Well, here it is. The end I guess....

Where do I start.... I feel like I did the first time I started to write about my "Big Adventure". There is so much to tell. It's at moments like this, that I feel like the worst writer EVER! So I'll just start with the Mush for a Cure, and we'll see what happens....

So Saturday was the Mush for a Cure. Rob and I got up early, and got all our chores done in record time. The night before I was hounding him about getting up the trail early. Which is strange because I'm the one that is always late. We were on the snowmobile by 8:30, perfect timing. As we drove up the Gunflint, I was thinking of a million things. Will my dogs be ok? Will I fall? If I fall, will I be able to hang on? Ahhhh! Mixed with being excited as all hell, my stomach was in knots.

We arrived at Gunflint Pines around 9:30 ish. Just as we were getting out of the car and putting our boots on, Mark walked up and said "You made it!!". When I turned around, Mark looked like a Barbie Dream House had exploded all over him! He was wearing a bright pink wig, topped with a huge pink and black showgirl head dress. Then he had a pinkish bra on with a satin pink coat. On his bottom half he had is pink grass skirt covering up a pink mini skirt and zubaz!!! It was absolutely PERFECT!! Instantly Rob and I were laughing and in the spirit. I can guarantee that Mark did that for people all day. Mark let us know what was going on and where we needed to be, then headed off towards the lake. As he walked a way, Rob says this "Good thing I brought this!", and whips out a bright pink bra. He strapped it on, stuffed it with socks, and was ready to go!!. It was HILARIOUS! My mom and dad sent us a package loaded with random pink gear. In the box was a sequence covered pink cowboy hat. It was the perfect topper to Rob's look!!

After we too looked like Barbie Dream House casualties, we walked down to Gunflint Lake, where all the dog trucks were parked. The noise of barking dogs has really become almost soothing. We could hear them, and both of us were thinking "Are those our dogs?". When the lake was in view, it really was breathtaking. There were dog trucks lined up and people everywhere. It was SO much bigger than I had imagined. More people, more dogs, more dog trucks, and more PINK!!

We got to the Black Magic truck and were so happy to finally be getting ready! As we were putting our sled bags on, Mary made her way back to the truck. She looked fantastic! She was wearing a hugely oversized magenta prom dress, pink hat, pink little devil horns, and pink gloves. Her spirits were high, as they should of been. What an event!! She came around the dog truck and saw Rob in his bra and started laughing. Mary laughs a lot, but this was more like giggling. She said "What will your mom think? This is what happens up in the woods". It was good stuff.

While getting our gear organized, our neighbor musher and friend, Neil stopped by to say Hi. He asked if we were excited and told us about his first "race". After wishing us good luck, he was on his way to take care of his dogs. Rob and I headed over to get registered, but not after endless pictures of course. Everywhere you went, people were taking pictures. On the way to the registration office ( tiny fish house) I spotted Jerry Sivets. He's another neighbor musher that Rob and I crossed paths with early on in our stay. He runs older, retired, spoiled and well fed, fluffy siberians. I've never met him in person, so I decided to introduce myself (I know mom, I take after you). He and his wife Kay were so sweet. They were awesome to talk to. Jerry decided not to run the dogs, due to the hot weather. That's right people, hot weather. When you are a well fed, and very WELL INSULATED Siberian husky, 48 degrees feels like 90 degrees. So Jerry left the big guys at home. I was so glad to of gotten to meet the Sivets in person.

After registration, and our mini musher meeting, it was back to the dogs for some serious getting ready. From that point on, it all happened so fast. So here goes....

We got all the dogs out of the truck to stretch and pee, and get ready themselves. The sleds were put in place and the gang lines strung out. Hooks were set, and helpers were found. Mark Luttinen, who came to the kennel with his wife Lisa and daughter Meridith, came to help out. Thanks Mark, we needed it. We needed helpers to stand on our snow hooks so that the dogs wouldn't take off without us. My cousin Lyndsay (Lakeview Dairy Lyndsay) was at the race to support me, and turned into a helper:). She stood on my hook for me. It meant the world to me that she was there. .

It was a little chaotic. There was a fire truck siren which indicated it was time to hop in our sleeping bags . Did I forget to tell you about that? The race had a Sourdough start. Which means that you start in your sleeping bag with no boots on. When the gun goes off, you jump out, put your boots on, hook up your dogs, and GO! I jumped in my sleeping bag (with my boots on, oops!), and just as I laid down, CRACK! The signal gun went off. Both Rob and I flew out of our sleeping bags and started hustling around, hooking up our team. The dogs were so excited. I know for sure, that they knew this was going to be a blast!! Rob was about one dog faster than me. Meaning he was hooking up his last dog as I was on my way to get mine. Just as I was hooking up Bud's tug line, I heard Rob's big voice say "ALRIGHT!". I turned and he was like a streak of lighting. I hopped on my sled, picked up one hook, and then the next, and we took out of there like speed demons.

It was a crazy sight. All the teams converging on one trail. I wasn't feeling very nervous until that very moment. All the dogs, and more experienced mushers, flying towards each other. It went smooth! Hercules and Cleo were absolute pros!! I was nervous that they wouldn't pass teams, because when we practiced at home, it didn't go well. Mark told us that passing their own teams is always harder than unfamiliar teams. Hercules and Cleo were on a mission!! We were passing teams on the left, passing them on the right. It was awesome! All I could do was hang on and say "GOOD DOGS!!" We came to a slight curve in the trail, and it almost seemed like a bottle neck. A bunch of teams seemed to be crowding together. Hercules doesn't like crowded. He veered of the trail. I got super nervous, thinking "This is going to be over, before it even really started". Instead, Hercules went off the trail, cut the corner in order to pass the congestion, and got right back on the trail. It was hilarious. As we merged back on the trail, we were right on the heels of Julie and Jess, and in front of them Rob. How freaking crazy! I looked back and there were piles of teams behind us. Way behind us. I know it isn't a race, but it sure felt cool to be up in front:):)

The trail was beautiful. With the temperature being so warm, the trail was a bit soft, and sort of slow. The four of us, Rob, Julie, Jess, and I, stayed together for a good chunk of the beginning part of the race. After we crossed the Gunflint Trail, we headed up a STEEP hill. Right on my heels was NEIL! It was so fun to see a familiar face. As his dogs passed mine, he said "this seems familiar". Referring to all the times we've passed each other on our trails at home. It was in this hilly section, that me and my dogs got a little behind Rob, Julie, and Jess.

Before the run, I promised my dogs that if they pulled the whole race, and gave 110%, I would push the entire race. Push up every hill, and peddle on every flat section. I figured it was a good deal. As I lost sight of the teams in front of us, and with no one in sight behind us, we were alone. This is where it gets tough to explain. It was quiet and warm. The scenery is beauty, unmatched. The only noise is the dogs feet in the mushy snow, and their breathing. My breathing too, up some of those giant hills. It was at this very moment that every minute of hard work, became worth it. I wanted to do Mush for a Cure because it's for an amazing cause, but I also wanted to do for me. I wanted to know that I could do it. I know it's only 20 ish miles. It's not the Beargrease, or the Iditarod. But for me, Hercules and Cleo and the rest of the team that helped me get to that point, it sure felt like something special.

We were alone for most of the race. The last person we passed was a guy named Erik. He had a huge freighter sled, that was gorgeous, and fluffy big dogs. He was so friendly, at the chaotic start he had passed me, and on the way by, he shook my hand and introduced himself. Very nice. So we plodded along, all alone. We would come around corners, not realizing they were viewing areas for spectators. There, on the side of the trail would be a mish mosh of people, cheering, ringing bells, and clapping as we went by. For some reason, it made me so happy I would get tears in my eyes. Every freakin time. They would say "Doing Great!!", and "Beautiful dogs" (that one I knew for sure was true), "You rock"!. As we approached one of the check points (where volunteers just make sure everyone has passed safely), I saw sitting in a law chair, Jerry Sivets. His wife Kay armed with her smiling face, pink ribbon clad coat, and clipboard. As they waved and told me I as doing a great job, I shouted my sash number. Number 7.. Lucky 7. Lucky is right!!

As the race went on, I have to admit, I was feeling a little worn out. It was hot. If it was hot for me, I knew it was hot for the dogs. Hercules especially. He's bigger than the rest of the dogs and gets hot much faster. We stopped A LOT for the dogs to get snow. It's funny to stop and have all the dogs belly flop and roll in the snow. As we were coming to a stop in some shade, I saw Jess and Julie up ahead! I was so excited to see them. I caught up to them in a short time. As I got close to the back of Jess, I heard Julie tell her to ask me to pass. I said I'd just hang back. Then I heard Julie say "Hey Jess, that dog looks like Hercules...... OH THAT IS HERCULES! Hey Mel!"

The three of us were back together to finish off the race. Before we hit the lake, we took a turn onto a paved road, and then a turn off it. Hercules chose to cut the corner. He goes where he finds most efficient. What can I say? As we cut the corner, we passed Penguin Billy. He's a Sled Dog Icon. He's been putting little penguins randomly on race trails for years. As I passed him, he ran along side of me with a penguin with a pink ribbon on it's neck. At the beginning of the race, Mary said if we are able to, grab a pink ribbon from Penguin Billy. I had nixed the idea right away, thinking there was no way I'd be able to multi task like that. But here he was, right next to me, so I snatched the pink ribbon from the penguins neck. Both Jess and Julie got a ribbon too. They all had a women musher name on them. I got Kathy Jacobson. Julie got Shelly Stetson. Shelly is who was being honored at the race. She passed away in January from breast cancer. It was a powerful reminder of what the race was all about.

The three of us saw the Lake Access sign and cheered! We were almost there!! We hit the lake, and I peddled. I promised right? It was nice to be on the lake. The cold wind cooled both the dogs and me off. I could see the finish line in the distance. Before we were finished, we passed another group of spectators in the middle of the lake. A group of cross country skiers had set up shop in the middle of no where, really, to cheer us on. Too much fun!

So there we were, crossing the finish line. Again, it's not a race, but Hercules and Cleo, little Indi and Maggie, Johnny, Ranger and Bud, and yours truly were the 8th team to cross the finish line!!! Can you believe that? 8th! There were 32 ( I think) teams out there! As we crossed the finish line, I saw Lyndsay, cheering away, and Rob, in his pink hat, waiting:) He had crossed the line 3rd!! Shut up, I know, 3rd!!! We got the dogs to the truck, gave them fish soup (yep, it is what it sounds like), and let them rest. Hercules found a really nice chunk of shade, and flopped down.

Rob and I milled around, helping other teams get back to their trucks, roasting hot dogs over a fire, and basically taking it all in. After the last team crossed the finish line, it was prize time. Mary got on the mic and said thanks to everyone. Then she told us how much we all raised. $23,000.00. Can you even believe it!! And there are still a few more pledges to be accounted for. Mary gave out the Red Lantern award, for the last finisher, then a couple more awards. Then Penguin Billy explained why he handed out the Pink Ribbons. He pledged an addition $50 in each persons name that grabbed a ribbon. He randomly gave out 12 ribbons. What did I tell you, Lucky #7. Thank you Penguin Billy. He also said a few words about raising money, and how amazing it is that we get together to do this.

To cap off the day, all the mushers took a picture with the FINISH line banner. It's a great picture. You can catch a few pictures on Mary's blog, I'll try and wrangle some up too. I have a few in mind, that I'll post seperatly on Friday.

So here is where it gets tough, AGAIN. Writing about what this whole crazy 4 1/2 months have been like. Even though I've been keeping this blog and telling stories, I'm not sure if I've been clear on how it's effected me. How I feel like I can do anything. Or at least try anything. I was able to do something, that most people will never get to do. Or even think about doing.

As we packed up our tiny cabin at Mark and Mary's, it seemed strange. I was excited to be heading home, but felt sad about leaving. I think it's something that never feels like the right time. Leaving the dogs was the hardest part (sorry Mark and Mary;)). Rob and I made our rounds to say good bye, and I cried a little bit. It didn't really feel like we wouldn't be back though. Like we were saying good bye for now, but not forever. I don't think, after spending so much time with the dogs, and the Blacks, that saying good bye forever is an option.

Now Rob, Tubbs, Keenan and I are all back in Brainerd. Tubbs is at the groomers to tidy up 4+ months of chicken beard, Caribou and Foreman slobber. Rob is at home, catching up with his brother and sister. I'm at the coffee shop, of course, writing away. I leave for Colorado tomorrow to do some catching up with my own family. Rob and I are both a little in limbo about our jobs. And luckily we have some time to burn before we have to make some serious desicions. Something I'm horrible at, the serious desicion making. Haha. I am technically jobless, and some what homeless (although my parents house is always home), and have really never felt better about my life. Rob and I have been telling a million sled dog stories. People ask all kinds of questions. Even random strangers will over hear us talking and join in. And we are HAPPY to give answers. But here's the one I'm having the hardest time with....

What's your next adventure going to be? Hmmm......




p.s. i didn't proof read, AT ALL. so i hope it's not too bad:)

Here's the Line Up!

So here it is. My Mush for a Cure team....

In lead will be Cleo and Hercules. Next will be Indi and Maggie, then Johnny, and in wheel Ranger and Bud.

There were a couple of changes. I decided that Kila would be the dog I leave at the yard. But then Michelob is in heat, so bringing her to the race could invite some problems. I'm still leaving Kila here, and now Michelob too. I'll be bringing Maggie instead. Maggie is a yearling puppy that Rob has been running in his team. She sometimes has a hard time starting, so he was going to leave her at the dog yard. My team is mostly older, veteran dogs, compared to Rob's team that is mostly yearling puppies. Mark suggested running Maggie in my team. The more experienced dogs might be able to teach her a thing or two, and being at the Mush for a Cure will give her a little "race" setting exposure.

Rob's team will be Zena and Jango in lead, then Moon. Next is the brothers, Wally and Brown, and in wheel Bree and Caribou. There are a few sets of brothers and sisters in the dog yard, but Rob and I only refer to Wally and Brown as "the brothers". They are just plain goofy.

Here are a few of the stars of the show:) At the very top is Johnny, next is Bud, then Wally and Brown. (a.k.a. the brothers)

The Last Lunch Loop

We are got covered in snow yesterday. It's awesome! It started snowing around noon. Rob, Mark and I all took a team out just as it started coming down.

As we were leaving the yard, huge fat flakes were falling from the sky. The kind you hope for on Christmas. The temperature wasn't very cold, it really was perfect. The wind started to pick up near the end of the run, which made going through The Burn a little nippy.

It was the last time we were running out 8 dog teams for the Mush for a Cure. I can't believe it came so fast. The dogs have worked hard, and look great. It's going to be so much fun. Mark, Rob and I will run the dogs down to the truck on Friday. They will spend the night up at Gunflint Pines. Rob and I will stay at the dog yard until Saturday morning, to take care of the remaining dogs. Early Saturday we will head up the Gunflint to the race!! There are now 34 mushers, and 4 skijorers(sp??). Sounds like things are really coming together this week, with volunteers and prize donations. Thanks everyone.

Today, we will be moving snow. Not an overly exciting task, but it must be done. I'm not sure how much snow we have, but luckily it's not the full foot and a half they were predicting.

Rob's brother brought us a camera to use for the remainder of our time here. Which is nice because my brand new one is useless without any battery. Thanks Tubbs. So here is a picture of Rob, Honey, and I. Aren't those giant Carhart bibs SO flattering on me? Hahaaa!!

I know, I know.....

I know, I know..... WHERE HAVE I BEEN? Haha! No where really, just not writing blogs.

Everyday this past week, Rob and I were running dogs. The weather was AMAZING! I talked to my mom on Friday and told her it's been one of my favorite times to be here (dog wise). Getting to run a team that I've put most of my efforts in, is pretty rewarding. Having warmer, sunny weather, is like a cherry on top!!

Rob and I are both working hard with our teams for Mush for a Cure! It's only 6 days away!! I can't believe it. I've been checking the site and we are already up to 33 teams. Go to www.mushforacure.com and check it out. Awesome. Rob and I will both be running teams of 7, not 8. Julie is going to run a team using dogs from Black Magic, so there won't be enough room around the truck if we all have 8 dogs. We'll just play it safe and shrink our teams just a tiny bit.

Friday was our day off, and it felt really nice. Rob's brother, Randon, came up from Brainerd and brought snowmobiles with him. Rob's snowmobile has been in the shop most of the winter, so it was great to get at least one great weekend of riding in. It was such a relief to see Rob's snowmobile, let alone hear it start up on the first couple of pulls! Letting the boys go ride, left me with the day off... ALONE. I haven't gone to town or really done anything by myself since we arrived here. It was perfect! I tooled around town on my own schedule, meeting Lyndsay for lunch, and then coffee. I ran into a cousin of mine, Lily, that I haven't seen in a looooong time. I gabbed on the phone endlessly. Like I said, it felt great:)

Having Randon here has been fun. He's been helping out with dog chores, and contributed his random car knowledge for trivia. Mark and Mary have been gracious hosts. Now it's Sunday, I think Randon is heading out after dog chores. I'm not sure, he seems to like it quite a bit up here. Rob, I and our teams will be back to work today. Mark and Mary gave a warning, as they ran yesterday, that the trails are fast and icy. I better hold on!!!

Being that there is only 6 days left til Mush for a Cure, I'm going to write in PINK everyday! Just to remind everyone about making pledges and volunteering!! You get what you give in this life, so GIVE A LOT!!:):)

Sunshine!!

The sun is shining!! Today was beautiful! Yesterday Rob and I took our teams out on the Lunch Loop. The weather wasn't bad at all, but today.... was perfect! Julie came out with her dogs and came with us on our run. She's getting her team ready for Mush for a Cure. Well, actually, Jess will be running the dogs, but she's in school. Julie lucked out and was doing the running. It was also her birthday today. Happy Birthday Julie!! The big 40!

We had kind of a bummer day yesterday. Honey, the dog with seizures, had 3. It was pretty stressful for us, and I can't imagine what she was thinking. I sent emails out to the vet I used in Castle Rock, and a few more to veterinary schools in Minnesota and Colorado asking for suggestions and help. Mark put up a post on Sled Dog Central asking for the same. We got all kinds of responses. Right now we are trying Calcium supplements, Tums. She's in great spirits today. We are hoping the calcium helps. Hopefully a trip to the vet will give a little more insight to what could possibly be wrong with her. If we're lucky, it will be something minor, and manageable. Cross your fingers for her:)

Hmmmm.... what else.....

Mush for a Cure is only 11 days away!!! So exciting!!! Get your pledges in soon:):) Or if you have time on Sat. March 14th, VOLUNTEER!! You don't have to know anything about dogs, an extra set of hands is all we really need. It's going to be a crazy fun time, you won't want to miss. There are 28 mushers signed up! That's awesome. A lady and her dogs are coming all the way from Oregon! Just think, she's coming all that way, and all you have to do is get off the couch, walk out the mail box, and send a pledge:):)

On the road again.....

Well, as mentioned before, this was a busy weekend....

Friday Mark and Rob brought 20 dogs back down to the dog truck and off to Gunflint Pines for Winter Tracks they went. Mark and the dogs, not Rob. Not yet. Rob and I stayed at the kennel on Friday to take care of the dogs that didn't go to the Pines. We ran the short Moose Loop with some of the dogs that haven't been our running in while.

We also played trivia! We had a blast. This weekend WTIP was running a pledge drive to keep the station up and running. It's a public run station, so it relies on money donations to function. The trivia, called "Small Change", ran an extra hour because of the drive. They would stop the game every half hour or so and ask/shake down the listeners to donate money. Rob and I had made a couple of calls and were on a roll with a few right answers. Every time they stopped to collect pledges, we would get totally bummed. The hosts, Cathy and Stacey would hold the show up until they had gotten a certain number of pledge callers. After a while instead of bummed, we were annoyed, haha. Stacey and Cathy's stall method worked on us. We called in and pledged money just to keep the show going! It was the most fun we've had playing trivia. Now we're officially WTIP members. Add that to my new Co-Op membership, and I'm practically a local. haha.

Yesterday morning we fed the dogs their chicken soup, and then hopped on the sled to head to our own truck. We made a quick stop in Grand Marais at the Java Moose for my cinnamon brown sugar latte and an iced coffee for Rob, then it was up the Gunflint Trail. I was excited to drive up the trail. The farthest up the trail I've ever been is Trail Center, and it's been about 8 years since then. The sun was out and the drive was nice. Everything looks so pretty in the winter. Covered in snow. Once we got to Gunflint Pines we were reminded that even though it was sunny, it was FREEZING! The wind coming off Gunflint Lake was frigid! The dogs and Mark and Mary were set up right on the lake. Across it you could see Canada.

We got a chance to meet the Baker's, owners of Gunflint Pines, and good friends of Mark and Mary's. Mark took a group of everyone's kids out for a run, and then another friend of theirs. Then it was time to close up shop. We helped put the dogs in their boxes, and clean up gear. After a quick pow wow with Mark and Mary, we were back on the road. That was actually the first time we'd seen Mary in a week and a half. We won't see her again until this weekend. Geez.

On the way down Rob was day dreaming about all the lake accesses for canoe trips. I was imagining warm weather, haha. A little dazed from being out in the cold and then sitting in a warm car, we stopped for a quick slice of pizza at Sven and Ole's before finishing our journey back to the Red Gate and the snowmobile.

Once we were home, and the dogs fed, it wasn't long before we were in our p.j.'s and ready for bed. Although we spent most of the day driving, we were beat.

Today Mark will arrive back with the 20 dogs. Rob will meet him down at the gate with a snowmobile, and they'll run the same drill they did earlier this week:) Like Mary says "ahhh, the joys of living in the bush".

The Lunch Loop and Then Some!!

It's snowing.... again! It has been coming down slowly but surely for the last couple of days. Tonight the temperature is dropping below zero. That hasn't happened in a couple of weeks. I guess winter's not over just yet. Bummer. I've become a big fan of the 30 degree days with the sun shining.

Today Rob and I took our 8 dog teams on an extended version of the Lunch Loop. It added about 8 or so extra miles to our regular 22. The dogs did great. Robs team of yearling puppies looked a little livelier than my team. But all the dogs really enjoyed the run and we all made it hope safe and healthy. I had a tiny, itty bit of trouble with a couple of the unfamiliar turns. Cleo, the leader I've been using the last few weeks, and who I have great faith in, has an affliction to making new left hand turns. That caused a few problems. The good news is that there were only two turns she wasn't interested in taking. I ripped my coat and scrapped my arm up a bit with the snow hook on one of the missed turns, but....It could of been worse:) I'm hoping we can work out the kinks in the next two weeks. I really want Cleo to lead my team for the Mush for a Cure. Cleo and Hercules. Who just so happen to be brother and sister.

I think my Mush for the Cure team is going to look like this (tentatively) Cleo and Herc, Indi and Olga or Kila, I'm undecided right now, Michelob and Budweiser, and Johnny and Ranger. The team could change just a bit. Olga and Kila are both kind of squirly, but I think they have character. I'm just not sure how much character one team needs. Jess, Julie's daughter is running the Mush for a Cure and might need one more dog. I think Ranger is on the list. Although I'm secretly hoping he gets to stay with me:) So we'll see in the next week or so, who the final team will be!!

Like I said, Rob's team did great. 6 of the 8 dogs that Rob runs are puppies. He's been running Moon (1 1/2 years old) in lead with Olive (9 years old) and she's awesome. Olive is a great teacher and Moon seems to be a quick learner. The rest of the puppies just have CRAZY energy and are flat out excited to run every chance they can get. Honey has been running with us the last few times too. She's doing fantastic as usual. We just started giving her raw butter and honey to try and stave off her seizures. Cross your fingers!! She such a bad ass dog. It would be awesome if the "alternative" remedies work! Maggie is another puppy that is really doing well too. She's got serious attitude. Rob says that after every run, when we let the dogs wander back to their houses, she "flexes up" on every dog she passes. Just showing everyone how tough she is I guess.

Robs team for Mush for a Cure will be most of the puppies he's been running. I'm pretty sure he'll run Moon in lead, but without Olive. Olive will run with Jess. Olive is the mom of one of Jess's dogs. So Moon and a leader to be named :), maybe Zena?? Bree and Caribou, Honey and Maggie, and Wally and Brown. He's excited to get them out there and see how they do.

The whole time we were running, it was snowing. By the time we got back to the dog yard, there was probably another inch of snow on the ground. We fed the dogs their dry food and headed back to the cabin for some serious veggin out. I'm such a sissy and felt kind of tired after our extended run. Like I've said before, I'm not a long distance musher. 30 miles might be my max! haha.

Tomorrow Mark will head to Gunflint Pines Resort with 20 dogs to prepare for this weekends rides. In the morning we'll hook 14 dogs to the snowmobile, and 6 dogs to a sled. Mark will take the snowmobile, and Rob the sled. I think I'll do a little house cleaning tomorrow. Woo hoo! Rob and I will hold the fort down until Saturday morning, and then we'll head over to help with the rides. It will be a busy weekend, but fun for sure. A quick stop at the Java Moose for a cinnamon brown sugar latte before heading up the trail will really top everything off:):)

I wanted to give a quick shout out to Mark, Lisa and Meridith!!! I got your comment on yesterdays blog, but I don't have your email address. My email is melincolo@hotmail.com if you can drop me a line that would be great. Rob and I would love to take your pledge!! We had a great time while you were out here. It's so fun to have visitors. We really look forward to seeing you at Mush For a Cure! Hope you all can make it. If you do come, we'd love to see some of those pics! Rob is planning on running Wally in his team, Meridith! Talk to you soon:)

Home again, home again!

Every one's back home! Well almost everyone. Mary had to go straight back to work today, so she is still in town. While Mark, Rob and I were eating dinner last night I could imagine that Mary would have really liked to be in her own house and own bed. She's a trooper.

Rob went down to meet Mark, Mary and the dogs at the Red Gate yesterday afternoon. They loaded up and Mark and Rob headed home, Mary back into town. When Mark and Rob came into the yard, they had quite a set up. Mark was driving the snowmobile with the dogs leading the way, pulling behind him a wooden cargo sled, pulled behind that was Rob on a dog sled. All the dogs looked great. It didn't even look like they had run 240 miles!! When we unhooked them and put them in their houses, you could tell they were glad to be home. Almost all of them sniffed around, went right into their freshly strawed houses, and settled in.

We put gear away and then fed the dogs their dry food. Later as we were feeding chicken soup, it was funny to look over at the Varsity dog yard and see so many eyes looking back at you. It has been almost empty for a week! We had chili for dinner and listened to Mark tell us about the race. It's great to get the full scoop. Following along with the UP internet site just doesn't do the job. Although I will say the UP site was the best out of the three races Mark and Mary have run this year. On Mary's website, www.blackmagickennels.com , she is going over the race, play by play style. Their handlers from last year, Lis and John Neal came to the race to help, and took great pictures, which are up on Mary's site as well.

At dinner Mark also told us we will have people here next weekend that would like to mush their own team. Race season may be over, but we are still busy. Which is great. This weekend we will be at Gunflint Pines for Winter Tracks, a big winter fest. We'll be giving rides, and that should be a blast. Then next weekend we'll have some people to run their own team, and the weekend after that it's MUSH FOR A CURE!!

Here's another quick reminder about Mush for a Cure!!! Any pledges you'd like to make would be awesome. Time is getting short!! Only 17 days left! Holy crap!!

Monday already?.....Geez

I didn't realize it was Monday already. Where did the weekend go?? I'll update you I guess....

Saturday we went to town. There was a HUGE snowmobile rally in our area, so we wanted to avoid that. We packed up the laundry and recycling and headed to town. When we got there, we were starving. We were also feeling like we've eaten every where there is to eat. Mary has mentioned that Hughie's Tacos was pretty tasty, so we thought we'd try it. It didn't disappoint! The lady at the counter was really nice, and helpful. She may have been the owner? I ordered one taco, and Rob ordered two. They fry the flour tortilla right as you order, so it's still warm when it gets to you. I think we had just enough time to grab our sodas, forks and napkins and the tacos were already being delivered to our table. They were the huge! One taco almost took up my whole plate. But that didn't stop me from going back up and ordering a second one! The tacos come with all the fixins too. I'm pretty sure the guacamole and salsa were made fresh. Anyhow, Hughies has been added to our favorites list. If you're in Grand Marais, and are looking for something different, fresh, and fast, hit up Hughies!

Sunday we did the normal dog chores and hooked up our 8 dog teams. The Lunch Loop has become our second home:) I'm pretty sure I've found six of the dogs I'd like to take to the Mush for a Cure. I'll have to talk it over with Mark and Mary, and hopefully I'll have a full team soon:). I think I'll be borrowing a leader, or two from the Varsity team. Oh I'm so excited!

Mark also finished the UP Race on Sunday. He finished 15th. Mary said the weather for the race was the worst she's ever seen. The final leg of the race was REALLY slow going for Mark and the team. We're really proud of Mark and all the dogs!! And can't wait for them to all get home. Sounds like everyone (and everydog) is pretty tired and ready to be back in their own houses.

Today we did dog chores, and ran the Lunch Loop. We also did a few chores outside, like digging out the gate to the puppy pens, and making sure every dogs door was clear. It was another sunny day, and nice to be out and about.

Rob, Roxy (Mark & Mary's house dog), Buster (Mark & Mary's house cat), Tubbs, Keenan, and I are all in the big cabin getting ready to watch a movie. Nighty night....

On the edge of our seats....

Like the title of the post says, we are on the edge of our seats here at the kennel. Mark and the top 12 are on the move! Like the White Oak, and Beargrease, the UP200 has a web site and you can track the mushers as they race. We've learned from the last two races, it's agonizing to wait for the updates. By the time the information is posted about coming into a check point, Mark could be pulling into the next check point. Mary is busy being the handler extraordinaire, so we can't call her. So we wait. And wait. It drives me crazy! I'm not as patient as I'd like to think, I guess. Oh, as I was going through the musher names to find Mark, I ran across our neighbor Neil's name. Go Neil! (just not faster than Mark:))

In the mean time, the show must go on around here. Wednesday after Mark, Mary and the dogs left, we did chores around camp, like dishes in the house, and changing straw out for the dogs. The temperature definitely dropped, so the dogs were pretty pumped for new straw.

Yesterday, Thursday, Rob took the snowmobile and broke trail after the snow we had on Tuesday afternoon, and wind all day Wednesday. While he was out, I was on bootie duty. We are on a limited supply of booties, and with the cold temperatures being predicted, can't run without them. I dug some out of all the sleds, and went through some of the wet ones and hung them to dry. Until we get to the laundromat, this was the best option. I wrangled up enough to cover both 8 dog teams.

Today was amazing weather. Much warmer than Wednesday and Thursday. A 24 hour break before the temp dips down again. The sun was shining and the sky was blue. It made for a great run. We wanted to get a run in before tomorrow. There is a huge snowmobile rally going through the area tomorrow. The rally will be using about 2/3 of the trails that we also use. There is no way that we will be out running with all those snowmobiles flying around.

Saturday (tomorrow) will be a day into town. We'll hit up the laundromat, for us and for the dogs booties. We're also going to visit Lyndsay's dairy. Mark and Mary heard that raw cream and butter have essential Omega fats that might help with Honey's seizures! We're going to give it a shot. It can't hurt, and how amazing would that be?! I sure hope it helps. I'll try and write everyday that Mary is away, just to keep everyone posted. Until tomorrow.....

Finally!!!

Geez! It's about time right? The internet up here in "the bush" has been out of whack lately. So here I am, finally catching everyone up!

Not a lot of activity since our UP check point practice. On Sunday I did have a near death experience. Well, maybe not near death, but nearly crapped my pants. Here's what happened. On Sunday Mark and Mary were still in Duluth and Rob and I were going to run dogs. We decided to try 8 dogs. Rob has run 8 dogs a few times before, but I never have. Mark said it would be fine as long as I felt comfortable. I want to get ready for the Mush for a Cure, where I'll be running 8 dogs. So, we figured Sunday was as good a day as any.

We had our sleds and gang lines all ready. I set my sled up as usual; my snow hook in a tire that is anchored to a buried post. We hooked our teams up and were ready to go. Rob took off first, then me. I tried to pull the snow hook from the tire, while standing on my braking track. With an extra two dogs, I wasn't strong enough to pull the hook from that stance. So I put one foot on the runner, the other on the braking track and pulled the hook. The dogs took off, pulling the sled out from under me. I fell flat on my stomach, snow hook still in my left hand, and my right arm on the emergency brake, still hanging onto the sled. Just before we took the corner out of the dog yard, I set the snow hook, while still being drug along on my belly. The snow hook set nice and solid. For a millisecond I felt the dogs slow down, then SNAP. The line connecting the snow hook to the sled snapped, and off we went again, me still being pulled along, fully extended, grabbing on for dear life to the emergency brake.

Rob always waits at the top of the first hill to make sure I've made it out okay. This time he heard me before he saw me. I was screaming "WHOA!!!! WHOA!!!" in hopes that the dogs would slow down. I was also putting as much weight and strength into pushing the emergency brake into the ground. Rob heard me yelling and then saw me. Well, part of me. He saw my dog team, my sled, and my feet kicking behind the sled. As the dogs approached the hill, they saw Rob and his team and slowed down. Rob grabbed my leaders and the dogs stopped just long enough for me to stand up, shake off the snow I had accumulated, and off we went again.

It was a little scary, but mostly just CRAZY! I feel pretty good that I made all the right choices as things were going wrong. The only thing we didn't do, that we should of, is go back to the dog yard and get a new snow hook. We finished our 7 mile loop and then came back. So next time, if there ever is a next time (i hope not) we will head back to the dog yard ASAP!

The next couple of days running 8 dogs went smooth! I am happy to say, no other incidents. Every time I go on a run, I'm imagining the 8 dogs I'll get to take to Mush for a Cure. I'm so excited!

Yesterday Mark, Mary, and 12 of the Varsity team packed up and headed out for the UP race!! They will be gone for a whole week. The dog yard will seem quiet with all of them missing. The race starts on Friday at 7:00 pm. I know I've had high hopes for our other two races, but I can feel it on this one. The dogs look great! So cross your fingers, send good vibes, whatever you do, WISH THEM LUCK!!!

UP200!

Rob and I are vegging out in our cabin today, while Mark rests up. And here's why....

Yesterday was our mock UP200 check point day! About a week or two ago Mark made a huge troft(I'm not sure on how to spell that, so we're going with it for the rest of the post) in the snow in the front yard. It is about a 2 feet deep and resembles a check point troft. The plan for the check point practice was for Mark and 14 of the Varsity team dogs to do a 60 mile run, come back to the house and rest in the troft for about 6 hours, and then do another 60 mile run.

Mark and the dogs left around 12:00 yesterday afternoon to do their 60 miles. While they were gone, Rob and I got straw, coats, and foot ointment ready. As it got dark and close to their expected arrival, we waited. We waited for about an hour outside, as we didn't want to miss them coming in. They arrived in the dog yard around 6:30-7:00 ish. Rob was in charge of leading the dogs into the troft, and away from their usual "runway".

Once they were in the troft, we set snow hooks and tied the sled to a snowmobile, just in case. Then we fed them, put goop on their feet, and put jackets on them to keep them dry and warm. Next we unhooked their tug lines so that they could move around freely. Their neck lines stay on so that they don't wander away, or visit with their front and back neighbors. We laid straw out for every dog, so that they could make a bed and go to sleep. After the straw went down, Mark stopped at each dog and checked their shoulders and wrists for soreness. He rubbed every ones wrists with a high powered dog version of flex all, and wrapped them with neoprene and felt wraps.

The trick is getting the dogs to rest. These guys looked like pros. Within minutes most of them had spun around and nosed the straw and were resting away. I even heard a couple of snores. Some of the younger dogs, that maybe haven't been in many races, took a while to get comfy and go to bed. I think Elbrus fell asleep standing up a couple of times. I would look down the line with my headlamp occasionally, and only see one or two heads peeking up.

I kept having to flip my headlamp on because I would hear Noodle grumbling/growling. I can't fully commit to the word growling, because that sounds mean, and Noodle isn't a mean growler. He often growls while not only waggin his tail, but his whole body is wagging. You may have to see it to understand it. Anyhow, I looked at him and his eyes were cosed. Mark says he thinks he growls in his sleep. To anyone that knows Noodle, that's not surprising at all.

While I kept watch on the dogs, Mark grabbed a really quick nap, and Rob took the snowmobile out to groom the trails. 12:00 AM came pretty quickly. As soon as we were milling about, the dogs knew it was time to get going. The dogs all stretched and shook off. It's funny because dogs wake up just like people do. Some look bright eyed and wide awake, others look like they need coffee and a newspaper before they want to do anything. We took their wrist wraps, and coats off, and put booties on.

Then it was time to go. Mark got on the sled and Rob kept an eye out for arguments between dogs, while I ran the leaders out of the dog yard and around the corner. We stopped and put every ones tug lines back on. You would think after 60 long miles, on a not so great trail, resting in a place that isn't their own bed, and being woken up in the middle of that crappy rest, the dogs wouldn't be very excited to get going. It was the TOTAL opposite! All the dogs were barking and screaming to go, pulling like crazy as soon as their tug lines were on. I guess that's a really good sign:).

So off they went, into the darkness, and drizzle. Rob and I hung up their jacktes and put a couple of logs on the fire, and off to bed we went. While we slept, Mark was awake, and standing for another 60 miles.

We were expecting the dogs and Mark to arrive around 7am ish. And that's about what time they came stroling in. The dogs looked great! Mark didn't look too bad either, considering at that point he'd only had about an hour of sleep in the last 24 hours. We gave the dogs a little bit of beaver soup (yep, beaver soup), and then off to their houses they went.

We gave the rest of the dog yard their chicken soup a couple of hours later, and then it was off to bed for Mark. I popped my head in the house to see if he might want breakfast before he went to bed, and his bedroom door was already shut. Sleep took pressident over food.

Now it's late in the afternoon, and I'm pretty sure I just heard the dogs, so Mark must be up and at em'. We better go see if there's anything that needs to get done.

ONE LAST THING!!! MUSH FOR A CURE!! PLEASE OH, PLEASE GO TO www.mushforacure.com to find out how to help out, or make a donation!!! Even if you can't make a donation, if you want to volunteer, the more the merrier! Come on up and stay the weekend!! Gunflint Pines would love to have you! There will be all kinds of fun activities!!

IQF Dog Yard

I'm calling todays post "IQF Dog Yard" because that's exactly what it looks like. In the restaurant business you get things that are "IQF", which stands for individually quick frozen. A product is glazed with water and than flash frozen. You can get chicken, fruit, all kinds of stuff comes "IQF". Anyhow.... Today it rained in the afternoon, and the temperature dropped just enough to turn it everything wet into ice. Almost every inch of the dog yard is glazed with a thin layer of ice. It's crazy!! The brunt of this strange weather storm is supposed to hit tonight around 9:00. Mark has been checking all the weather sites and the reports seem to keep getting worse. Almost every sort of activity in Grand Marais has been canceled for today and tomorrow. Even the restaurants closed up early this afternoon. The radio dj's and weather guys say to have two days worth of provisions and DON'T leave the house if you don't have to. Hmmmm, sounds exciting. haha. Check Mary's blog at www.blackmagickennels.com, she always post the weather. I'm actually pretty interested in what things are going to look like in the morning. Thank goodness for yak tracks!

Today, because of the incoming storm, there was no dog running. We went fishing instead. Not a bad trade. Mark, Julie, a friend of the Blacks (and ours now), Rob, and I headed to No Name lake to do some trout fishing. It started to get a little windy and chilly, so we started a bon fire. I guess with 3 feet of ice, you don't have to worry about the fire melting through. It started to rain about an hour into the trip. Despite the weather, and the lack of nibbles, we had a really good time. It was fun to be out ice fishing, our first time all season.

After we were back at camp, and the dogs had their dry, we all vegged out a bit. It wasn't until chicken soup time that I first saw the "IQF" effect. While Mark, Rob, and I were all wearing ice cleats, the dogs don't have that luxury. They were sliding all over the place. Although it's kind of funny, I feel a little bad for them. The little girl puppies were spinning around their dish so much, they just gave up. I dug them out a little patch of snow so they could get their grip.

Now we're back inside getting ready for our own dinner. The dogs are all in their houses, avoiding their ice rink yards. We'll see what tomorrow brings!!!

TGIF!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOM, HAAAAAPPY BIIIIIIIRRTHDAY DEEEEEEAR MOM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOM! And also, CONGRATULATIONS! On Monday, my mom will have finished up her Masters! She's worked so hard on an excellerated program, while working and taking care of my dad. You rule Ma!!

It's funny that yesterday actually felt like a Friday. Up here I often lose track of the days, but yesterday felt like a full on Friday!

Yesterday was another day filled with random activities. Those are my favorite days. After dog chores, Mark clipped the dogs toe nails while I made breakfast. After breakfast, Mark planned on taking out 12 of the Varsity team dogs, while letting the rest of them rest.

We hooked up Mark's team and off they went. The weather was unbelievable. While we were hooking up dogs, I was wishing I had one less layer of clothing. While Mark was gone, we had a few chores to do. There are a few dogs on the B and C team that haven't been run as often, so I took them out. Ophir, of course :) and Honey, Olga and Blue, Valor and Moon.

I really enjoy the Lunch Loop runs, but I don't kid myself, I'm not a distance musher. At all. I'm not much of a long distance anything. haha. One of my favorite things lately has been to take the few dogs out that don't get out often. As everyone knows, Ophir is my favorite, so getting to run with him is the best. Honey is such a great runner, it's a bummer that she has seizures. When she gets to go out, she's a ball of power and energy. Valor is still young and not totally committed to long distances yet. He's pretty happy with his 6.5 mile loop. The other dogs I take out are just being moved in and out of rotation with the rest of the team. I like to run Moon with the other three because she's fun to watch run. She's all business, and like her sister Honey, super powerful.

Olga is pretty funny too. She's not always 100% dedicated to the run. She runs, but she's also sight seeing as she goes. Her ears are always up and she's constantly looking around. I swear, when we are keeping a slow pace, she looks like she's skipping. Blue, well, I'm not sure about Blue. He works hard. But he's just kind of a goof ball. He chews on anything given the opportunity. The other day he snagged my mitten off the sled and ate the thumb off. When I went to yell at him, he just cocked his head and looked at my like "Oh, that's wasn't for me? My bad.". Check him out on Mary's page. He's got a great picture up. Rob says he's hands down the goofiest looking dog in the kennel. I can't fully disagree.

Anyhow.... After getting back from my tiny little run, I started the dishes. Rob had cleaned out the sauna stove, and knocked all the built up snow of the "silver bullets" (they are like giant storage sheds). We had a quick snack and waited for Mark to get back.

Mark and the A team arrived safe and sound and we got them back to their houses. The temperature felt like spring! So we all sat out on lawn chairs and watched the dog yard, waiting for Mary to call.

Rob has been itching to snowboard or to do any outdoor snow activity lately (other than dog sledding). He pulled the snowboard out and took a few runs down a hill behind our little cabin. I've wanted to learn for a while, so I strapped in. I took a few runs with pretty surprising results. I only fell really hard once. Don't worry ma, the knee is in tip top shape. It was my inner thigh that took the brunt of the fall:) Good thing I'm well padded. Rob was even a bit shocked at my skills. I'm not going to get cocky and hit up Copper Mountain any time soon, but it was a pretty fun time!!

The whole time we were messing around outside, so was Tubbs, and our little Keenan. She's the only cat I know that plays outside with a dog in the snow. She also comes to a whistle when it's time to go inside. Strange.

Trivia last night was a blast. We're really getting the hang of it now, and Rob has more useless information than he thought. Well, not useless, it's great for trivia. haha.

Today we have some visitors coming to mush their own teams. Mark has helped handle for the Blacks at the last couple of races. He's coming with his wife, Lisa and her daughter Meridith. Meridith is also the adoptive mom of Wally. It'll be a full house today and a busy dog yard! Can't wait to tell you all about it. Later.....

Today is also my very best friend ever, Megans birthday. I didn't want to steal my moms thunder though. So, Happy Birthday Meg!! I love you and miss you!

NO TIME TO EDIT, THEY'RE HERE!!!

Winter Warm Up

I've got a good feeling today, the thermometer says 15. That's 15 ABOVE zero! The rest of this week and into the weekend should be pretty nice. Let's cross our fingers! I'm ready for spring, but who isn't. I think I may have picked up the Minnesotan disease of always complaining about the weather. If it's hot, it's too hot, if it's cold, it's too cold. If it snows, it's too much snow.

Yesterday Mark took his team of 14 dogs for what was going to be a long run. Rob and I took two teams out as well. Rob took 8 dogs, I took 6. Despite the cold temp, the sun was shining and it was a great run. Rob took a heavier sled and I took a lighter one to try and offset the power of his two extra dogs. It worked pretty well until the end of the run. His team was a bit stronger and put some space between us.

Marks run didn't turn out to be as long as planned. A couple of his dogs were still a little sore from The Beargrease, and he didn't want to push them. One thing (of the many) we have learned from Mark and Mary is to always do what's best for the dogs. Whether it's a 6 mile run, or 60, the dogs set the tone. Mark will shoot for a long run today, while letting the sore dogs rest. Rob and I will take another two teams out on the Lunch Loop today, and hope to have as smooth a run as yesterday.

Last night Mark showed us what the Mush for a Cure trail will be. I'm getting excited! Like I said before, whether I race or not, it's going to be such an amazing event with so many people involved. There is a musher interested in coming all the way from Oklahoma! I read Mary's blog today and they are still in need of volunteers, donations, and door prizes. Any takers??? Maybe if you can't help, do you know some one who can?? Hop to it, or soon enough this will turn into shameless begging:):)

Back to the Dog House

I'm calling this post "Back to the Dog House" because that's what Lyndsay (the dairy farmer, Lake View Dairy) calls the kennel. When I call her from Mark and Mary's it comes up on her phone as "Mels dog house", which I find really funny. So anyhow....


I made it back to Grand Marais around 2:30 yesterday. The drive went smoothly with only a little snow between Two Harbors and Tofte. I stopped by and saw Mary at the office to pick up some booties, and vital groceries. Shredded cheese is a MUST up here:) I picked up some other snack groceries for Rob and I and then headed up to see Lyndsay at the farm. First I stopped at the Java Moose, of course, for coffees for both Lyndsay and I. It's a great trade for milk. The problem with making a quick trip to Lyndsay's is that it's never a quick trip. I just wanted to grab cream and milk. Instead I stayed for almost half and hour, gabbing like crazy. The only thing missing was more time, and Aunt Steph.

When I finally made it to the Red Gate, I was so relieved to see Rob. We packed up all our cargo and hit the trail. It was just before sunset, and a great ride. It felt really nice to be back in the middle of no where. It's definitely possible that the city girl in me is slowly shrinking.

After dog chores, and saying hello to all the dogs, we had chili for dinner. Mark started brewing it up just after we arrived home. And once again, he is a chili champion.

Today we did all kinds of random things. After breakfast and dogs chores, we went out to play lumberjack, and cut some dead standing trees for firewood. The trees are dead due to a fire. They were gorgeous. The cedars look like they were spray painted silver. There was a tree that looked normal from one side, but along the back side, you could see that it had been hollowed out from the fire. The black from the fire looked like shiny sequence. The craziest part about all the trees, was that the fire was 9 or 10 years ago. I can't believe so much of the evidence is still there. It was really cool.

After we brought all the wood home, I hooked up a small team of 6 dogs to run around the Moose Loop. I took Ophir and Olive, Honey and Moon, Bree and Valor. It was a good chance to get Ophir, Valor and Honey out. The three of them have had different circumstances for not being run lately. I was so excited to run with Ophir again. As you all know, he is my favorite. Everyone had a great time, including me!

OH!! I'M WRITING IN PINK AGAIN TO REMIND EVERYONE ABOUT MUSH FOR A CURE. It's coming up in March. March 14th to be specific. It hasn't been set in stone if Rob and I will run or not, but either way, I'm asking you all to make a donation. I know times are tight, but this is a great cause. Even if it's five or ten bucks. Every little bit counts. Or if you can't donate money, maybe your time and services. Check out Mary's blog and http://www.mushforacure.com/ for more details!!

p.s. i don't have any new pictures to show because tubbs ate my camera battery charger. yes, i know, he's a pain in the ass.

"Big City" Visit!

I'm here in the "Big City", at a hotel updating my blog. My mom is visiting Minneapolis this weekend, so I drove down to meet her. (Thanks Mark and Mary, for the time) We saw each other at Christmas, but it feels like it's been longer:) She is visiting for my cousin Natalie's wedding shower. It's been a weekend filled with lots of laughing, shopping and coffees. I've been spoiled like crazy, and now it's about time to get back to reality.

I guess I haven't written since the 27th! Since then, no huge news. Mark spent a couple of days down in Duluth. He went to catch the end of the Beargrease, and he also went to the Beargrease Finishers meeting, hoping to share some of his ideas about the changes made to the race. While he was away, and Mary in town at work, Hannah, Rob and I were left up at camp. (no, that wasn't a complaint. we actually don't mind at all. we're just glad m&m feel comfortable leaving their babies with us) On Wednesday, all three of us took a team of six dogs out for a run. I lead with Hercules and Elbrus. Elbrus wasn't too excited about running lead, or at least running lead for me, so we made some quick changes, and off we went.

Thursday was a day of rest for the dogs. The last couple of days they (the B and C team) had all been run in different little groups. So we thought a rest day would be nice. I packed and got ready for my trip, while Hannah packed to go home. I brought her down with me to the cities to save her mom a trip next week. Having company for the long drive wasn't bad either.

That brings us to Friday. Friday morning we all helped Mark hook up a team of 14, and off he went. He is working on picking his team of 12 for the UP race. After he was on his way, Rob drove Hannah and I to the Red Gate. We met my cousin Lyndsay (the one with the dairy farm), who drove my car to pick us up. After a good bye to Rob, we were on the road.

Rob headed back up to camp to hook up a team of his own. He had a team of 8 dogs. He was all by himself. I was having major guilt about that. Here I was driving away to civilization, and spoil city, and he was hooking up his team all alone :( I called Mark and Mary's house on Friday night to hear all about Rob's solo run. I was just in time to catch him walking through the door for trivia! That's right, Rob was playing trivia, without me! Exciting. Rob said the run went well, and that everyone, him included, made it home safe and sound. I read Mary's blog today and it mentioned that he went out again yesterday. I'm pretty jealous. I spent my day driving around Minneapolis shopping. Not as exciting, but still fun. Although, I did pick up a few little treats to bring back up to camp.

Tonight it's just mom and I. Everyone else has headed out of town. Luckily she's here for one more night:) We're heading up to our room to put our p.j.'s on just relax.

Home again, home again.

Well, here's the update from Sunday until today....

Sunday we were planning to get a quick start on the day and head to Duluth. Things didn't go completely as planned. We ran a little late after dog chores and getting water, and once we got to Rob's truck, it didn't want to start. After we got that worked out, we made a break for Grand Marais. Once in Grand Marais, we looked at the time, about 11:30. We took a vote, and decided that we wouldn't be able to make it to the start in time. To add to our bummer, everything in Grand Marais is closed on Sunday. So salvaging a trip to town with grocery shopping wasn't going to happen either. We brought our laundry though, so we hit the laundromat.

After starting our laundry we rolled down main street to look for a place to eat. Luckily the Crooked Spoon was open. I've been wanting to eat there for a while, it just seemed like anytime we walked by, it was closed. Thank goodness it wasn't closed on Sunday!

We sat at a table by the window, which was great for people watching. The menu was great! I was impressed. I wasn't really sure what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised. Our server came and we ordered beers. What else do you order when the day doesn't go as planned? She asked for our ID's, we provided them, and she recognized our names. She asked if we were Mary Black's handlers. We said yes. She said "I read the blogs". Yep, that's right folks, my 15 min of fame. Right there in the restaurant. Haha. Anyhow. Our servers name was Alison. And she was great. Nice to meet you Alison.

To start our meal off, we ordered a dried cherry and goat cheese salad, split between the three of us. The cherries and goat cheese were a perfect combo, tied together with the vinaigrette. And the portion was large enough for all three of us to have a nice taste. Then it was entree time. Hannah ordered the special, Utah Elk Burger. Rob ordered the house Sirloin Burger, and I ordered the Muffelatta. I haven't had one, done right anyhow, since I was in New Orleans. So I went for it. The food came and the protions were big. But not to big. Hannahs burger was cooked the perfect med-rare that she asked for, so high five to the chef on that. Rob's burger was drenched (in a good way) with blue cheese butter, and looked fantastic. My muffelatta was piled high with onions, roasted red peppers, salami, pepperoni, and of course... OLIVE TAPENADE. Rob and Hannah's food was better than good. They loved it and ate everybite on the plate. My sandwich, was delicious!! It was everything I remember that is great about a muffelatta. The sandwich was pressed on a grill, so the bread was warm and had a crunch on the outside, and chewy on the inside kind of feel. The tapenade, which is what really makes the sandwich, was awesome. The flavor was a great mix of olives, not too salty. Mixed with the balsamic vinegar and sliced pepercinis, and it's a match made in sandwich heaven. And then dessert!!!

I love that Hannah is a dessert eater, because Rob is hit or miss. If someone at the table orders dessert, it's free game for anyone else too. So we all ordered dessert. Hannah had a maple creme brule, I had a port wine poached pear, and Rob had a sort of deconstructed Bananas Foster. The desserts were right in line with the lunch. I'm a pretty hard core creme brule critic, only because I've made them myself daily as a chef before, and this one was pretty good. To be specific, about 10 min over cooked. (sorry guys). But for the average creme brule eater, not noticeable. I just realized I've spent the last paragraphs talking all about food. Hey Northern Wilds newspaper, any need for a food writer??? After dessert we were off to throw our laundry into the dryer.

We wanted to make the town trip as quick as possible, and get back to camp. Why our laundry was drying we ran over to the Co-Op, the only open grocery store, and stocked up on tasty snacks. Back to the laundromat to fold clothes. Our last stop before heading home, was of course, the Java Moose. Don't want to miss out on a brown sugar and cinnamon latte. We were back at dog camp by 3:30.

Monday Rob ran a team of six dogs around the Moose Loop before we were off to pick up Mark, Mary, and the dogs at the Greenwood River Rd. They were all exhausted and in need of a serious nap. Once we were back at camp, that's exactly what they all did. Rob, Hannah, and I took care of dry food, and started chicken soup before there was even a movement from Mark and Mary. We had a bit of a fiasco last night, as in someone almost burned the big cabin down. I plead the fifth on who, just saying, it wasn't me. After that was a little bit under control, I cooked up some cheeseburgers for dinner. Mark and Mary were still pretty tired and looking forward to a hot sauna and some serious sleep.

Today Rob and I are going to run a couple of teams around the Moose Loop while Mark takes a trip to the dog truck. I'll take some pictures, of course. Until tomorrow, or the next day....

Beargrease or BUST!!

Well, the Beargrease is finally here! Yesterday, all of us headed down to the dog truck. All five people, two snowmobiles, two cargo sleds, two dog sleds, and sixteen dogs. It was quite a convoy.

Mark, Mary, and the 16 dogs will set up shop at a friends house in Duluth, until race time on Sunday. The two teams are set up like this: Mary's team: Carstenz and Tuscon, Denali and Jango, Matty and Amber, and Hutch and Emma. Chel's team: Athena and Zena, Devil and Scooter, Deuce and Noodle, and P.J. and Trout.

After all the dogs were put on the truck and Mark and Mary were on their way, the three of us handlers headed back home. The temperature has dropped, again, and yesterday was the first day that really felt much colder. The wind was blowing, and had a pretty serious bite to it. Once we were back at camp, we got water and holed up for a bit. After we thawed out, we headed back to changed straw in the houses of the B and C team. We were done just in time to see the sun set. It was freezing, but beautiful.

Today is colder than yesterday, and the wind is tearing through the dog yard. The thermometer by the front door says -10. We haven't quite decided if we will run today or not. We're leaning towards no. It could warm up a bit though, the sun is shinning.

I'm scouring the internet to solidify our plans to head to Duluth tomorrow, to catch the start of the Beargrease. I'm mapquesting like crazy and looking for sushi places close by. Why not try and have a treat while we are in the "big city":). We're really hoping we can make it. It's going to be a time crunch to get on the road bright and early. We'll have to juggle cars once were in Grand Marais. We're also hoping to cram inportant things like laundry and groceries in the mix. It could be a busy day for EVERYONE!

Round Two!!

Today we ran the Lunch Loop again. Rob ran his team from yesterday, only he traded me Brown, for Blue. Blue seemed to get tired yesterday, and since I'm the heaviest person, on the heaviest sled, I need all the power I can get. Haha. Hannah ran her same team as well, and off we went. Well sort of. Rob's leader Hercules wasn't overly excited to run today. He's not a fan of warmer weather. I know what you are all thinking, "WARMER WEATHER??!!??". It was almost 30 degrees today, and yes, that's WARMER weather for us.

Anyhow, Hercy isn't a fan of the warm weather, and he didn't feel like going right away, which caused quite a tangle. Twice. Once right in the dog yard, and the second time about a block outside of the dog yard. Robs team came to a screeching halt, and then mine did right behind it. We had to stop right where Hannahs team was coming out of the shoot. It was little crazy. Or a lot crazy. Mark was there to help with the tangle, even though it wasn't easy for him. Mark threw his back out a couple of days ago, and he was in pretty awful shape today. Tossing a couple of dogs around didn't help much. While we were gone on our run, Mark headed to town to the chiropractor. Which helped. He's not 100%, but at least he can sit down without looking like he's going to cry.

After we worked out the kinks, we were on our way. It was a bit overcast, but still a beautiful day. We passed Neil right at the beginning of The Burn, and then again as we were leaving the Lunch Loop. The run was great. We had only one wipe out, and it was me. At the end of the return trail, I just couldn't manage to talk Cleo and Kila into going straight. They wanted to go left. And so we did. I tried to stop them, and tipped my sled over. They dragged me, face in the snow, for a bit. Rob had enough time to hook his team and run over to help me "re-direct" my team. Other than the beginning and end, the run was incident free!!

On both of the runs the last two days, I keep thinking how fun it would be to bring my brother along. Or my mom and dad. How amazing it would be for them to get to see what I see everyday. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping we can make something work.

Mary came home a day earlier than planned. Mark was going to run all 16 Beargrease dogs tomorrow for their last run before heading to Duluth. With his jacked up back, that's not going to happen. Instead, Mary will run 8 dogs and Rob will run the other 8. I think Mary said they will take the Lunch Loop route. It's a good route :)

Today's picture is Rob ahead of me with his team, helping them along up a hill.

Lunch Loop Extravaganza

A little catch up from the weekend....
Chel and her son Forest came up on Sunday morning. She and Mary each took a team of nine dogs out for a run. The plan was to figure out which eight dogs will run for each of their mid-distance Beargrease teams. Mark followed just in case of emergency. Meanwhile, back at the dog camp, Hannah and I hooked up two teams of six to take around the Moose Loop. Rob went ahead of us with the snowmobile as well, just in case of emergency. The only real problem we had was before even leaving the dog yard, my two leaders, Cleo and Olive, had a small scuffle. The scuffle grew to then include the next two dogs in my team. It was a ball of dogs wrestling around in front of my sled. After Rob jumped in to break everyone up, we were off.

Hannah and I had a smooth, but very quick run. The Moose Loop is only six and a half miles long, so it goes by fast. We were home just in time to put our dogs away and take a breath before Mary, Chel, and Mark were coming down the return trail. All the dogs did great, and neither Chel or Mary were sure which ones they would pick.

Monday started off the same as Sunday. Mary and Chel took their nine dogs a piece out. This time instead of Hannah, Rob and I going out, Mark and Forest took teams out. After everyone was home, Mary and Chel were still not positive who they would take to the race. I guess they will have to think on it for the next couple of days.

Today was the Lunch Loop Extravaganza! Mark would like us to take the dogs out more often and for longer runs, so that's exactly what we're going to do. We (Rob, Hannah, and I) each took a team of six dogs. Rob took Hercules and Olga, Michelob and Johnny, and Brown and Wally. I know he was pretty pumped to have Brown and Wally. The brothers running together again :). Wally was recently demoted and put back on the B team. Although we're bummed he couldn't hang with the Varsity team, we are pretty excited to have him back. I know Brown is more than excited to have his brother as a neighbor again. I took Kila and Cleo, Ranger and Bud, and Blue and Caribou. Ranger and Bud are two of my favorite runners. They work so hard and I never have to worry about either one. I was a little nervous about Cleo, as she was a key suspect in yesterdays scuffle. It turned out great, she is SO strong and she and Kila were a great little pair. Hannah took out a lot of the yearling puppies. She had Olive and Honey, Maggie and Moon, and Bree and Mac. Mark decided that running Honey would be okay, and all of us were glad she could come. Honey is the dog that has had a couple of seizures since we've been here, and also Robs #2 favorite. She is an amazing dog, hard working and smart. And she didn't disappoint today.

Hannah had a wipe out just as we were leaving the dog yard, but after that, we were wipe out free for the whole 22 miles!! Mark followed us to The Burn just to make sure things were okay, but from then on, we were on our own. It was a great run. I felt comfortable at all times, and confident I could not only stop the dogs, but leave my sled for any problems if necessary. I'm making progress! We stopped a lot to let the dogs rest and lap up some snow. This was the longest run most of them have been on in a LONG time. On our way to the loop part of the Lunch Loop, we passed Niel, riding along, eating a sandwich. We all got a nice hello! After we made the turn on the Lunch Loop my team slowed down noticeably. Blue and Caribou were feeling a little worn out, so we did a little dog switching between teams to even the load again. We passed Neil again going through The Burn. This time all of our teams were a little closer, with less room to pass. Everyone did fine, even Hannahs team of very curious yearlings.

As we pulled into the dog yard, I made a wrong turn. Or my team did, and I didn't correct them fast enough. It was my one major mistake for the whole run. I guess better at the end of the run while we are in the dog yard than any other time or place. My goal for tomorrow is to have another great run, just end on a better note and lead the dogs towards the right turn:).

It's a heat wave!!

Well, not really. At this point, anything ABOVE zero sure feels like a heat wave. Yesterday was nice too! Rob, Hannah and I did some housekeeping around the dog yard and were stripping off layers. It was great.

Today as we were getting water, Mark told us that today would be a great day to go to town. It was a great surprise. We (us handlers) have all been a bit on edge with the crappy weather, and without much to do. A trip to town was exactly what we needed.

After breakfast we hooked up the otter sled behind the snowmobile and prepared for our trip. Mark and Mary gave us their keys so that we could jump start Robs frostbitten truck. We tried a new technique for traveling to the truck. This time Hannah rode in the otter sled and I rode on the snowmobile with Rob. We took the dog sled out of the equation, and it worked out perfect. We got to the truck, hooked up the jumper cables and it started on the first turn. It was a smooth start to our afternoon.

Once we got into town, we hit up the laundromat, of course. Then it was on to the co op. We've been having huge cravings for apples, and oranges. Rob and I both grabbed baskets and filled them up pretty quickly. Only a couple of pieces of fruit, because it will freeze on the way home. We stocked up on some of our favorites. Chocolate covered almonds, roasted red pepper hummus, pita chips, and yogurt covered raisins. Just to name a few. Then it was back to the laundromat to throw everything into the dryer.

We decided on a place called Chez Jude for lunch. We've driven by it a few times, and it never looked open. Today it was open. It was a beautiful little spot. It's right on the Harbor, so the view is fantastic. There were only about a dozen tables, all with white table clothes. We thought it might be a bit fancy for us, only because we may, or may not have had a shower in the last three days. But we weren't lacking money or appetite, so we went for it. It was delicious! As most of you know, Rob and I are chefs and have a serious love of food and critiquing restaurants. And lucky us, Hannah is a major foodie. So we order everything on the menu.

Well, not everything. But something from every course offered. Appetizers, soup, entree, dessert, and of course wine. Don't worry moms, it was only one glass. Two for Hannah :). The only down fall about being a chef out to eat, is how you pick a meal apart. Even if it's delicious and done perfectly, there is always something you think you could do different, or a way you could make it better. Today, we were able to totally enjoy the meal, and having Hannah along to talk about all the great food and presentation was perfect.

After our almost 2 hour lunch stop (hey, we were taking our time and enjoying it all), we headed back to do my favorite, can you hear the sarcasm because I'm laying it on pretty thick, part of laundry. The folding!! I hate folding laundry. I don't mind any other part of it. But the folding drives me crazy. Anyhow, after the laundry was finished up, we headed to the grocery store to get some odds and ends. Then it was off to the liquor store, and of course, Java Moose. Finally, home again, home again.

We got home with about an hour to spare before night time dog chores. It was awesome timing. A great end to a great day. Warmer weather, great food, a cinnamon brown sugar latte. Like I said, just what we all needed. Tomorrow Chel will be here with Forest. Mary and Chel will be running the dogs that might be their Beargrease teams. Sorry Indi fans (that might only be me), she's out. Too stiff from last weeks race. I'm excited to see how the other guys do. I feel good about this race. I'm a glass half full kind of girl.

OOOOPPS!!!

I have to start off today by saying Sorry to Mary! I read her blogs last night to catch up, and realized that I had spilled the beans on Mark pulling out of the Beargrease. I'm glad she gave you all the details. And again, I'm sorry Mary. I sometimes forget that more people than just Rob and my family reads this. I hope you didn't get too many "What the heck?!?" phone calls. See ya tonight!

I'm not sure what we'll be doing today. Yesterday was for sure the coldest day. After the dogs drank their chicken soup, I hustle to love on them all and get back inside. I'm sure the dogs understand. Today doesn't look much warmer. It's about 12 below right now. The sun is shinning though, and maybe that will help warm things up. Let's hope. Mark mentioned maybe running the dogs today. On freezing cold days like this, all the dogs need booties. That means they need our naked finger to put the booties on. BBBRRRRR. It would be a really nice change of scenery to be out on the trail today. We'll see.

We are all still looking forward to the promised warm up by this weekend. Chel, Mark and Mary's friend that will be running the Beargrease 150, will be coming to visit on Sunday with her son Forest. If all goes well, they will all be out running some of the dogs. Maybe there will be six left for me??

I'll try and take some pictures today, even if we don't go out running. Just something to post. Maybe a few of Rob, Hannah, and my ever growing case of cabin fever. Hmmmm. Until later all....