Tough Day On The Iditarod Trail
“A tough day,” Admin says.
“But Rebecca and Justin (of Snowhook Kennel, the team we all love here at chetthedog.com) are so strong and resourceful,” Spence says. “The following is from Rebecca:”
Today, to put it mildly, has been difiicult. First, the heartbreaking news about our dear Rory, and secondly, seeing AJ’s GPS flag remain in one place for so long instead of moving onto Takotna as we planned—and then, I understood.
He had navigated the Steps suggesfully, made it the through the Gorge, yet it was the Farwell Burn, the notorius challenege that tried to hold him—last year, it clawed at his coat, this year it tried for his sled. The trail in this section was bad, worse than he’s seen before. A tree stump sheered the bottom of the sled, the undercarriage leaving only one side of the yoke that connects the sled to the dogs in tact. Think of sailing a boat without its rudder, a car without alignment. For a hunded miles, from the Burn, into Nikolai and then onto McGrath, AJ steered the sled with only one side responding.
Originally, the plan was to move through McGrath onto Takotna—a checkpoint known for its hospitality and its pies— for his mandatory 24 hour layover. Originally. He declared his 24 in McGrath at the advice of the checkpoint checkers; Takotna was reporting a lot of snow and limited space to park teams. The drop bags we packed with extra food and gear was sitting 18 miles further along the trail, not in McGrath. No worries—the race is bringing AJs Takotna drop bags to McGrath.
AJ leaves the starting line with a plan, yet much can change and the race can cause those plans to be adjusted or forgotten. The unexpected layover in McGrath is an adjustment, yet from this point forward, I will do my best to analyze the team’s run rest schedule once he leaves McGrath.
And here’s a picture we really like – volunteer vet Cat Hefley checking Justin’s dogs at the Nikolai checkpoint (photo credit Jeff Schultz):
Plus a correction. We’ve been misspelling the name of Chet’s Friend of the Month. The coydog’s name is Raksha.
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 8th, 2012 at 7:01 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.
7:51 am on March 8th, 2012
Good morning all. Hope today is better for AJ. Will he be able to get his sled fixed or replaced today in McGrath?
Thank you for the fine reporting Rebecca, and again to Amalia and Leonard for last night.
After chores it is off to work for Barb. Later!
8:04 am on March 8th, 2012
Admin – thanks for an early post.
There’s a good interview with A.J. under the videos, then checkpoints tab.
To all, Godspeed on whatever your journey is this day. Catch you at 9 PM.
xoxoxo
8:05 am on March 8th, 2012
Good morning, Chet, Admin, Spencer, Barb, Maggie, and all of our Plundering friends.
Hopefully the light of day, together with the Storyteller’s insightful words, will bring peace to our hearts and joy to our lives once more.
Onward Snowhook!
8:47 am on March 8th, 2012
Good Morning All!
Today a beautiful day in Westchester dawns. Expected temps are in the high 60’s, maybe even 70 degrees!!!
I wish for AJ a better run today, and that the team is strong and healthy.
Strong solar flares today, so electronics could be affected today. But this also brings the chance that the Northern Lights may be seen all the way down in Texas.
Amalia and Leonard, thank you again for your words of peace, strentgh, and serenity.
GO SNOWHOOK!!!!!
8:49 am on March 8th, 2012
The irony of the picture posted above. CAT the Vet checking on AJ’s dogs! Heh Heh KATS rule!
8:49 am on March 8th, 2012
Bluecat, Thanks for calling our attention to AJ’s interview. What a wonderful guy the Giant is! No mention of his sled…just his hiuskies. Sniff.
8:51 am on March 8th, 2012
OHs: We posted at the same time!
8:53 am on March 8th, 2012
AJ didn’t say it in his interview. But I KNOW he thought it. He is plundering on.
See you after the busy place.
8:59 am on March 8th, 2012
There is also a nice mention of AJ in the article about Siberians and others resting at McGrath. Today will be a better day, just you wait and see. Wookie
9:06 am on March 8th, 2012
Where is that article, Wookie?
9:09 am on March 8th, 2012
“The race is bringing AJs drop bags from Takotna to McGrath.” Very important.
10:02 am on March 8th, 2012
Good Morning… Sled Neutering … Snicker
Love the pink and black tape. Hope we see a picture of it on the Iditarod website.
Hockey Pucks. Who the heck makes hockey pucks?
Still interested in knowing who makes the sleds.
I had to walk away from Dan’s PT person today. Dan decided to be sneaky. He’s NOT ALLOWED TO USE A CANE. AND HE’S NOT ALLOWED TO GO OUTSIDE TO WALK! Think snow and ice and NO BALANCE.
So she finds me and says where’s Dan’s cane. I had followed her back so that Dan could hear what I was saying. I explained that Dan is not allowed to use the cane. Well, she wanted to see how he did on the out side stairs with a cane. I explained Dan is not allowed to use a cane and he’s not allowed to go outside. She said she needed the cane and I said (looking at Dan) Dan’s cane is hidden so he won’t use it. She said and I walked away.
Did an exercise to lower my anger and got Zoe. Zoe went in and it took her 10 minutes to say THAT WASN’T HAPPENING UNTIL THERE IS NO SNOW OR ICE.
The PT person thought she was advocating for someone who has a working memory.
If the cane is there Dan won’t remember he’s not to use it and will use it. If he’s gone outside with the cane will we go out on his own.
Today though he just wanted to see what he could get away with. Sigh.
Anyhoo, I will notice the small wonderful things in my life and know that we are all connected.
(Bella? Can I ship Dan up there to McGrath with some extra hockey tape? He wouldn’t be much trouble for AJ …)
10:07 am on March 8th, 2012
Good Morning to a Brand New Day!
B still putting her books away???
Aj and the team soon on the Trail
We travel as One and we cannot fail.
10:18 am on March 8th, 2012
I’m concerned about AJ’s sled. Can he get it fixed?
And yes, I’m still putting books away among other things. But the carpet it beautiful!
It was 70 here yesterday. Now it’s 49 and rainy. Michigan–you can’t blink!
Did you notice that Spence put Melanie’s (it always says “Zoe” on Facebook) report on Chet’s Facebook page? Plunder on guys.
10:31 am on March 8th, 2012
Heh, heh. Good morning B. We thought as much.
Wow! What a Great interview with AJ!!! Not one word of complaint. Only positive thoughts. What a guy!!!
Wookie: We can’t find the Siberian Husky article.
10:33 am on March 8th, 2012
Insider!…..Woooo!….Guess what everybody?? ….snort!snort!… Today my friend was able to logon to the Insider! She is so happy. Although, she will probably not get anything done at the not-very-busy-place except catch up on all the videos…heh!… The interview with AJ is wonderful! Nothing flusters that guy, except maybe a moose in his path…chorkel!
10:41 am on March 8th, 2012
Rose: Cat the Vet! So appropriate.
Bluekat: Thanks for pointing us in the right direction this morning. Loved the nice long interview. AJ is our hero!
Melanie: That PT leaves something to be desired. Looks like the patient is in control here. One must admire his wily ways though.
Rio: That is excellent news! Now your friend will be in the know. Always a good place to be.
10:42 am on March 8th, 2012
The article with the Siberians mentioned in it is on the Iditarod’s home page. It is in the news articles. Notice I am not complaining about the news article.
Fantastic! Rio. Your friend can watch. AJ will be moving on today.
10:44 am on March 8th, 2012
Is all ok here. Ve have vatched vhile AJ fixed sled vith the sticky tape. Vhile he vas doing that Natasha vent to pet all doggies and have chat vith them.
They all feel good, happy. They vant run. They vant have good time vith AJ. They vill take good care to stay safe.
And there vere lots giggles about Mackays doggies. Annabelle especially thinks is very funny
Vhitey-Lance just blushed.
10:45 am on March 8th, 2012
I’m showing AJ at 1 mph!
10:49 am on March 8th, 2012
Rio: I’m glad your friend was able to log-on to the Insider! You can both watch, and you can give us updates as needed! Does Beau watch with youse guys?
B: Please send pictures of your carpet and books. I want to see if you have more books than me!! 🙂
Masquers, what more can be said about kats???? Cat the Vet rules!
10:49 am on March 8th, 2012
I’m showing AJ at 00 mph. What is Gypsy doing?
I forgot to say that Siberians are mentioned on the title of the news article.
10:51 am on March 8th, 2012
Natasha: Keep up your most excellent under-cover mission!
10:59 am on March 8th, 2012
Found the article, and we were happy to see how well they recognize our kind as Handsome and Happy Working Dogs. 🙂
11:02 am on March 8th, 2012
Super interview with AJ An intelligent interview! Rebecca, tell him he does great on camera. Thanks Bluecat because I wouldn’t have found it until later in the day.
Focus, Natasha, Focus
11:03 am on March 8th, 2012
Rose: When I get organized I’ll try to send pictures. I have books in every room. The one with the most books is what I call the library. Perhaps I’ll count them…..
11:05 am on March 8th, 2012
The Siberian article said that no mushers have scratched. However, I just read that Silvia Furtwangler has scratched in Nikolai due to health concerns.
There have been 25 dropped dogs at this point (?) Do we know which one was AJ’s?
Siber: You are right…Gypsy now says OO mph. He should be leaving shortly…it’s almost the end of the 24.
Found the article! It is very complementary for you Sibes.
11:10 am on March 8th, 2012
Jeez Louise! I haven’t been able to do anything fun this morning. Dan is now behaving himself. Rose ran down the street to talk to the neighbors.
The beef jerky is done and boy is it good!
Going to get punctured.
11:19 am on March 8th, 2012
Why isn’t AJ moving yet? Gah!
11:20 am on March 8th, 2012
It should be time for him to head out. GAH
11:29 am on March 8th, 2012
Gah GAH & GAH!
Could it be solar flare interference? No, because the others are updating.
It’s now almost an hour and a half past the 24.
11:32 am on March 8th, 2012
Wait! I’m miskalulating. Must remember it’s ADT.
11:33 am on March 8th, 2012
We are guessing he must wait in line for his turn??? Maybe?
11:34 am on March 8th, 2012
Hi everyone – quick check before going to the clay place
We aren’t sa up on all the race as the rest of you, but are you taking into account the fact that during their 24 is when the racers have their times adjusted? Remember that the start times are staggered and in order to be fair to the last one out the gate who leaves hours later then the first one, they have to adjust times. AJ started 38th, so take 38 times 2 minutes, and his 24 has to be adjusted up to 24 plus 72 minutes. Only the last racer to leave the start line actually has only 24.
Maybe thats the reason AJ isn’t moving yet?
Hope so
11:37 am on March 8th, 2012
Masquers, I believe there is still only one hours difference between you and AJ. It would be two hours for me.
11:40 am on March 8th, 2012
Well, we know they aren’t eating pie since that’s at Takotna, so they must be doing the adjustment thing that the royals explained.
11:44 am on March 8th, 2012
Aahhh T&G, that makes sense. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
11:47 am on March 8th, 2012
Royals, I do believe you are correct. Thank you for stopping by to remind us of this. Now I feel better.
11:49 am on March 8th, 2012
Here’s something about 24 hour layovers from the Iditarod News:
Now that mushers are starting to take their mandatory 24-hour layover, Bib # 67 – Ryan Redington is the only musher who can depart the checkpoint exactly 24-hours after stopping. The other mushers will have time added to their 24-hour rest depending on their official start order in Willow.
Example:
Bib# 2 – Ray Redington, Jr. left Willow at 2:00 PM AK Time and his brother, Bib# 67 – Ryan Redington left Willow at 4:10 PM AK Time – 2 hours and 10 minutes after Bib# 2 left. Therefore, Bib# 2 will have to stay in the checkpoint for 26 hours and 10 minutes in order to allow Bib# 2 and the other mushers who started after him to “catch up.”
11:49 am on March 8th, 2012
We were trying to print out the prayers, and first time we tried it, it printed ALL 11 pages of the blog for that day. Then we went to http://www.dishlickers.com to see if they were stored there, and got a bunch of foodie and kennel links. What do we do?
11:50 am on March 8th, 2012
Soon, it will be one hour beyond his 24. I have no toenails left.
11:52 am on March 8th, 2012
Thanks Stover. I looked for that and couldn’t find it. I am too nervous.
Barb, we have no answer except to say that our printer behaves just like yours.
11:53 am on March 8th, 2012
Oh no! Here we thought we had it all figured out. Now I’m confused again (not difficult to do)
11:55 am on March 8th, 2012
B&M: When you are attempting to print are you first designating the number of the page you wish to copy?
11:56 am on March 8th, 2012
Barb, one of us needs to cut/paste them into an email and send to Dishlickers. We can do it later in the week if need be, but we seem to remember that someone else already planned to do that…
What time will AJ leave?
11:57 am on March 8th, 2012
First go to “preview”…from there you can choose the page(s) you are wanting to print.
11:59 am on March 8th, 2012
Siber: If my calculations are correct he will be leaving in 12 minutes.
12:01 pm on March 8th, 2012
B: I understand puurfectly what you are saying. Bear not so much.
12:02 pm on March 8th, 2012
Stover!….THANK YOU!…snort!….Now I am “tracking” with this layover catch-up time thingy….snort!…I never knew how they made the race fair and square time-wise until now!…chuffle!
12:04 pm on March 8th, 2012
AJ is heading out fast!!!
12:07 pm on March 8th, 2012
If someone wants to print out the prayer of the day, just cut and paste it into a Word doc.
We too love AJ’s interview. You can tell that he is an educated man, very well spoken. (not to mention, kyoot!)
12:09 pm on March 8th, 2012
Woooo!….AJ the Giant is moving now at 10.7 miles an hour!….Yippeeeee!
12:10 pm on March 8th, 2012
WoooooHoooooo! We’re off!!!
12:10 pm on March 8th, 2012
Goats!….Look! Now I know its going to be a good day!…wheeze!…Even the Goats are being helpful!…heh!snort!heh!
12:11 pm on March 8th, 2012
Plunders,
Last note not from us.
You will pay.
Signed,
The Marauding Goats
12:13 pm on March 8th, 2012
Yark! TMGs, How dare you show your faces here after yesterday. Jamaica, NY…I can hardly believe it!
12:17 pm on March 8th, 2012
AJ is going to pass Kelley.
The TMGs are now telling us how to print out stuff. Fellow Sibers!!! This will not do.
12:21 pm on March 8th, 2012
Kyoot!…Is this Goat for Cute?…heh!snort!
12:23 pm on March 8th, 2012
In the checkpoint video why do you think King’s team kept stopping?
12:33 pm on March 8th, 2012
I just listened to the interview with AJ. He is a real champion in my book.
Melanie, grandpa here sometimes forum shops between mom and dad when he wants to do something that maybe he shouldn’t do. They say sometimes he is like 93 going on 3.
Wookie
12:37 pm on March 8th, 2012
Tracking!…..Wooooo!….Beau and I are tracking AJ…snort!….SiberH we posted on your message board too!….chorkel!….We feel like part of the gang today!….WOOOOOO!
1:00 pm on March 8th, 2012
From Goat pack 1 to Goat pack 2
So, you figured it out, hmm?
Now let’s see you figure out where headquarters is
1:06 pm on March 8th, 2012
Yes! Today is our lucky day!
Goooooooooooooo Snoooooooooooohook!!!!
1:10 pm on March 8th, 2012
Do you think there is a prize for whoever watches the interview with AJ the most times? If so, I think I’m a front runner. The interveiw shows Frank, Josephine and W.L., and Fritz.
A tip of the Kromer goes to Spence for correcting my typos. It took me from 830 to 1130pm to send the update to him. I fell asleep three times.
1:18 pm on March 8th, 2012
Bella, hate to say it, but we think Mom will be winning that prize. We think she has a crush on your guy.
1:22 pm on March 8th, 2012
Ramey!….We had to watch the Ramey Smyth in Takotna video…heh!…He talks about falling off his sled and AJ picking him up…snort!
1:26 pm on March 8th, 2012
Okay, back from acupuncture. Zoë and Rosalyn have left for acupuncture.
Just got caught up on the comments.
Going to turn on Gypsy.
Then I have to work for YSAS.
THEN I can look at AJ’s video!
GO SNOWHOOK!
1:40 pm on March 8th, 2012
Go Snowhook!
BearSpiritDog: My opinion on why King’s dogs kept stopping was the same thing that happened to Mackey’s dogs and Ramey Smith’s dogs (once he caught up with them): dogs in heat.
I wouldn’t worry about calling the PO about Jamaica, NY. Eventually they will find British Columbia on a map. Heh. Or the goats will get tired.
2:16 pm on March 8th, 2012
Takotna!….AJ and the Team are really close to Takotna right now….wooooo!…This is Agent Mollys checkpoint thanks to you, Rose!…wuffle!
2:22 pm on March 8th, 2012
AJ is in! His flag is at 0.0 m/h. Now, I hope he gets pie!
2:27 pm on March 8th, 2012
Takotna is where they have all that hot food for the mushers. I’d like to be at Mollypop’s checkpoint.
When I see those interviews of King what strikes me is that the dude is mellowing out, at least on camera.
Thanks for posting, Rio, on the forums.
2:35 pm on March 8th, 2012
AJ is in and out of Takotna. No doubt, Mollypop’s is with them on the trail.
2:37 pm on March 8th, 2012
That was fast, but it doesn’t surprise me.
2:37 pm on March 8th, 2012
Takotna!….AJ has already been there – done that in Takotna! No pie for 38 this year….snort!….He is back on the trail heading towards Ophir, Macy’s Checkpoint…chuffle!
2:41 pm on March 8th, 2012
Siber: About Jeff King…is he known to be an uptight guy?
2:45 pm on March 8th, 2012
Yes! It looks like AJ stopped in Takotna just to quickly check-in and to pick up Agent MollyPop. But, oh my…no pie…sob.
2:46 pm on March 8th, 2012
Perhaps pie to go?
2:48 pm on March 8th, 2012
OMD! AJ in and out of Agent Molltpy’s checkpoint, and we missed it. Work got in the way (again).
WOO HOO for MollyPop with the fierce tail!
2:51 pm on March 8th, 2012
SiberH!…Which Post on the Forum where you and Oley talking about yesterday? The one who didn’t like SiberH’s…snort!
2:51 pm on March 8th, 2012
Take two pieces of pie, slap together … TA DA!
Pie Sandwich!
2:53 pm on March 8th, 2012
Wow, got my FIRST AJ email alert.
How long has this race been going on?
2:54 pm on March 8th, 2012
MollyPop’s fierce tail waving like a flag as the Giant and his brave team speed on to Macy & Redbone’s checkpoint at Ophir.
GO SNOWHOOK!!!
2:54 pm on March 8th, 2012
I just received the email alert from Iditarod that AJ checked out of Takotna at 10:20 AM. That’s just the second alert I’ve received on AJ. The alerts seem to take about one half hour.
3:00 pm on March 8th, 2012
I hope AJ got some pie. Maybe just like going to a drive-thru.
3:02 pm on March 8th, 2012
Melanie & B: We here just received the alert also. Seems like only alert a day for AJ…if we are lucky. What’s up with that?
3:03 pm on March 8th, 2012
We also received the email alert for AJ…our first for him altho we get plenty of others.
Rio, the forum post by the anti-Sibe guy was on the All About Dogs topic, in the Northern Breeds thread.
3:06 pm on March 8th, 2012
Wow!
Team Snowhook is not wasting any time now! I blinked and they were through Takotna, where Mollypop gave them a quick lesson in fierceness, and on they mush to Ophir. Redbone Hound is romantically requesting MacyMinPin to move Ophir closer.
3:16 pm on March 8th, 2012
Under Video Checkpoints. Almost at bottom of the page is an interesting video: “5-time Champion Rick Swenson” discussing nutrition for the dogs. He’s made up some nutrition bars for his dogs.
3:20 pm on March 8th, 2012
Rio, It is on the Root for your Musher Topic on page one. It is under the Karen Ramstead and Hank Debruin thread.
Masquers, Yes, somewhat uptight would be a good description of Jeff King. He just seems more relaxed and happy now, but tired. He was very competetive. I read his book and liked it. He is just a different personality than Lance, Martin Buser, or AJ.
3:27 pm on March 8th, 2012
Oley!…I replied to that guy on the Northern Dogs thread…heh!…In a very nice way, don’t get worried…sniff!
3:29 pm on March 8th, 2012
Worried? What We Worry? Gulp.
3:31 pm on March 8th, 2012
One year Rick Swenson flew frozen lamb chops to all the checkpoints for his dogs. That was probably a long time ago.
I know My Fellow Sibers remember Rick Swenson from the Susan Butcher days.
3:35 pm on March 8th, 2012
SiberH!…No, not the Mushers thread, I’m talking about the guy who said “who would ever want to own a Siber-H?”…heh!…The guy who is calling everyone armchair mushers…sniff!
3:36 pm on March 8th, 2012
Rio, I can’t find your reply. It must have to go through clearance with Homeland Security first.
3:37 pm on March 8th, 2012
He’s about 2 hours from Ophir…does that sound right?
3:38 pm on March 8th, 2012
Just dawned on me why I was having trouble with finding dishlickers-I was trying a website, not email! Duh!
3:39 pm on March 8th, 2012
Where is that thread on the boards, Rio?
3:39 pm on March 8th, 2012
Thanks, Rio. That guy has some kind of grudge against Sibes. He says this only about the Iditarod, but that very thread was started for folks to talk about their breed. Oh well…not worth our time if he just doesn’t “get” us.
Siber, we certainly remember Rick…always rooted against him back then.
3:46 pm on March 8th, 2012
It seems like every year there are one or two posters on the forums that have a chip on their shoulder about one thing or another. My two cents—don’t pay them any mind, let them belief what they want to belief.
Lance’s dogs won’t be the talk of the town once Macy and Mr. Redbone Hound get to Ophir.
3:47 pm on March 8th, 2012
Believe, not belief…gah!
3:49 pm on March 8th, 2012
I can’t find the forum any more. Was going to read some to Dan.
3:55 pm on March 8th, 2012
SiberH!… You were there yesterday? Remember yesterday?….huffle!… It under “All About Dogs” then under “Northern Breeds.” There are 2 pages now…sniff!…That’s not my fault either…heh!
3:56 pm on March 8th, 2012
Melanie, It’s the last item inder the 2012 Race tag.
3:57 pm on March 8th, 2012
Rio, I found your post on the forum. Thank you Rio and Beau. I posted and I was nice.
Melanie, on the Iditarod’s Home page, click on 2012 Race up at the top. The Iditarod Forums are the last choice in the drop down menu.
3:58 pm on March 8th, 2012
Forget that. I found them.
Back to do some work. He loved the new videos.
4:02 pm on March 8th, 2012
SiberH!… heh!…I commented on your comment after you commented on my initial comment…snorkel!
4:15 pm on March 8th, 2012
We also commented on Siber’s !
4:18 pm on March 8th, 2012
Good Ones, Guys!
All you and Beau would need to be northern dogs are down jackets and booties.
4:36 pm on March 8th, 2012
I have also commented! In fact, I’m commenting about my commenting.
4:37 pm on March 8th, 2012
Apparently some mushers are getting into Cripple (our checkpoint in memory of Brandy.) According to an Iditarod News article by Joy Runyan: “Twenty-five miles from Cripple the trail conditions changed dramatically to a soft bottomless pit. [In the trail breakers’ opinions] this last stretch of trail into Cripple is the toughest.”
4:41 pm on March 8th, 2012
Four miles to Ophir…
4:59 pm on March 8th, 2012
Ophir!…Looks like AJ and the Team are about 2 miles away from Ophir!…snort!…On the map anyways. Now I have to go check the Forum again..heh!
5:00 pm on March 8th, 2012
I went really close on Gypsy and only counted 31 mushers ahead of AJ. I’ve seen him pass some (well, I wish I had REALLY seen it) Hopefully, he’ll continue to PLUNDER ON!
5:03 pm on March 8th, 2012
I assume “bigskymusher” has an Alaskan Husky.
5:04 pm on March 8th, 2012
Ah’m here a’waitin fer AJ and Miz Macy.
And Ah brung along some sweet tater pie jest in case ole AJ didnt get none at the last stop
5:17 pm on March 8th, 2012
Stover, bigskymusher is probably setting in a flat somewhere in Chicago.
Fellow Sibers, You need to get over there and see that thread about Siberians,the announcers, and the big mouth post from bigskymusher.
5:20 pm on March 8th, 2012
Redbone Hound: Hip Hip Hooray for you and MacyMinPin. Maybe AJ will stay long enough for some sweet tater pie.
5:26 pm on March 8th, 2012
The first musher to the halfway point gets 3,000 Gold Nuggets!
5:27 pm on March 8th, 2012
BigSkyMushMouth!…There I told him…snort!
5:38 pm on March 8th, 2012
You did, Rio that is a good one!!
You know, when one goes to places like the Iditarod Forums (and they are tame) It helps one to realize just what a special place Chet’s blog is. We don’t behave like that and we all stick together.
6:00 pm on March 8th, 2012
I’m here Mr. redbone, where are you? I just realized that I don’t know what you look like. There are so many girls and guys coming through, but none had the time to stop and chat. They don’t seem to be aware that this is MY special checkpoint
6:03 pm on March 8th, 2012
Macy: Find AJ. He can pick you up and help you look around.
Mr. Redbone: Look for a tall, red-bearded musher and you’ll find your girl.
Macy and Redbone: Once you find each other, find a good spot to snuggle and talk. Might I suggest the sled bag?
6:04 pm on March 8th, 2012
I felt I had to comment too.
6:12 pm on March 8th, 2012
We just got back indoors. AJ is at Macy’s checkpoint!!!! We think this time it won’t just be huskies doing the hootchie coo. Ha ha !
Which threa d are youse posting on now? Not the Northern Breeds one?
6:12 pm on March 8th, 2012
Macy & Mr. Redbone: Under a Full Moon on the Trail – March 2012
March Full Moon – The Crow Moon
6:16 pm on March 8th, 2012
Macy, Redbone: Have you found each other, yet?
Me? I’ve just about burned down the house with a piece of very dry wood that was just a hair too big for the woodstove. Has this ever happened to you? And, if AJ ask, this didn’t happen.
6:19 pm on March 8th, 2012
Fellow Sibers, it is the” All About Dogs” topic. The title of the thread is “Dear Mr. Announcer….About those Siberians.”
That is where you will find the big mouth bigskymusher. Rio and Beau were the last to comment on it. It is a funny comment.
6:20 pm on March 8th, 2012
Will AJ be staying in Ophir awhile?
6:23 pm on March 8th, 2012
Rebecca, yes, mom has done that and don’t worry, we have lots of practice not telling that stuff.
6:25 pm on March 8th, 2012
Mollypop’s Mom was the last to comment and she told him!
6:32 pm on March 8th, 2012
I looked at Ophir’s weather. You remember how AJ said that 20 degrees was hot for the team? Well, that’s what it is right now. BUT, good news on the way!
Tonight will be clear (Northern Lights?) and -4 degrees. And tomorrow it will be a high of 7.
Bella, hmmm. I won’t tell! I do remember when first married to the one who will remain nameless, we had wood stoves. One was a cranky one too start and we always put a bit of starter stuff on it. Unbeknownst to me, the other one put gas into the bottle instead of the starter stuff. Luckily I only used a little, because I was thrown backwards and my eyebrows were singed. YIKES!
We got a better wood stove after that. The question I’m pondering is why I stayed years longer after that?
6:32 pm on March 8th, 2012
Did you guys like my Newfoundland comment?
6:34 pm on March 8th, 2012
Howlers: My guess is that AJ will stay in Ophir for a bit, resting the dogs through the heat of the day. The schedule that he was running has changed with the unexpected 24 in McGrath, so I’m just guess his plans, but it’s an educated guess. He may rest for 4 hours or longer depending on the temperatures and the dogs. I suspect we will see a move from him when night falls and temperatures cool. They’re facing a long run to Brandy’s Cripple; be prepared for that run to take a while as he may stop and camp for a bit.
I could be wrong, I could be right.
6:34 pm on March 8th, 2012
It pains us to even read bigskymushmouth.
6:35 pm on March 8th, 2012
Oh, yeah, about those Northern Lights. They may be as low as Texas, but we won’t see them.
Everytime something happens cool in the sky? It clouds up here. 🙁
6:36 pm on March 8th, 2012
SnowBella: Hmmm..Almost burning down the house?…It has a familiar ring to it. Mum’s the word.
6:36 pm on March 8th, 2012
Thanks for the insight, Bella.
Melanie, we loved your Newf comment! Dogs rule and drool….Newfies drool most !
6:44 pm on March 8th, 2012
Oh dear, I am afraid that I must have missed Mr. R. Thereis just so much confusion and.barking. Plus even with my beautiful jacket and booties it is Cold up here! Ah, well Mr. R perhaps another time.
6:56 pm on March 8th, 2012
Melanie, I loved your Newf comment. It is nice this year that different dogs are getting mentioned in the Forums…all because of us.
Macy, Cowgirl Up and just stay there for awhile. Mr. Redbone will show up.
7:02 pm on March 8th, 2012
Macy: Just crawl inside an inside pocket in AJ’s anorak. You don’t weigh much, and you tell him I said that he wouldn’t mind a bit. He’ll keep you warm and can keep an eye out for Mr. Hound.
7:13 pm on March 8th, 2012
Macy – I loved your comment on the forum about the standard poodles running the Iditarod.
7:16 pm on March 8th, 2012
Snowhook Bella: Be careful! Can’t have you burning down the house while AJ is gone. Ah, yes I admit I have done that. I had an incident with an electric stove as well.
Melanie: Me too! Every time the Northern Lights are supposed to be fantastic, it clouds over.
I have to go out for a while. Seems it is the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Open Sled Dog Race and tonight is the Dog Truck’s Parade and Meet the Musher’s. I’m in!
I hope Macy finds Redbone Hound.
7:22 pm on March 8th, 2012
Miz Maaaaa-cy. Where are youuuuuuu???
Ah’m a ova heeyah by the biggest pine tree.
And Ah’m freezin ma kibbles off!
7:33 pm on March 8th, 2012
Will Macy find Redbone before it’s too late? A lot nail biting going on around here.
7:42 pm on March 8th, 2012
Hrrmmmph. BigSkyMusher. BigMusherMouth is more like it. You guys told him! Maybe he’ll keep his cheap opinions to himself.
Siber: You’re right…he’s probably posting from an armchair in Chicago.
7:47 pm on March 8th, 2012
Damit! I thought Natasha was out on the Trail.
7:58 pm on March 8th, 2012
Hi everyone – back from the clay place, fed the family and now have a minute to catch up. We admit it – we checked the Iditarod web site first to see how AJ was doing. And we added our two cents to the bigmothmusher string. So there!
We are so disappointed – only Insiders can see the AJ interview – baaaawwwwww…sob, sob. We will take your word for it that it is wonderful. Can someone with gypsy let us know where the team is at this point?
8:07 pm on March 8th, 2012
T&G AJ is still resting in Ophir,
8:18 pm on March 8th, 2012
tee hee
I was just over at that thread on the Forums and only me and big mouth bigskymusher were browsing that topic.
8:23 pm on March 8th, 2012
Today was better. i think when Dan realized that he wasn’t going to get around us by going through the PT person, he calmed down.
I set him up at the door of the west wing. He was on his walker chair and had the door wide open. He was looking at the birds. He also saw that were the PT was going to walk him was 2 inches of ice and slush.
AFter I finished working, we enjoyed the Iditarod. Very nice time.
And Wöökie? I not only read your comment but I believe i could hear it!
8:31 pm on March 8th, 2012
Bear, we love that Crow Moon.
Where did Wookie make a comment?
8:31 pm on March 8th, 2012
Something to watch while we wait. This is cool for us techie (and not techie) people. 0 emissions Mercedes. This is the way they are advertising the tour of the new car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIGzpi9lCck
8:35 pm on March 8th, 2012
Hello darling Plunderers. I have good news. Sissy’s surgery was textbook. There is no cancer in her lymph nodes. Plastic surgeon began the reconstruction work. Talked to sissy this morning, said she was feeling pretty good, up and walking, and eating soft kibble. Said her pain was minimal and wanted to get off the IV and just take Tylenol.
Got another call about 5p reporting that Sissy was going home tonight! How and why this can be is because Sissy is feeling good. Sissy’s hubby found some kind of special shirt that is snug in the right spots and has pockets to hold the drainage tubes and whatnot that Sissy has to deal with. Can’t even imagine what that must look like.
All is well here in the middle of the mitten and there is a bright spot on the west side of the state as well. Mom’s made blueberry muffins to take to work tomorrow.
Thank you all so much, so very much, for your support for Sissy. Once a final pathology report comes in we will know what (if any!) additional treatment Sissy may need. It would be a miracle of the surgery cures her and no further treatment is needed. So thankful for early detection, technology and the skill of the medical team.
8:42 pm on March 8th, 2012
No northern lights here – it’s raining and all the night skiing is shut down. This weekend is Winter Carnival so we may have a couple of trails still open. I’ll be doing my last Safety Patrol as crowd control for the costume parade in the village Saturday.
Now I want to say about all you people who hogged the snow all winter – and you know who you are – I hope you’re happy.
8:52 pm on March 8th, 2012
Excellent news Jasper.
8:58 pm on March 8th, 2012
Jasper, we are twirling! Big time!!!!
9:00 pm on March 8th, 2012
Creator – we thank you for you have truly given us a glorious day. Spring is spreading her wings as winter starts his journey back home to the mountains. Animals are stirring, knowing that the earth is awakening too.
We thank you this day for the wonderful gift of having animals in our lives. Although we speak different languages, we have come to understand each other through the language of the heart.
Each time a horse nickers and softly blows his breath upon us, we are blessed. For horses do not give their loyalty freely, but they grant it to those whom they love.
Every time a cat sleeps in our lap, or brings a hunted treasure to drop at our feet, we are blessed, for this independent race shows us that they are connected to us of their own will.
Every time a dog gives us his love, we are blessed. In the same way that you love us without judgment, so does dog. We may be rich or poor, lovely or plain; we may be held in high status or live in lowly anonymity, it matters not to the dog that only sees our soul.
Creator – we gladly give our hearts to these wonderful animals. They change us and make us better. Even when they leave this world before us, when our hearts ache with missing their love, we know that we are better for having been with them. They teach us so many lessons – lessons on patience, loyalty, bravery, caring, and enduring. They teach us lessons on laughing. And they teach us about crying.
Creator – we have come to love the dogs of Snowhook, dogs that most of us will never meet. But they have touched each one of our lives, and given us so many of those lessons. Tonight, we ask you to watch over those wonderful dogs on their journey. We ask you to bless their eyes that they may see the way clearly. Let them look upon the landscape and see the best path to travel safely. Bless their feet that they may run across the snow. Let their journey be a joyful dance over the ice, never feeling the cold, never stumbling upon obstacles. Bless their thick fur coats that keep them warm. Let them be impervious to the winds and snow around them. Bless their muscles that they man run without weariness. Let them be lifted across the snow by your hand. Bless their tails that wag with the happiness of their task. Let this trip across the Alaskan wilderness be a delightful journey, running with their partner, the man they love.
Creator – as those dogs run on their path tonight, we ask you to light their way with a rainbow of northern lights. Let the green and blue and golden lights soaring and reaching, gliding across the sky; lead the team safely to their next rest. Let the team’s partnership with each other and with AJ be a joyful running, a running that satisfies their souls.
Creator – we thank you for you have truly given us a glorious day. Spring is spreading her wings as winter starts his journey back home to the mountains. As the earth is awakening, we thank you for the animals in our lives.
Amen
9:06 pm on March 8th, 2012
Okay, When I come back on my next life time, I’m coming back as one of Snowhook’s dogs!!!!!
Beautiful …
9:08 pm on March 8th, 2012
Jasper,
Thanks for the good news regarding Sissy. We’ll keep the prayers and positive energy
going her way.
9:08 pm on March 8th, 2012
Jasper, We are so happy to hear it all went well. I was thinking about Sissy today so thanks for letting us know. That is such a sweet photo.
Mollypop’s Mom, It wasn’t me who hogged the snow. It was our mountains, but the lower elevations didn’t get anything to write home about. NM had great skiing this year. (whispering) I told you to come visit us.
9:10 pm on March 8th, 2012
Patsy is telling me it’s time to go to sleep.
God speed Snowhook!
9:14 pm on March 8th, 2012
Amen…Beautiful!! No Iditarod dogs have ever had such a wonderful, thoughtful prayer. The Northern Lights shine in that prayer.
9:16 pm on March 8th, 2012
To the Storyteller & Golinka: Your beautiful prayers continue to touch our hearts. You are truly guided in the writing of each one. We are honored to call you friend.
Thank you for tonight’s very Special Prayer for the Animals.
9:17 pm on March 8th, 2012
My family had to go buy a new backpack for my boy. It seems that the zipper got chewed today. They knew it wasn’t me because I don’t chew things.
It was delicious.
9:18 pm on March 8th, 2012
Oh Sammie – bless you too, you and your sharp little white teeth.
9:24 pm on March 8th, 2012
Amen!….snuffle!….Oh thank you again StoryTeller and Golinka….sniffle!sneeze!…Just wonderful!
Company!….I’ve been stuck upstairs all night showing off for company with Beau….snort!….We tried to out-do each other for attention and snacks…sniff!….Guess who won?…heh!
9:26 pm on March 8th, 2012
9:27 pm on March 8th, 2012
What the what? Are they stealing avatars again?
9:28 pm on March 8th, 2012
Sissy!….Amazing news from The Mitten…snort!snort!… What a relief for Jasper and his whole family!….WoooooooWHEEE!… I hope Sissy continues to feel good and there is nothing more to worry about….snorkel!
9:32 pm on March 8th, 2012
Thank you again for your eloquent and beautiful words Storyteller and Amalia.
Parts of this one especially touched my heart as Joey, Kelly’s 10 yr old Newfie is starting his journey towards the Rainbow Bridge. It will just be a few weeks now. Tomorrow I will print this prayer and send it to her.
Jasper’s mom, I did the double mast. surgery 16 months ago, with the removal of 25 nodes on one side. They did not keep me over-night. They said if I were going home alone they would keep me 1 day, but since I was going to my daughter’s for a week they opted to send me home the same day as my surgery. Evidently there is more chance of infection staying in the hospital. They will probably put her on a maintenance med. which lowers the chance of it coming back. I did not have to have chemo or radiation, and hopefully this will be the case with Sissy.
9:33 pm on March 8th, 2012
Amen. Thank you again for the wonderful prayer.
I picked up Rory’s body today as well as her collar. The vet staff made a clay of Rory’s paw and gave it to me. We stood in the parking lot and cried, hugged and even laughed.
Jasper: I was thinking about your Aunt Sissy today and I am grateful to hear that the surgery went well. It also sounds like she has a caring husband.
Melanie: One of my bosses told me a while ago that anyone should be so lucky to come back as one of our dogs. That made my day.
More to Melanie: You asked about sleds. There aren’t many sled vendors, but there are a few. The sled that AJ is driving now was made by a musher that lives on the coast of Alaska. I think it is AJ’s sled so far. We’ve had others, but this one was made specific to his height. If a sled is too short, it can fatigue back and shoulders. His sled is too big for me, too tall, too wide. My first sled I ever bought was used and I bought it from a sprint musher. Tenzing and I learned how to run dogs using that sled—Luna learned that she preferred the couch with that sled.
9:35 pm on March 8th, 2012
Goats!….Whats up with the Goats today? …snort!heh!…Are they trying to trick us by pretending to “fit in”?….chorkel!
9:39 pm on March 8th, 2012
Amalia and Leonard, you are truly inspired. Amen.
9:44 pm on March 8th, 2012
I don’t fall for that “goat” humor.
9:44 pm on March 8th, 2012
Should be: I think it’s AJs favorite sled so far.
9:50 pm on March 8th, 2012
Wow, Check out the Rainy Pass and Wind Storm video. I wonder what sled it was that had the green runners?
9:55 pm on March 8th, 2012
He’s on the move! Brandy’s checkpoint is next.
I wonder if Macy is still in his anorka pocket or if he left her wrapped in Mr. Hounds ears?
9:56 pm on March 8th, 2012
Vet!…Rebecca, it sounds like you have a great V*E**T office staff…sniff!…Actually, that is a place you do not want to be at so often that they know you really well…grunt!…Thats my opinion anyways…grunt!
9:56 pm on March 8th, 2012
Looks like AJ is on the move. Go Snowhook!
Good night all.
10:00 pm on March 8th, 2012
Sleddin’!… …oooooo! We here wish we could stay up all night, like some of youse do, and watch AJ and the A-Team get to Cripple…..wheeze!… We’ve heard this ia a long and hard trail. What do you know about it Rebecca?…wuffle!
10:05 pm on March 8th, 2012
Rio: I told the vet tech, the last to leave the parking lot with me that I hope I didn’t see them for a long while. This section of trail is long, nearly 80 miles between the two checkpoints. As far as terrain, I don’t know believe he will run into hazards like the Steps, the Gorge or the Burn. He will likely stop and camp the dogs to break up the run a bit, but it depends on conditions and how the dogs are doing.
10:09 pm on March 8th, 2012
I just saw that another musher scratched. A scratch hurts.
10:13 pm on March 8th, 2012
Bella – we had a news story on the New England Cable News network today about the dogs that are dropped from the Iditarod. They interviewed a very nice lady who talked about the care of the dogs, and how they were sent to the womens’ reformatory for care until they are ready to be sent home. Her last name was Swift. Was that the woman you were talking about the other day? If so, we can see what you meant about her voice – it was very distinctive and a great voice.
10:14 pm on March 8th, 2012
Long!….So it is a very long but not treacherous trail?….sniff!….I can deal with that tonight!…heh!…I should have sent AJ my little harmonica so he could play some tunes and put the team to sleep when they stop to camp….grunt!….Like the cowboys used to do for the cattle in the Wild Wild West…chuffle!
10:26 pm on March 8th, 2012
Under Full Moon with its bright lunar light…
We all join together as they race through the night.
The team first guided by stars and soon northern lights.
10:34 pm on March 8th, 2012
The sky has cleared up there so AJ will have a full moon and Northern Lights. It isn’t considered treacherous. I hope the trail tonight is a peaceful for him as it sounds to me.
10:35 pm on March 8th, 2012
BearSpiritDog- how very beautiful
10:43 pm on March 8th, 2012
I hope that tonight’s run will be magical for AJ. A full moon, the Northern Lights,
Sparkle of the ice, may this be the night when AJ begins his race towards Rebecca. And may Brandy join him on the trail.
10:49 pm on March 8th, 2012
We are turning in.
Have a good run tonight, AJ and the dogs.
Rebecca, LOCK THE DOORS!!!
night all
11:03 pm on March 8th, 2012
I have the feeling that Brandy is going to wait for the team to come to him, but will meet the team on the trail.
Doors! Must lock the doors! With all that was going on, AJ forgot his constant piece of advice when we are apart. I forgot and left the doors unlocked last night—I’m living on the edge. I won’t forget tonight.
Rio: A harmonica at below freezing temperatures? You’re risking a lip or a tongue…
11:13 pm on March 8th, 2012
Another musher just scratched. That is too bad.
11:28 pm on March 8th, 2012
That is a darn shame.
11:32 pm on March 8th, 2012
Bella – just checking in with you…how are YOU doing?
Have you maxed out on cheesecake yet?
11:50 pm on March 8th, 2012
Siber-H, we just saw that dust storm on the news. Are you getting it?
12:16 am on March 9th, 2012
Belle is a BAD DOG. She just bet mom. Again. 3rd time. bad dog belle, bad dog.
12:19 am on March 9th, 2012
bit darn it. you would think i was the one with her fingers bandaged up. i need to go love on her now.
Macy out,
12:19 am on March 9th, 2012
T&G: Yesterday was a difficult day, today is a bit easier. We are through the first third of the race, and starting the middle—this part is the hardest for me. It is when the separation from AJ really takes its toll. Thank you to you and the Storyteller for the beautiful prayers.
Belle, not Luna’s Belle: No more betting or bitting your mom.
1:05 am on March 9th, 2012
Another wonderful prayer tonight from the Storyteller. Thank you.
Jasper: Great news about Sissy’s operation results. Here’s hoping she is feeling tip-top very soon.
Snowhook Bella: AJ is still moving fast. Go Snowhook doggies! I am unbelievably proud of your giant of a musher and his 4 legged friends. A shame about the 2 scratches – after all the hard work.
We are having dog sled races in town tomorrow. Juniors, 6-dog, 10 dog and an open race of 15.3 miles. I’ve never watched them before and I see we have a couple teams from Willow (or Eagle River). A Bill and Will Kornmuller and Jennifer and Nathan Sterling. And, in 1986 the winner was one Joe Redington!
3:36 am on March 9th, 2012
Jasper: thanks for updating us with such wonderful news. What a relief for family, friends (and us!).
MollyPop’s Mom: I’d send you the last 14″ of snow if I could. Overdue for bed.
5:54 am on March 9th, 2012
AJ’s made great headway toward Cripple! We are picturing the serenity of running under the full moon, with the Northern Lights illuminating the snow. Only 25 miles from Cripple.
2:03 pm on March 11th, 2012
So Ally i was first to the coast and is the leader.. she got into the checkpoint 2 hours ahead of John Baker.. so now what? can John just leave at the same time or before Ally or does John have to wait?