8 Miles

The training regimen became more serious today. We jumped from 4 miles to 8 miles. The dogs loved it. Since the temperature has dropped down to 40 degrees at 6am, we can keep the dogs out a little longer. Also, the sun stays behind the opposite ridge line just a bit longer, allowing it to stay cooler longer. Unfortunately for me, this means that I have to start layering. Intense layering. When I get out of bed in the morning, I am an icicle. Lately, I outfit myself in a long-sleeve, fleece sweater, and wind jacket (not to mention the hat, gloves, and wool socks). It takes about ten minutes and running up the hill to get two dogs in order for me to strip down to just a long-sleeve. Who knew harnessing was such a good workout!

After the quick 8 miles, the really complicated part begins. Now that we're aggressively training, the dogs need an exorbitant amount of food. Their morning meal is getting larger and now includes a protein powder. We have to mix the powder in with the water and food, looking for just the right ratio. Getting the dogs to drink water is still the priority, so the more you can shove under their noses, the better. The feeding has become a science. Each dog gets a certain amount of food and water, whether in the morning or at night; if you give them too much, they flip their pan over so it dumps out on the ground; if you don't give them enough, they start to howl. Most of the dogs are pretty reliable in their eating patterns, but it can still throw you for a loop.

Sunrise over the kennel

As I get further into training, I have to remind myself to write down the interesting details. Each day, there is a new occurrence or lesson learned. For instance, Bill was explaining today what happens when a handler falls asleep on the sled. He explained that it really depends on the team. On the Iditarod, it is common for a handler to fall asleep at the wheel and a lot of teams will just stop when they realize this. Other teams continue running, the handler can trust the lead dog to find the way. It's the little details like this that truly make me appreciate this experience.

If anyone has any questions about anything regarding dogsledding, let me know. If I don't know the answer, I'm sure Bill does and then I'll have something to write about! 

Zion Will Be The End of Me

Training continues sporadically. The dogs had a few days off due to a Rugby tournament in Aspen; we were supposed to start back up today, but the 4-wheeler wouldn't start. The temperature has dropped significantly the past few days and the engine wasn't liking it. Bill's working on it today, so we can go back out tomorrow. It's  gotten to the point where it feels strange not to wake up in the dark and go harness dogs.
Then again, I needed a little time off. My shoulders were starting to kill from the constant pulling. As soon as I unhook a dog, they proceed to lunge toward the line, attempting to pull my arm out of socket in the process. Zion is the worst. He's the largest dog in the kennel and I just don't have the strength to contain him. I get dragged down to the line and no matter how tight I hold him in between my legs, he always manages to squirm free. I've bitten my tongue a couple times now when he's jumped up and slammed into my chin. It doesn't help that I'm trying to hold him in between my legs to harness him and my feet are barely touching ground; he's just so damn tall. As soon as he is harnessed, he's a beautiful sled dog. The perfect runner. I just need to get stronger I suppose. Oh, and more agile. I need to also work on hopping over chains with two full water buckets; Whitey wrapped me in his chain the other day and pulled, so now I have a beautiful bruise encircling my knee.
This is the price I pay for loving these dogs and this sport. I get over it as soon as we start running and they look over their shoulders with happy grins.

This past week has certainly been animal filled for me. The 2011 National Sheepdog Finals took place in Carbondale. 150 Border Collies all trained to herd sheep. I went up three times, including the finals yesterday. These dogs are incredible, pure intelligence and drive. They want nothing more in life than to herd and, yet, they are perfectly trained to leave the sheep when needed. The handlers had to stay at their post as their dogs worked the sheep across a massive field, through gates, and into a pen. It was no easy task as the sheep were not cooperative in the least. The dogs did the best they could though and it left me speechless.

On the opposite side of dogs, I have started fostering cats for the Colorado Animal Rescue Shelter. I currently have two kittens that are having a little trouble gaining weight. They have kept me constantly entertained with their antics. When they're not running around my apartment, they are snuggled in my lap and purring happily. I hope to foster for the rescue shelter throughout the next year. It's a good source of companionship for me and a good experience for the cats.

Hopefully, Zion will be easier on me tomorrow...we'll see. I'll just have to cuddle with the kittens to prepare for it!

Pairings

Four days of training and they're already looking like a real racing team. Every night, Bill creates a roster. He has to choose twelve dogs very carefully. Two males together will usually get over excited, two females together will usually fight, and then there are just dogs that don't work well together. If Hudson goes out, Rincon has to because they're brothers and would get too jealous otherwise. Osiris and Zion are crazy next to each other, but they match each other perfectly in size and stride. Lynx has run as leader every day, with veterans running beside him to keep the team in line. It's important to try dogs at different positions to change the energy of the team, as well as find the best possible pairing or them. At this point, the main goal is to pair up veterans with new runners. There are a lot of 2 or 3-year-olds that need more experience and a veteran will usually yank them back into line. Sometimes the veterans can get a little frustrated. For instance, Ahab was pulling next to Kobuk this morning when Kobuk started screwing around. Ahab tried to set him straight, but they ended up fighting; Kobuk came out of the run with a puncture wound above his eye from Ahab's canine tooth. He'll listen next time. This might sound harsh, but this is normal for the kennel. These are not pets, these dogs are just shy of wild. They have a hierarchy and they use it when needed.
When the team all works together, it's perfect. Twelve dogs running in unison, with tongues hanging out and the occasional look over the shoulder for praise. Sitting on the 4-wheeler, I think of only one thing...I've learned everyone's names according to their face, now I have to learn them according to their butts. 

Day One of Sleddog Training

This is why I moved to Colorado. This is what I love to do. This is what my dogs love to do.
My day started in the dark. I woke up at 5:45am and donned a headlamp. As soon as Bill and I walked towards the 4-wheeler, the dogs went nuts. Usually, I tell them to quiet, but there is no reasoning with 37 dogs when they anticipate a run. It took Bill and I a few minutes to gather the harnesses and straighten the line in the dark, but pretty soon we were ready to collect dogs. Jodi came out to help as well; it seems the first day of training is exciting for everyone.
When hooking the dogs up, we started with the lead and zig-zagged our way back. This way, the dogs don't have to remain on the line excited, next to someone else, for a long period of time. Since it was the first day and we had 12 dogs to hook up, it took a little while. First, you have to wade through the other dogs to get to who you want; then, you have to unhook them as they're straining against their line; then, you have to hold them up so they can only walk on 2 legs (they'll drag you if they get the power of all 4 legs); then, you have to walk them down to their spot on the line; then, you have to clamp their bodies in between your legs as you slip the harness over their squirming head; then, you hook them into the neck line and back line. Finally, you step back as they commence jumping forward, up, sideways, and any direction in between. As you can see, there is a lot of room for error.
Thankfully, everything ran pretty smoothly in hook up today. It might have taken a little while, but efficiency will come with time. The dogs will certainly be happier when we can get them out faster. It is necessary to yell during the entire process, since the orchestra of howling and barking drowns out all other noise. The dogs on the line are especially excited. They pull at the line, bark at us to hurry up, and strain to do what they love most.
That moment when you release the lead dogs is incredible. Today, Lynx and Attla took the honor. With the initial command, they leap forward, pulling everyone else with them. If it wasn't for the brake, they would go sprinting full speed ahead. As I watched the dogs head out down the driveway, every single one of them had a gigantic smile on their face. When they came back, 4 miles later, that same smile was plastered on their faces. Granted, they were a little bit more thirsty, but they would have kept going if Bill let them.
Since it was the first day, Bill handled them alone. They were overexcited, so he wanted to make sure everything was in order. Within the next few days, I'll go out with him on the 4-wheeler and have that smile plastered on my face as well. I can't wait!

Missing the East Coast

Wow, it's been a long time since I last posted. I blame the fact that I returned to the east coast for a week...and then forgot about it. Well, here goes again:
I had an incredible time back in NH/VT. For 3 days, I visited with friends in NH and was a groomsmaid in a college friend's wedding. The groom and I used to work Residence Life together at Saint Mike's, so it was a great reunion. A great dress, awesome friends, an ice ream truck, slip n' slide, and so much food.....incredible wedding. Pictures can be seen on facebook.
The rest of my time was spent in VT....it was not enough time. It did include a trip to Ben and Jerry's and apple picking, which are two of my favorite things. Maybe next time I'll be able to spend a couple weeks devoting time to the people I really love.
It was hard leaving Vermont to come back to Colorado. I've missed living in the Green Mountains. However, once I got back here, it didn't take me long to remember why I loved it so much. On the drive home, I went through a snowstorm at 10,000 feet. Ten minutes later, blue skies erupted over the Rockies. Even better, when I pulled into the driveway, the dogs went nuts. They were what I missed most of all.
For the past few days, I have started a new job at a local boarding kennel called The Barnyard. I get paid to play with a pack of dogs all day. I'm sure I'll get dogged out at some point, but right now it's just fun. It never fails to amaze me how dogs can be so generous and happy. They always know how to make me laugh.
In other news, training officially starts tomorrow. The dogs can smell it in the air...plus, they can see Bill hanging up harnesses and starting up the ATV. I can't wait to finally see them run!

Climbing Waterfalls and Jumping off Cliffs

I cannot turn back now. I have begun the life of an adventure enthusiast and it has quickly become my passion. From now on, I will climb as many mountains as possible, explore as many canyons as the land offers, and participate in all extreme sports currently invented.
This past weekend was an excellent start to this new goal. Laura accompanied me, once again, for some exploration and fun. On Sunday, we joined a group hike into the Seven Castles Waterfall. This hike is located on Basalt Mountain in a protected parcel of land. The only way to access the canyon and waterfall is through private land that requires a permit. Therefore, with about ten other people, we journeyed into what is known as a gateway of the Utah Redrock Desert. From the Roaring Fork Valley, seven gigantic sandstone towers rise from the mountains. A small canyon is formed in between each structure. Our hike led through one of those canyons. A small creek- at this point in the season, only a few inches deep- wound it's way through the canyon. The walls are 100 feet high, attesting to the strength the creek must have once held. The red sandstone was soft and sparkled in the sunlight. We followed the trail about 2 miles into the canyon; at times, it was only 3 feet wide. Finally, we emerged into a basin with a large waterfall running smoothly down the rocks. With the aid of ropes, the few adventurous ones in the group, climbed to the top of the waterfall. From there, we climbed up 3 more waterfalls before reaching the end of the canyon. It ends in a large circular arena, carved out by the water of a 100 foot waterfall. The water pours over the edge of the canyon walls; a truly magnificent spot.
Laura and I lingered here longer than the others, appreciating the steady roar of the water as well as the peace of the canyon. We were eventually forced to leave, however, as a small rock slide started on the edge of the canyon. As we hastened down the stream, we looked over our shoulders to see if anyone was stalking us from the canyon rim. It could have been a chipmunk that started the slide, but then again, it could have been a mountain lion. We were certain it was a mountain lion.
It took some time to rappel back down the slippery waterfalls, but we made sure to take advantage of the cool water. Out of the entire group, I believe Laura and I were the only ones that came out soaking wet. I suppose that's what happens when you stand in a waterfall. The Seven Castles hike is such a wonderful place because it is so secret and private. I will certainly be returning to ski and dogsled the canyon.

After the excitement of the waterfall canyon, it was unlikely that we could have an even better day...but we did. Yesterday was a thrill. Ever since seeing the paragliders on Red Mountain about a month ago, Laura and I have been planning on going. We set the date and started working up some courage. Yesterday morning, we were all set to go, except for the sudden rain storm. It never rains in Colorado in the morning, unless apparently we're planning on flying. The guides suggested we cancel, but we were determined to see it through. Thankfully, about half an hour before our flight time, the skies opened up to a beautiful sunny day. The wind picked up, making it perfect for paragliding and the guides instantly got everything set up. I didn't even have time to think from arriving at the launch site to jumping off of the cliff. We were strapped into a harness, clipped into the parachute, and told to start running. The parachute pulled me backwards as I ran, but then we were swept forward, off the edge of the cliff and into thin air.
The wind current swept us over the ridgeline, high above the pine trees and hiking trails I had come to know so well. My guide was very informative, explaining the technicalities of paragliding and how he got started in the sport. For 20 minutes, Laura and I floated hundreds of feet in the air. The entire Roaring Fork Valley to Mount Sopris was open below us. Slowly, we began edging out of the current to begin our descent. When we arrived directly over town, we had an option: a slow, lazy descent or a roller coaster ride. Definitely, always choose the roller coaster ride. By shifting our weight and taking sharp turns, we were able to go into a corkscrew. At times, we were parallel to the earth and I even went upside down a few times. Even the most exciting roller coaster in the world cannot compare to the thrill of flying upside down with only a parachute attached. After that, gravity pulled us towards land. With a running start while still in the air, we thudded to the ground.
I could have flown for hours and never tired. The cool wind and bright sun were the only things that mattered during the flight. Jumping off of a cliff is one of the most peaceful things I have ever done. This will certainly not be a one time thing in my life....they may even be willing to train me as a guide next summer.
I'll have to take a little break from adventuring, as I am returning to VT for a few days. I'll just have to convince some of my friends from back east to come out here and experience the wonders of Colorado.

All Puppies Have to Grow Up Someday

Big day at the kennel today...the puppies joined the big dogs.
This morning, Bill and I spent about an hour fixing up houses and chains, collaring puppies, and introducing them to their new homes. I quickly found out that I have been spoiling them rotten. Every morning and evening, I have let them run for a few hours. They have had free reign around the dog yard, the house, and the fields. No longer.
Putting the collars on them was difficult enough. They rolled in the dirt and jumped around trying to get them off. however, I thought they looked quite dashing in the bright colors. Next, we attempted to lead them on a leash. They liked that even less. After being able to run free, the leash seemed very restricting. Finally, we introduced each pup to their individual area. It was hard watching them struggle with this new idea. Bill reassured me that it will take a few days, but they will come to like it as the other dogs do.
Throughout the day, Pismo or Apollo would start up howling. I found them all this evening, laying low to the ground and whimpering. My poor puppies; if I could have them live in my house all the time, I would (but they would pee on my carpet).
It will be interesting to see how they adjust over the next few days. I'm sure there will be some crying, on both my part and the puppies, but I have to let them grow up. Soon I'll be training them...even better.