yelling "STAY AWAY. THIS IS MY YARD". Definitely Cricket.
I strained further and heard the clipped, polite accent of Todd telling everyone about his research on effects of lactic acid on the muscles of a distance athlete. Then there was Fletch's more 'earthy' accent. Did he just call me 'me duck'? I am still your Mother, young man!
Jinx was wondering aloud what the weather was in Alaska and what the Iditarod Trail was looking like. All business that lady.
Very prey driven Casey yelled that she thought she saw a mouse in the woods.
Barq said that if that 'young upstart' Jack didn't shut up he was going to 'beat the guard hairs off him'.
Smartie asked if someone would bring her the Suduko book from the bathroom so she could finish off a few puzzles.
Beauty asked neighbor Tess if her new collar made her look 'fluffy'?
The chanting in the yard was sure to be the very 'Zen like' Runner trying to maintain his inner peace.
Rocky excitedly announced to anyone that would listen that he pretty sure he was going to Alaska!

I decided there was no way I was stepping out in that dog yard. I snuggled against my warm husband and pulled a pillow over my ears.

I woke up many hours later to the quiet of Christmas morning. In the distance I could faintly hear Cricket barking at coyotes and squeaky Tic was already at the sliding door waiting to be let in. Bet's toes clicked across the laminate floor as she had noticed I was awake and came to wish me a 'Merry Christmas'.

All was good in my world!!! Thank goodness that only happens once a year!

Merry Christmas All!
Karen

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.
~Author Unknown

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

From ALL of us at NorthWapiti

The Week (or something) In Review - Bet

2011-12-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

Howdy Ho everybody, its your diligent yet sometimes tardy Roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet, here!

Yes, yes, we ALL want to know how little Rocket is doing, so I'll just start with that because you'll just bug me until we do... eeesh.

After her surgery and stuff, she was really sore and poopy feeling, so I let her have the cloud and even gave her my prized baa baa sheepy thing toy to comfort her. (Even though Crunchie will claim the baa baa sheepy toy thing is his... its all a lie!)

Hey, its the LEAST I could do, she looked so horribly pathetic and all, I'm not heartless you know!

After some rest and good foods and lots and lots of lovin, she started perking up a bit and even smiled for the camera.

Although she says that she doesn't feel like dancing, she is feeling better, and we'll just take it day by day. Of course, when it was time for me to go to bed, I told her that I needed by baa baa sheepy thing, because... well, its my baa baa sheepy thing!

Hmmm, something tells me that I'm not going to get back my baa baa sheepy thing until she's fully healed... I'm certainly not going to try to retrieve it with that look going on.

So, after the whole porcupine fiasco, the Pretty Curly tails decided that porcupines aren't fun to chase, so they decided to go after cute, fluffy little bunny rabbits. This gave niece Corrine some experience in untangling Pretty Curly Tails in snow, and branches, and rocks, and stuff.

From what I heard, the Pretty Curly Tails weren't chasing bunnies, they were picking out the dog yard Christmas Tree, but apparently the Musher and niece Corrine didn't understand.

Here is your obligatory cheesecake pose by the ever studly Wolverine

The temperatures have been up and down and up and down and up and up and... too warm to do a lot of training at times, but Wolvie knows that when they aren't moving, its time to suck up as much snow time as possible.

Yesterday the pups took a trip to the local post office, which was just teeming with customers... I mean you can barely find a place to park a whole dog team, just look at all of the people.... ok, seriously, this is REALLY busy for the post office.

Kelly and Beauty ran in lead, which was one of those kismet things...

... because some sneaky people named Rob and Rhonda had commissioned a painting of their mother, Kara, to give to the Musher from the legendary Jon Van Zyle and it arrived at the Post Office yesterday.

He totally captured her spirit and the Musher totally loves it so much and was overwhelmed by the gift. I like it too and miss my cloud mate very much, but now we can look up and see her looking down at us again. Thank you to everyone involved with such a wonderful gift.

- Bet

The Porcupine Incident - Bet

2011-12-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ho everybody, your Roving Border Collie, Bet, here!

I was going to do a wrap up of the week (or so) of the Interwebs, but the Musher asked that I tell everyone about the icky porcupine incident.

For those of you that don't know, this is what a porcupine looks like:

They are NASTY rodents that have sharp quills that they shoot like spears at their enemies... ok, they don't actually shoot their quills, but it seems like they do. Their scientific name is: MajorusStickyOuchHurtsGoodEating.

Anyhoo, the other day while the Musher and Corrine (Musher niece) was out with the Pretty Curly Tails, they were about 8 miles away from home, minding their own business, and an evil ninja porcupine leaped out of nowhere and attacked the Pretty Curly Tails!!!

Ok, actually the Pretty Curly Tails spotted the porcupine at the same time as Musher and Corrine, but by then it was too late. The Musher tried to stop the sled, but there was ice on the road, the Pretty Curly Tails REALLY wanted to chase the evil rodent, the evil rodent was trying to get to its den, chaos ensued and bad mojo happened.

Boo and Rocket (in the lead) tried pulling the thing from its den and got quilled in the mouth and muzzle. Rocket looks like she tried to jump on it because she got quills in her mouth, muzzle, chest and leg... here is a picture of her harness after the fact:

I mean LOOK AT THAT! Those razor sharp quill things just went right through her harness!!!

Corrine did a GREAT job helping the Musher during the whole melee. Not only was she able to stay calm during total chaos, but followed the Musher's instructions and was instrumental in keeping the total damage down to a minimum of a few dogs. Only Boo, Rocket, Jinx, and Kelly got a piece of the action and quilled in the process.

The Musher called Musher Mark and Sarah handler, who swooped in with the truck and betwen them all, were able to pull the quills out of everyone, and the majority out of Rocket, but it was quite clear that Rocket would need to go see Dr. Jackson.

Dr. Jackson had to knock Rocket out, shave her right should and pulled 15 more deeply imbedded quills out of her shoulder, more from her mouth and muzzle. Dr. Jackson had to cut into the shoulder muscle to get out some of the quills.

Here is poor Rocket after the procedure

OUCH!

The pesky quills don't show up on X-rays, so there's a chance there are more in little dancing Rocket. The EVIL thing about quills is that they can migrate through a body and come out who knows where! That means we have to keep Rocket in the house, quiet, under supervision and our eye on her to make sure the EVIL quills don't migrate to very important places... this really sucks peoples!

So, we have another guest in the house... sigh

Although I totally understand that we have to make sure Rocket heals and all, its still a bit upsetting for the household. She actually slept in the bedroom with us last night... MY bedroom! There's a perfectly good closet in the back room, but who slept in there last night??? ME! Ok, I could have slept in the bedroom, but this whole change thing is disturbing.

To make matters worse, Rocket doesn't like cats, which means that Tic and Bait are hiding outside the house somewhere... actually they aren't hiding, they're hanging off the window screens peering in because they're cold and inconvenienced.

The porcupine is apparently dead or packed its bags and left, as well as it should be for putting me through this!

The Musher is pretty upset about the whole thing and wants to make sure it never happens again, but I think she's taking things a bit too far. The Pretty Curly Tails are having a difficult time training in their new porcupine proof equipment.

- Bet

Its Snack Bag Time!!!! - Bet

2011-12-18T09:13:00.001-07:00

Howdy Ho everybody, its your Roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet, here!

Yes, I've been a bit quiet lately because (as usual) there's always something going on around here that requires my attention!

I'll be doing an Interwebs wrap up in a bit, but I needed to get this important snack bag breaking news story out first....

WE INTERRUPT OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG POST FOR THIS VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

Ahem...

IT'S SNACK BAG TIME!!!!!!

Ok, some of you are probably like all "what the heck is snack bag time"... well, if you'll hold on a minute I'll tell you! Geesh, settle down everyone!

When I was a mere pup in the wilds of Texas (and yes, yesterday was National Maple Syrup day, which I faithful observe), I thought that dog mushers just went out and mushed, perhaps carrying their supplies on a really comfy support vehicle, such as an RV or tour bus that was driven behind the sled by the pit crew... like in NASCAR. Apparently I was wrong and found that out when I became a part of North Wapiti.

Mushers rely on their drop bags at each checkpoint to sustain them and their Pretty Curly Tails during a race. Each drop bag contains the essentials of life: food, comfort, treats, medicines, snacks, more snacks, some snacks, and stuff and things.

As you may recall, there's a whole lot of preparing, buying, and packing when it comes to drop bags. Here I am helping Richard stuff his drop bags for the Canadian Challenge:

You forgot the waffles!

So... what does this have to do with you and snack bags? OHMYGEEZIE you people are impatient, I'm getting to that!

The Musher has a sort of vapor-lock when it comes to packing snacks and treats for herself in her snack bags. She has her standard favorites and all that, but there's no added motivation for her to get to the checkpoint because she knows what's waiting for her in her snack bag. So, during one of the Iditarods, her fans volunteered to pack her snack bags for her, that way she had NO CLUE what was waiting for her at the checkpoint, and it was fun discovering the different things and eating new stuffs and reading the inspirational messages her fans wrote for her.

There's like 24 or so checkpoints on the trail, so she needs 24 snack bags and other essentials in the drop bags. Here's where you come in... yes, FINALLY!

You can pick out and fill your very own snack bag, that will be put in the drop bag, that the Musher will eat at an Iditarod checkpoint! Isn't that cool??? I said ISN'T THAT COOL??? Snack bags aren't that big, just a gallon-sized Ziploc baggie of goodies. All you have to do is go to the Snack Bag page and follow the directions to send your snack bag!!! We even have a new Snack Bag Musher Minion that will tenderly care for your snack bag and make sure it gets to the wilds of Alaska!

If you don't want to pick out snacks and send a snack bag, well, that's fine too, because there are other things that the Pretty Curly Tails and the Musher need in the drop bags, such as:

Prilosec OTC
Hand warmers
Mitts
AA batteries
Waffles

Ok... they don't need waffles, but they do needs those other things and some more things, and we've made it easy and cheap for you to help out getting those things... you can donate any number of those things with a simple click of the button! No need to even put down your coffee, just go to the Snack bag page and near the bottom is the list of thingies they need in the drop bags, just click some buttons, say how many you want to donate and its a done deal!

I'm also including a handy link near the top of the page so you can tell your friends and family, and distant relatives, complete strangers, and random people you bump into on the street so they can join in and be a part of the Iditarod experience by knowing that your contribution is actually being used on that historic trail to get the Pretty Curly Tails under the burled arch thing in Nome!

As usual, if you have any questions, you can e-mail the helpful Heather Minion at Musher Minions (help4northwapiti@gmail.com)

- Bet

Sweaterpalooza Drawing - Bet

2011-12-09T07:14:00.001-07:00

Howdy Ho everybody, its your roving Border Collie Reporter, Bet, here!

I bet you bet that we forgot all about the sweater drawing thingie, didn't you! Pshaw! No we didn't!

The Musher wanted everything to be JUST RIGHT for the actually drawing of the names festivities and stuff, which meant...

I got a bath.

NOT happy about that! The stupid pink bow is a bit much, makes me look like some frou-frou spoiled housedog or something. I'm as rough and tumble as the Pretty Curly Tails! I can handle it out in the freezy temps with the big dogs! As a matter of fact, the Musher said there's another camping trip coming up, and you know what? I'm going out there without my winter gear and warm booties just to prove that I can hang with the gang... maybe I'll even chop some wood and spit and stuff... yeah!

Oh wait, where was I? Ah yes, the Cowaboo sweater drawing thingie... yeah, ok, so back to the story... blah blah, didn't forget, got a bath, stupid pink bow... oh yeah!

So anyhoo, the Musher wanted me to draw the names out of a hat for the winner of the sweater, the wristie things, and then someone gets to choose a baa baa fleecy thing from 2008. Oh geez, how original, that's been done to death. Besides, who wants to stick their nose in someone's stinky hat and grab a piece of paper that's been swimming in who knows what in that hat?

So, I told the Musher that it would be MUCH better, and more fun for me, if she just put the slips of paper in a jar of peanut butter!

MMMMM I LOVE peanut butter! And she fell for it!

Ok, lets see... all of the names are in there all folded up so I can't see them... so let me pick the first prize winner of the stunning partially knitted by the Musher Cowaboo sweater.....

Gotta get real deep in here... mmmmm there's some residue in here, nom nom... oh yeah, here's a slip of paper... and the winner of the sweater is....

Congratulations Marian Siegel, you are now the proud owner of the Cowaboo sweater!!!

Now I had to go back in and pick the winner of the wristie thingies... in case you forgot what they look like here they are

They're really cool and warm and smell like cookies because Helen Handler knitted them. You get two, one for each wrist... just wanted to be clear about that.

Ok, so back into the jar to pick the winner of the wristie things

Mphrmblmph... all of the papers are stuck to the sides of the jar, so I'm really have to work at getting them separated and.....

Congratulations Donna Quante, the winner of the wristie thingies!

Now, I have to get in there and pick the winner of the 2008 baa baa fleecy thing... sigh... the suffering I endure for the good of the kennel.

MMMMM... I mean hmmmm, I seem to be having a difficult time getting down to the ones at the bottom and need to eat my way there... this may take some time.... ok, got one.

Congratulations Lisa Myers, you win your choice of 2008 baa baa fleecy thing!

Ok winners, contact the Heather Minion at Musher Minions (help4northwapiti@gmail.com)

Ok, I need to go back in there and get out the rest of the papers... so glad I got that bath!

- Bet

"Let's Camp"

2011-12-09T05:37:00.001-07:00

The plan for yesterday was to take the team on another camping trip but when we woke up to a -26C reading on the thermometer plans were changed. ATV's don't 'camp' well at those temps - mushers either!!!
We fed on schedule, I worked out while the dogs were digesting their breakfast, piled on an extra layer of clothing as the temperature was still holding at -26, and I headed out on run. I told Sarah that I wasn't sure how long I'd be, I'd see what the weather was 'out of the valley' before deciding.

Six miles into the run I stopped the ATV, dug around for my cell phone, powered it up, phoned Mark and said "Let's camp". Although it was cold, the sun made it rather bearable!!

Twenty one miles later I pulled into the campground to find Sarah waiting with a meal for the dogs, Mark tending a roaring, hot fire, and Bet shivering her fur off. Sweet.

Oh, I almost forgot to report my 'traffic violation' on the way into the campground -

Bad dogteam!!!! Bad dogteam!!! =)

Anyway, it was cold, the hot dogs sucked (I bought 'all natural' hot dogs that was very proud of the fact you could pronounce all their ingredients. Apparently, the 'unnatural' and 'unreadable' things are what make hot dogs good!! Who knew!!!!), the dogs rested badly......BUT ...the runs themselves were GREAT!!! The dogs are very fast and very driven this season. I am so very pleased with them.

The run home was in fabulous bright moonlight - we saw 3 moose, a herd of elk and more deer then I could count. It was wonderful.

I'm glad I changed my mind!!!!

Knitting For Dogs

2011-12-04T05:24:00.001-07:00

The other day while in the grocery store in Athabasca I saw this book Knitting For Dogs. "Awesome" I said to Sarah. "Maybe I can get Bet to finish the scarf I'm working on".
Then I realized it was patterns for knitting items for your dogs NOT a book teaching your dog to knit. Darn!!!! =)
.....or was it???

This morning when I got up I found Bet sporting this -

Okay, maybe I knit it for her as a joke, but Border Collies are supposed to be very smart, I may not give up on the idea yet.

...or maybe I will!!!

For the record - Bet's scarf pattern can be found here

Yeah Baby!!!

2011-12-03T17:25:00.001-07:00

It snowed today....

Not enough to break out sleds or anything - but it still makes us all happy!!

"Yeah Baby", says Charge

"Yeah Baby", says Wolvie

"Yeah Baby", says The Musher

Let it snow!!!!!

Another Exclusive North Wapiti Item - Bet

2011-12-03T08:20:00.001-07:00

Howdy Ho everybody!

As you already know, I'm all about the matching ensemble! Unlike the Pretty Curly Tails, I'm not designed for these really really, did I mention REALLY cold Canadian winters, much less the extremely really REALLY, did I mention freeze your paws off, cold Alaskan winters!

I require a coat, booties, and something to keep my sensitive ears warm. I prefer to have a matching ensemble because I'm stylish like that, and I also have to present a professional look for all of my North Wapiti groupie fans. I can't just be hanging out looking all disheveled and unmatched... much like what happened during the 2011 Canadian Challenge. I was totally expecting to be staying in a nice warm hotel where they had room service and other amenities while the Musher and Pretty Curly Tails were out racing... but sadly no.

So, there I was... blue coat, green scarf, and Musher Mark's brown mittens on my ears... I was so embarrassed I didn't want to get out of the truck... ok, I didn't want to get out of the truck because it was warm in there, but also because I looked like a total fashion NO, NO, BAD DOG!

This is seriously embarrassing

I vowed after that embarrassment that I would never go to a race unless I was fully matching and stylish. I had been saving my money for my Gucci outfit, but the bake sale was a total failure. How was I to know that people wouldn't travel all the way out to the middle of Perryvale nowhere for my peanut butter cookies... that I ate before they were put in little bags with cute pawprints on them... pawprints of the Pretty Curly Tails by the way, but I digress.

Ok, fine I'll get to the point... geesh, you people are impatient!

So, using cunning and guile, I got the Musher to style and order the really cool North Wapiti exclusive Gee/Haw mittens.

Which meant that all I needed was something to keep my sensitive ears toasty warm. Hmm, what could I get that would be all toasty and warm and matching...

You guessed it! HATS!

Oh yeah, we've got hats now!

Not only do we have hats, but they totally match the mittens! How diabolical is that????

We have red hats and black hats. No matter which hat you get... you'll still match the mittens! I'm an evil marketing genius!

The hats are made from very soft Baa-Baa sheepie thing wool and have tassels and ear flappy things and are just really warm and comfy. You can find out more information about them and order them from our Shop one size fits most heads, and to prove that, I'll model them for you.

um.... Musher, can you give me a hand here, I don't think the hat is on right.

Musher? I said I need a hand here... Musher?

FINE! I'll wait until you finish laughing, but you better not be taking pictures of me.

Ok, so you can clearly see that they are very stylish and fit just about any head... apparently not Collie heads, but I'll just have the Musher do some modifications and I'll be good to go.

You won't have to do any modifications (unless your head is shaped like a Collie) and you will be stylish, matching, and fleecy sheepie warm this winter with your very own North Wapiti hat!

So visit the store and get your very own exclusive North Wapiti hat... and some mittens while you're at it.

- Bet

Up Front

2011-12-01T16:25:00.001-07:00

One of the tasks that my young leaders often struggle with is lining out patiently while I check intersections for traffic, clear debris from the trail, open gates, etc, etc.

Today, young (but AMAZING) 'little white leaders' Tramp and Kelly indeed struggled while I checked the intersection at the Perryvale corner for traffic.

It took some doing, but I untangled them, saved the Perryvale sign and then had a little chat with them about their duties and responsibilities as lead dogs.

Kelly is very serious and was duly attentive to my talk...

Trampie, not so much ....

But regardless, when I next walked away from the ATV to open a gate - they seemed to get it!!

Little White Leaders Rock!!!!

The Musher Banquet - Bet

2011-11-27T07:58:00.001-07:00

Howdy ho everyone, its Bet here, still catching up on the things that have been happening here at North Wapiti central!

As the Iditarod time gets closer, we'll be adding more and more fun things that people can do while they support the Pretty Curly Tails and Musher before and during the race if they are going to be in Alaska!

One of the fun events is the Musher Banquet before the start of the race! This is the time for fans to mingle and mix with the mushers before the big race. You not only get tasty foods, a chance at winning some cool stuff at the raffle drawings, but you can talk to all of the mushers and pose for pictures and stuff and things!

The 2012 Iditarod Banquet will be held on Thursday March 1st at the Dena'ina Center in downtown Anchorage. Doors open at 5pm and dress casually.

How cool is it that you are in the same room with all of that Musher talent before the race! Its really cool, and no matter where you sit, you are a part of the action and get to meet people who are addicted to the sport of mushing at the big race.

As an added extra special bonus, you have a chance to win a seat at THE Musher's table! There are seven (7) open seats at the Musher's table and to make it fair, we're going to draw 7 names to sit with the Musher at the banquet.

This raffle is only open to people who plan on being at the banquet, and who haven't already bought your tickets (sorry if you already bought a ticket, but rules is rules, I'm a Border Collie and I adhere to the international herding creed of following rules).

There is one name per ticket. In order to reserve your seat, the Musher must know the name of the winner to tell the Iditarod planners before you buy your tickets, so if you plan on buying 4 tickets for a group, we need all 4 names for the drawing and whoever wins gets the seat. If you want to fight it out with your group over who actually gets the chair, that's up to you, and we'd appreciate a YouTube video of the fight for entertainment purposes.

So, here's what you need to do:

If you are going to be at the banquet, haven't already bought tickets, and want a chance to sit at the Musher's table, then

Send your name(s) to the Musher Minion (help4northwapiti@gmail.com) e-mail by 3 December 2011 (remember one name per ticket you plan on purchasing)
On 4 December 2011 7 names will be drawn
The Musher will submit those names to the Iditarod committee
After the names are submitted to the Iditarod committee, the winners will be announced on the blog
After the names are posted on the blog, the winners are responsible for ordering their tickets from the Iditarod committee (tickets are $75.00).
Everyone else can go order their tickets, and even though you won't be sitting with the Musher, you will have time to meet her in person and hob nob with her, but please... if she's eating, leave her alone, remember its her last hot meal that isn't made in a bucket for a week.

If you have any questions, e-mail the Musher Minion (help4northwapiti@gmail.com)

Catching Up On the InterWebs Part 1 - Bet

2011-11-26T10:46:00.001-07:00

Howdy Ho everyone! Its quite obvious that things are moving really fast around here now that the snows have started, so I'm really far behind on the weekly catching up on the Interwebs thing!

I'm going to make this into a two-parter, because there's just so many neat things that have happened recently, and when I say "neat" I mean: Things that happened that don't require me to be cold, wet, or get up early.

One of the Big BIG BIGGIE things is that the 2012 Iditarider auction is open for bidding, and yes, if you are in the Iditarod area and want to ride on the sled with the Pretty Sled Dogs and Musher for the opening ceremonies... you can! Just go here and bid! Iditarider

Isn't that cool!

I don't know if I'm going to the Iditarod or not yet, that all depends on whether certain things happen, and other things don't happen, and some other stuff and things, but I'll let you know when I know.

Ok, so as I mentioned before, there is SNOW! The training runs have been very pretty... I've seen the pictures. I'm not crazy and getting up that early to go out, its too... cold and... early!

How cold is it?

Its THAT cold (the Musher is smiling... she likes cold, and so do the Pretty Curly Tails)

Pretty snow!

Happy Curly Tail snow

Since Rocket it still recovering her fluff from the whole not so preggers thing, I let her borrow my Gucci spa jacket again.

She mentioned something about not giving it back. Um, yeah, it doesn't take a Rocket... scientist to figure out the odds of you keeping that little missy.

So, the Musher has been VERY happy pleased with how the pups are pulling on the training trails this year. She's especially enamored about the little white girls in the lead and pulling like champions.

Yes, that is Tramp on the right with her mouth open... by the way, Tramp still isn't sponsored and she's getting a bit sad about that. She mentioned going to Chicago to fill the void of Oprah with her own talk show or so something.

The pups are doing so well on the trail that they are even challenging horses to drag races.

The Pretty Curly Tails won

The Camping is also going very well, except when Jack won't shut up. But when he's not at the camp, the pups can relax, and Snert uses his handy TopDog pillow.

Snert also needs a sponsor still, and is willing to trade his comfy pillow for sponsorship.

It was also time for Charge's annual trip to the vet. There's nothing wrong with him, he just likes to freak out the Musher every year this time of year and get a road trip to the vet. Call it a tradition.

hehehe fooled her again

One of the fun things that happen on the trail is the annual "Smack a Handler off the Quad" competition. There have been many fine competitors throughout the years, and its always challenging to find the right combination of speed, swerving, bumps, or branches that will dump a handler, but the Musher is one of the best in the quad competition.

This year's selection for best landing goes to: Brittany for best landing after branch upside the head.

Before:

After:

Congratulations Brittany!

- Bet

It's Easy To Be Humble...

2011-11-25T17:21:00.001-07:00

Today was a very pretty run.

Even though it was CRAZY windy whenever I was out of the trees.

A lot of the run was on gravel roads.

Normally the roads are pretty quiet but since it is getting close to the end of hunting season, there is a fair number of hunters puttering around.
The dog team seems to be of big interest to them, probably close to half a dozen stopped to take pictures today. Of course, I don't mind at all. Sometimes we will stop and chat a bit but mostly I just wave as we trot by. Good distraction training for the dogs!

Today when we left the roads and headed back into the muskeg trails I ran into a father and son hunting on foot. When the ATV pulled up level with them I stopped and shut off the 4 wheeler to chat a bit. The hunters were clearly impressed by the dogs, who obediently and politely stopped when I asked and settled down for a break.
The men were moose hunting so I gave them a rundown of signs and sighting I had had in the area in the last few days. We chatted about the trails and then talk turned to the dogs.
The father asked if I was training for anything in particular.
"Are you familiar with the Iditarod?", I asked.
"Oh yes", he replied and his eyes widened when I said that what I was training for.
"It'll be my 10th one"
The men were clearly impressed with my well behaved Iditarod team and I sat up alittle straighter on my ATV.
He asked about the length of our run, number of dogs we had at home, and training methods before exchanging good wishes, shaking hands, etc.

I flicked the ATV back on and whistled up my professional and disciplined team. They leapt to their feet and surged into their harnesses.....
Well, that is all but my leaders did - and since I was busy 'showing off' I had failed to notice that Q and TopDog hadn't gotten back on their feet yet.
The 4 boys behind ran right over top of them, making a huge, tangled mess of the front of the team.
I jumped off the ATV and ran up front to make sure no disagreements broke out then started to undo the giant mess of Siberian macrame that the dogs had created.
So much for my slick, impressive departure.

As I leaned over Q to untangle his harness, I'm fairly certain I caught him winking at TopDog.

Glad the 'older' generation is teaching the 'younger' one how to keep me humble!!!

=) =) =) =)

TAKE A BREAK

2011-11-23T20:18:00.001-07:00

One of the reasons I love spending time in the woods is the fabulous quiet that surrounds you. The only sounds are normally the rustling of the leaves on the trees, birds and the odd chatty squirrel.

Not today though. Today the woods around here were filled with shrieking and yowling. The birds fled in terror and the squirrels had their little paws crammed in their ears.

What was causing this horrible disturbance in the forest you ask??

Perhaps you know Jack -

We were 'reacquainting' Jack with camping. It didn't go very smoothly...

"Some one PLEASE shut him up" suggested Runner

"Yes PLEASE"

"PLEASE!!!!!!!!"

JACK - TAKE A BREAK!!!!

"No Crunchie, we cannot drown him in the lake"

"PLEEZE????"

Trust me, the pictures in NO WAY really convey the HORRIFIC noise that emanates from the soul of this grey monster when he wants to do something (like MOVE) that I won't let him. It is amazing that he can actually move his mouth so little and produce so much noise!!

"Yes, amazing"

For one hour and 45 minutes of our 2 hour break he shrieked. The last 15 minutes were BLISS!!!

Lucky for Jack he is good in harness!!

My Day At The Office...

2011-11-22T19:15:00.001-07:00

My uniform...

My co-workers...

Morning coffee break....

The Lunch Room....

Lunch ...

Back to Work...

Afternoon Coffee ...

A good day at 'the Office'.

=)

Karen

PS. For the record, Bet was invited to come along. This was her reply...

Chuchinka's San Antonio Rose - Kaylinn

2011-11-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

Chuchinka's San Antonio Rose - Kaylinn
May 27, 1996 - November 21, 2011

I've told this story many, many times over the years, but this morning it really needs to be shared again.

In the summer of 2000 we acquired a nice 4 year old dog from our friends and mentors, Bob and Loreen Bridges of Chuchinka Kennels. "If she works out, she's yours....if not send her back". She worked out.

Although she hadn't even been harness broke when she came to live with us, she took to it like....well...like she was bred for it - which of course she was.
I was thrilled, but didn't expect her to make the main string that first winter. She exceeded my expectations and did. But I didn't expect her to race with us in Alaska. Again, she exceeded by expectations. But I never expected she would make the Iditarod team. Guess what??? She did.
Not only did she make it, she finished - even leading for 2 legs of the race, although I had not spent any time training her as a leader.

Like yesterday I remember being camped in Eagle Island with my '01 team. Fourteen dogs were curled up in balls sleeping - one was standing up barking. That was Kaylinn. That was the day she became a lead dog.

Sadly, it wasn't just yesterday, it was over 10 years ago. Where does time go??

This morning with the backdrop of a beautiful sunrise Kaylinn and I hit the 'trail' together for the last time as I loaded her in the van and headed to the vet.

For the last few years she hasn't been fond of being touched and we've been fairly respectful of that. This morning she leaned her forehead against mine as the vet fixed her catheter and I got to share one last special moment with a dear friend.

Karen

Cramping - Bet

2011-11-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

Just in case you were wondering, I spelled the blog title correctly.

The Musher had been talking all week about going camping, and how wonderful it was, and all of the tasty things they cook out at the camp, and how peaceful and serene it was, and how it was essential to teach the Pretty Curly Tails how to camp and relax on the trail for the big Iditarod race, and blah blah, blah wonderful, you'll really like it Bet its soooooo much fun.

PFFT!

Ok, I was initially intrigued by the part where I got to assist in packing the tasty treat stuff, but was alarmed when no peanut butter was packed. How can one survive in the wilds without peanut butter? I was nearly frantic when we left without the waffle iron. How can you survive without waffles?

Since we were dining al fresco, I wanted to wear my blue coat (it brings out my furs) and matching blue booties, but we were suppose to be "roughing" it (without peanut butter and waffles) and Brittany said we would have a roaring camp fire and would be fine... its the LAST time I'm ever listening to Brittany.

The ride out to the camp was fine, nice warm heater in the truck and all. Of course we were late because Mark just had to hit three stars on level 2-14 of Angry Birds Rio Smuggler's Den (whatever that is), and the Pretty Curly Tails beat us there.

They weren't happy about that because we had their food, so there was that whole tude from them about doing all the work and the LEAST you could do was get here on time, blah blah... prima donnas.

I don't know what they're complaining about, because before we even got the fire going we fed them, and at least they're covered in all that fluff when here I am, without my coat and booties running around in the snow making sure they got their stuff.

Hey! Who has the truck keys? I can't feel my toes!

Musher Mark started getting out campsite set up, which was a huge relief because that meant there would be warmth and a fire and tasty foods and stuff.

Then he yelled at me to get the firewood. Um... excuse me?

I don't see the firewood truck coming down the road.

Apparently whoever arranged this whole camping thing didn't get the firewood order in on time because the truck never showed up. This meant harvesting wood from fallen trees with an ax... I mean its like we were in the medieval days or something... like nobody could have pre-ordered wood on Amazon.com???

Musher Mark chopped the wood, which is why I'm not writing about Brittany's visit to the hospital to reattach a leg, although we would have been back at civilization and warm buildings...

Pretty soon we had a roaring fire, and not a minute too soon because I'm pretty sure one of my toes fell off.

I fled to the safety of my blue chair (which would have perfectly matched my outfit if I hadn't been told we were "roughing" it), while everyone began to prepare our feast.

Can someone push my chair closer to the fire please?

Hot dogs were impaled on stick things and cooked over the fire. It took forever... how did you people live before microwaves? I mean seriously!

Hey, why are there only three hot dogs?

While I waited for dinner to be served, I figured I'd warm up my paws by sucking the body heat out of Musher Mark.

FINALLY the food was ready to eat.

Yes, I would like a bun, and some of the red stuff... not the yellow stuff, the red stuff

The red stuff... Brittany, the RED STUFF

Brittany, how many hot dogs are going to drop on the bench seat, those are yours, I'm not eating them.

Finally she managed to get a dog in a bun, put the red stuff on, and ... hey.

Um, hello? Did you forget something?

Yeah, that's better, although I would have preferred a plate, but I guess since we're "roughing" it.

As you probably guessed, by the time I got my food... it was cold. Why bother burning it on the fire in the first place, I could have eaten hours ago!

After dinner I curled up with the Musher, who was sufficiently padded for the trail and a lot warmer than Musher Mark.

Thankfully the Pretty Curly Tails were restless and wanted to get moving again. It helps that I bribed them with all of the hot dogs that Brittany dropped on the ground so they pretended to want to get home sooner than normal.

There was a problem with the ATV, but luckily I got to stay in the warm truck while they fixed it, and before too long I was back home and bundled in my blankets to try to raise my core temperature back to normal.

I hear there's plans for another "camping" trip soon... um, yeah, I think I'll pass on the next one, unless we can rent a camper with a microwave.

- Bet

An Intervention

2011-11-18T05:56:00.001-07:00

A few weeks back Rocket decided she didn't want to go for a run with us. That is very unusual for one of my dogs and I don't take that lightly. Further examination showed that she was producing milk and showing early signs of labor. What???????!!!!!
I counted dates back and figured that she would have been in season while I was in New Zealand. When I got home, Mark had moved Rocket's neighbor, TopDog, as they were apparently doing a fair amount of flirting. When I chatted with Mark, he was very confident that no breeding occurred.
Still to be safe Rocket was moved into the house and into a whelping pool. After watching her and giving her a closer exam that evening, I was fairly convinced that my crazy little Dancing Dog was going through a 'false pregnancy' .

Two days later Rocket's prowess at escaping any form of confinement other then a stake out chain was driving us crazy and I was certain she wasn't pregnant so back out on a chain she went.

She has been brooding, nesting and sticking to her dog house, but still eating and drinking well.

Every day I'd ask her if she wanted to come running with us and she'd politely decline with excuses about needing to stay home to look after her puppy.

"But Rocket......."

She was having none of it. There was a puppy in that dog house. If the rest of us couldn't see the puppy, that was our problem, not hers.

Finally yesterday, I'd had enough - Rocket went on the running list. Thankfully, when Brittany called her, she came out of her house and agreed to run.

She did have to sport a fancy little bit of clothing to cover her still slightly swollen and partially naked nipples. She was not impressed....

She did however, put in a really good run.

When we got back to the yard I unharnessed her first so she could get back to her house to check on her 'children'. She wasn't interested.

"Are you kidding me??? There is nothing in that dog house other then straw".

Welcome Back Rocket!

Camping

2011-11-17T07:45:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was our first camping trip of the season. I'm going to let Bet tell the story of the actual 'camping' part of the trip - as it was her first camping experience and I'm sure her version of the events are more entertaining then mine (parked dogs, fed dogs, fed humans, snack dogs, left).

The run was our 'traditional' 24 miles over to the Forfar campground, a 2 1/2 hour break there, then home.
The team was:

See and Wonder
Bang and Jinx
Kelly and Boo
Crackle and Bingo
Q and Wolvie
Rocky and TopDog
Astro and Irving
Snert and Roscoe

The dogs put in an EXTREMELY solid 24 mile run on the trip over. In fact, we beat our 'support crew' (Mark, Brittany and Bet). Luckily I had some extra fish to keep the dogs amused till their meal arrived!!!

The veterans camped like....well...veterans. The rookies were nice enough not to eat any lines or harnesses, which often does happen on early season trips, but didn't get a ton of rest either.

We usually take a break of anywhere from 2 - 4 hours on these trips. Because the dogs had ran over so strong and were not resting particularly well we started packing up after just over 2 hours.

Unfortunately, about 200 yards into the run home my ATV decided it wasn't getting enough attention and promptly quit.
We were able to get it running again (Mark was still around to help out) but I couldn't shut it off or change gears at all. As it was dark, running the headlights was my biggest concern (even though we had headlamps and a light on Wonder) and we were able to do that, so I limped it the 24 miles home.

Brittany was with me on the ride home, but the dogs still ran home really solid.

We arrived back in the yard shortly before 9pm. All the main string dogs were fed, the team tucked into their houses for the night and then off to bed for us.

The plan is to do it all again today, but a winter storm warning (no, I've not gotten soft - but training on road with an ATV in a storm is different then being on a trail with a sled) and that balky ATV might stall plans for a day or so. We will see!

Karen

A Good Find

2011-11-17T06:06:00.001-07:00

My experience with winter clothing has mostly been that 'you get what you pay for'. I've wasted alot of money on cheap clothing with big claims over the years. Every now and again though you make a good find!!! I thought I'd share this one.

A few years back while I was race judging on the Yukon Quest I was intreged by a pair of boots worn by checkpoint manager, Scarlett Hall. Scarlett lives an amazing life with her family in the bush outside of Eagle, Alaska running a touring company - Bush Alaska Expeditions
The boots were US military issue Extreme Weather Mukluks. After getting home, I found and purchased a pair on Ebay for about $30.
Unfortunately, when they arrived they were too snug to zip up over my calves, so I ended up not wearing them - but Simone got some wear out of them last fall.
I was shuffling some stuff around in the garage a few weeks back and stumbled across them again. Since I've lost so much weight since I last tried them on and gave them another go - and absolutely no problem zipping them up now! =)

I've been wearing them ever since and quite loving them. Very lightweight and quite warm - although the lowest temp I've worn them in so far is about -20C. I've got lots of room in there to add some more liners if need be too!

I don't think I'll be running Iditarod in them, but they are a great training and 'around the yard' boot - and considering they were only $30 - what a great find!!

I did a quick Ebay search this morning and found 3 pairs listed - all priced very reasonably!!

Happy shopping!
Karen

And Then There Was One....

2011-11-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

I started this year's training with 5 dogs over 9 years of age in the training pool. That is pretty exceptional for me, but then again those 5 dogs are pretty exceptional. They were -

Dasher - she is just about to turn 9 and has been my main leader for the past 3 or 4 years.
Hector and Herman - 10 year old brothers that have finished 3 Iditarods with me
Barq - 10 years and not looking or acting a bit like it.
and Crunchie - well, pretty much everyone that follows this blog knows Crunch. He is a superstar here!

The first to get cut from the main string was Hec. He struggled a bit during racing last season, so it really wasn't much of a surprise to me.
Next to get cut was his brother Herman.

The third cut was a tough one - Dasher. I struggled with that one. She's still a bouncy, opinionated gal that was happy to keep young leaders in line but she was struggling with the speed of the big strings I was running. I'd tell myself I was cutting her, then put her right back into the next team. I knew the 'right' decision, but that doesn't make it any easier.
Last week I 'sucked it up' and moved Dasher to a stakeout with the 'B' string. I couldn't meet her eyes for a few days but she has adjusted very well!

Day before yesterday, I made the decision to cut Barq. He is still a tremendous dog, but he was having trouble keeping weight on and I could see him making some compensation in his gait to try and keep up with the team when they were moving fast.

That leaves one - Crunchie.

Everyone that knows me knows that cutting Crunchie would/will be a very difficult and emotional decision for me. He is an extremely special dog to me but also respect him far too much to ever set him up for failure. When the time comes - I will do what is right for him.
Thankfully, he is not putting me even close to a point of struggling with that decision yet. He is moving well, happy, driving hard and keen to go.

Crunchie, the black, black dog second up on the left, drives hard up a hill on yesterday's training run. That is his son Turtle beside him and his other son, Pop directly in front of him.

He's an amazing dog.

Karen

The Rest Of The Story....

2011-11-13T21:33:00.001-07:00

I love posting beautiful photos of my dogs at work. They inspire me everyday and when I can surround them with fabulous scenery ...well...what could be better!!

The last couple days have been magnificent for picture taking. The trees have been heavy with fresh, crisp snow with hints of blue skies. So gorgeous!

The dogs have been sharp and excited for the new snow too. It just doesn't get much better .... well ...maybe if I were on a sled instead of an ATV, but really, this is pretty darn good too!

I do frequently get teased by those around me that I 'sugar coat' events for Facebook and the blog. Okay, I admit that I do do that sometimes. I do have great love and enthusiasm for my life - but everything is not always as 'sunshine and roses' as it might look in the blog.
Take yesterday - here is the photo I shared with everyone....

....but this was what things looked like moments after that picture!

I admit I was not smiling and dancing as I hacked away at snow covered branches.

I don't think my ATV was too happy with me either!

But really, in the end this...

...is the memory I'm going to carry with me!!! So it is the one I'm going to share with y'all too!!

Happy Trails!
Karen

Didja Notice? - Bet

2011-11-13T08:32:00.001-07:00

Didja notice something new we added to the blog?

We (and when I say "we", I meant ME because I have to do everything around here) added a new feature to our blogs!

If you look at the bottom of the blog postings, you'll find something that looks like this:

This is a handy little toolbar thing we've added to let all of our readers tell us what you think of our blog posts, easily share the blog posts on the various and sundry social interwebs sites, rate the post, and if you thought it was funny, interesting, or cool!

Not only does it get our posts out there on the interwebs by sharing it with others (which we totally like), but we can tell by your ratings how much you like certain stuff, and then we'll post more about that stuff.

Neato, right?

Didja notice that some of our 2012 main string pups haven't been sponsored yet?

NO? Well, some very good pups are still unsponsored, and frankly that makes them a bit cranky.

Astro threw a tempter tantrum on the trail the other day because Bang was teasing him about not having a sponsor. He refused to get up and pull until he got his sponsor... for all we know he's still out in the middle of a field.

I DON'T WANNA I DON'T WANNA NOOOOOO

Casey sits on top of her house and stares at the Musher house waiting for word that someone has sponsored her. She mumbles something about "red headed step child" and moving to Florida to start a moped rental business if she doesn't get sponsored soon.

If I diversify in bonds and mutual funds, I can sell short and buy a Tiki hut with my moped fleet

Skookum was hoping for Corporate Sponsorship, but then found out his name was based on a cartoon character, and his mood went downhill from there.

A cartoon character? Its like being a Rockefeller... a Dwayne Rockefeller from Georgia... seriously?

Then there's Snert. He's always being left behind, and was already told he's not a "key player" this year, but so far that hasn't stopped him from changing the Musher's mind. Working really hard, going the extra mile to get noticed...

Hey, where is everyone going? Nobody told me we were running today!

And of course... sigh... Tramp. She really thinks that she's overshadowed by the Tramplings, and is feeling like one of those washed up, has-been movie stars. She has watched "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" 3,000 times. We don't let her near the cutlery.

Oh, Blanche? You know we've got rats in the cellar?

So, if you feel compelled to sponsor any of these worthy pups, just head over to the sponsor a main string dog page and have at it... we all thank you!

- Bet

TopDog and Wifi

2011-11-13T07:28:00.001-07:00

TopDog is a serious young man working hard at honing his leader skills. Wifi......well.....Wifi is Wifi.

TopDog says "I'm surrounded by idiots".

My Day - The Musher

2011-11-12T17:34:00.001-07:00

I thought since Bet took the time to fill you in on a typical morning (which looks alot like the rest of her day too) - I'd fill you in on a 'typical' day for the rest of us at NorthWapiti.

I was up at 3:30 am - don't ask - but I puttered away on the computer a bit and watch a TV show we had recorded a week or so ago (the satellite was down this morning due to snow on the dish). Coffee was ready for Mark when he got up at 4:20 to get ready for work.
He was out the door just before 5, only to reappear about a half hour later. His truck was in the ditch on our 'driveway' (the mile long road that leads to the kennel - only a small portion of it is really our driveway - but since we were the only ones on the road when we moved here, we still consider it 'our driveway'). We had cup of coffee together while his much loved John Deere tractor warmed up. He was decked out in insulated Carhartts and on the tractor plowing us out before 6.

Brittany appeared at the house at 6 am - I'd say bright eyes and bushy tailed - but that would be a lie. She was conscious and moving - the only requirement of a handler at 6am. Unfortunately 'someone', who will remain nameless as I already teased her in this blog, forgot to take meat out last night to thaw for this mornings feeding. Mark had caught that while in the garage earlier and I had started a 'quick thaw' but it was still going to be a bit before we could feed. No harm. We had breakfast, Brittany helped Mark retrieve his truck and I did some laundry. Mark headed out to attempt the trip to work again - but not before crawling up on the roof and cleaning off the internet and TV dishes!!! (YEAH!!).

By 9 am Brittany and I had the yard fed and Brittany was playing the always fun game of 'hide and seek in the new snow' with the dogs and their poop.

I made up the team list for the day, got a meal in the slow cooker, finished up laundry, and a few other things before we started hooking up dogs at 11:30.

LOVE this picture of Crunch with the flakes of snow on the end of his nose!!

Snap demonstrates another use for a neckline!!! "Let's get this show on the road"

We are still on the ATV but it was FABULOUS to be out on actual snow!!!! The dog's feet were VERY happy too!! Quickly though I remembered the drawback of a good dump of fresh, wet, sticky snow - heavy, snow covered branches hanging over the trail.

I don't think I've ever seen it so bad. Brittany and I were literally POUNDED by branches. We were covered in snow - and I was even sporting a touch of blood from taking one branch square in the face.

The run was GREAT though. My leaders Wifi and TopDog did such a fabulous job of busting through the trees and breaking trail - especially TopDog. That dog is the on 'fast track' to main leader status. I am more and more pleased with him on each run!!!

We all came back wet and therefore cold, but still smiling! The dogs were fed and put away before we headed into the house to warm up (Coffee and a HOT, HOT shower for me!).

Then time to finish up dinner (pulled pork on homemade bannock buns, baked beans, sauteed zucchini and corn) (and write this blog!!) so it was ready when Mark got home at 7pm .

Dishes, a bit of TV, then Brittany and I will feed the main string their dinner at 8:30.

Then time for bed. A good, good day.

Bet, I hope we didn't made too much noise and keep you awake!!! Thanks for keeping the bed warm.

Karen

Really? - Bet

2011-11-12T14:53:00.001-07:00

zzzzzzzzzzz ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

ZZZZZZZZZZ... sheepie things, ahhhhh zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ.... wha?

MUSHER! Turn off that light! What time is it?

FIVE A.M.??? Seriously? What do you want?

No of course I don't want to go out running this early in the morning... geesh, now turn off the light!

Unbelievable... oh drat, now I have to pee.

It's BACK!!!!!

2011-11-12T04:39:00.001-07:00

Its pretty warm and it may not all stay - but it's a good start!!!

Happy puppies....happy mushers!!!!!!

The Week (or so) In Review - Bet

2011-11-11T16:56:00.001-07:00

Yes everybody, its time for a recap of the Interwebs and the adventures of the Pretty Curly Tails and Musher.

We're pleased to announce that Brittany has gone a full week without getting run over by the dog team, or any other mechanical equipment! Congratulations! We had wagers when the dog food and straw got delivered, but nobody won, so back in the kitty it goes... oops, sorry Bait and Tic, I mean: back in the bank.

Brittany was not squished here

So, as you can see it was delivery week at North Wapiti, with 150 bags, or 6,000 pounds of Eagle Pack Natural Pet Food dog food delivered. Eagle Pack... the official sponsor of Pretty Curly Tails and North Wapiti (shameless plug).

It takes a lot of food for the Pretty Curly Tails (I prefer waffles and peanut butter), especially since they are in full training mode.

Here are the pups with Tess and Billie leading on a 25 mile run in the morning. Tess and Billie successfully navigated past a neighbor's clearly suicidal Yorkie, who thought it could take on 16 sled dogs.

After a run, the pups enjoy a post-training meal. Here is Crunchie and Jack enjoying their raw chicken (ground with bone in), kibble and water. I had a peanut butter sandwich.

Here is WiFi on one of the runs. I have to admit that when you position his tail just right, you get really good throughput for Sheepbook.

Here's Wonder and Crackle on a snack/water break half way through a 26 mile run... by the way, Crackle does need a sponsor... just sayin.

Of course TopDog has no time for dilly dally and is all business. He thinks that resting is for sissies and wants to get going again.

When the dogs had a down day from training, there was a lot of lounging around while Jinx sang to the dog yard. The only song she knows is "Bingo was her Name-o" which gets a bit tiresome...

... especially for poor Bingo.

Brittany took this beautiful picture of a rainbow over the Athabasca River... and was not run over by anything.

So as you can see, it was a pretty good week at North Wapiti

- Bet

Knock Knock...

2011-11-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

.....Okay Bang....who's there???

"Accordion"

Accordion who??

"Accordion to the weatherman, it is going to rain today"

Yah, yah....very funny...don't quit your day job....no matter what Q says!!

It was a nice run, despite the rain....

And the bad jokes!!!!!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2011-11-09T16:46:00.002-07:00

Turns out that Bait wasn't the only one having a relaxing day...

Crunchie

The dogs had a day off running today as we tried to get a few other 'pre-winter' chores done. Of course, things didn't go as planned - they never do - and we will likely be charging around full speed tomorrow running dogs AND getting errands done!! But the dogs seemed to enjoy a day to lounge!!

Turtle

Roscoe

Meg

Pop - can you tell he is Crunchie's boy?

TopDog

Wonder

Charge

Turtel

Even the non 'curly tails' got in the the action (or lack there of)...

Although blog followers really know that that is a frequent 'state' for my freaky little border collie!!!

Wait, was that a critter wandering into the yard????

"Nah, it was nothing"

But there is always one that can't be content to go with the flow!!

That's my girl Jinxie...

There is a reason you are my number 1 'go to' race leader!!!

We will be back at it tomorrow!!

More Relaxed....

2011-11-09T10:11:00.003-07:00

....than a cat who lives in a dog yard should EVER be!!

All Work and Some Play - Bet

2011-11-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

A Border Collie's work is never done, it seems.

The Minions have told me that its hard for people to find out where to buy all of the cool North Wapiti stuff that we have to offer, so I spent all morning on the computer creating a little shop where everyone can find all of the goodies!

Not only does the shop have things that come exclusively from North Wapiti, but it also has links to the Cafe Press store (where you can buy North Wapiti logo items and coming soon, more fun calendars to choose from for next year!), and where you can buy the Pretty Sled Dogs DVD that doesn't feature me, but is still really cool to watch and see just how the Musher does her mushing with the Pretty Curly Tails. I highly recommend it!

Now all you have to do is click the button at the top of the blog on the right that looks like this:

And it will take you straight to the store! Isn't that handy? I thought you'd like it!

After I was done with all of the work, I decided to spend the rest of the day doing dog-like things for a change. It was a nice day and all, and its been a while since I've played with the Tramplings. They are getting older now, and they try to act all grown up and serious, so its always fun for me to go out there and play tricks on them. I guess you can call it payback.

First I go out and I pretend as though I'm just going to lay in the sand and mind my own business. Nothing to see here, just catching some rays and feeling the sand squish through my feets.

Then I start digging a hole, just a little hole, and when you dig a hole, you have to pile the sand up somewhere... yep, just digging a hole, nope I don't need any help, just digging.

Golly gee, look at the hole I've dug, and the sand is piled up pretty high... its so high up that I don't think the Tramplings can see me at all, hehehehe.

Nope, I don't think they can see me, because they're arguing over whether the beetle they're sniffing is a leptinotarsa decemlineata, or a Callosobruchus maculatus... they really need to stop watching the Science Channel and get a life.

Hehehe, now is my chance to sneak up on them using my keen Border Collie stalking technique

I'm invisible, nobody can see me... I stalk like the wind, totally ready to pounce at a second's notice to herd the Tramplings back to their houses... I am Ninja Bet.

What??? Breakfast is ready?

Hey, Ninjas have to eat too you know!

- Bet

New Handler Lesson #2 - The Cartoonist

2011-11-05T07:40:00.001-06:00

While you should NEVER get between the dog team and fresh moose road kill, it should go without saying that you should never get in front of the dog team.... PERIOD.

Get well soon!

- The Cartoonist

Reminder: There's Really Cool Stuff to be had! - Bet

2011-11-04T08:09:00.000-06:00

Howdy ho everybody! Its your prepping for reporting and roving Border Collie Bet here!

Things are really getting exciting around here now that the Pretty Curly Tails are gearing up for real training in preparation for the IDITAROD!!!

As the Musher wrote, the morning soup is being doled out, the young ones are sitting it out, and the real training begins!

Since the Musher and Curly Tails are hard at work training, I thought I'd send out a reminder of the myriad ways that you can be a part of the North Wapiti team and help them get to Alaska... and look stylish and cool all at the same time!

First off, I wanted to remind you about the really cool cow sweater that the Musher helped knit. Yeah, I bet you thought that we forgot about the sweater, but ooooh noooo, we didn't forget at all!

We will be drawing at the end of November for the person that gets this really cool, made by Musher, hand knitted from baa baa sheepy wool stuff sweater and the person that will get the really cool keeps your crampy hands warm wristie things that were knitted by Handler (smells of cookies) Helen!

For more details on these cool things, please read all about it here, then come back and get your chance in by clicking the Sweater button that's on the right hand side alllll the way down the... oh forget about that, here's the sweater button right here:

So, what else is there???

Well, we have very limited selections of sweatpants, hoodies, bumper stickers, and t-shirts. Please contact the Musher Minions to find out what sizes we have, and how to purchase them.

We also have the really fleecy soft EXCLUSIVE North Wapiti Gee/Haw mittens! Not only are the soft and warm, but they are educational and a great conversation piece because you know people are going to ask you what the heck Gee and Haw means, and you can tell them all about me and the Pretty Curly Tails. You will be the envy of society with your warm, soft, fluffy, educational, totally awesome mittens.

Besides... you'll need the soft, fluffy, educational, totally awesome mittens, because they will match the next cool item we'll be rolling out soon and you don't want to mismatch, now do you??

- Bet (I'm such a tease)

Occupy The Bathroom

2011-11-04T07:46:00.002-06:00

Okay, this isn't a recent thing - so it is unlikely our cat has taken his motivation from the recent 'Occupy' movements - but late each fall Bait (aka 'Mark's Stupid Cat') moves into our bathroom and 'occupies' it for the winter.

Resistance to his presence is fairly futile and in no time handlers, visitors and I get used to sharing the bathroom with it's 'owner'. He's usually very polite and stays in his window retreat..

...well, until you run water....

Go figure....he loves water.

He spends alot of time sitting outside the door to his domain...

...guarding it, I suppose.

If anyone in the house makes a move towards it, he charges in ahead of you.

I know....

...he's just not right in the head.

But really, can any cat that lives in a sled dog kennel really be right in the head????

November Training Update

2011-11-03T08:29:00.000-06:00

As I haven't been blogging nearly as much as I should be lately, I thought I'd do a 'Training Update' blog to bring everyone up to speed - not that I don't appreciate Bet's updates - she and I just sometimes see the world alittle differently.

This morning had Brittany and I out the door at 6am to do our first morning feeding/souping of the season. For about 6 months out of the year the dogs just have water buckets on the sides of their houses, however when the weather gets cold and the water freezes we have to 'soup' the dogs to keep them hydrated. Normally that starts around the beginning of October, but this year the weather is so weird that the buckets are still on the houses. That has been a treat, but their runs are picking up to the length and frequency that the dogs need a bit more food and water - so time for morning meals to begin!!!
Interestingly enough, this morning the whole yard went nuts when started to feed, but in a few days the 'B' string will sort out that morning meal doesn't involve them and most will sleep right through it.

I always get questioned by folks about how far the dogs are going and how many times a week they are running. I'm always hesitant to put numbers on that because I'm a pretty big believer in folks learning to read their own dogs and doing what 'their' athletes need rather then doing what someone else is doing!! BUT for the record - our runs right now are in the 22 - 24 mile range and the dogs are running that about 4x per week.

This is a time of year when I spend alot of time working with young leaders. I have been absolutely blown away by the potential I'm seeing in some of these youngsters.
The real up and coming superstars are (in no particular order)....

Rocky and TopDog

Meg

Kelly

Beauty

and Smartie

I'm so proud of all of them and they make me SO excited for the upcoming race season!!

The last of the yearlings were cut yesterday, by 'no fault' of their own. It is just the runs are now getting long enough and fast enough that the risk of stressing out 'babies' is too much.
I am convinced that Todd, Scud, Squib, Molly and Missy are some of the very best yearlings I have ever hooked up!!

So all and all things are moving along really well. Here are a few more pictures from the past few weeks....

Kelly and Tramp

See

Night running

The sand hill down to the Tawatinaw River

Crossing the 'mighty' Tawatinaw!!

Happy Trails!!!!

New Handler Lessons Learned - Bet

2011-10-29T14:51:00.000-06:00

Whenever we get new handlers at North Wapiti, there is a certain learning curve for them.

They have to learn:

the daily routine,
how not to get locked inside the guest house... shed... thing,
how to feed the Pretty Curly Tails
how to hook the Pretty Curly Tails up for a run
how to massage my crampy toes (THE most important thing to learn)
how to think on your feet

The thinking on your feet is probably one of the most important things (but not nearly as important as the crampy toe massage) because things happen here, and they also happen on the trail, and handlers just have to process things very quickly in order to figure out the best course of action.

For instance, the other day out on the trail, Brittany Handler had to process the following issues very quickly:

dead road kill moose on the trail
dogs in heat
half of a can of beer on the roadside

Brittany has quickly learned:

Don't get between the dog team and fresh moose roadkill
Keep the males from the females
Rocky is a happy drunk

- Bet

The North Wapiti Week in Review - Bet

2011-10-29T08:30:00.001-06:00

Howdy Ho everyone, its your getting ready for winter Border Collie, Bet here!

The temperatures are starting to dip, and there's even snow stuff in the lower 48 (also known as the U.S.), which has the Pretty Curly Tails very excited. Me... meh, not so much.

So, lets get on with the week that happened on the Interwebs!

In a contrast of working together, we have Meg the good and Smartie the evil leading and doing a good job of it too. Don't ask me why Meg is good and Smartie is evil, you have to ask the Musher. They've both been nothing but nice to me, except for that unfortunate misunderstanding about whose turn it was to take out the trash.

In case you weren't aware, Jack (RiverIce's Whisky Jack) is one of THE noisiest Curly Tails around... even louder than Tramp... can you even imagine the off-spring if those two ever get hooked up? Here he is in in harness in the 1 second of quiet the Musher was able to capture on film.

Of course, everyone at North Wapiti has chores. From excavating holes, to taking out the trash (it was Meg's turn last time, no matter what she says), we all do something to help around the house. Here is Cricket doing the dishes.

Of course, not every minute of the day is spent training or doing chores. Once in a while we get visitors and then its play time. Here is Freya enjoying a quick ride with Wifi and Runner

Then it was Noah's turn with Shooter and the amazing Dasher dog

And Adam, with Q and Charge

But we can't play all the time, and soon it was back to work... there's more to the story of this picture, but I'm saving that for later... nooooo, stop with the whining, I'll tell you about it later!

Crackle made a HUGE impression on the Musher on this run. Apparently the Musher's socks were knocked off on the trail somewhere, but nobody has been able to find them yet. We suspect that she actually caught them on fire and isn't admitting it. I would be remiss to mention that the Crack baby needs a sponsor, and what with her huge contribution in harness lately, it would be a shame if she were Iditarod bound without a sponsor... just sayin.

Another definite sign that winter is fast approaching is that the Musher had to use the yard lights to hook up for a morning run. Of course, the only reason I know this is because I saw the picture... I don't get up that early anyway.

Leaders See and Rocket are plotting their run for the day

The Musher risked it all to take this picture of the sand hill leading down to the river. Normally it takes both hands, legs, and a lot of concentration to perform this maneuver without falling off.

This shot was taken after they Pretty Curly Tails successfully navigated the treacherous sand hill without dumping the Musher off

The Musher took a second team out in the setting sun.

Here is the team after dark, and although she didn't see any Northern Lights, the Musher did have the best viewing she's ever seen of the International Space Station (which you can't see here because its up in the sky, really, really high... just didn't want to alarm anyone into thinking that it plummeted to earth and landed on Perryvale).

Young Rocky was the rock star in the lead the next day, here he is recreating the famous "Balto" pose.

Of course, although Rocky would have liked to claim Lead Dog status all by himself, he actually was assisted by the very able, and very leady Top Dog (who really isn't as tiny as he looks in this picture, but when you're standing next to a dog that has stilts for legs, it tends to make you look a little shorter).

So, that's pretty much all of the fun happening of this week. I'll get right on writing about the "incident" after I post this, and nap... all that typing makes me tired and crampy.

- Bet