Red Dirt and Dog Hair

Luma

Upper Dog Yard

Today was my first morning of caring for the dogs on my own. The past few mornings I've been following Bill around to get the details just right. It certainly was intimidating being on my own today. With 37 dogs barking and yanking on their chains, you can only scoop out food so fast.
I start by hauling buckets of food up to their houses. Then I have to mix the right amount of water and food for each dog. The food is mixed with their water to make sure that they are staying hydrated and to soften the kibble a bit. It takes a long time to feed everyone and of course get a couple pets in. Then, I go to the puppy pen and feed them. We run around for a bit, inevitably getting all covered in dirt. At this point, if I'm feeling extra generous (which I always am), I let the puppies out and we all go together to clean up the lower dog yard. When the big dogs see the puppies, they go nuts. Only one of the puppies, Whitey, is brave enough to visit every one of the dogs. As soon as he enters their territory, they are on top of him growling and showing their domination. Whitey instantly rolls on his back and shows his supplication. The big dogs are never aggressive or violent; they are just showing the puppies that there is a hierarchy in the kennel.
After cleaning up, it is time to water the dogs again. Since it's been so hot here and their coats are so thick, it's important to keep them watered and quiet. During this process, I just have to spend quality time with each of the dogs. They push up against me, stand on my shoulders (usually knocking me down with their strength), and lick at my hands.
During all of this dirty, hairy work, I can only smile and laugh. These dogs all have such different personalities and it is so fun getting to know each one.
This afternoon, I am sending out job applications. Since this dog sledding position only provides room and board, I need a second part-time job. So far I've got a couple really decent leads. I hope you can all send positive energy my way!

The Best Kind of Adventure

Garden of the Gods

Independence Pass

View of the house from the road

Hey all!
Sorry for not posting in a few days. It's been crazy here, but I promise it will become more consistent.
It is my second full day living in Glenwood Springs, CO. The trip here was amazing. We spent a night with my friend Laura in Colorado Springs before journeying through the mountains. Colorado Springs was a beautiful city; home to the Garden of the Gods, a huge park filled with natural sandstone sculptures. I got to see Lo's school and catch up with all of her adventures.
The next morning, I was able to convince my mom to head through Independence Pass. A road filled with switchbacks, no guardrails, three feet of snow, and at an elevation of 12,095 feet. BEST decision! This road had an amazing view at every moment. The high peaks of the Rockies were covered in snow with wildflowers popping up everywhere. Coming down out of this pass, we hit Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt.
Finally, we arrived in Glenwood Springs. Apparently, the GPS is tired of traveling/us disobeying her because she directed us about 4 miles past the house to a very deserted dirt road. In either case, we managed to find my new home. It is about 8 miles outside of town, completely on its own. No other houses in sight, only a dirt road and mountains all around. In the distance, snow-topped Mount Sopris dominates the skyline. Red Sandstone stands out on all the hillsides against the blue sky and dark green of the evergreens. My place is a basement apartment under my employer's home. It is a massive log cabin; every wall built out of whole trees with a large living room, small kitchen, bathroom with a claw tub, and a big bedroom. Perched up on a hillside, the views take my breath away every morning and make me want to climb every ridge line around me.
A few meters away, 37 Alaskan Huskies bark, run, and howl. They are all beautiful and strong, with differing personalities. I think I have 37 new best friends.  In the morning, I feed, pick up, and water all the dogs. Then I spend a little time with each one, playing and getting them used to me. At night, it's just watering and playing. The five 6-month old puppies especially enjoy a little extra attention.It's the good life out here!
Mom has been helping me settle in, mostly by cleaning (thank god for moms). Now I know why my brother, Sam, always took her along to move into a new place. Right now, it's a lot of organizing, decorating, and buying. I'm still trying to figure out the essentials, but I successfully got a new address yesterday; If you want it, just let me know!
So far, the life of a musher is hard work, but so incredible. For the next 10 days I will be on my own with all the dogs. I'll let you know how it goes....

A Decor Scheme Gone Wrong!

June 24th:

Day 2 of traveling to Colorado. Day 2 of eleven hours in the car. Day 2 of constant 18-wheelers barreling down the road. And the reward for all that driving time? A freaky castle-shaped Best Western in Iowa City, Iowa that looks like King Arthur threw up on it....

This move/road trip has already created many memories. On the first day, my mom and I traveled from Georgia, VT to Port Huron, MI. Canada was full of Tim Hortons, rolling hills, and beautiful views of Lake Ontario. Today, we continued the journey through Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and now Iowa. We stopped for a beautiful stroll on the sand dunes of Lake Michigan and had a picnic while listening to the waves.

As we drove through Illinois, the land got flatter and more desolate. Finally, we ended up in Iowa City. After a quick conference with my dad, who had been researching hotels nearby, we decided to try the Motel 6. Bad idea. It took one quick look in the sheets to realize this place had a bad case of the bed bugs. See ya! We saw a Best Western sign a few yards down the street and figured we trusted that chain. Oh how the universe likes to play tricks....There are gargoyles at the entrance to the driveway; there is a tower with flags at the top; there is a small bridge and moat at the entrance to the lobby; there are pictures of knights everywhere.
If you haven't guessed, this is a medieval castle. In Iowa. It's weird. Wish us luck!