La Pine Mushing Weekend - Sunday

Sunday morning was clear and 26 degrees. With no other way to get him there, Trask accompanied Team Nookies on the 1/2 mile run to the staging area. I really expected a nice easy run allowing Trask to saunter but no Team Nookies knew where they were going and were anxious to get there. Trask did his share of pulling the entire way - not really what I wanted on his young joints but the ground was soft and I could not slow him.
Of course there were the inevitable tangles (rest breaks) as ever curious Trask checked out all the wonderful smells.

By coming along the river and through the woods instead of the road, Team Nookies made a grand entrance into the staging area.

Most of the day was spent watching the other teams.

This truck and trailer brought 38 Siberians.

Trask and Cedar paying close attention to the other teams.

 Koyuk getting a better look.

 At 3 1/2 months, Trask is already powerful.

Chinook Kasute (related to McKenzie)

Chinooks Kenna Lu and Parker

 A team from the way NE corner of Washington.

 Dashing Kennel from Idaho.

 Chinook social break.

 Oregon Siberians

 The dogs really wanted to run so...

mid morning I took a short run with Cedar and Koyuk.

There were teams large and small running the trails.

Handsome Trask

After her runs, Karen Yeargain worked privately with Cedar and Koyuk on passing etiquette. We spent about 1/2 hour passing other dogs and teams while she taught them to focus solely ahead and ignore the other dogs. Karen is amazing (and patient).

 Trask intently watched the entire lesson.

 Then it was time to head back to the campground...

where we met a Siberian with wheels...

 and Chinook Sury taking a test run with a new sako cart.

Once again the La Pine Mushing Weekend did not disappoint. Team Nookies had a blast and learned a lot.