Team Nookies brought in 2016 with a celebratory run. Celebratory because after almost 3 years we finally had paws on snow without bare patches. Celebratory because Ma Nature provided a beautiful sunny day in the mountains.
It was cold. The temp in the parking lot was 18 degrees when we started about 2 and was 11 degrees when we returned to the van. It had been -5 earlier so I opted to watch the Rose Parade before heading up to the mountains.
Getting started is always a challenge. The dogs are so excited and pulling before I have the van doors locked and my gloves on. Fortunately two women from a village in Alaska came to my aid and helped me negotiate the crowded parking lot and onto the run. Then we were off.
The trail and scenery were spectacular. We did have several groups of snowmobiles pass us, but everyone was courteous (except the dogs who wanted to chase the snowmobiles. We do need to work on that.)
Invariably the passing ended up with tangled dogs. Trask has both Koyuk and Cedar's tug lines, the gangline and his neckline around his legs. Cedar's leg is wrapped by Trask's tug and Koyuk, wanting to go, is pulling all tangles tight.
But for the most part, the run was smooth and fast.
I even stayed on the sled while holding my big camera as we careened around corners.
Life is Good running silent.
After dinner, still hungry Trask made sure there wasn't any kibble left in the bottom of the bag. Koyuk was at ready for anything spilling out.
Happy New Year from BrownStone Chinooks and Team Nookies
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