What a difference a year makes! This morning we woke up to 5 beautiful inches of white powder and more is coming. Kasilof and the Central Peninsula is having a glorious winter - the best of the six years Bruce and I have lived here. Training conditions could not be better as both our trails out of our yard are amazing, as well as the trails in the Caribou hills, which are only a short drive away. My only regret is not getting out on a sled more. Bruce and I just can't make the sacrifice of not spending time with the kids on the weekends, and Bruce's weekends are his only opportunity for training - he is the one that needs to get out on the trail. With that said, I have been able to cross-country ski quite a bit, and LOVE IT! We are hopeful the trails will be in good condition for a while so we can enjoy them as a family when he gets home from Iditarod.
We are looking forward to the start more than ever. It is always a journey to get there, but we are so thankful for all the support we have. It started last June with Stanley Ford sponsoring our entrance fee. The connections we have made with incredible people are beyond my belief. What once was a quest to for Bruce to start and finish the Iditarod one time, has now become something so much bigger and more meaningful. The friends we have met along the way have touched and influenced our lives to a degree that words cannot explain. We are forever thankful and blessed.
Melissa
Feb. 26, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Monday, March 15, 2010
Almost there...
March 15
Leaving for Nome
I agonized all night why it took Bruce so long to get to Unalakleet? Well, he was four miles from the checkpoint and from the GPS blip – it looked he was stuck on the river. Either there is story behind it, or the GPS was not functioning correctly (I am hoping for the later). Needless to say, it was a late night on my end and I should have been sleeping while the kids were, but I choose to watch the blip – stuck for an hour.
The good news, he made it to Unalakleet, which is the last long run on the Yukon. Once a musher gets here, they pretty much either scratch or get to Nome. I am hoping for Nome of course. The kids and I are packed and leaving for Anchorage today as our flight is tomorrow. I have my own work cut out for me as it is the first time I will be traveling with two little kids. Thankfully, I have Brenda, our guardian angel coming to fly with me to Nome and then lost of happy missionaries who will help with Brody and Shea.
My female intuition tells me Bruce is going to push himself and the dogs to the end. He has the goal of beating his personal best of course, but I know his competitive nature will come out as well. He will want to finish as best he can with this incredible team of dogs. Maya, our beloved lead dog, has run EVERY step of the way in all four Iditarod races. She is an amazing dog – I gave her a special pep talk before Bruce left this year and she is keeping her promise to me without a doubt.
I forgot to mention his insulin froze on the trail… the night of the -55 degree temps. Wondering if that is why he felt so miserable that night – I am sure it did not help the situation. Which reminds me, I need to pick up another vile to bring to Nome!
I might be hearing from him before he leaves Unalakleet – this is a larger town with communication. More to come later if I do.
Happy trails,
Melissa
Leaving for Nome
I agonized all night why it took Bruce so long to get to Unalakleet? Well, he was four miles from the checkpoint and from the GPS blip – it looked he was stuck on the river. Either there is story behind it, or the GPS was not functioning correctly (I am hoping for the later). Needless to say, it was a late night on my end and I should have been sleeping while the kids were, but I choose to watch the blip – stuck for an hour.
The good news, he made it to Unalakleet, which is the last long run on the Yukon. Once a musher gets here, they pretty much either scratch or get to Nome. I am hoping for Nome of course. The kids and I are packed and leaving for Anchorage today as our flight is tomorrow. I have my own work cut out for me as it is the first time I will be traveling with two little kids. Thankfully, I have Brenda, our guardian angel coming to fly with me to Nome and then lost of happy missionaries who will help with Brody and Shea.
My female intuition tells me Bruce is going to push himself and the dogs to the end. He has the goal of beating his personal best of course, but I know his competitive nature will come out as well. He will want to finish as best he can with this incredible team of dogs. Maya, our beloved lead dog, has run EVERY step of the way in all four Iditarod races. She is an amazing dog – I gave her a special pep talk before Bruce left this year and she is keeping her promise to me without a doubt.
I forgot to mention his insulin froze on the trail… the night of the -55 degree temps. Wondering if that is why he felt so miserable that night – I am sure it did not help the situation. Which reminds me, I need to pick up another vile to bring to Nome!
I might be hearing from him before he leaves Unalakleet – this is a larger town with communication. More to come later if I do.
Happy trails,
Melissa
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Ups and Downs of the Iditarod Trail
Blog Entry 4
March 14, 2010
The ups and downs of the trail
Once on the trail, Bruce has alluded to the fact that all worries and cares go away. For Bruce, I think being on the Iditarod Trail is one of the only times in his life, that for a long period of time he can be in a quiet, uninterrupted state and truly reflect on everything and anything in his life. In his day to day life at home, he chooses to have the cell phone in his pocket (pretty much 24/7) and is constantly making lists of things to do. Our household has always been a busy place, we both make it that way. But with this lifestyle comes more change, chaos and business than the average family might endure.
Bruce and I met over 8 years ago, and our journey together has been one of risk taking, adventure, and constant change. Just like working in a school, everyday is different and you never know how it is going to end before you lay your head down to rest. I would not change my life for anything. Even though we struggle to make ends-meet, waited to start a family and live in a small cabin, we are happy doing what we do. When he speaks about getting out of dogs, my response is “What else are we going to do? How could we not have dogs when we live in Alaska? I am sure if Brody could chime in, he would say the same – he loves the dogs and watches our Iditarod videos (or what he calls “EOS”) with attention and pure amazement. On several occasions throughout the video, Brody will answer the dogs back with an “AHOOOOHHHH” – his neck raised like he is howling towards the full moon on a clear night.
The ups and downs of the trail come with the race itself. I remember in 2006, Bruce’s first Iditarod, Jon Little, another well respected local musher he mentored Bruce in training to some degree and whose sold us Bruce’s prized lead dogs Kiwi and Maya when they were pups, pulled Nate (our handler and friend) and I aside to prep us for what the ups and downs of the trail. Bruce would have opportunities to call home, and when those came, you could expect emotional highs and lows. Jon warned us that the lows would be difficult to coach Bruce through, but the main thing to tell him was to get some rest, then make a decision about race strategy would be next. When Bruce called on an emotional high, I thought he was never going to come home.
For the last four years, these calls are in evitable and sometimes, I lie, to be honest (hmmm). As much as I would like to tell him to scratch and get off the stupid race, persuade him to rest, eat and then make a decision. In fact one year, he called my school while I was giving announcements on the loud speaker. Debbie, my secretary pulled my sleeve, pointed to the phone (as I was chanting the Pledge of Alliegance) and said “it is Bruce.” Bruce was crying and very down – he was beat up and could not decide what to do. In my principal tone, I told him “to get your ass back on the sled and get going! If you have to turn around, turn around, but at least try to leave!” Now, with that said, I rarely speak to him that way, but in this particular moment, that is what he needed to hear, in my opinion. Other times he just needs to know we are thinking about him and that everything at home was OK.
Bruce is not the only one who has ups and downs of the trail. I too experience high emotions during the race. This year has been particularly difficult because I have two little ones to take care of and cannot participate they way I used to. Merely finding the time to blog has been a challenge! My friends think I am crazy, carting around two kids to the starts and most likely to Nome. I think I am a little crazy – you have to be if you are married to Bruce J. Most folks don’t understand our decisions… Some though, who have the passion that both Bruce and I have for what we do and how we live, understand and know it is how we operate – they know there is no other way for us. Bruce and I are there for each other no matter what and we invited our kids into our lives, and they are along for the ride too. Thankfully, we have so many friends and supporters who help us get from point A to point B. My highs are more reflective – being thankful for what Bruce and I have made for ourselves – we have two gorgeous children, a nitch in an amazingly beautiful community, an important cause to support (diabetes education), and we have a special lifestyle to share with our children and others. We are blessed in many, many ways.
Anyway, I hear Shea, our 4 week squirming and my time to write is coming to an end. There is no time to edit – maybe later, but not now.
Happy Trails,
Melissa
March 14, 2010
The ups and downs of the trail
Once on the trail, Bruce has alluded to the fact that all worries and cares go away. For Bruce, I think being on the Iditarod Trail is one of the only times in his life, that for a long period of time he can be in a quiet, uninterrupted state and truly reflect on everything and anything in his life. In his day to day life at home, he chooses to have the cell phone in his pocket (pretty much 24/7) and is constantly making lists of things to do. Our household has always been a busy place, we both make it that way. But with this lifestyle comes more change, chaos and business than the average family might endure.
Bruce and I met over 8 years ago, and our journey together has been one of risk taking, adventure, and constant change. Just like working in a school, everyday is different and you never know how it is going to end before you lay your head down to rest. I would not change my life for anything. Even though we struggle to make ends-meet, waited to start a family and live in a small cabin, we are happy doing what we do. When he speaks about getting out of dogs, my response is “What else are we going to do? How could we not have dogs when we live in Alaska? I am sure if Brody could chime in, he would say the same – he loves the dogs and watches our Iditarod videos (or what he calls “EOS”) with attention and pure amazement. On several occasions throughout the video, Brody will answer the dogs back with an “AHOOOOHHHH” – his neck raised like he is howling towards the full moon on a clear night.
The ups and downs of the trail come with the race itself. I remember in 2006, Bruce’s first Iditarod, Jon Little, another well respected local musher he mentored Bruce in training to some degree and whose sold us Bruce’s prized lead dogs Kiwi and Maya when they were pups, pulled Nate (our handler and friend) and I aside to prep us for what the ups and downs of the trail. Bruce would have opportunities to call home, and when those came, you could expect emotional highs and lows. Jon warned us that the lows would be difficult to coach Bruce through, but the main thing to tell him was to get some rest, then make a decision about race strategy would be next. When Bruce called on an emotional high, I thought he was never going to come home.
For the last four years, these calls are in evitable and sometimes, I lie, to be honest (hmmm). As much as I would like to tell him to scratch and get off the stupid race, persuade him to rest, eat and then make a decision. In fact one year, he called my school while I was giving announcements on the loud speaker. Debbie, my secretary pulled my sleeve, pointed to the phone (as I was chanting the Pledge of Alliegance) and said “it is Bruce.” Bruce was crying and very down – he was beat up and could not decide what to do. In my principal tone, I told him “to get your ass back on the sled and get going! If you have to turn around, turn around, but at least try to leave!” Now, with that said, I rarely speak to him that way, but in this particular moment, that is what he needed to hear, in my opinion. Other times he just needs to know we are thinking about him and that everything at home was OK.
Bruce is not the only one who has ups and downs of the trail. I too experience high emotions during the race. This year has been particularly difficult because I have two little ones to take care of and cannot participate they way I used to. Merely finding the time to blog has been a challenge! My friends think I am crazy, carting around two kids to the starts and most likely to Nome. I think I am a little crazy – you have to be if you are married to Bruce J. Most folks don’t understand our decisions… Some though, who have the passion that both Bruce and I have for what we do and how we live, understand and know it is how we operate – they know there is no other way for us. Bruce and I are there for each other no matter what and we invited our kids into our lives, and they are along for the ride too. Thankfully, we have so many friends and supporters who help us get from point A to point B. My highs are more reflective – being thankful for what Bruce and I have made for ourselves – we have two gorgeous children, a nitch in an amazingly beautiful community, an important cause to support (diabetes education), and we have a special lifestyle to share with our children and others. We are blessed in many, many ways.
Anyway, I hear Shea, our 4 week squirming and my time to write is coming to an end. There is no time to edit – maybe later, but not now.
Happy Trails,
Melissa
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Saturday 3/13 3:00 p.m. - The Wall
Blog 3:00 Saturday March 13, 2010
Bruce called before getting ready to leave for Nulato. He was very upset and down. One, for being sick, and two, he lost his neckie and with the temps so, so cold, and the sickness that he has, it must have been brutal. I could barely understand his words between his hacking fits of coughing. I am very worried about his health right now and I think he is too. But you all know Bruce, he is worried about all the mushers on his tail, that could be passing him any time. He was crying I think, and said he might not come in the top 30 or beat his record from last year.
There are some wives of mushers who put pressure on their husbands to bring home the bacon so to speak. But that is not me – I pray for him and the dogs to have a wonderful race (to the extent it can be) and come home safe and sound. I wish him to grow as person, take the quiet time to reflect on all that is good (which in out lives, is hard to find the time to do sometimes). I would love a red lantern to hang in my living room (don’t tell Bruce that – he would get very angry). I am proud of him just for getting to the start line and participating. I am in awe every time.
Please send good thoughts for him – cheer him on and let him know we all support him no matter what. There were several unfortunate circumstances just before the start this added to the stress and chaos. Too boot, he was leaving behind me with two kids under two and that was a difficult decision for him to make. I pushed him to go and do the race when he wanted to stay home and call it a day.
Please send a musher gram to Unalkleet – call 907-248-mush and Iditarod HQ will help you. He needs to know we are thinking about him and routing for him.
Happy Trails!
Melissa, Brody and Shea
Bruce called before getting ready to leave for Nulato. He was very upset and down. One, for being sick, and two, he lost his neckie and with the temps so, so cold, and the sickness that he has, it must have been brutal. I could barely understand his words between his hacking fits of coughing. I am very worried about his health right now and I think he is too. But you all know Bruce, he is worried about all the mushers on his tail, that could be passing him any time. He was crying I think, and said he might not come in the top 30 or beat his record from last year.
There are some wives of mushers who put pressure on their husbands to bring home the bacon so to speak. But that is not me – I pray for him and the dogs to have a wonderful race (to the extent it can be) and come home safe and sound. I wish him to grow as person, take the quiet time to reflect on all that is good (which in out lives, is hard to find the time to do sometimes). I would love a red lantern to hang in my living room (don’t tell Bruce that – he would get very angry). I am proud of him just for getting to the start line and participating. I am in awe every time.
Please send good thoughts for him – cheer him on and let him know we all support him no matter what. There were several unfortunate circumstances just before the start this added to the stress and chaos. Too boot, he was leaving behind me with two kids under two and that was a difficult decision for him to make. I pushed him to go and do the race when he wanted to stay home and call it a day.
Please send a musher gram to Unalkleet – call 907-248-mush and Iditarod HQ will help you. He needs to know we are thinking about him and routing for him.
Happy Trails!
Melissa, Brody and Shea
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Blog Entry
March 12, 2010
Bruce finally called at 9:00 p.m. from Ruby. Though he was still sick with a bad cough and congestion, he was in very good spirits and sounded alert. He did not have much time, but was able to give a few updates…
First of all, as I suspected, he is having the race of his life. Bruce said this was the best team ever and if this were his last Iditarod (highly unlikely) he was going to race this team. No surprise, Maya has run every step of the way in lead. Kiwi however, has been moved back to team (except in tricky spots) and he has been alternating younger dogs to partner with Maya throughout. However, there is one dog in particular that will get the MVP award. She is a unknown to most, but one of the prettiest dogs in the kennel. Who would have thought our little Gibou (named after a road we lived off of in when we stayed in Montgomery VT) would be the missing link to the get some speed in the team! Little Red Gibou (her picture was on AND and I will post the link). She has been pushing hard and never wants to stop – ever! Other dogs in and out of lead include Frodo, Moscow and on occasion, Kiwi.
http://www.adn.com/2010/03/06/1170971/iditarod-ceremonial-start.html - go here to see a picture of Maya and Gibou running lead in the Ceremonial start in Anchorage.
The dogs are healthy and eating like “pigs.”
Of course, there has not been a race where Bruce has not had an issue or two during the Gorge. From what I could gather, he was behind Rick Swenson and DeeDee – there was a blizzard and wicked gusts of wind. He stopped on what he thought was a trail and saw a head light facing him. It was Rick and he was yelling they were not on the trail – in the Gorge – YIKES! I laughed and Bruce quickly said “It was not funny!” This is the reason for the extra rest in Finger Lake for those of you who were pacing in the wee hours wondering why he did not leave that checkpoint on schedule.
He plans to do the Yukon in two legs. There is a cabin called Old Woman’s Cabin where he will try to rest a bit. He plans on taking his 8 hour rest in Kaltag.
That’s it for now – it is late and I need to get some sleep. He will be leaving for Ruby at midnight.
Happy Trails,
Melissa
March 12, 2010
Bruce finally called at 9:00 p.m. from Ruby. Though he was still sick with a bad cough and congestion, he was in very good spirits and sounded alert. He did not have much time, but was able to give a few updates…
First of all, as I suspected, he is having the race of his life. Bruce said this was the best team ever and if this were his last Iditarod (highly unlikely) he was going to race this team. No surprise, Maya has run every step of the way in lead. Kiwi however, has been moved back to team (except in tricky spots) and he has been alternating younger dogs to partner with Maya throughout. However, there is one dog in particular that will get the MVP award. She is a unknown to most, but one of the prettiest dogs in the kennel. Who would have thought our little Gibou (named after a road we lived off of in when we stayed in Montgomery VT) would be the missing link to the get some speed in the team! Little Red Gibou (her picture was on AND and I will post the link). She has been pushing hard and never wants to stop – ever! Other dogs in and out of lead include Frodo, Moscow and on occasion, Kiwi.
http://www.adn.com/2010/03/06/1170971/iditarod-ceremonial-start.html - go here to see a picture of Maya and Gibou running lead in the Ceremonial start in Anchorage.
The dogs are healthy and eating like “pigs.”
Of course, there has not been a race where Bruce has not had an issue or two during the Gorge. From what I could gather, he was behind Rick Swenson and DeeDee – there was a blizzard and wicked gusts of wind. He stopped on what he thought was a trail and saw a head light facing him. It was Rick and he was yelling they were not on the trail – in the Gorge – YIKES! I laughed and Bruce quickly said “It was not funny!” This is the reason for the extra rest in Finger Lake for those of you who were pacing in the wee hours wondering why he did not leave that checkpoint on schedule.
He plans to do the Yukon in two legs. There is a cabin called Old Woman’s Cabin where he will try to rest a bit. He plans on taking his 8 hour rest in Kaltag.
That’s it for now – it is late and I need to get some sleep. He will be leaving for Ruby at midnight.
Happy Trails,
Melissa
Friday, March 20, 2009
There is no place like NOME!
About 8:30 a.m. I took off in -10 degrees to meet Bruce out on the trail. About an hour into the ride, we caught up with him. He had already passed Safety and was on his way to Nome. He did not recognize me at first, and when he realized it was me, he asked “What are you doing here?”…
Anyway, we did not hold him and the team up long. In another hour, he made it across the finish line in 28th place. He ended up passing another musher who was teasing him so to speak… trying to make it a race. Bruce’s competitive edge came out and after he left White Mountain, he caught up to that team, and with he smile, he probably said “on by”…
Thought the dogs looked great, this race definitely did a number on Bruce. He has some pretty serious frostbite on one finger and the typical sore hands, legs and feet. He will need to take some time off from the dog yard because his finger cannot be exposed to any bacteria or dirt. His diabetes will only exacerbate the problem if the blister does not heal properly. The ER gave him some Tylenol with codine so he should be able to sleep at night. Any way, his finger will hear eventually, we just need to keep a good eye on it.
The dogs are great! They are still eating away and were even barking at the finish line Unbelievable!!! We are so proud of Cindy for getting our dogs to where they needed to be to have a super finish! Without her, like I have said, Bruce would have never made it to the start line.
We have lots of pictures coming and we will update tomorrow. Gotta go feed those dogs!!!
Happy Trails,
Melissa
Anyway, we did not hold him and the team up long. In another hour, he made it across the finish line in 28th place. He ended up passing another musher who was teasing him so to speak… trying to make it a race. Bruce’s competitive edge came out and after he left White Mountain, he caught up to that team, and with he smile, he probably said “on by”…
Thought the dogs looked great, this race definitely did a number on Bruce. He has some pretty serious frostbite on one finger and the typical sore hands, legs and feet. He will need to take some time off from the dog yard because his finger cannot be exposed to any bacteria or dirt. His diabetes will only exacerbate the problem if the blister does not heal properly. The ER gave him some Tylenol with codine so he should be able to sleep at night. Any way, his finger will hear eventually, we just need to keep a good eye on it.
The dogs are great! They are still eating away and were even barking at the finish line Unbelievable!!! We are so proud of Cindy for getting our dogs to where they needed to be to have a super finish! Without her, like I have said, Bruce would have never made it to the start line.
We have lots of pictures coming and we will update tomorrow. Gotta go feed those dogs!!!
Happy Trails,
Melissa
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 19th - Nome mid morning
Good Morning!
Excuse my spelling and grammar as I don't have much time to write.
Bruce made it to Elim this morning. He called from Koyuk yesterday afternoon and was in good spirits, though he ready for his race to be done. The dogs are working as a unit, still eating up every morsel and looking great. He is really happy with their performance and said Cindy is going to have one hell of a team for the Taiga Race in April.
He anticpates a mid-morning finish tomorrow - Friday and now not only does he want to come in top 30, he wants to beat his time from last year by at least a minute, as he is on the same schedule this year as he was last year.
No more sympathy from me. I told him to cut his rest times and get going!!! The dogs are fine and ready to get this race over with too. It is a beautiful day in Nome and the teams are starting to come in pretty regularly. Brody is having a super time with all his new friends at the church.
Looking forward to the next message I write because it will have his finish time!
Until then, Happy Trails and thanks for reading.
Melissa and Brody
Excuse my spelling and grammar as I don't have much time to write.
Bruce made it to Elim this morning. He called from Koyuk yesterday afternoon and was in good spirits, though he ready for his race to be done. The dogs are working as a unit, still eating up every morsel and looking great. He is really happy with their performance and said Cindy is going to have one hell of a team for the Taiga Race in April.
He anticpates a mid-morning finish tomorrow - Friday and now not only does he want to come in top 30, he wants to beat his time from last year by at least a minute, as he is on the same schedule this year as he was last year.
No more sympathy from me. I told him to cut his rest times and get going!!! The dogs are fine and ready to get this race over with too. It is a beautiful day in Nome and the teams are starting to come in pretty regularly. Brody is having a super time with all his new friends at the church.
Looking forward to the next message I write because it will have his finish time!
Until then, Happy Trails and thanks for reading.
Melissa and Brody
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Click's Staycation - Tuesday, 3/17/09 midafternoon
Since Click had run several miles of the Iditarod, she thought while in Anchorage, she might as well take advantage of all it had to offer.
So, she left the condo and ran across town to meet up with some handsome construction workers. Cornering her, a woman came to her rescue and quickly realized she needed to be pampered. A lovely, relaxing bubble bath and a new pink collar - in moments Click was a new dog! The weekend was so lovely, she thought she might have a whirl at skiijoring on the recreation trails as well!
So, Click, now in Cindy's care, will continue her staycation looking after the cabin and keeping our futon nice and warm!
Glad you are home Click.
St. Pat's Day - 3/17/09 a.m.
Tuesday Morning – St. Pat’s Day 3/17/09 a.m.
Good morning and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Thanks for those of you responding to my updates via email or the blog. I appreciate the communication and the questions.
I did not watch Bruce last night on the computer. He called a second time and said, if I don’t call back, I am leaving. And he never called. I assumed he would be leaving with a fellow musher, and he did. It is always good to know there are a few of them traveling together. He also said he wanted to make it to the half way point where there was a new cabin waiting. I think he just wanted to check out the new cabin (Bruce loves to explore and seek out cool structures like that)… I sure he will have some ideas for our cabin if he was coherent enough to take mental notes or even a picture or two.
Anyway, he made it and he and the dogs are resting now. He most likely will leave sometime this morning for Unalakleet. He left Kaltag with all 11 dogs which is awesome. I see some of his traveling partners are down to 9 and even 7 dogs. That has got to be tough going!
More to come later… I will be driving to Anchorage today with Brody in preparation for our departure to Nome.
May the wind be at your back now Bruce and pups!!!
Oh yeah, as you know, due to the GPS system this year, mushers are not allowed to check their email. So, the notes of encouragement you send are not getting to him directly. If you want to leave a musher gram, he will get a hand written note with your words. All you have to do is call headquarters and ask to leave a musher gram. The number is 907-248-MUSH.
Good morning and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Thanks for those of you responding to my updates via email or the blog. I appreciate the communication and the questions.
I did not watch Bruce last night on the computer. He called a second time and said, if I don’t call back, I am leaving. And he never called. I assumed he would be leaving with a fellow musher, and he did. It is always good to know there are a few of them traveling together. He also said he wanted to make it to the half way point where there was a new cabin waiting. I think he just wanted to check out the new cabin (Bruce loves to explore and seek out cool structures like that)… I sure he will have some ideas for our cabin if he was coherent enough to take mental notes or even a picture or two.
Anyway, he made it and he and the dogs are resting now. He most likely will leave sometime this morning for Unalakleet. He left Kaltag with all 11 dogs which is awesome. I see some of his traveling partners are down to 9 and even 7 dogs. That has got to be tough going!
More to come later… I will be driving to Anchorage today with Brody in preparation for our departure to Nome.
May the wind be at your back now Bruce and pups!!!
Oh yeah, as you know, due to the GPS system this year, mushers are not allowed to check their email. So, the notes of encouragement you send are not getting to him directly. If you want to leave a musher gram, he will get a hand written note with your words. All you have to do is call headquarters and ask to leave a musher gram. The number is 907-248-MUSH.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday night 3/16/09 - p.m. Finally, the call
Iditarod – Monday 3/16/09
Well, Brody and I are managed to fill our day, just waiting to leave for Anchorage and then Nome. However, I have not heard from Bruce and I am worried. The run was so long, cold and windy Sunday night. I can’t even imagine parking the dogs on the side of the trail (what was left of it) and hunkering down in the middle of a ground blizzard – during the wee hours of the night nonetheless. I had a picture in my mind of Bruce, surrounded by the Maya, Kiwi, Ruby etc… cuddled in the snow. I don’t know how he does it? But early this Monday morning he made it to Kaltag – 14 plus hours from when he left Eagle Island.
It was a miserable day here in Kasilof. No sight of spring – it is still below zero at night and we have gotten over a foot of snow since Bruce left Willow. Great for running dogs!
We should be able to run until April if this holds up. The weather where Bruce is however is not going to break until morning. I am wondering if he will just rest in Kaltag and leave tomorrow morning?
So, there is a side-story that could have ended tragically, but as of 2:00 p.m. today has a very happy ending. It started on Thursday afternoon. Our good friend Patty graciously offered to pick up (and collect) our dropped dogs so Cindy would not need to go back and forth to Anchorage. The round trip from Kasilof is about 300 miles round trip – through the treacherous pass and turn-again arm, not to mention the added expense of gas. So, we had four dogs dropped by and Cindy was planning to meet up with Patty of Friday sometime. But plans changed. Patty called late Thursday afternoon and said the dogs had escaped from the crates, and Click, our Jeff King lead dog, escaped. There was no sight of her. Patty lives about a quarter of a mile from the trails that lead to end of the Ceremonial start. YIKES! There are miles and miles of recreational trails. Cindy and our new friend John (who handled with Cindy for the start) changed plans and headed up to Anchorage Thursday night. Once there, there immediately began walking the trails. They literally looked night and day on the vast trail system in Anchorage with no luck. They set-up a live trap at the airport where the ceremonial start ends hoping she might return to what she knows. Click is smart, fast and a dog that LOVES new trails. She hates training because she likes to see new scenery. So I can only imagine the fun she had exploring. But Click was dropped because she was sick – not herself, and we were worried for her health as well. When Bruce called on Friday, he asked how Click was, and of course, I had to lie. There is no way I could tell him, while on the trail, that our beloved Click was lost. Though I tried, he could hear something in my voice, and before hanging up he asked “Are you keeping something from me?” During his first Iditarod, Nate and I came home from the start to five very sick pups. As hard as we tried, they all passed away while on the trail. So, Bruce knows I can keep a secret while he is away.
Anyway, too make a really long story short, Patty got an email today (Monday) due to the fact she had posted a Craigslist ad and CLICK WAS FOUND! Thank GOD! Cindy was in Girdwood, on her way home and she turned right around to get Click!!!
So now, we are just waiting to get Bruce and the dogs back on the trail. As I am writing, I am also watching the news and the weather does not look good. 55 Below temps and a wind chill. I have a hunch Bruce is not willing to risk the dogs health in those temps. He learned his lesson during the Knik 200 this winter. So, I would be thankful if he hunkers down for the night in Kaltag – enjoys another hot meal, warm place to sleep and sets out in the morning. The dogs would be well rested to take on the rest of the race.
Until then, happy trails,
Melissa and Brody
Ps – Forget the hunch! As I was writing, Bruce called from Kaltag. Like I thought, he had a wretched run on Sunday night and was recuperating. He meant to wake at 11:00 a.m. today but did not wake until 4:00. He needed the rest as did the dogs. He said when he went to the dogs, all you could see were their ears sticking out from the snow, as the wind had blown over a snow blanket. They were glad to see Bruce and they again, ate like horses. This is a good sign of course! He intends to leave tonight, but he could stand to wait until early morning as well – either way is fine with me! As long as he and the dogs are safe and happy.
So, we shall see – I will be watching the green blimp mush across my screen in the wee hours tonight – that is my hope!
Well, Brody and I are managed to fill our day, just waiting to leave for Anchorage and then Nome. However, I have not heard from Bruce and I am worried. The run was so long, cold and windy Sunday night. I can’t even imagine parking the dogs on the side of the trail (what was left of it) and hunkering down in the middle of a ground blizzard – during the wee hours of the night nonetheless. I had a picture in my mind of Bruce, surrounded by the Maya, Kiwi, Ruby etc… cuddled in the snow. I don’t know how he does it? But early this Monday morning he made it to Kaltag – 14 plus hours from when he left Eagle Island.
It was a miserable day here in Kasilof. No sight of spring – it is still below zero at night and we have gotten over a foot of snow since Bruce left Willow. Great for running dogs!
We should be able to run until April if this holds up. The weather where Bruce is however is not going to break until morning. I am wondering if he will just rest in Kaltag and leave tomorrow morning?
So, there is a side-story that could have ended tragically, but as of 2:00 p.m. today has a very happy ending. It started on Thursday afternoon. Our good friend Patty graciously offered to pick up (and collect) our dropped dogs so Cindy would not need to go back and forth to Anchorage. The round trip from Kasilof is about 300 miles round trip – through the treacherous pass and turn-again arm, not to mention the added expense of gas. So, we had four dogs dropped by and Cindy was planning to meet up with Patty of Friday sometime. But plans changed. Patty called late Thursday afternoon and said the dogs had escaped from the crates, and Click, our Jeff King lead dog, escaped. There was no sight of her. Patty lives about a quarter of a mile from the trails that lead to end of the Ceremonial start. YIKES! There are miles and miles of recreational trails. Cindy and our new friend John (who handled with Cindy for the start) changed plans and headed up to Anchorage Thursday night. Once there, there immediately began walking the trails. They literally looked night and day on the vast trail system in Anchorage with no luck. They set-up a live trap at the airport where the ceremonial start ends hoping she might return to what she knows. Click is smart, fast and a dog that LOVES new trails. She hates training because she likes to see new scenery. So I can only imagine the fun she had exploring. But Click was dropped because she was sick – not herself, and we were worried for her health as well. When Bruce called on Friday, he asked how Click was, and of course, I had to lie. There is no way I could tell him, while on the trail, that our beloved Click was lost. Though I tried, he could hear something in my voice, and before hanging up he asked “Are you keeping something from me?” During his first Iditarod, Nate and I came home from the start to five very sick pups. As hard as we tried, they all passed away while on the trail. So, Bruce knows I can keep a secret while he is away.
Anyway, too make a really long story short, Patty got an email today (Monday) due to the fact she had posted a Craigslist ad and CLICK WAS FOUND! Thank GOD! Cindy was in Girdwood, on her way home and she turned right around to get Click!!!
So now, we are just waiting to get Bruce and the dogs back on the trail. As I am writing, I am also watching the news and the weather does not look good. 55 Below temps and a wind chill. I have a hunch Bruce is not willing to risk the dogs health in those temps. He learned his lesson during the Knik 200 this winter. So, I would be thankful if he hunkers down for the night in Kaltag – enjoys another hot meal, warm place to sleep and sets out in the morning. The dogs would be well rested to take on the rest of the race.
Until then, happy trails,
Melissa and Brody
Ps – Forget the hunch! As I was writing, Bruce called from Kaltag. Like I thought, he had a wretched run on Sunday night and was recuperating. He meant to wake at 11:00 a.m. today but did not wake until 4:00. He needed the rest as did the dogs. He said when he went to the dogs, all you could see were their ears sticking out from the snow, as the wind had blown over a snow blanket. They were glad to see Bruce and they again, ate like horses. This is a good sign of course! He intends to leave tonight, but he could stand to wait until early morning as well – either way is fine with me! As long as he and the dogs are safe and happy.
So, we shall see – I will be watching the green blimp mush across my screen in the wee hours tonight – that is my hope!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday 3/15/09 pm Melissa's Post
Sunday Evening (sort of)...
Today was an excruciating day! For those following back east, if you could only imagine it looking like 12 noon at 7:30 at night. It feels as though the day is just beginning and I had to put Brody to bed while the sun is still shining brightly. The amount of daylight exacerbates the waiting…
I am itching to get to Nome, but I know once I get there, again left waiting, there will be nothing to do but that. There is not much to do in Nome, and if I were alone, I would partake in welcoming the other mushers crossing the burled arches at any time. But this year, with Brody, I would have to be more conservative – holding to nap and bed times of course.
The daylight is good and bad for Bruce depending on the temperatures. But, it looks like the temps are going to be just right for the rest of the trail. Currently, it is -3 in Nome – and that is exactly where we want them to be for the dogs to perform at their best.
Bruce should be finishing up his run to Kaltag this evening. He has been running an incredible race, I am so proud of him and the team – speechless actually. Together, we have accomplished so much is such little time. In addition to the fact we have a semi-competitive dog team in just three racing seasons. You have to understand, our first Iditarod team was made up of tour dogs… Bruce left with a touring toboggan sled at the start… and he finished too! We have come a long way… in just 2.5 years.
I have rented the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Stars Wars– all six episodes, hoping this will help kill the time. I can always count on the Harry Potter movies if need be… of course, my computer is right by side as well (and a good bottle of wine).
Before I say good night, I want to thank Maria who has been helping maintain the kennel. She is like an angel in our lives and we appreciate all her dedication and care for the dogs. We can’t thank you enough for all her help! THANK MARIA!
Happy Trails,
Melissa and sleeping Brody
Today was an excruciating day! For those following back east, if you could only imagine it looking like 12 noon at 7:30 at night. It feels as though the day is just beginning and I had to put Brody to bed while the sun is still shining brightly. The amount of daylight exacerbates the waiting…
I am itching to get to Nome, but I know once I get there, again left waiting, there will be nothing to do but that. There is not much to do in Nome, and if I were alone, I would partake in welcoming the other mushers crossing the burled arches at any time. But this year, with Brody, I would have to be more conservative – holding to nap and bed times of course.
The daylight is good and bad for Bruce depending on the temperatures. But, it looks like the temps are going to be just right for the rest of the trail. Currently, it is -3 in Nome – and that is exactly where we want them to be for the dogs to perform at their best.
Bruce should be finishing up his run to Kaltag this evening. He has been running an incredible race, I am so proud of him and the team – speechless actually. Together, we have accomplished so much is such little time. In addition to the fact we have a semi-competitive dog team in just three racing seasons. You have to understand, our first Iditarod team was made up of tour dogs… Bruce left with a touring toboggan sled at the start… and he finished too! We have come a long way… in just 2.5 years.
I have rented the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Stars Wars– all six episodes, hoping this will help kill the time. I can always count on the Harry Potter movies if need be… of course, my computer is right by side as well (and a good bottle of wine).
Before I say good night, I want to thank Maria who has been helping maintain the kennel. She is like an angel in our lives and we appreciate all her dedication and care for the dogs. We can’t thank you enough for all her help! THANK MARIA!
Happy Trails,
Melissa and sleeping Brody
3/15/09 - Sunday am Eagle River
Sunday, March 15 2009 - am Melissa's Post
Waiting is part of the Iditarod game for the ones left behind. The days go by incredibly slow and I try to fill each minute with something to do. Town is 25 miles away from where we live and I will travel there a couple times a day just to kill and hour or two.
Now it is time to start packing bags – this year I have a little one in tow, so I am not sure how I am going to make it work. I might just break down and pay for the extra bag fee of $25.00 to make my life a little easier. Bruce will have nothing when he gets to Nome, besides a dirty snow suit, and a pair of two week old underwear. LOVELY! No shoes, baseball hat, etc… The last two years, he basically goes to sleep before eating a meal and wakes up saying - "you didn't bring that - what were you thinking?"
The church that hosts us while in Nome is ready and waiting for us. We have spent the last two race finishes with the Baptist Missionaries and it is like home away from home. Brenda, “the boss,” called just yesterday to let me know they are anxiously awaiting our arrival. They have a crib, high chair and baby jogger waiting for Brody, not to mention some moms who can’t wait to babysit! I am also looking forward to the fresh Alaska King Crab dinner they have when the mushers come in. There is nothing like it!
Bruce called before he left Grayling. He sounded tired and a little discouraged that he was dropping back in the standings. However, he did say he was really pleased with his and the dogs progress so far and incredibly proud of the dogs. This is natural – emotions go up and down throughout the race – similar to hitting the wall while running a marathon. The difference is that you can’t let the dogs know you are hitting the wall AND you have to be cheerleader not only for yourself, but for those awesome dogs that are pulling your behind across the Alaska Range. There is an extraordinary bond between Bruce and our dogs that I will never know, unless someday I am crazy enough to try this race – never say never when you are married to Bruce.
On the home front, Brody is changing every day. He started crawling this week and is getting into all sorts of good trouble. His second haircut is Monday in preparation for pictures in Nome The kiddo has a lot of hair for an 8 month old and he is talking up a storm, trying to tell us the story from his side.
So, as Bruce said goodbye last night, he said he would call when he got to Kaltag. Another long run up the Yukon River with the wind in his face. Once he gets there, the course should get easier…at least that is what I am hoping.
Until then, happy trails,
Melissa and Brody
Waiting is part of the Iditarod game for the ones left behind. The days go by incredibly slow and I try to fill each minute with something to do. Town is 25 miles away from where we live and I will travel there a couple times a day just to kill and hour or two.
Now it is time to start packing bags – this year I have a little one in tow, so I am not sure how I am going to make it work. I might just break down and pay for the extra bag fee of $25.00 to make my life a little easier. Bruce will have nothing when he gets to Nome, besides a dirty snow suit, and a pair of two week old underwear. LOVELY! No shoes, baseball hat, etc… The last two years, he basically goes to sleep before eating a meal and wakes up saying - "you didn't bring that - what were you thinking?"
The church that hosts us while in Nome is ready and waiting for us. We have spent the last two race finishes with the Baptist Missionaries and it is like home away from home. Brenda, “the boss,” called just yesterday to let me know they are anxiously awaiting our arrival. They have a crib, high chair and baby jogger waiting for Brody, not to mention some moms who can’t wait to babysit! I am also looking forward to the fresh Alaska King Crab dinner they have when the mushers come in. There is nothing like it!
Bruce called before he left Grayling. He sounded tired and a little discouraged that he was dropping back in the standings. However, he did say he was really pleased with his and the dogs progress so far and incredibly proud of the dogs. This is natural – emotions go up and down throughout the race – similar to hitting the wall while running a marathon. The difference is that you can’t let the dogs know you are hitting the wall AND you have to be cheerleader not only for yourself, but for those awesome dogs that are pulling your behind across the Alaska Range. There is an extraordinary bond between Bruce and our dogs that I will never know, unless someday I am crazy enough to try this race – never say never when you are married to Bruce.
On the home front, Brody is changing every day. He started crawling this week and is getting into all sorts of good trouble. His second haircut is Monday in preparation for pictures in Nome The kiddo has a lot of hair for an 8 month old and he is talking up a storm, trying to tell us the story from his side.
So, as Bruce said goodbye last night, he said he would call when he got to Kaltag. Another long run up the Yukon River with the wind in his face. Once he gets there, the course should get easier…at least that is what I am hoping.
Until then, happy trails,
Melissa and Brody
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Anchorage Daily News - 3/14/09 GPS
This article was in today's ADN. Finally, I get my two cents in!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/2009/story/722573.html
Happy Reading!
Melissa
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/2009/story/722573.html
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday the 13th - Day 6, Melissa's Post
Friday, March 13 2009 – Day 6
Tonight is the night all let’s loose. TGIF and it is the beginning of my school district’s spring break! As hard as I try to hold it together, it seems there is always a pivotal point during the race where you miss your loved one, fear for their safe return, start to miss them immensely, and wish them to run as fast as they can to just get the hell home! Not to mention the tears that help you fall asleep after the adrenaline from the start day has worn off. I only wish Brody could understand what a phenomenal feat his father is undertaking right now. It is truly incredible!
Today, Friday the 13th lived up to expectations. I can’t go into detail, but I am thankful Cindy is here to help manage the situation. No matter what the end brings, it is all part of what we do and that is the way it is.
Moving on to Bruce…. He rested in Iditarod today. For me it seemed like forever before he got moving again, but he has been religious in sticking with his run/rest schedule. Leaving at 2:00 p.m. was what I calculated, though I wish he left earlier.
Not sure how his strategy will go from here. He has 12 dogs left – strong dogs – but only 12. He needs to start decreasing his rest regimen in order to stay in good standings. Mentally, I feel he is ready for the sleep deprivation and he will not sacrifice his need for sleep by staying behind. His glucose monitoring system is key here because he will need to differentiate when he feels sugar lows versus sleep deprivation. His sensors are working so I am hopeful this is a non-issue.
Bruce is determined and focused – this is a good thing! Bruce and I are both people that when they see something, they do everything in their power and means to get what they want. Bruce wants to place in the top 30 – that is his goal this year.
For me, I will stay close to the computer this weekend and I am thankful the next few runs are shorter distances to each checkpoint. There is one more long run – up the Yukon and I hope for St. Pat’s day the wind is at his back (or non-exisitant!).
I am not sure when I will hear from Bruce next… Maybe Unalakleet, or not at all? Who knows?
Happy Trails,
Melissa and Brody
Tonight is the night all let’s loose. TGIF and it is the beginning of my school district’s spring break! As hard as I try to hold it together, it seems there is always a pivotal point during the race where you miss your loved one, fear for their safe return, start to miss them immensely, and wish them to run as fast as they can to just get the hell home! Not to mention the tears that help you fall asleep after the adrenaline from the start day has worn off. I only wish Brody could understand what a phenomenal feat his father is undertaking right now. It is truly incredible!
Today, Friday the 13th lived up to expectations. I can’t go into detail, but I am thankful Cindy is here to help manage the situation. No matter what the end brings, it is all part of what we do and that is the way it is.
Moving on to Bruce…. He rested in Iditarod today. For me it seemed like forever before he got moving again, but he has been religious in sticking with his run/rest schedule. Leaving at 2:00 p.m. was what I calculated, though I wish he left earlier.
Not sure how his strategy will go from here. He has 12 dogs left – strong dogs – but only 12. He needs to start decreasing his rest regimen in order to stay in good standings. Mentally, I feel he is ready for the sleep deprivation and he will not sacrifice his need for sleep by staying behind. His glucose monitoring system is key here because he will need to differentiate when he feels sugar lows versus sleep deprivation. His sensors are working so I am hopeful this is a non-issue.
Bruce is determined and focused – this is a good thing! Bruce and I are both people that when they see something, they do everything in their power and means to get what they want. Bruce wants to place in the top 30 – that is his goal this year.
For me, I will stay close to the computer this weekend and I am thankful the next few runs are shorter distances to each checkpoint. There is one more long run – up the Yukon and I hope for St. Pat’s day the wind is at his back (or non-exisitant!).
I am not sure when I will hear from Bruce next… Maybe Unalakleet, or not at all? Who knows?
Happy Trails,
Melissa and Brody
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, March 12 - Day 6 - Melissa's Notes
Day 6 Thursday, March 12, 2009
Today was tuff for those back home because of the waiting and pacing. Thank God my school has long hallways! Bruce has a way of always calling at the very moment I can’t talk. “Good morning K-Beach, hope you’re having a great start to your Thursday morning! Isn’t the snow wonderful…?” Then Debbie pulls my sleeve – “Melissa, Bruce is on the phone.” And I continue, “K-Beach, we have to do the pledge extra fast today because Bruce is on the phone and I gotta go!” and so the story goes…
Again, he was in good spirits while spouting of run and rest times of his competitors. For those of you new to the sport, it can get really confusing because of the differential start times, runs rests, miles per hour. I still get confused and really don’t care to analyze those statistics to extent Bruce does. I say – run as fast as you can and good luck! I am not the scientist in the family for sure, but rather, I look at the whole picture and experience in a very liberal arts kind of way. I associate Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony with Bruce’s journey rather than over analyzing it. That is just my way…
He said he was leaving at 11:00 and to his word he did. The trail is slow and it showed as he was only traveling at 5 mph for awhile. I want to jump into the screen to yell “Let’s GO” to the little green blip, but it does not work despite my enthusiasm.
The next few legs will be long and lonely. From the GPS tracker, it looks like he found some friends to rest with on his way to Iditarod. You would think the town of Iditarod (considering the race and trail is named after it) would be substantial, but it is an old gold mining ghost town – population ZERO! A small tent with a fire going is all that exists there – nothing more. I am glad the temps are not too cold, but Bruce would be happy if it were about 20 degrees colder. Unlike me, he is comfortable in -10 degree weather. He says it is his Norwegian blood. I am Irish – I clearly don’t have that trait!
On as personal note, it is amazing how I trick myself into believing I will get all sorts of things done while Bruce is on the trail. From a list 20 items deep, I have succeeded to accomplish only those items that pertain to the race. Nothing more… I don’t know where the time has gone, but I am thinking about how to pack for Bruce, Brody and I since I am only allowed to bring one bag on the flight to Nome…praying that I am going to Nome early next week. Thank goodness I have spring break next week!!! One more day of kiddo and 25% percent of them are sick or have left early. I am hopeful for a quiet day…
Anyway, the race is going to start getting interesting now. The two places musher scratch most often are Unalakleet and McGrath.
More tomorrow…
Happy trails,
Melissa
Today was tuff for those back home because of the waiting and pacing. Thank God my school has long hallways! Bruce has a way of always calling at the very moment I can’t talk. “Good morning K-Beach, hope you’re having a great start to your Thursday morning! Isn’t the snow wonderful…?” Then Debbie pulls my sleeve – “Melissa, Bruce is on the phone.” And I continue, “K-Beach, we have to do the pledge extra fast today because Bruce is on the phone and I gotta go!” and so the story goes…
Again, he was in good spirits while spouting of run and rest times of his competitors. For those of you new to the sport, it can get really confusing because of the differential start times, runs rests, miles per hour. I still get confused and really don’t care to analyze those statistics to extent Bruce does. I say – run as fast as you can and good luck! I am not the scientist in the family for sure, but rather, I look at the whole picture and experience in a very liberal arts kind of way. I associate Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony with Bruce’s journey rather than over analyzing it. That is just my way…
He said he was leaving at 11:00 and to his word he did. The trail is slow and it showed as he was only traveling at 5 mph for awhile. I want to jump into the screen to yell “Let’s GO” to the little green blip, but it does not work despite my enthusiasm.
The next few legs will be long and lonely. From the GPS tracker, it looks like he found some friends to rest with on his way to Iditarod. You would think the town of Iditarod (considering the race and trail is named after it) would be substantial, but it is an old gold mining ghost town – population ZERO! A small tent with a fire going is all that exists there – nothing more. I am glad the temps are not too cold, but Bruce would be happy if it were about 20 degrees colder. Unlike me, he is comfortable in -10 degree weather. He says it is his Norwegian blood. I am Irish – I clearly don’t have that trait!
On as personal note, it is amazing how I trick myself into believing I will get all sorts of things done while Bruce is on the trail. From a list 20 items deep, I have succeeded to accomplish only those items that pertain to the race. Nothing more… I don’t know where the time has gone, but I am thinking about how to pack for Bruce, Brody and I since I am only allowed to bring one bag on the flight to Nome…praying that I am going to Nome early next week. Thank goodness I have spring break next week!!! One more day of kiddo and 25% percent of them are sick or have left early. I am hopeful for a quiet day…
Anyway, the race is going to start getting interesting now. The two places musher scratch most often are Unalakleet and McGrath.
More tomorrow…
Happy trails,
Melissa
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Day 5 - Wednesday Night - Takotna
Wednesday 3/11 – Day 5 Melissa’s Post
Thank goodness for work! It is difficult not being stuck to the computer screen throughout the day, but my job, luckily keeps me busy. And when I get home, the last thing Brody wants to do is sit in front of a computer and watch a little green blip move across the screen.
If you have been keeping track, Bruce, is running with the “big guns” and his run times have been incredible. Like I said before, it is early in the race, but the dogs are looking strong.
He has dropped three dogs so far. McKinley came home yesterday thanks to Dean Osmar. She is a young female pup, one with little race experience. I am not surprised that she has come back to us so soon. Her sister Ruby though is still on the trail. Ruby knows when to back off and just have fun. The other two are in Anchorage as I write being well taken care of by our friend Patty. I know one is sick and the other just didn’t want to pull anymore. But they will be fine and utterly spoiled when they return to the kennel.
About 12:30 p.m. today, Bruce called! It was good to hear his voice. He sounded tired, but in very good spirits. He rambled his run times and wanted. It is incredible how he can analyze all the numbers, times, splits etc… with little or no sleep for the last four days.
So, he wanted me to share a couple of stories that I am sure he will go into more detail when he returns…
The Dalzell Gorge is probably the most treacherous run on the trail. Bruce had nightmares before last year’s Iditarod about this very stretch. Late at night, when the trail markers are harder to see, his team ended up taking a wrong turn going down to the “gee” instead of “haw.” As a result, he got stuck in waist high snow with a sled tipped over. While trying to untangle the team, Bruce lost his footing, which he thought was secure. The floor of ice collapsed and he was dangling, hanging onto the sled with no footing below. He said the ice floor dropped at least five feet. He yelled to the dogs and they pulled him out of the hole. (I remember a part in the movie Snow Dogs where the dogs did the same thing!) As he stated, “I was in quite a spot and I told God as soon as I got to Nome, I would take Brody to church.” We never go to church, so, I can only imagine at this moment in time, Bruce was pretty scared at what could come from the situation he was in.
Later that morning, he got caught in a 40 mile per hour wind storm across a river, which was a sheet of ice. He said the dogs were balled up – he could not even find the leaders. He crawled on his stomach and led each dog, one by one across the frozen sheet of ice and tied them individually to trees on the river’s edge. Finally, Jessie Royer came by and asked if he needed help. She was able to help get some of the team across. Bruce said that incident took the wind out of the pups and as a result, his run time was a bit slower than he would have liked.
Currently, Bruce is in Takotna with most of the other front runners taking his 24 mandatory rest. He is ready to go and waiting to feed the dogs, get his gourmet steak dinner and get on the trail again. He is expecting the next few days to be a slow slog through the new, wet snow. He hopes the dogs will remain strong. He said they are eating like pigs and resting well. Bruce is having the time of his life!
More to come tomorrow… J
Happy Trails,
Melissa
Thank goodness for work! It is difficult not being stuck to the computer screen throughout the day, but my job, luckily keeps me busy. And when I get home, the last thing Brody wants to do is sit in front of a computer and watch a little green blip move across the screen.
If you have been keeping track, Bruce, is running with the “big guns” and his run times have been incredible. Like I said before, it is early in the race, but the dogs are looking strong.
He has dropped three dogs so far. McKinley came home yesterday thanks to Dean Osmar. She is a young female pup, one with little race experience. I am not surprised that she has come back to us so soon. Her sister Ruby though is still on the trail. Ruby knows when to back off and just have fun. The other two are in Anchorage as I write being well taken care of by our friend Patty. I know one is sick and the other just didn’t want to pull anymore. But they will be fine and utterly spoiled when they return to the kennel.
About 12:30 p.m. today, Bruce called! It was good to hear his voice. He sounded tired, but in very good spirits. He rambled his run times and wanted. It is incredible how he can analyze all the numbers, times, splits etc… with little or no sleep for the last four days.
So, he wanted me to share a couple of stories that I am sure he will go into more detail when he returns…
The Dalzell Gorge is probably the most treacherous run on the trail. Bruce had nightmares before last year’s Iditarod about this very stretch. Late at night, when the trail markers are harder to see, his team ended up taking a wrong turn going down to the “gee” instead of “haw.” As a result, he got stuck in waist high snow with a sled tipped over. While trying to untangle the team, Bruce lost his footing, which he thought was secure. The floor of ice collapsed and he was dangling, hanging onto the sled with no footing below. He said the ice floor dropped at least five feet. He yelled to the dogs and they pulled him out of the hole. (I remember a part in the movie Snow Dogs where the dogs did the same thing!) As he stated, “I was in quite a spot and I told God as soon as I got to Nome, I would take Brody to church.” We never go to church, so, I can only imagine at this moment in time, Bruce was pretty scared at what could come from the situation he was in.
Later that morning, he got caught in a 40 mile per hour wind storm across a river, which was a sheet of ice. He said the dogs were balled up – he could not even find the leaders. He crawled on his stomach and led each dog, one by one across the frozen sheet of ice and tied them individually to trees on the river’s edge. Finally, Jessie Royer came by and asked if he needed help. She was able to help get some of the team across. Bruce said that incident took the wind out of the pups and as a result, his run time was a bit slower than he would have liked.
Currently, Bruce is in Takotna with most of the other front runners taking his 24 mandatory rest. He is ready to go and waiting to feed the dogs, get his gourmet steak dinner and get on the trail again. He is expecting the next few days to be a slow slog through the new, wet snow. He hopes the dogs will remain strong. He said they are eating like pigs and resting well. Bruce is having the time of his life!
More to come tomorrow… J
Happy Trails,
Melissa
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, March 10th - Day 4
Ahhh... A long day of keeping close to the GPS tracker. It is so hard to concentrate on work, but the day goes one like usual. I have a map outside my office and the big event of the day is when I can move my post-it to the next check point, speculate how much time Bruce will spend resting and when he will leave again.
Debbie and Jean, my co-workers, like to keep track of how accurate I am with my predictions.
Since Bruce is not communicating as much, I thought I might talk about the dogs on the team. Since we have moved to Alaska, we have made a point not to purchase dogs any more. We have the genetics in our kennel now to breed our own pups and see them through training.
Kiwi, one of our most precious dogs gave birth late fall, and we thought should would not be able to keep up with the training regiment of the race team. But amazingly enough, she ran like she never missed a beat. She is not running first string lead this year, but I bet you bottom dollar if Bruce come into a tricky situation, she will be leading the way. I have never seen a dog bond with her master - as Bruce is her master. Ask our tour guides from Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures... Kiwi was the biggest pain in the rear - stubborn and sneaky with everyone except for Bruce. Bruce would comment "I have no idea what you are talking about, she is fine and I have no problems..." Emily and Nate - they know the real story though :).
Maya is also on the team this year... She is Kiwi's best friend. Maya is priceless and we could never ever replace her. She responds to Bruce like no other dog in the world. We love her so... and she loves Brody as well. You should see them together.
Jake is back... Jake is a tour dog from Vermont who has grown into a wonderful sled dog. He has his quirks no doubt, but he finished last year with Bruce.
Ruby and Moscow are half siblings - their mother being Rosie. Though Rosie is not a race dog anymore, she is our main brew bitch and she has lovely pups. Ruby, an albino almost 2 year old is just a sweetie. Moscow, is one of our larger males with energy above and beyond. Both pups have Rosie's blue eyes and they are just awesome, awesome dogs.
Ok, time for bed - more on the dogs tomorrow!
Happy Trails,
Melissa and Brody
Debbie and Jean, my co-workers, like to keep track of how accurate I am with my predictions.
Since Bruce is not communicating as much, I thought I might talk about the dogs on the team. Since we have moved to Alaska, we have made a point not to purchase dogs any more. We have the genetics in our kennel now to breed our own pups and see them through training.
Kiwi, one of our most precious dogs gave birth late fall, and we thought should would not be able to keep up with the training regiment of the race team. But amazingly enough, she ran like she never missed a beat. She is not running first string lead this year, but I bet you bottom dollar if Bruce come into a tricky situation, she will be leading the way. I have never seen a dog bond with her master - as Bruce is her master. Ask our tour guides from Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures... Kiwi was the biggest pain in the rear - stubborn and sneaky with everyone except for Bruce. Bruce would comment "I have no idea what you are talking about, she is fine and I have no problems..." Emily and Nate - they know the real story though :).
Maya is also on the team this year... She is Kiwi's best friend. Maya is priceless and we could never ever replace her. She responds to Bruce like no other dog in the world. We love her so... and she loves Brody as well. You should see them together.
Jake is back... Jake is a tour dog from Vermont who has grown into a wonderful sled dog. He has his quirks no doubt, but he finished last year with Bruce.
Ruby and Moscow are half siblings - their mother being Rosie. Though Rosie is not a race dog anymore, she is our main brew bitch and she has lovely pups. Ruby, an albino almost 2 year old is just a sweetie. Moscow, is one of our larger males with energy above and beyond. Both pups have Rosie's blue eyes and they are just awesome, awesome dogs.
Ok, time for bed - more on the dogs tomorrow!
Happy Trails,
Melissa and Brody
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