Snowhook Preview

Rebecca (CEO of Snowhook, “our” kennel, at least emotionally) and AJ, musher extraordinaire, had a pre-Iditarod conversation, and Rebecca very kindly has shared the results. Go, Snowhook!

Trail conditions are expected to be hard and fast all the way through to Rainy Pass and become extremely difficult through the Alaska Range and onto Nikolai.  Several veteran mushers have either withdrawn from the race or have expressed concern about the trail.  Fortunately, thanks to Rose and Grizz, for the first time we are able to send out a second sled this year.   In each of the past two Iditarod races, the sled has been damaged in the first 300 miles of the race. 

We are unsure if the race is going to go over the sea ice on the coast this year or run an overland trail.  Word is that there is 100 miles of bare ground and tussocks going into Nome.  More about the trail conditions and plans for the coast will be shared at the mandatory mushers meeting on Thursday.

The team has a lot of miles on them this year which is good for their experience.  However, the weather and trail conditions have been poor the last few weeks.  Despite the uncertainty of any race as well as the weather and trail changes, the team is ready to go. 

Frank and Natty have proven themselves to be leaders through the course of training this season.  The more leaders the team starts the race with, the better.   The final team line up will be whittled down by Friday—the day the Plunderers visit Snowhook Kennel for their own personal tour— and then finalized on Sunday morning, the day of the restart. 

The plan is to pace and conserve the team’s energy throughout the race.

We are very grateful to all the Plunderers who have supported and sponsored the team this year.  It has made a significant difference. 

– Welcome new friends Linus, Jessie & Keera, Poochie (first Poochie in the gallery).

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This entry was posted on Thursday, February 27th, 2014 at 7:39 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.

127 Responses to “Snowhook Preview”

  1. Natasha the Nefarious Borzoi
    9:09 am on February 27th, 2014

    Fear not – Natasha vill be there to help Snoehook team over tussocks.

    (Please – vhat is tussock?)

    Good morning all.

  2. B. Stover
    9:14 am on February 27th, 2014

    This is exciting and nerve-wracking. I hope trail conditions somehow get better. (We’ve been having Alaska’s normal weather all winter in Michigan. Today’s high will be 13 and there is snow everywhere…piled high.) Thank you Rose and Grizz for the sled.

    Go Snowhook!

    Good morning all.

  3. BooBear
    9:15 am on February 27th, 2014

    Good Morning and Go Snowhook!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. B. Stover
    9:19 am on February 27th, 2014

    There is a wonderful Google Doodle today celebrating John Steinbeck’s 112th birthday. There are animated quotations from five of his novels. Fun!

    (By the way, we have a winter weather advisory in affect…again. It’s snowing and blowing.)

    Go Natasha!

  5. Barb & Maggie
    9:20 am on February 27th, 2014

    Good morning Natty. We don’t know what a tussock is either. Is it some sort of sock that I can throw in the air? Did you know I love socks?

    BTW, the pictures from yesterday are awesome. Whose leg is Rio attacking? Everyone looks like they are having a great time. Dawson, are you sure you “let” Daddy Dawg win?

    We hope the MRI goes ok for Rebecca.

  6. Wolfie
    9:26 am on February 27th, 2014

    Good morning, all! It doesn’t quite seem possible that the Iditaod is almost upon us!

    Thinking of Melanie and the Pixie on this beautiful rainy morning.

  7. Barb & Maggie
    9:28 am on February 27th, 2014

    We also want to thank Rose and Grizz for the sled. You guys are so generous.

    We are getting more snow this weekend, maybe not a foot as originally projected, but at least 6-8 inches. Temps are still 20 degrees or more below average. We should be having daytime highs in the 40s now, but todays high will be 9! Brrr.

  8. Wose-the small and meek
    9:45 am on February 27th, 2014

    Greetings!

    We here have been enjoying all the really neat pictures from Plunderfest 2014!
    Looks like everyone is having a great time, especially Rio. I wonder if Rio’s friend and Beau miss him yet!

    Dawson, Remember, special tummies to my VBFF and my mama, Luna!

    HRH, B, Love the GOOGLE doodle today! Maybe you can write your own travels with Charlie from the easy chair. : )

    Was that AJ wearing glasses? He is soooo handsome. swoon, thunk!

    Whew! Must have been out for a minute….strong prayers going out to Melanie, BooBear’s pop, MPM, and especially to our Pixie, and while he is on the trail, our favorite (and handsome) musher, AJ.

    GO SNOWHOOK!

  9. Diane C.
    9:46 am on February 27th, 2014

    Good morning. Miss Pretty, Edgar and Conan all ask to be remembered to all the Snowhook Team and their supporters. Pawrayers for Melanie and Pixie and good results.
    Everyone keep warm, be well.
    We continue to follow the parallel Rio saga with interest.

  10. Wose-the small and meek
    9:54 am on February 27th, 2014

    Hey, Diane, I think it colder and snowier here than in Alaska. Go figure!

  11. Barb & Maggie
    9:59 am on February 27th, 2014

    On the weather report they said we normally have 28.5″ of snow by this point. We are currently at 68.3″ with more coming this weekend. So at this point, we are 40″ over the average. Heaviest snow season ever was 89″, but not sure what year that was.

  12. B. Stover
    10:07 am on February 27th, 2014

    Love the pictures from yesterday’s post. My favorite is of AJ and the Rio doppelganger.

    Rose: After the Iditarod is over, Charlie is going to help me write a saga of our travels.

  13. Riö -The Evil Pug
    10:17 am on February 27th, 2014

    AJ!…Digger!….snort!

  14. Tupper and Gilly
    10:20 am on February 27th, 2014

    Morning everyone.
    As we understand it, a doppelgänger is an opposite twin. So therefore, if Colorado Rio is Evil, Alaska Rio must be a sweet, vegetarian, non- pooting, teetotaler.
    Nope. Doesn’t compute.

    Hey, Mama is going to see Melanie in a little bit. She will be bringing her lots and lots of Plunder hugs.

  15. Riö -The Evil Pug
    10:24 am on February 27th, 2014

    Golinka!….Give Melanie a big slurpy pug kiss for me!…snort!snuffle!….Now I have to go wake up the household because I want to go OUT!OUT!OUT!…wheeze!

  16. O'Howlers' Mom
    10:32 am on February 27th, 2014

    Good morning! Yesterday was fun and we are so excited about today. Everyone was too tired last night to figure out what to do during the daytime, but tonight is the Mushers Banquet!!! I hooe to get all of the mushers’ autograph.

    Rose, I have to echo what the others have said about the sled. It does my mind good to know that this year, AJ will have a lighter sled waiting for him after The Burn.

    It is still dark her, and I must try to sleep some more, although my body says it is 10:30 not 6:30!

    Love to Melanie, BooBear’s mom and dad, MollyPop and LouLou’s mom, the Pixie, and all others under the quilt. (Maggie, how is Barb’s tailbone?)

  17. Tupper and Gilly
    10:32 am on February 27th, 2014

    Ummmm – Rio – if it’s ok with you, we will have one of the Newfies deliver that big slurpy kiss. We think it would be more effective that way. (And Melanie would appreciate it more)

  18. Tyb
    10:39 am on February 27th, 2014

    I had to look it up and found that a tussock is an area of grass that is thicker and longer than the grass around it.

  19. Melanie
    10:43 am on February 27th, 2014

    Hmm, yes, I wiould prefer Newf over a Golinka’s slobbery kisses.

    The Mushers banquet! Hope Snowhook gets a low number and wins something.

    Rose and Griz, a new sled! Hurrah

    Well, luckily, Golinka and Storyteller don’t expect much.

    Pixie, make sure they tune up your body right when you do this MRI.

  20. Thieves!
    10:44 am on February 27th, 2014

    We pug napped the real thing. The snorts, burps, odors and swears were a dead giveaway. We blurred away to the tune of Beau admonishing, “Thou shall not steal thus saith the pug!”

  21. Tupper and Gilly
    10:50 am on February 27th, 2014

    You mean the GOOD Pug is in Colorado???

    Oh dear. Rio’s Friend must be scratching her head.

  22. Kat
    10:50 am on February 27th, 2014

    Good morning! Our dog playmate let us use her iPaw so we could tell you all is good in Howler Land. I am sleeping with my new bff and Mama Meash is staying in her own bed. The horses are good too.
    We are supposed to get a “Major Snowstorm” beginning Sunday and lasting until Tuesday. Sounds like fun to me, but Meashka is worried about the ‘rents getting home to us us.

  23. Herd's Mom
    10:53 am on February 27th, 2014

    Good morning, everyone! What a whirl wind up herre…go, talk, laugh, repeat. The Daddy Dawg/Digger/Old Fart and I slept like rocks last night.
    AJ deserves his “groupies” 🙂 Rebecca is so sweet but exhausted. Keep her in your pawrayers (along Melanie, MPM, Staff, Truman and family)
    Looking forward to the Musher’s banquet tonight (no moose or reindeer for this girl, please). Rio has been quite the pugly puppy here 🙂
    Have a TLC Thursday, hugs to Melanie.

  24. Riö -The Evil Pug
    11:00 am on February 27th, 2014

    Crap!…Why is there be no snow on the trails? Because it is all in CHobbits backyard!…grump!

  25. Riö -The Evil Pug
    11:01 am on February 27th, 2014

    IN!…Let me in!…snort!wheeze!…I need a bowl of cawfee!

  26. Herd's Mom
    11:02 am on February 27th, 2014


    Got the Old Fart out from behind the camera to prove he really is way up north in Alaska.

  27. Siber-H
    11:03 am on February 27th, 2014

    Thank you Spence and Rebecca for the Snowhook and Iditarod preview. Some of the trail conditions sound awful. Bless you, Rose and Griz, for the second sled.

    GO SNOWHOOK!!!

  28. Herd's Mom
    11:06 am on February 27th, 2014

    And, yes Rio, we know you said he looks like he belongs on Duck Dynasty (when his hair was long I thought he looked like ZZTop gone to seed)

  29. Siber-H
    11:08 am on February 27th, 2014

    Attention all you guys in Alaska!

    Remember the Sportsman tv channel is going to be there this year filming the Iditarod. Please feel free to hold up signs that say “GO SNOWHOOK” or “HELLO TO SIBER-H IN NM”.

  30. Wose-the small and meek
    11:11 am on February 27th, 2014

    Youse are making Grizz and I blush over this sled business. We were happy to do it as a thank you to the Pixie and the Giant for the wonderful time we had last last year.

    GO SNOWHOOK!

  31. Riö -The Evil Pug
    11:11 am on February 27th, 2014

    Dynasty!… Me and Dirty Digger Dawg are going to be great pals before this big adventure is over…snort!snort!…He beat Dawson at cards last night – now thats what I call Awsome!…chorkel1

  32. Siber-H
    11:14 am on February 27th, 2014

    Golinka, please give Melanie a Husky Hug from me.
    This is Melanie’s Iditarod!

  33. Wose-the small and meek
    11:15 am on February 27th, 2014

    RIO! Make sure the Pixie is getting enough rest and eating right.

    Youse guys, Please send lots of pictures of mama Luna, my VBFF Belle Starr, any new puppies in the kennel! our Pixie, and her handsome husband! Oh, and we want to see the new team jackets, and AJ’s new mushing outfit!

  34. Wose-the small and meek
    11:17 am on February 27th, 2014

    Royal Mum, please give Melanie a hug and kiss from me.

  35. Riö -The Evil Pug
    11:17 am on February 27th, 2014

    Rose!…I sure wish you were up here with me…sniff!…I bet you would let me in and out when i wanted…sneeze!

  36. ML
    11:19 am on February 27th, 2014

    Dark thirty still here at the HH. I hear Howler ‘rents moving upstairs, but in am staying in my warm, soft, oh so comfy bed a little longer.

  37. B. Stover
    11:37 am on February 27th, 2014

    “Doppelganger” is German and means “double walker.” Two Rios…and Wolfie’s comment last night made me laugh.

  38. Herd Of Hounds
    11:54 am on February 27th, 2014

    Mom abandoned us to the step-s, bitb and those mean ol’ sitters who only feed us, give us tummies and bring mini-greenies. We are so neglected. Darah didn’t swim or steal a book yesterday. Pookey didn’t want to come in for the night ’cause she misses the Daddy Dawg. I am being a perfect Lucy Fur, er Lou!

  39. Siber-H
    11:58 am on February 27th, 2014

    Mike Ellis and his team of Siberians have entered Iditarod 2014!!

  40. Riö -The Evil Pug
    12:15 pm on February 27th, 2014

    SiberH!…Just think, maybe one of the Plunderers who are visiting up here can get Mike Ellis’ pawtograph for you tonight at the Mushers Banquet…snort! snort!…I would do it, but I don’t even know if I am going to the banquet or not…sniffle!

  41. Wose-the small and meek
    12:24 pm on February 27th, 2014

    RIO! I sure wish I was up there with you too! I would let you in and out when you wanted, feed you treaties and beers, and we could be miscreants with the Thieves!

  42. Wose-the small and meek
    12:27 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Great picture of the Pixie and her Giant! I have never seen a bad picture of either of them!

    GO SNOWHOOK!

    Youse guys have fun at the Musher’s Banquet. Hope you get to meet Jodi and Mick.

  43. Riö -The Evil Pug
    12:33 pm on February 27th, 2014

    SiberH!…Run like the wind and check your SDD…snort!

  44. Riö -The Evil Pug
    12:41 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Mick!….And Jodi!..snort!…If I remember right, Mick makes a mean batch o’ Shine!…Woooo!…I HAVE to meet Mick and his Shine. Oh and Jodi too…sniff!

  45. Herd's Mom
    12:55 pm on February 27th, 2014


    Another view from the Hobbit Hotel.

  46. Melanie
    12:57 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Hi everyone. Sending this to you on behalf of Melanie. She is quite comfortable in her big soft recliner, with all her pillows tucked just so and she asked me to post on her behalf.

    She wants you to know that she is SO enjoying your posts and pictures. They are making her laugh, which is such good medicine.

    Daddy Dawg – she wants to know your secret for beating Dawson in cards….just in case they get into a card game when Dawson comes here.

    Rio – slobbery kisses were professionally delivered by Mac, and gratefully received.

    She says keep those pictures coming. Especially the ones of Rio in the snow.

  47. Herd's Mom
    1:04 pm on February 27th, 2014

    B&M, I just saw a magpie (your namesake) fly past the hotel window here in Anchorage 🙂

  48. Thieves!
    1:04 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Melanie: We have cracked the code to beating Dawson in cards. It is a delicate balance of knowing when to hold ’em, when to fold ’em and having several aces procurred from other decks of cards up your collar.

  49. Mollypop's Mom
    1:10 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Here’s what Huskies are really made of:

  50. Riö -The Evil Pug
    1:17 pm on February 27th, 2014

    OhhhhoOoOOo Melanie!….Can you please tell someone to let me IN!IN!IN!…grunt!…I bet they will all leave without me…sob!

  51. Riö -The Evil Pug
    1:19 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Yeeep!….Anybody there!?…yeeep!yeeep!

  52. Siber-H
    1:22 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Rio, Checked SDD and replied. Oh Wow I would love to have Mike Ellis’s autograph. He is our hero Siberian musher.

    All of you staying at the Hobbit Hotel…you can put Rio to work shoveling snow if it snows while you are there. He learned one end of the shovel from the other end in my backyard but he needs lots more practice.

    Mollypop’s Mom, That is cute and I agree.

  53. Melanie
    1:32 pm on February 27th, 2014

    ummmmm – could someone please let the Pug in before he becomes a Pugsicle

  54. Wose-the small and meek
    2:00 pm on February 27th, 2014

    RIO! Mick makes THE BEST shine ever! It is called Apple Pie, and goes down smooth as silk. You will like him lots, that rascal. And you will love Jodi, she is a character!

  55. Belle Starr
    2:25 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Wose: I am small, but am I meek. I don’t understand this ‘meek.’ Please explain.

  56. Riö -The Evil Pug
    2:28 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Melanie!…sniffle!…I am still outside but someone threw me a blanket. A Kat Blanket! ….wheeze!sneeze!shudder!

  57. Thieves!
    2:33 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Rio: You’re welcome. It was the only pug-sized blanket we had on paw. It is Alice M. approved.

  58. Dawson
    2:38 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Yeep!
    We are off to see a glacier (Rio too).
    I was skunked last night. I am tring to get the smell off.

  59. Herd's Mom
    2:42 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Rio, at least it is a nice warm (albeit) kat blankie :/
    Thieves: Have y’all played cards with the Dirty Daddy Dawg before? Sounds like it. I am carrying cribbage board and cards everywhere so Dawason can get revenge.
    Playing tourist again, south to Girdwood. The jolly giant, ML, will be the tour guide in the Plunderer Shuttle.
    GAH! 38 or so 🙁 wind makes it feel cooler.

  60. Belle Starr
    2:43 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Ahem…I have an special announcment to make or I am going to be in a very bad mood.

    After a bit of huffle and gruffle with that Damn-Chief-Naming-Officer-Who-Stole-my-Sparkles about the pups’ names, it is time to announce the names of this very special litter. We have four girls and two boys. I wanted to name them: Sparkle, Glitter, Glow, Razzle, Dazzle, and George, but you know who said no. Typical. But, then she told me the names and I couldn’t think any better. Without further ado, we have:

    Melanie
    Amalia (As I understand it, you can’t have a Melanie without an Amalia, just like Pancho and Lefty)
    Dawson
    Rose
    Maury, Wookie at Paw
    Kirby G. Runworthy

    Thank you to all the Plunderers for your support and friendship. We hope this small token shows our appreciation.

  61. Belle Starr
    2:45 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Please be careful driving to Girdwood. It can be a dangerous stretch of highway.

  62. Barb & Maggie
    2:48 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Melanie, Stay warm and toasty curled up with your pillows and blankie. Hope you and The Royal Mom have a good visit.

    Barb got wonderfluffed today in preparation for her visit out east.

    She said to tell Dawson she doesn’t know how to play cribbage.

  63. Riö -The Evil Pug
    2:50 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Wow!…What a great tribute!…snort!…I bet they will all grow up and be on a winning Iditarod Team one day…chuffle!

    Glacier!….Wow! I’m going to go see a glacier!…wheeze!… By the way, I am not sitting by Dawson…sniff!sniff!…Skunked!

  64. Barb & Maggie
    2:51 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Wow, those names are outstanding! We LOVE them all. How old are they?

  65. Belle Starr
    2:54 pm on February 27th, 2014

    They were born on November 25th, so let me do the math. Carry the 1, add sparkles…Got it!—They are pups of a certain age.

  66. Melanie
    2:56 pm on February 27th, 2014

    .awwww – Melanie (and I) are so totally flattered to be among those honored few who must be differentiated by the suffix of “the Dog, not the person” or “the person, not the Dog”. We hope to see pictures of our namesakes, for we are sure that they are the most beautiful puppies to grace Snowhook since the birth of Miss Belle Starr.

    And Melanie has specifically requested a picture of the Plunder Shuttle with Rio included. Maybe he should drive?

  67. c.hobbit
    3:04 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Sadie and I waved the Plunderers and Rio off on their day’s adventure south to Girdwood.

    Yesterday afternoon my throat started getting scratchy. I was thinking that I had been talking too much although I could of sworn others were talking
    w-a-y more than me. Anyhoo, during the night I was hot/cold and sniffly. This morning I seem okay but my throat is still scratchy. I decided it was better to be safe than sorry at least through lunch. No promises after that. Sadie and I are taking it easy. Already we miss the noise and the bustle.

    P.S. Yes, Rio has been having me take medicine.

  68. c.hobbit
    3:10 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Rio has been spending more time out than he expected. Any guess as to why?

  69. c.hobbit
    3:12 pm on February 27th, 2014

    I know Rio warned us as to his nature but reality is something else. Dawson referring to being skunked might refer to a certain dog (or being skunked at cards–I am still pondering that one)

  70. Wose-the small and meek
    4:44 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Belle Starr: You are small like me, but take it from me, you are NOT meek!

    I am very flattered to have a future Iditarod team member named after me. I am truly humbled to be in such fine company.

    Belle Starr: Please make sure Rose has a sparkly collar!

    Hobbit: Please take good care of yourself. Some of Mick’s Apple Pie may help.

  71. Tupper and Gilly
    5:17 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Mekanue wants to thank you all for the cards and gifts in addition to all the good thoughts you are sending.

    And just so she can be sure to be a part of the Great Race, she now has her very own sled dog. See:

  72. Barb & Maggie
    5:23 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Awwww, what a cute puppy.

  73. Princess Sam
    5:24 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Good ol’ Mekanue.

  74. Tupper and Gilly
    5:50 pm on February 27th, 2014

    DAM OTTER CORK!!!!

  75. Barb & Maggie
    6:31 pm on February 27th, 2014

    We think the puppy should be named Mekanue. Don’t you think that sounds a little bit Alaskan?

    I know Goldens in general are really good looking dogs, but we think Teddy is especially so. We can see why his daddy or granddaddy was at Westminster.

  76. Mekanue
    7:25 pm on February 27th, 2014

    I have loved the pictures and all the happenings.

    I now have a recliner that my feet are higher than my hips!
    I can see why B. Stover has Charlie over to share hers.

    YSAS and friend are here to work on the house. Tomorrow evening friend goes back and YSAS takes him to the train station and picks up fiancé!

  77. c.hobbit
    7:34 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Yeep! Plunderers are still having fun without me. I received word that they are in Whittier. I am guessing we won’t be early to the banquet but we will have plenty of time… Hope we can post tonight but otherwise stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog.

  78. c.hobbit
    7:37 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Sadie actually seems to miss Rio. Imagine that. I wonder how soon Rio’s friend needs/wants him back. There are a lot of volunteers wanting to blur him back “when the time comes” but most of the volunteers are inexperienced. I wouldn’t want Rio to be too traumatized–he is not to be experimented with, no he is not.

  79. Beau - The Black Pug
    7:58 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Sneeze!…Does any of youse guys know where dat Rio went to?….snuffle!snort!

  80. BSD & Masquers
    8:01 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Rio: What a GREAT ADVENTURE! Masquers is so happy one of us made it. Love Your On-Site Reporting.

    The Photos of Plunderfest 2014 are WONDERFUL!!!
    Especially love the photo of our Beautiful Pixie & her Handsome Giant. BTW: AJ, You look Soooo Cool in your new glasses.

    Wose, You are so right. Those two never take a bad photo. Even though not feeling tip-top, we can still see Rebecca’s lovely smile.

    View from the Hobbit Hotel…Dare we hope…are those Snow Clouds in the distance?

    CHobbit: Please take care of yourself!

    Thieves! You got that formula right. We especially are impressed with the 2 aces up the collar.

    Melanie: We Love You and Love hearing from You!
    Pugsicle…Good one!

    Royal Mum: Thank you for all you do. Big Bear Hugs & Purrs from us to Melanie.

    Sorry to be posting so late! We promise to be Bright-Eyed & Bushy-Tailed in the morning.

  81. Staff
    8:07 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Dear Barb, Don’t worry about cribbage. I do not know how to play it either. We will teach you tic…unless you already know tic. It is really easy. Dawson will just have to play all her cribbage somewhere else.

    I am feeling better every day. I am napping and eating and the food is staying in! Yippee! I am still fairly tired but hope to get better and better every day. Thank DOG!

    Mekanue…heh heh heh. I will call her Melanie for short. I think that is a great group of names. So sorry that Belle Star didn’t get to name them sparkle and glitter and all those other names. I hope she is not in a VBM.

  82. Melanie
    8:17 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Going to bed, but wanted you guys to know what Zoë said.

    She said that Amalia and Melanie – the dogs, not the people, will be lead dogs for SnowHook and be one of the lead teams on the many Iditarod wins!

    Go SnowHook!

    Go to bed!

  83. Barb & Maggie
    8:36 pm on February 27th, 2014

    What a great honor to have Snowhook dogs named for you. I bet Zoe is right about future leaders. With power names like that, how could they not!

    Signing off too.

  84. Wookie's and Teddy's Dad
    8:51 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Wow! On behalf of the Wookster and myself, all that I can say is that we are humbled and honored by the naming of the pups in the most recent litter. For Wookie in particular I know that it be a grand tradition carried forward. GO SNOWHOOK and best of luck at the Mushers’ Banquet tonight!

  85. O'Howlers' Mom
    8:57 pm on February 27th, 2014

    In Whittier

  86. Redbone Hound
    9:12 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Well, Ah’ll be hornswaggled! Greetins’ right back at ya’ll intrepid Alaskan explorers. Ah am right honored to be recommembered by ya’ll.

    Hope you have a grand time at the banquet tonight. Have an extry reindeer sausage on me!

    Meanwhile – me and Miz Macy have been havin a grand time back home too. Don’t you worry yourself none Macy’s Mom – Ah am bein a perfect gentleman. Ah swear! (But Ah never cuss)

  87. Rio - The Evil Pug
    9:19 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Signs!…I tried to hold up a sign saying “BEAU – GET OVER IT!” but Mary Lou said I had to be nice and hide under the table…sniff!…And what did I find there? That’s right! A Floor Buffet!….Woooo!

  88. Rio - The Evil Pug
    9:20 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Buffets!…Speaking of Buffets we are all going to go to the Mushers Banquet soon..snort!snort!…I hope they can sneak me in somehow…wheeze!

  89. O'Howlers' Mom
    9:23 pm on February 27th, 2014

    The woman holding T&G’s sign ls Margi, our Native Alaskan waitress.

  90. Wose-the small and meek
    9:37 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Melanie, Sleep tight and pleasant dreams!

    I am really loving all the pictures from Alaska!

    Good night, B&M.

    I hope AJ draws # 1!

    I am sure Zoe is right about Melanie and Amalia, the dogs , not the people. The Plunderfest bunch will win many races with these girls in the lead.

    Hey, g’day Liz!

  91. Tupper and Gilly
    9:43 pm on February 27th, 2014

    We wonder if the gang is all settling in at the Mushers’ Banquet. We have all paws crossed that AJ gets the number he wants.

    What a wonderful picture of you all with the signs. Thanks for holding our sign Margi – nice to meet you.

    We also got a neat postcard from Alaska today. You all are wonderful and we wish you many memorable moments from this special trip.

  92. Rio - The Evil Pug
    9:47 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Banquet!…I hope they have big juicy steaks at this Mushers Banquet…chuffle!…I am sooo hungry from seeing the Glacier and then going to that place called Whittier, then coming all the way back to the Hobbit Hotel, and then going OUT!OUT!OUT! and getting ready to ride again to the Hotel where the banquet is….wheeze!….This thing doesn’t last very long, does it??…sniff!…I hope I get to see the Giants again…snuffle!…Okay, I am ready to go. Hey, where is everybody?…sniff!….DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT ME!….yeeeep!!!….WAIT FOR ME!…gasp!

  93. AbbietheKitty
    9:47 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Hi back at you Plunderers. Staff is getting better better better…”every day in every way”

    Nighty noodle.

  94. Tupper and Gilly
    9:48 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Oh yeah, and we think that Melanie and Amalia (the dogs, not the people) will bulldoze their way to the front of the gangline. And they will have a grand time leading the way. Together.

  95. bluecat
    10:35 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Smiles & Signs from Whittier. It doesn’t get any better than that, unless there’s also a low bib number for AJ.

    Love the puppies’ names. Well done, Belle.

    ‘Night all.

  96. Riö – The Evil Pug
    10:40 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Banquet!….I am at the Banquet!…Wow!Wow!….snort!…Here is proof pawsitive!…chuffle!…Still waiting for my steak though…sniff!

  97. Riö – The Evil Pug
    10:41 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Hungry!….Me and ole Digger Dawg are very hungry…snort!…We may start eating the napkins soon…wheeze!

  98. Masquers
    10:42 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Hi! Right back at youse! That was very kool.
    Riö: Try not to stuff yourself at the Mushers Banquet.
    CHobbit: Take your Airborne.
    Abbie: That is very, very good news.

  99. Riö – The Evil Pug
    10:44 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Melanie!…OH! OH! and here is the best thing!…snort!…We are all wearing purple and also this beautiful button in Honor Of Melanie tonight…wheeze!…I will not say where I am wearing mine…heh!

  100. Riö – The Evil Pug
    10:51 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Beau!….Someone wants to say Howdy Do to You of all pugs…snort!…It’s from CHobbit. She actually likes you for some weird reason…sniff!

  101. Riö – The Evil Pug
    10:54 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Beau!…Oh alright, it is a “HI” from me…heh!heh!….I may or may not miss you…grunt!…Probably not, but that is yet to be seen and or felt…wuffle!

  102. Rio - The Evil Pug
    10:56 pm on February 27th, 2014

    CAKE!….I have to have my CAKE and Eat it too, right now!…wheeze!….Wow!

  103. Riö – The Evil Pug
    10:59 pm on February 27th, 2014

    STEAK!…WhooooHoooo!….Cake and Steak. Am I in heaven or what?…snort!

  104. Tupper and Gilly
    11:03 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Rio – are you bringing a doggie bag home for Beau?

    We LOVE the buttons….sniff, sniff, honk.
    Wonder if one of those buttons will find its way to Massachusetts…..

    Low Number Low Number Low Number Low Number ….

  105. AbbietheKitty
    11:06 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Staff is really jealous, She is green. gurgle.

  106. Masquers
    11:08 pm on February 27th, 2014

    What a wonderful Snowhook button to honor our Melanie.
    Melanie’s Race. Yes, it is!

  107. Wolfie
    11:10 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Yeep, what a fantastic day! We here loved hearing from Melanie, the person, not the dog. And did you see my sign? Wolfie the Wigglebutt, that’s me!

  108. Wolfie
    11:12 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Yes, yes, yes….a low number please!

  109. Riö – The Evil Pug
    11:15 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Fun-Times!….This is a happening night!…Woooo!….Look at me and the Giant hanging out together…snort!…He is practicing his Musher speech. It’s okay, but needs a little work….grunt!

  110. Riö – The Evil Pug
    11:18 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Dawgs!….HoHo and Me!Me! and Digger Dawg….snort!…I really love these guys. They are Tennessee folk and nothing is better than that…snort!…Plus, they fed me all their unwanted steak parts…chuffle!slurp!…burp!

  111. Wolfie
    11:29 pm on February 27th, 2014

    The Giant sure is swooney. Sigh.

  112. Riö – The Evil Pug
    11:37 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Hobo-Jim!…Is singing!…WoooooOOOOoooooOOOOOO!…I sure wish Mr. Staff was here to enjoy it with me..snort!…Maybe next year Mr. Staff!..WOOOOOOooooooOOOOOOOOOOooooooOOOOO!

  113. Riö – The Evil Pug
    11:38 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Cut-Off!….In mid-howl!…CHobbit is afraid our table will get into trouble….grunt!…Apparently, people are looking…gurgle!gasp!

  114. Riö – The Evil Pug
    11:56 pm on February 27th, 2014

    Mushers!….The Mushers are being announced now and getting their numbers…snort!…I think the Giant got Number 2, but I am not certain….wheeze!…Hopefully, there will be reports with actual facts later from the Plunderers…heh!heh!

  115. Wolfie
    12:02 am on February 28th, 2014

    You guys are having more fun than anyone! At least, I am! Love the photos and love the pin.

  116. Tupper and Gilly
    12:05 am on February 28th, 2014

    Awww Rio – how are we going to understand your reporting when they have you muffled like that?

    Really?? Number 2? Awooooooo hoooo!

  117. Wolfie
    12:07 am on February 28th, 2014

    I can’t wait to see more of Mekanue!

  118. C.hobbit
    12:10 am on February 28th, 2014

    Sarah Palin is here

  119. C.hobbit
    12:12 am on February 28th, 2014

    No numbers yet. Long winded part of the banquet. AJ is hoping for a number after the heat of the day but before the trail is tore up.

  120. Tupper and Gilly
    12:17 am on February 28th, 2014

    Ok – we can’t comment on some of the guests at the banquet.
    But we do think there is more fun at the plunder table than anywhere else in the room.
    We will simply have to wait til tomorrow.

    G’night dear family, wherever you lay your head tonight have sweet dreams.

  121. C.hobbit
    12:36 am on February 28th, 2014

    After dinner coffee.

  122. C.hobbit
    12:41 am on February 28th, 2014

    Justin drew #34! Again! He thanked his special Plunderer sponsors and mentioned dedicating the race to Melanie and that his dogs will be wearing purple harnesses. GO SNOWHOOK!

  123. C.hobbit
    12:42 am on February 28th, 2014

    HOH is down for the count. Rio still standing

  124. C.hobbit
    1:35 am on February 28th, 2014

    Sorry for the fuzzy photo. Our favorite musher! GO SNOWHOOK,

  125. C.hobbit
    1:48 am on February 28th, 2014

    Me and Rio at table by ourselves. People coming by and petting Rio. He is getting famous. One man said “he should run in the Iditarod. He could win it!” Did I mention there was wine and beer at the banquet?

  126. bluecat
    6:26 am on February 28th, 2014

    Rio up north, your reports and pictures are like being there. A big kiss in thanks to all.

    Love the button 🙂
    Onward Snowhook!

  127. Masquers
    7:21 am on February 28th, 2014

    Good morning, Blukat, I’m up early too.
    We here share your sentiments exactly. Rio’s reports and everyone’s comments are just like being there. It is so much appreciated. sniff.

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