First Snow

Running the Mid Distance Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Day 61, November 1, 2010
Team Buzzsaw / Stewart Taylor Printing

Last week we got our first snowfall of the season. There wasn't much snow down by Lake Superior, but over the hill they got 5 inches. It was enough to stop us from running on our trail and enough to prohibit us from geting the dog truck on the road. The only way we were going to run the dogs was to hook up a sled and take them on the 1 mile road connected to the Stetson homestead. We only took 8 dogs for control reasons and it was perfect. We ran 4 miles in the snow and it was a great way to introduce me to the sled. Not too fast and I found myself becomming attached to the brake, which seems to be the answer to any potential problems. The road was not plowed yet so we were able to have it to ourselves for the most part. We ran accross 2 cars that were moving very slowly and we stayed way right after giving the "Gee over" command and "On by". It was good for me to see the dogs and how they reacted to other objects on "their" trail. Lead dogs Cirrus and Whisper controlled a "Gee, Haw" turn around without any problems and completed my perfect first day run on a sled. Can't wait for packed trails!