Last Thursday, I took Willy and Cedar to eastern Oregon for a 4 day, dryland, mushing event. As I drove over the pass on snow and ice, I lamented not bringing my dog sled. But surely the campground would be free of snow.
My campsite, scooter and last of the sun
As soon as I had everything set up and was ready for a spin, it started to rain - freezing rain. Everything was quickly covered with a layer of ice. Scratch running the dogs. I headed to the communal log cabin for some communal wine and dinner.
This event drew mushers from as far away as San Diego, northern Idaho, BC and all points in between. The staging area was packed. Except for the start of the Iditarod, I have never seen so many mushers, dog trucks and dogs.
Friday morning I waited until everyone had left the campground and the ice layer had melted before the dogs and I ran to the staging area about 1/4 mile away. We then ran a mile loop and came back to take pictures of other mushers.
I tied Team Nookies to a tree and wandered around taking pictures. 
My scooter was tiny compared to the other impressive rigs - but I had breaks. (see 11/7 post) What's 3" of snow when you have breaks? 
My scooter was tiny compared to the other impressive rigs - but I had breaks. (see 11/7 post) What's 3" of snow when you have breaks? Some of these dogs have seen Nome, others will next March.
Saturday the staging area was even more crowded
Teams of 2 to 16 dogs ran the many miles of trails. 
Teams of 2 to 16 dogs ran the many miles of trails. Saturday Team Nookies took a trail along the river. I did not want to get into continual passing issues with so many teams on the regular trails. There was also less snow by the river. Willy and Cedar ran as fast as the wheels on my scooter allowed them to go. I had never seen them sprint like that and with tight tugs. About a mile out, I found myself flying over the handlebars. A squirrel had distracted the dogs. They took a sudden, 90 degree turn while my body continued going straight. I am not sure that I wasn't knocked out. When I got my wind and senses back, I became aware I had a lot of pumice grit in my eyes and mouth. Fortunately I had a helmet and cold weather clothing on. I knew instantly that my wrist was probably broken but all else felt in one piece. Soon the dogs lost interest in the chase and came back with the scooter and kisses. After brushing off the coating of pumice and slush, I jumped on the scooter for a fast ride back to and through the staging area to the campground.
I always carry a BLS first aid kit. Ice for an ice pack was readily available all around the campsite. Before long, I was splinted, iced and relaxing with a glass of fine wine. I did not want to miss the mushers, potluck, banquet so turned down offers to drive to the emergency room in Bend. Saturday night, even after imbiding with the other mushers, was very uncomfortable. The worst was taking the dogs out to "go". I had to manage two strong, excited dogs camped in the middle of a few hundred excited dogs; the flashlight; and getting the inevitable poop into the bag all with one hand.
Sunday morning I drove back over the pass to the ski area to meet up with the Jr. Ski Patrol. Dave had everything under control so I headed down to Eugene and Urgent Care.
The real bummer is that we are supposed to get snow here this weekend and I won't be able to run the dogs.
Team Nookies
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