C. Harris
“How about those photos from C. Harris, Plunderer extraordinaire who attended the Iditarod start?” says Admin.
“They’re just great,” Spence says. “And AJ and the team are doing so well! Running a lot at night, I think. Rebecca writes that he and the team often train in the dark, without headlamps! Wow! And also – “
“Time to go – we’ll miss the flight. And then be stuck with this laptop for the rest of our lives.”
Zoom.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at 8:40 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
8:43 am on March 6th, 2012
This guy has the right idea. Turn about is fair play.
8:58 am on March 6th, 2012
Greetings Tyb: A cute and funny picture!
I just want to say CHarris, you’ve made the 2012 Iditarod come to life for me, as I am not an Insider. I truly appreciate you sharing your photos with us here on the blog, and I’m proud to be reprsented by you as part of the Plunderers. Doing the wave for you from my desk!
GO AJ!!!
9:07 am on March 6th, 2012
Spence and Admin are coming home!
CHarris: The pictures are wonderful. What kind of camera do you have? (And I think you look perfect. Perhaps the doctor is using anorexic models for comparison. Love your wicked smile!)
According to the Iditarod Insider, AJ is racing at 10.8 MPH and has checked out of Rohn.
9:14 am on March 6th, 2012
Good morning All.
Tyb, your pic brings back very fond memories of my first Sibe, Boris Badanov. When he was 2,I had to have abdominal surgery which had me very nervous. So just prior, we drove up to Sullivan County to spend a long winter weekend in the Endless Mountains. We stayed at a rustic little B&B on a dirt road in the forrest: Ray, me, and Boris. We got a big snow storm which started during the drive, and continued all night. The next day we went for a snowy hike, with Boris (“Bup”) trailblazing for us. The owners of the B&B gave us a sled and told us where a fantastic sledding hill was. It was a big, steep hill, and I harnessed Bup to the sled to pull it up for me. At the top, I unhooked him, and he stepped on the sled and waited for me to give him a push! Ha Ha Ha My true “Sled Dog”.
I pushed him off, laid down, and pushed off. He tackled me all the way down. I miss my Bup. McGrath Checkpoint is dedicated to him.: the Love of My Life. You never get over your First Love.
Thanks for posting that pic, Tyb.
9:20 am on March 6th, 2012
I have permission from our Favorite Author(s) that I may put C.Harris’s photo’s in an album and put them on their pages!
I have down loaded all of the pictures that C.Harris posted and will be “primping” them and then doing Facebook.
This might take me awhile. There are 50 some and Patsy and I have to return a cupcake holder and then do some grocery shopping.
I wrote to The Royals’ Mum and Da saying their prayer made my eyes leak. She said it as the Jalapeno peppers in the kettle!
Our prayers have KICK!
9:23 am on March 6th, 2012
Great photo TYB. And thank you for sharing your remembrance of Bup Howlers’ Mom.
9:38 am on March 6th, 2012
According to “Current Standings” on the Iditarod Insider, AJ rested the team at Rohn for five hours and ten minutes.
9:50 am on March 6th, 2012
Good morning all. Hurry home Spence!
Loved your story about Bup. First loves always hold a special place in our hearts.
We have not been posting much at night, due to computer problems. We will get a message saying “Out of memory at line whatever”. Then is shuts down. Is this because there are so many posts? It does not happen in the morning, only at night.
Maybe one of you computer wizes can tell us.
9:55 am on March 6th, 2012
Ve are very happy for CHarris being at start of race. As ve said, she is most lovely lady. And took very good pictures. Natasha just managed to get back turned in time. Is ok to photo hat-( is very vonderful hat, yes?) but ve ARE still undercover, so no photo of face please.
But ve vonder vhy has never been day’s post titled for Natasha? Ve are very important….and very glamorous.
So maybe, vhen the Spencer is home, maybe he vill write about Vorld’s Most Distracting Undercover Spy.
Must go now. Many other teams to vaylay so dear AJ has clear path. And is not easy run trail in high heel boots!
10:14 am on March 6th, 2012
Barb: I think the computer problem may be on Spence’s end. It takes quite a while to refresh and last night I couldn’t get back on.
10:20 am on March 6th, 2012
MagPie – Yesterday’s blog was too big for me to read this morning on my iPaw. The memory couldn’t handle it. Morning is a fresh start for the day so no problems. By night time, the blog has grown and it takes more memory to load. Your computer message is correct – so does it get better when you reboot? That would clear other things out of memory.
10:20 am on March 6th, 2012
I want to give Rio a standing ovation.
(Grunt. It may take me a minute to stand up…..)
Clap clap clap clap clap!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rio is our most wonderful commander! He has led the charge for the plunderers and we are most grateful!
10:29 am on March 6th, 2012
Another day along the trail. You know what they say, “If you’re not the lead dog the scenery never changes.”
10:31 am on March 6th, 2012
Natasha: “Whew,” I thought you were mad at me posting your photos. I admit that I was trying to photograph your face but I probably would be too afraid of your Russian temper to have posted them. However, you were really good at avoiding camera angles without calling attention to the fact you were doing so. Do they train you to do that in spy school? And every time I turned around you were gone. If anyone can move fast in high heel boots, it is you. I can’t imagine running in them, however. You be careful; if you injure yourself….is there by chance another agent helping you? That is a lot of teams for you to distract for 10+ days. Are you planning on not sleeping? That must be another thing you learn in spy school. Your reports could start becoming strange(r) especially if you revert to your native tongue. Take care, Natasha!
10:35 am on March 6th, 2012
To Commander Rio!!! Hear, hear!!!!
10:43 am on March 6th, 2012
Computer!… My crappy old computer just can’t handle all the excitement this Iditarod is causing….grunt!… I have a helluva time refreshing and posting, plus much to my disappointment, it freezes up a lot when I am trying to Track AJ on the GPS thingy…sniff!… Seems I can either have this here blog up or the Iditarod Insider, but not both…grumble!… AND my friend says she cannot logon to the Insider at the busy-place because it is Blocked….grump!…So we are both SOL right now.
Updates!….With all my computer troubles can I ask for someone to post Updates about AJ and the other Mushers for me during the day. My friend says she might sneak her busy-place laptop home and we will be able to view both websites on it tonight because it is a new and powerful machine….huffle!… Too damned bad I don’t get my new computer till April…sneeze!
Wolfie!….What in heaven are you going on about?….grunt!
10:45 am on March 6th, 2012
Molly’s mom, Yes it helps if we shut down and reboot. Also we had yahoo open for emails, and if we close that it helps, too.
Just want everyone to know we are trying – it is not for lack of interest if you don’t see us much in the evenings.
11:00 am on March 6th, 2012
Joining Wolfie in saying a Big Thank You to Commander Rio for his outstanding work. He has gathered our forces together for the support of our beloved Snowhook and we are all grateful for his leadership and encouragement.
11:04 am on March 6th, 2012
Let us not forget Siber-H, without whom most of us would not even be aware of Snowhook and The Last Great Race.
3 Cheers for Siber-H! Hip hip hurray, Hip hip hurray, Hip hip hurray!
11:05 am on March 6th, 2012
Alaska Dispatch has a slide show of the ceremonial start. Slides #2 and #18 are AJ’s dogs in the dog truck.
11:08 am on March 6th, 2012
A lot of youse are talking about computer freeze-ups and overloads, which is happening across the board. I don’t believe it is the fault of the individual computers, but instead is just plain too much data coming in at the same time. We here are having similar problems…mostly at night.
It’s a wonder Mike Baker’s equipment hasn’t blown a fuse!
11:13 am on March 6th, 2012
Tyb: That picture is how Luna and her dog, Belle Start interpret dog sledding.
Rio: By the looks of it, AJ made it out of the Alaska Range not long ago. This upcoming stretch of trail involves glacier ice and very roughy terrain. The glacier makes me nervous for AJ as he won’t have any control when navigating up it. The rough terrain can also be hard on sleds.
11:17 am on March 6th, 2012
WoooHooo! On to Nikolai…Dedicated by Siber-H to Chet the Jet!!!
11:19 am on March 6th, 2012
OHs: Your story touches my heart….
Since I go to bed before the evening prayer, I want to thank the Royals for their beautiful words. I am printing them and will keep them near always.
Masquers, yes let’s not forget my sweetie SiberH. Doing wave for your SiberH!!!
And big ups to Rio for his tireless devotion and work to SNOWHOOK!!!!
11:21 am on March 6th, 2012
Gulp! SnowBella, we thought AJ and the Team were out of the woods so to speak, but now up comes the glacier. Paws crossed and saying prayers for a safe crossing. How long will this stretch of trail be?
11:22 am on March 6th, 2012
Bella: I hope my pretty girl Belle Starr is doing her security checks at night…..
11:29 am on March 6th, 2012
The write-up says the first 20 miles out of Rohn are some of the worst on the trail, and last we looked we thought AJ was about 16 miles out. Now we hear (and read) it gets even worse! Oh my.
11:35 am on March 6th, 2012
Hazards!…. First the Steps, then the Dalzell Gorge now glacier ice and very rough terrain…wheeze!…Is there ever any “Easy” parts to this race?….wuffle!… I’m so mad I can’t track AJ and the Team…sniffle!sob!
11:35 am on March 6th, 2012
Masquers – My nice MacBook Air has no problem with the blog, even at night when more data is being sent. That’s because I have lots of memory. My iPaw couldn’t handle yesterday’s amazing load so I had to finish yesterday’s postings on my Mac. Mike Baker’s server is doing okay. I think he planned ahead.
11:36 am on March 6th, 2012
Don’t miss the flight, Spence, and thank you for the big thank you to CHarris. She has made the race extra, extra special for us. She is a fine photographer, reporter, and storyteller.
I’m so glad to learn this morning that AJ and the team made it through the Gorge. We couldn’t stand it until we got back to the house to turn the computer on.
TYB, That photo would be me in the Gorge.
Does anyone know how Rory and Cherokee are doing this morning?
11:38 am on March 6th, 2012
Howlers, you guys need to stop reading about the trail. You are going to give yourselves a heart attack!!
11:43 am on March 6th, 2012
Chiro thinks Cherokee is having lower spine disc issues. She said it could be 4-6 months for healing with minimal activity. He still needs Xrays though.
Siber, did you read about Mom’s boy Boris? She says that she was too stupid then to know that Sibes can’t be off-leash, and he never gave her any reason to find out. He and she were so connected, and he was so protective of her, that he would never go any further than he could keep his eyes on her. Even in the Endless Mountains!
She does not believe that any of us could ever manage off-leash, and we believe she is right.
11:46 am on March 6th, 2012
Does anyone know why the trail seems to double back on itself at Nicolai?
11:52 am on March 6th, 2012
Oh yes, the blog will start running very slowly for me at night, but we are plundering through so far. Thanks for the suggestion to re-boot. umm I keep a lot of windows open during the Iditarod.
Thank You Zen Kat.
Commander Rio is our champion idea guy. His fund-raising schemes have always worked out for us and Snowhook. Mom and I thank him and if there were a blog medal to give out, we would award it to him.
11:56 am on March 6th, 2012
So much is happening already this morning!
Great shout-out to C.Harris from Spence and Admin and today’s post in her name! C.Harris who has indeed made the 2012 Iditarod come alive for us in a very special way. Thank you again for your representation of the Plunderers, your many photos, accounts of your travels and life in the Far North.
O.Howlers: Your story of Boris Badenov touched our hearts. What a wonderful, exceptional companion he was/is! We are honored to be on the trail with him and happy to see the checkpoint in his name.
11:57 am on March 6th, 2012
Fellow Sibers, I did read it ane enjoy it. There is a minority of Sibers that can be off leash. Molly, my dear friend at the dog park, can be off leash. hee hee She sure has other ways of getting in trouble, though.
Mom would never let me off leash…not for one second.
12:03 pm on March 6th, 2012
Stuck in driveway this morning and the roads to work were almost impassable. Fell walking into school–15 minutes late. Not one of the better starts of the day. If this storm had moved in on Friday, I wouldn’t have made it to Wasilla on Saturday.
Since Melanie is re-posing photos to the Chet facebook, here is the Chet The Dog sponsorship tag on Snowhook Kennel’s truck sign
12:10 pm on March 6th, 2012
Macy, My guess would be that the trail is simply folowing the easier terrain…one that the teams can travel on.
I’ll look at it more closely in awhile and let you know if I come up with a different answer.
Us civil engineers really need to be able to answer those questions correctly.
12:13 pm on March 6th, 2012
Siber, have you seen the video on Silvia Furtwangler and her leader Moby Dick? He is half Sibe.
12:18 pm on March 6th, 2012
FellowSibers, I am glad that Cherokee is going to have x-rays. Keep us posted.
Macy, I haven’t seen that video yet. I hope to get caught up on the videos by this afternoon. Moby Dick is a cool name.
I can see the Siber in Whitey-Lance.
Neat photo, CHarris. Chet the Dog would be a one of a kind sponsor in the Iditarod
12:23 pm on March 6th, 2012
For some reason the last post was cut-off midstream. We got to a certain point and couldn’t add any more to it.
Macy: Moby Dick? We thought Silvia’s lead dog was Whistler, he who was lost and found. (that was a great Iditarod cartoon btw.)
Melanie: Looking forward to the photo montage on facebookie.
Looking at the Insider, looks like 3 have dropped out of the Race? Siber-H, did you see this?
12:34 pm on March 6th, 2012
Bear, They have several lead dogs and they switch them around.
Rio, In this order the 4 leading teams are almost into Chet’s Checkpoint, Nikolai
Aliy Zirkle
John Baker
Hugh Neff
Lance Mackey
Bear, I haven’t checked to yet who has scratched from the Race, but will do so. In long distance dog mushing there will always be several mushers that have to scratch. It happens for different reasons and is heartbreaking.
12:36 pm on March 6th, 2012
I may be mistaken. The chart is showing three teams highlighted, but don’t see them below in the withdrawn column.
12:41 pm on March 6th, 2012
Tyb: Mom LOVES the picture of the Sibe on the sled and the kool outfit she is wearing.
Howlers: Sorry to hear of Cherokee’s long re-coup period, but also hoping he will get through this and back to feeling like his old self after it is over.
12:42 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rio, AJ is stopped right now but he is only 38 miles behind the lead team. I think this is very good. There are lots of mushers behind him. I’ll let you know when he starts moving again for the run into Nikolai.
Bear, I will go check.
12:44 pm on March 6th, 2012
Tyb: the girl that is, not the Sibe. snicker
12:44 pm on March 6th, 2012
BSD: If a team is highlighted above the withdrawn section, it means that their data was the most recently updated in the race standings. So far, no teams have scratched this year that I’m aware. A few years ago, the Steps took several teams out of the race. Each year is different.
I don’t have any update about Rory. I am waiting for the vet to call. They are going to try to feed her real food today.
12:45 pm on March 6th, 2012
AJ is moving!
12:47 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rio, AJ and the dogs are moving again.
I just found that…no mushers have had to scratch so far. This is great news! (and unusual)
12:53 pm on March 6th, 2012
SnowBella: Thank you for the update on Rory. It is sounding positive that she may be getting real food. Waiting for your update.
We read that The Steps were in better condition this year than most. Thank you for the information about the Race standings posted on the board.
We’ll be relieved when AJ and the Team are on the far side of the glacier.
1:23 pm on March 6th, 2012
ATTENTION EVERYONE!!
On the Iditarod Forums (message boards) I just started a new thread on one of their topics, “Root For Your Musher”.
It is titled, of course, “Justin Savidis”.
I also mentioned Chet the Dog Blog.
Would some of you please go over there and comment on my thread.
BTW I am “snowdog” over there. I don’t usually say much on those boards.
1:33 pm on March 6th, 2012
I’m seeing a Winter Weather Advisory at the next 4 checkpoints until 1 pm.
Speaking of winter weather…just before going to bed at 11 pm last night, we were surprised to see a blanket of SNOW covering the ground. This morning it measured 3 inches. No matter…the sun is now shining brightly which will soon make short work of melting it away.
1:40 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rio, The leader, Aliy, is into Nikoli.
AJ is 35 miles from Nikoli.
1:50 pm on March 6th, 2012
SH: I’ve tried responding to you on the message board but for some reason the Insider is not letting me.
1:52 pm on March 6th, 2012
AJ has a cheering section! Thank you SiberH. Twirl, spin, get the room to stop turning…
1:55 pm on March 6th, 2012
Stover, Did you sign into the Discussion Forums? The want very little information to “create an account” so it is no hassle.
1:58 pm on March 6th, 2012
Siber, we posted.
B, you need to register. It is free, but requires a registration separate from Insider registration.
Siber, we posted on the Siber posts over the weekend; we were hoping you’d start an AJ thread.
2:08 pm on March 6th, 2012
The Insider Officals do read those boards so maybe by getting AJ enough publicity, they will get things right next year.
I posted on the Siber posts also.
I think some of the women over there have crushes on Lance.
2:22 pm on March 6th, 2012
Snowdog!…heh!snort!….I hope you haven’t told everyone you live in New Mexico….chorkel!
Crushes?….On Lance Mackey? You are kidding, right….grunt!
2:25 pm on March 6th, 2012
No, I am laughing but I am not kidding.
2:33 pm on March 6th, 2012
Have the not seen the the picture of AJ from the other night, the snow Viking? I may be partial, though…
Riddle me this: how can the GPS tracker show AJ’s speed, but also show him the same place for the last three updates. Running circles?—Only if he put Belle Starr in lead. Oh, good—she’s still on the couch.
2:36 pm on March 6th, 2012
I am unable to get into the forum to support AJ also, but I did make a find. If you go to
the CNN homepage (www.cnn.com) and scroll way down to the travel section, you’ll find the first topic is Iditarod: A Spectator’s Guide. If you click on that title and look at the pictures, you’ll see in picture #5 some of the dogs from Snowhook. The CTD patches are clearly visible on both the dog on the left and the one on the right.
2:39 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rebecca, I just checked on AJ for Rio, and I am seeing the same strange thing. Could it be a malfunctioning tracker? Oh Gah
Rio, AJ is on his way to Nikolai, we know that much.
The teams will rest in Nikolai.
We will return in a couple of hours.
2:40 pm on March 6th, 2012
Here is the picture I just posted about. I didn’t think I could get it away from CNN and to the blog, but I think I did it. Hope it works.
2:45 pm on March 6th, 2012
One of the reasons I didn’t sign up for the Insider is that I knew I’d get no work done and would not have any life at all. However, I am not doing much better given the number of times I check into this blog.
Thanks TYB for your discovery at CNN
2:46 pm on March 6th, 2012
Siber: I registered on the forum, but was told I must wait for a confirmation before posting.
Is anyone familiar with Iditarod Canine Reporter Zuma? Very cute for young musher-wanna-be-s.
http://www.iditarodblogs.com/zuma/2012/03/05/daily-update-march-5-2012
2:50 pm on March 6th, 2012
Tyb: Thanks for sharing that great picture.
There is a new Insider video that is behind the scenes at Rainy Pass. The footage immediately following cutting through the ice for water is our dogs. The next shot of the dog getting checked by the vet is also Snowhook!
SiberH: A wayward gypsy tracker makes more sense than Belle Starr running in lead. (No offense Belly Button).
3:00 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rebecca: What are those little white line across the trail that are showing on gypsy?
3:00 pm on March 6th, 2012
Tyb, thanks for finding that great pic from CNN.
Bella, tell us who is who there.
We are wondering if W-L has been put in lead.
Going to check out those videos.
3:01 pm on March 6th, 2012
Grump!…I’m sitting here and not able to see any Insider stuff even though my treatie budget was slashed to subscribe to that thingy….double-grump!
3:13 pm on March 6th, 2012
I’ve registered for the Discussion Board but am waiting Board Administrator approval.
I don’t see how anyone could have a crush on Lance Mackey either.
3:17 pm on March 6th, 2012
Tyb: That’s a great picture!! Thanks for posting it!
Yes, Rebecca, can you tell us who the doggies are?
3:22 pm on March 6th, 2012
I’m wondering whether the dog on the right in the CNN photo might be a Catholic who went to church on Ash Wednesday. I did.
3:24 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie: Andrea’s portrait of Alice is beautiful. Could you post it here?
3:24 pm on March 6th, 2012
Howlers: The first Snowhook dogs shown are yearlings, Garrett (foreground) and Abe (background). They and their brother Marco who is not on the trail are the result of a bit of romance between Morgan and Whitey-Lance shortly before the 2010 Iditarod. Abe and Marco are named for two residence of McGrath that assisted AJ in the search for W.L.
Masquers: I think those little white lines are to help show scale on the map.
Rio: I’d be grumpy if my treat budget were slashed, too. If it makes you feel any better, his location hasn’t been updating consistently. Gruffle!
3:27 pm on March 6th, 2012
Oh, and the second Snowhook dog is Doc of the Outlaw litter.
Hickory dickory Doc,
a most amazing sled dog.
Before he came home,
he ran to Nome.
Hickory dickory Doc.
3:39 pm on March 6th, 2012
Whew, you guys have tired me out just trying to figure out what’s been going on since this morning!
I seem to have AJ moving. He’s at 199.3 miles, right? His history has him moving too.
I’ll be setting up the Facebook thingy tonight. Got a bit tired running errands and need to rest.
Dan is enjoying the videos as they come up.
Take care Snowhook!
3:41 pm on March 6th, 2012
Oh, before I crash for awhile. The number of pictures that C.Harris put up were downloaded into your computers every time you refreshed or went on the Blog.
That was a lot of memory.
Go Doc!
3:47 pm on March 6th, 2012
Watching The Iditarod Insider does anyone else feel like they are at the controls of the Starship Enterprise?
3:56 pm on March 6th, 2012
Maskers!…heh!snort!heh!…good one.
4:02 pm on March 6th, 2012
Thanks for the great picture.
We are getting ready to leave for awhile. The showing is supposed to be in half an hour, if they don’t get blown away first!
We had sirens and tornado warnings this morning but we are safe. BBL
4:05 pm on March 6th, 2012
Barb and Maggie: I’m glad to hear you are safe and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for very interested buyers!
4:14 pm on March 6th, 2012
Congratulations to C.Harris for the well-deserved shout-out by Spence for making the Iditarod come alive for all of us in a personal way.
I’ve been gone all morning and I see I have some catching up to do.
Go Snowhook! Hoorah for #38!
4:18 pm on March 6th, 2012
Good luck with your showing, Barb and Maggie.
AJ is moving…at 201.6
4:21 pm on March 6th, 2012
The team is now at race mile 204. Chet’s checkpoint is about 15 miles away.
4:21 pm on March 6th, 2012
Hi everyone – what a boring day it was at the polls. Would you believe that only about 30 voters since the polls opened at 7 am? Guess no one is too concerened here.
Anyway, we are just catching up on the blog. And Dad is working on tonight’s prayer. Anyone need anything special?
Bella – does AJ have any particular obstacles on schedule for this next part of the run?
Rio – we will try to put in something about getting some treats for you, you poor starving waif. Try to bear up under the horrible deprivation that you must be enduring.
And we are thinking positive thoughts for Barb’s open house. Hope they are not just another bunch of tire kickers.
4:35 pm on March 6th, 2012
For Siber-H: Interesting fact about the Nikolai checkpoint from The Iditarod Trail Committee F/b page: The name of Nichols preserved since Alaska belonged to Russia. Russian Orthodox St. Nichols is honored.
4:48 pm on March 6th, 2012
Siber H is up top! Woo hooo – gotta be a sign!
Siber – we went to the Iditarod site and registered to chat on the forums too. It is a little confusing about how to get there. (for those of you who haven’t found it yet, it is under the 2012 Race tab – the very last category.) After you get to the forum, THEN you have to register.
We are waiting for our confirmation too so we can let the world know that we are cheering for AJ!
4:49 pm on March 6th, 2012
Good, AJ has moved while I was gone. Well, I knew he was moving, but the tracker couldn’t make up it’s mind.
TTB Thanks for the photo.
Masquers, I have read Zuma’s reports over the years. Zuma is a looker. Of course, I only went to her pages to learn.
You nailed it on the Starship Enterprise.
I hope the Forums can get their act together for you guys. I din’t think I had to go through this. Homeland Security must be checking you out.
4:55 pm on March 6th, 2012
Thanks Masquers, I didn’t know that about Nikolai.
Barb, Good luck on the house! Let us know.
5:30 pm on March 6th, 2012
Barb&Maggie: Paws crossed you will have good results with the showing this afternoon. We know how much you want to leave CLL and be closer to Favorite Son & family.
TYB: Just looking at your picture of the Girl & Her Sled Dog makes us smile. Too bad it’s not available as a print (or is it?)
That was a funny remark about the Catholic Dog.
Anxiously awaiting Rebecca’s return with Good News of Rory.
Going now to check out some more videos.
5:40 pm on March 6th, 2012
I received confirmation and I’ve commented on the discussion page.
5:45 pm on March 6th, 2012
I will leave to go see Rory shortly.
Tyb: Quigley wasn’t raised Catholic, but he could be. I’ll have to ask him.
We have a theory in the kennel: if you end the day with poop on your head, things didn’t go your way. While we waited for our time at the starting line, bladders and bowels were emptied. Some how, and no one is sure how, Quigley tested the theory first hand. It was a theory that started with his mentor Rowdy. In the handful of years, only three dogs have tested the theory with the same result—it is a sure sign that things didn’t go your way.
5:54 pm on March 6th, 2012
AJ is 10 mles from Nikolai.
5:56 pm on March 6th, 2012
I am having a terrible time typing today and I haven’t drank a drop. I am Sober-H
5:58 pm on March 6th, 2012
We are back home. Leonard’s powerful prayer, with an extra boost from the other Plunders, seems to be helping!
This appears to be a serious looker and not just a tire kicker. Single woman with a grown son, who has his own place, 2 dogs and 2 horses. She loved the property and said she wouldn’t do a thing to it. Only negative, it is at the top of her price range, but she is going to do some number crunching and see. She currently boards her two horses, so that would be a big savings. There is a small barn and a 2 acre fenced pasture, so that also is a good fit. Yard is fenced for her dogs. Oh, and she doesn’t have anything she has to sell! YEA! Looking good so far!
6:02 pm on March 6th, 2012
Poop!…Beau probably has poop on his head everyday, but he is so black we just can’t see it…sniff!sniff!
6:10 pm on March 6th, 2012
The gypsy gods hate me. Gah! The team is standing still at 6.8 mph.
B&M: That is great news. Please keep us posted.
T&G: My concern for AJ right now is sleep deprivation. I’ve been able to snag about 6 hours of sleep total since the race started. I doubt he’s any better rested. His 24, Tokatna is not far off. He can rest then, but I pray he will have the alertness of mind and energy of body to get the team successfully to their 24 hour layover.
6:12 pm on March 6th, 2012
Sober H and Rio (and everyone else)We are so glad we have you all to make us laugh!
Barb – really, really hoping for good things. Sounds very positive. Paws crossed, double crossed and kissed for luck!
6:14 pm on March 6th, 2012
Barb&Magpie: Woooooo! Paws crossed with lots of Pawsative thoughts.
Sober-H! Heh, heh we all know…you only drink cool cool water.
6:15 pm on March 6th, 2012
Ok Bella – prayers designed for that coming up!
6:26 pm on March 6th, 2012
Whenever my Tracker page updates, AJ’s green flag does move forward. I have it zoomed in really close so that when it updates, the little green flags move a good distance. Mom just asked me if I didn’t have anything better to do with my life than watch little green flags creep across the state of Alaska.
I told her, NO.
Barb, Good news! This sounds very promising.
6:29 pm on March 6th, 2012
Barb&Maggie: I feel good about this 🙂
It has been snowing heavily all day. Took a package out to my car and walked right past it as It was so snow covered. By the time I cleaned off the windows, roof, sides, hood and back, the windows were covered again. If I got stuck in my driveway this morning, imagine what is going to happen now.
6:34 pm on March 6th, 2012
Woo hoooo! We posted on the string for AJ!
6:44 pm on March 6th, 2012
Bella: Great Kat! The Giant has to go all the way to Takotna for his 24 layover? But he does get little kat naps along the way, right?
Siber: I’m going to try zooming in and see if that helps.
CHarris: White-out! Be careful.
6:45 pm on March 6th, 2012
Barb, we just know that a woman with dogs and horses is going to want to buy your property. Paws crossed.
6:48 pm on March 6th, 2012
Jim Lanier was winning in thebeginning. Now he is right in front of AJ.
6:53 pm on March 6th, 2012
Long day. We are discovering that Dan’s short term memory is not great. He forgot to take his pills for two days straight. have added that to the list we do, and we will have to help him with his balance exercises. Zoe learned them today. I will tomorrow. I’m pretty sure I can’t do them. Stand on pillows with one foot and look around? Naw, don’t think so!
Anyhoo, no arguments, some frustration, less strenuous exercise, and Zoe and me reminding him of things. Pretty constant. Can’t keep up with the race like I have in years past. But when I can he’s enjoying it.
C.Harris, good luck finding your car again.
Barb and MagPie, Fingers, toes, claws and paws crossed.
GO SNOWHOOK!
Much rather watch the little 38 flag, but have to go clean the kitchen.
BBL
6:58 pm on March 6th, 2012
Macy, I have a better answer for you as to why the red line doubles back on itself at Nikolai. The teams are actually routed into Nikolai. It is a detour off the real Iditarod Trail. The two red lines are one way trails for the teams. It is wise to avoid, if possible, sled dog teams meeting each other going in the oposite direction.
6:58 pm on March 6th, 2012
Holey Moley! AJ is almost at Nikolai. That gypsy must be whacky, because in 5 minutes it suddenly jumped. A lot.
7:22 pm on March 6th, 2012
AJ is into Nikolai, Chet’s Checkpoint!!!
Most of us will be asleep when he leaves.
7:25 pm on March 6th, 2012
MY SPRING STORMY KROMER HAT ARRIVED. I also got some pussy willows. Something spring that I’m not allergic to!! (sorry B.)
AJ’s at Chet the Jet’s check point!
7:26 pm on March 6th, 2012
MY SPRING STORMY KROMER HAT ARRIVED. I also got some p****y willows. (Guess who got moderated?) Something spring that I’m not allergic to!! (sorry B.)
AJ’s at Chet the Jet’s check point!
7:30 pm on March 6th, 2012
Thank you for all the Pawsative thoughts. We like that word!
Melanie, probably better that you are helping Dan with his meds if he has memory lapses. It can go the other way too (we found out the hard way) and they can take them multiple times because they forgot!
Hope Rory is doing better.
7:34 pm on March 6th, 2012
HAS ALICE COME HOME YET! She needs to check my Facebook page! I said I wouldn’t show or tell until she sees it!
7:36 pm on March 6th, 2012
Do not watch the “Takotna Checkpoint is preparing for Mushers” video if you are hungry.
Nice willlows, Melanie
7:43 pm on March 6th, 2012
I received my spring Stormy Kromer hat also. It is beautiful!
7:49 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie, We love the willows in the pot. Is that the one that
T & G’s mom made?
The hat is beautiful too! Why don’t you model it?
7:57 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie: Still awaiting our SK here but mom was notified it is on the way.
I like your vase of “willows”.
Facebookie post…funny…everyone has seen it, but Alice.
AJ at Nikolai! Now we all can take a moment and just breathe.
8:05 pm on March 6th, 2012
With AJ at Chet the Jet’s checkpoint, we are taking a break from watching the green flags, and trying for some sleep. Rebecca, lock the door.
When do we expect AJ to get to Boris’ checkpoint?
8:11 pm on March 6th, 2012
Hey, y’all! I’m finally here! Mom won’t leave the computer on for me, something about being afraid I’d sign up for the Insider even though our computer can’t handle it. Phooey! Mom spent some of her time at work reading the blog and looking at the Iditarod stats so she could update the map on the window. She asked her boss today if she minds leaving the map up for the next month — Mom has decided to leave it up until the Red Lantern is awarded, and the record for that is 32 days plus! Her boss says that’s fine!
GO AJ! (When you’re ready to, of course!)
8:16 pm on March 6th, 2012
Barb: Fingers crossed here for you! Buena Suerte!!
I’m very sentimental. Takotna is MollyPop’s checkpoint. I’m a little teary. Mollypop’s Mom: Please know that I am thinking about MollyPop. I know she is watching from the Rainbow Bridge, and wagging her fierce tail for AJ and the team.
8:27 pm on March 6th, 2012
Thank you, Rose. I’m crying right now. Thank you again for sponsoring Molly’s checkpoint.
8:27 pm on March 6th, 2012
Tomorrow I’m having new carpeting installed so I probably won’t post on Chet’s blog until late.
8:28 pm on March 6th, 2012
T&G: Would you consider adding me to tonight’s prayer. I’m still strugling with a bit of depression. Calming prayers would be so very helpful.
8:32 pm on March 6th, 2012
MollyPop’s Mom: It was a great privilege to sponsor MollyPop’s checkpoint.
Rebecca: LOCK THE DOOR! TAKE THE KEY INSIDE!
8:33 pm on March 6th, 2012
Gracias, Rosa! And we will put you in our prayers tonight too.
Half hour till prayer time.
8:33 pm on March 6th, 2012
Snowkat just got big props in the forum for sponsoring an Iditarod team!
8:34 pm on March 6th, 2012
I have just finished primping, commenting and making an album for Facebook of 44 of C.Harris’s pictures.
I can’t post it to Spence’s but will ask him to share the link on his pages.
Whew. Alice back yet?
8:36 pm on March 6th, 2012
B&M: De nada.
8:38 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rose, depression sucks.
I find that this song sometimes helps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAh5_hWhhJ8&feature=related
8:42 pm on March 6th, 2012
Caawwwraap!…So now that I can log on to the Insider AJ is resting at a Checkpoint…grunt!…I’m glad he made it an all, but I wanted to watch his little flag move across the screen too…sniffle!
8:44 pm on March 6th, 2012
I have now registered. Waiting. I don’t wait well.
8:47 pm on March 6th, 2012
Finally! Alice has seen it. Picture by FOTAS!
8:49 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie! I saw it!
WooooWiiiieeee!
8:51 pm on March 6th, 2012
Crud, now I have to wait for another email.
8:51 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rio!
Isn’t it great???!!!!
8:58 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rose – you got it. It will be there for you.
9:00 pm on March 6th, 2012
Creator – we thank you for the glorious world around us. We hear the music that you have created in all things. Our souls dance in unison with your earth.
Creator – we hear the song that you made of the wind in the trees. At times it is whispered and soothing; at times it is a mighty chorus of notes, proclaiming the might of the air and the strength of the branches. It is a song that never ends. Let the song of the trees ride the trail with AJ, let it surround him with the harmonies that will help him on his way.
Creator – we hear the song of the rivers over the rocks. It can be as soft as the wings of butterflies, as it melts and trickles over the rocks. It can be as loud as the hoof beats of a thousand buffalo, as it roars in cascades along the banks. It is a song that shifts and flows, but continues always; its melodies lifted to the glory of the heavens. We ask that this song carry AJ and the team on their path, lifting them, flowing within them, making their path as easy as the water.
Creator – we hear the songs of the stars and the lights of the sky. We hear the resonating hum of the moon, and the pinpoints of notes sung by the stars around her in the night. Each star gives its one crystal clear note, by itself a single sound, but when joined with the universe, a sparking symphony rings out to those who would hear. Let that symphony surround the team, and lend all the members that strength of unity and working together.
Creator – we hear the song of the snow and the ice, the song of running feet and deep breaths in the cold air. We hear the song of heartbeats pulsing together, working together, and in time resting together. We ask that the heartbeat of each member of the team be the drumbeat to the music in their teammate’s soul.
Creator – we ask that the music of the world help AJ and the team as they continue on their journey despite fatigue and cold. Let there be joyous melodies as they run, let there be quiet and peaceful harmonies when they rest.
Creator – we ask that your music weave medicine around Rory and Cherokee; to allow their bodies to heal, and their souls to be content. Let the melodies of nature,the crickets in the meadow, the birds in the skies, the rustling of roses in the sunlight, lift the hearts of all those who hear it.
Creator – we thank you for the glorious world around us. We have heard the music you created in all things. Our souls dance in unison with each other and with your earth.
Amen
9:01 pm on March 6th, 2012
Alice! Magnifique!
9:01 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rebecca, when I went to Melanie’s link I found this. Remember that you and AJ share the same ‘Moonlight’.
9:06 pm on March 6th, 2012
Leonard and Amalia
We Thank You from our Hearts
for another Beautiful Prayer.
9:07 pm on March 6th, 2012
Take two, annnd Action
http://youtu.be/Piew1XBt1Nk
9:10 pm on March 6th, 2012
Amen..That is a beautiful prayer. Thank You. The prayer makes mom and I want to head for the Mountains. sniff
9:11 pm on March 6th, 2012
Macy: Your last post to Rose is beautiful.
9:13 pm on March 6th, 2012
Macy: Your last post to Rebecca is beautiful.
9:13 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rose, We love you.
9:14 pm on March 6th, 2012
Gee Royals,
I didn’t think your prayers could get better but this one is magnificent. Thank you thank you thank you.
9:17 pm on March 6th, 2012
Thank you Amalia and Leonard, for your astoundingly beautiful prayer. We love you.
9:21 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie: The link you sent to Rose will be much appreciated.
It is a beautiful song to uplift the Spirit.
Bear is very tired tonight and will be retiring early…at least to relax and unwind.
Peaceful Dreams & Restful Sleep to the Plunderers and to AJ & the Team. Until the Dawn’s Early Light.
Good Night to All – Bear
9:29 pm on March 6th, 2012
Thank you for your prayer that lifts all of our hearts and our souls, Amalia and Leonard.
Good night.
9:30 pm on March 6th, 2012
Prayer!…Once again a very special and calming prayer for AJ and the Team and everyone else…wuffle!…Thank you StoryTeller…sniffle!
GAH!…That is an amazing likeness of Alice…sniff!…Those Eyes!…wheeze!…Now I am not feeling very calm again…gurgle!
SiberH!…Beau and I registered but we probably won’t be able to leave a message until tomorrow night…grunt!…This Ole Computer can handle just so much….huffle!
9:30 pm on March 6th, 2012
Dear Ms Alice M. Johnson – will you still be speaking to all of us mere mortals now that you have been so beautifully immortalized?
Rio – you better start being REALLY nice to FOTAS – maybe she will make YOU famous too. And then a big, fancy gallery – the Louvre maybe – will buy both paintings and hang them side by side – forever and ever – throughout time – Kat and Pug linked together through art.
(tee hee)
9:32 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rose: We all share…good times or bad, thick or thin, lose or win.
When you are feeling down…look around and we’ll be there.
9:49 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rio, Tomorrow night will be good. It will lift our thread back to the top without it looking like that is what we are trying to do.
Alice, That is just amazing. I am speechless.
9:50 pm on March 6th, 2012
Amalia and Leonard, after each prayer the last few nights, we have tried to imagine how you can think of another one as meaningful. You do. Thank you.
G&BB
9:50 pm on March 6th, 2012
That was another beautiful and appreciated prayer. Thank you. I could barely make it past, “the heartbeat of each member of the team be the drumbeat to the music in their teammate’s soul.”
Macy: Thank you for reminding me.
I saw Rory today. She is heavily sedated, but wagged her tail when I knelt down beside her and stroked her face. It wasn’t the wage of a puppy, but a wag from a sick dog is even better. The vet said the soonest she would be able to come home would be the end of this week, but that it will be assessed one day at a time.
9:53 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rose!… A Rose by any other name is still A Rose…sniff!…I know our Rose to be a very generous and amazing person and we here all adore her…sniff!…So we do not like to hear that she is feeling blue. Right now is a time for all of us to enjoy the experience of the Iditarod together…snort!…Some of us may or may not have access to the Insider as much as we want(grumble) but we are still enjoying what others are posting about AJ and the Team…wooooooo!…I want Rose to enjoy the Iditarod experience and be free of this Depression-Monkey-On-Her-Back ….grunt! …I want to grab it by the pant-leg and throw it across the room and make it leave her alone…gruffle!
9:54 pm on March 6th, 2012
We are praying for Rory, Rebecca. She is going to get better.
Why isn’t FOTAS a famous artist by now? She should be.
9:54 pm on March 6th, 2012
Dear Rose,
I am only a mere Kat, but if you need help cheering up you can look at my picture and think of Rio. I am sure there is a smile in that somewhere.
hugs,
Alice M. Johnson
10:00 pm on March 6th, 2012
Storyteller: Thank you from my heart.
AJ is in Chet the Dog’s checkpoint thanks to Siber H! Whooohooo. Snowhook is moving right along.
Alice M. Johnson: That is the most beautifulest picture of you. You must’ve had your highlighting done just prior. Stunning!
OleyHowlers: Loved your story about Boris this morning. What a special dog.
10:05 pm on March 6th, 2012
In answer to that Beautiful Prayer …
10:07 pm on March 6th, 2012
Alice is a MEERKAT????
Now WE are speechless
10:13 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie – that picture is ethereal.
10:17 pm on March 6th, 2012
The picture of Alice is so life like that we thought it was a photo! How does she do that? Beautiful, FOTAS!
10:17 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie must have artistically put that photo together. It is beautiful. Maybe AJ will get to see something like that when he leaves tonight.
10:18 pm on March 6th, 2012
Asking for crossed paws, wagging tails, and tummies for Sissy tomorrow. She has to be at the hospital at 9a in nuclear medicine. She’ll get injected with dye to see if she has any cancer in her lymph nodes. Based upon those results the doc will know if she has to remove lymph nodes, how many and where. Double mastectomy begins at 12:30p with the cancer surgeon and the plastic surgeon for reconstruction.
Mom assembled the ingredients for chicken tortilla soup. She’s got black beans soaking overnight, she’ll dump those in the crockpot tomorrow morning. She also baked an oatmeal, Health bits, dried cranberry and almond cookies. We’ll be on the road early tomorrow morning heading to Grand Rapids, coffee in hand.
Go Snowhook!
10:22 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie: Oooooh! A perk of running the Iditarod.
Rose: We love you and not least because you always think of others first.
My computer joins those who are having trouble keeping up with all the information. I just re-booted and it helped.
10:23 pm on March 6th, 2012
Wooooowwwww!…Beautiful Melanie!!…snorkel!
10:23 pm on March 6th, 2012
We will be thinking good thoughts for Sissy in the morning. Safe travels to you, Jasper’s mom.
Signing off here. Good night from northern Illinois.
10:24 pm on March 6th, 2012
Jasper, best of luck to Sissy and your family. Take care and we will be thinking of you tomorrow.
I may be showing up on your doorstep someday for dinner.
10:28 pm on March 6th, 2012
Rose: I’m on my way! I’ll have my four-legged mama with me so she can keep the Professor company while I take care of you. First, you will need to rub my belly. That always makes me feel better, I bet you’re heart will be feeling tip-top after you give me a belly rub. And, then we must discuss lap sitting.
10:29 pm on March 6th, 2012
Jasper!…You know all of us here will be thinking of you and yours tomorrow (and tonight)….grunt!…Your Maws food will be well appreciated I am sure. Thank goodness for her and her thoughtfulness during this very very stressful time for your family…wuffle!…Keep us posted friend!
10:30 pm on March 6th, 2012
Jasper: Fingers and toes will be crossed and tail wagged.
10:33 pm on March 6th, 2012
I am sitting in my sewing room in Californka, and yet I feel connected to each of you in a way that is indescribable. My heart is full.
Melanie’s photo must has been transmitted by Natasha. She is very clever, yes?
Jasper, I had almost forgotten that tomorrow is your Aunt Sissy’s surgery. My thoughts will be with you in Grand Rapids.
Rose, mom deals with depression too. She takes pills and I think that helps. We are sending you healing thoughts of warm sunshine.
Poor Rory is still recovering. What an ordeal.
10:35 pm on March 6th, 2012
Thinking of Sissy and everyone else on the sick list.
Wishing I was running a team of Newfs under the Northern Lights. By this time we might have made it to Dan and Zoë’s checkpoint. I would be covered in frozen drool, smile on my face and my hair streaming behind me!
Rose, thinking of you.
Macy, I love the Moonlight song.
That photo is a combination of 4 photos. And that is AJ! In a different Iditarod.
TTFN
10:48 pm on March 6th, 2012
T&G,
I wondered who would make me a meerkat. snicker. I knew someone would catch that.
Melanie I hope AJ does see the northern lights tonight. And I hope he is awake enough to appreciate them.
Jasper. Quilted hugs to you, your Mom and her sissy.
I must go to sleep now, but I too feel very connected to all you. I think it is the prayers. They are wonderful.
Thanks T&G. Good work.
10:49 pm on March 6th, 2012
We are turning in also. I would like to stay up until AJ leaves Nikolai, but I know he can manage just fine without my help here in NM.
REBECCA!!! LOCK THE DOORS!!!
and please try to get some sleep
night all
10:56 pm on March 6th, 2012
I am grateful to each of you. You bring your own threads of love, care, and humor to the quilt.
Rose: Belle Starr said to tell you that she’ll find you at the center of the quilt. If you see a little lump and a not so little lump moving towards you, it is her and ‘her dog’ Luna.
Wolfie: We are connected. Did I miss it? How are your boys?
11:00 pm on March 6th, 2012
Many will be in our prayers tonight & many will be sharing the quilt.
Melanie, thank you for that very special photo of musher #38 & the team.
Saying goodnight now.
11:00 pm on March 6th, 2012
Awake!…We here are still up even Beau although technically he is sleeping in her lap…heh!….She is trying to drop some vitamin e oil on his crusty nose while he is out…sniff!…So far it keeps rolling off but he is none the wiser…chorkel!
11:02 pm on March 6th, 2012
Melanie: I love the photo!
I read the forum you’ve started for AJ. Wow, oh wow is he one popular musher!
11:02 pm on March 6th, 2012
Jasper – please tell your Mom that Sissy will be in tomorrow night’s prayer. We are saying a personal prayer for her tonight.
We are nodding off ourselves, so we will say g’night all.
And GO SNOWHOOK!
11:11 pm on March 6th, 2012
Jasper: Thank you for reminding us of Sissy’s surgery tomorrow. She will be in my thoughts and prayers.
11:21 pm on March 6th, 2012
Grunt!….Did I mention that we are still UP?…heh!…And we are watching the first Mr.Tibbs movie. Those 70’s movies are actually quite disturbing for some reason…sniff!…Everyone trying to deal with the aftermath of the 60’s, Civil Rights and Vietnam…whoa!..Lots of underlying crap going on or am I imagining it all?…con-fluffle!
11:28 pm on March 6th, 2012
Good night, all and God Speed, AJ!
G&BB
11:28 pm on March 6th, 2012
Goodnight!…heh!…She said enough is enough and now we are trying to wake Beau up so he can go to bed…grunt!…My thoughts will be for all youse guys in need tonight in my pug dreams. Sleep Tite and tomorrow will be bright!…chuffle!
11:29 pm on March 6th, 2012
And special prayers for Sissy, Jasper.
11:52 pm on March 6th, 2012
Dawson: Check your SDD.
Night all youse guys. Tenzing and I are on race watching duty—-more me, than him. Him, he sleeps.
7:08 am on March 7th, 2012
Jasper: In case I don’t get a chance to post until much later — I’ll be thinking about Sissy today. Much love to you and your family, and I pray all goes well.
7:11 am on March 7th, 2012
We are up and see that AJ is on his way to McGrath. But he dropped one dog. Wish we knew who and why.
7:38 am on March 7th, 2012
Read thru last night’s posts. Jasper, we didn’t realize that today is Sissy’s surgery. We are praying and have our paws crossed for her, as well as you and your mama.
7:45 am on March 7th, 2012
Oley Howlers: They are on the way to Boris’ checkpoint! Most of the mushers have dropped a dog or two by now. Hopefully, it is just one that is tired and no injuries.
Jasper: May all go well with Sissy today.
7:51 am on March 7th, 2012
Dawson, in our minds Boris is going to run out from McGrath to meet our team and guide them on in. He would love that !
8:01 am on March 7th, 2012
OleyHowlers: From the story yesterday, I can see him doing that with joy.
8:27 am on March 7th, 2012
Good Morning you two! Talking before blog time … snicker
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10:31 pm on April 21st, 2014
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