Mushing Clinic & GOLD MUSH races off!

CALIFORNIA GOLD MUSH conditions:

Slush and Rain
~RACE EVENTS CANCELED~

My BRIGHT IDEA?? Dryland contingent for all sled races in CA. Break out the ATV's, Carts, Scooters, Mountain Bikes and Running Shoes. Let's run these dogs!! What a bummer to do all that organizing, only to have to cancel. Maybe next year we'll be riding the freshly groomed snow trails or they will implement my BRIGHT IDEA and we'll be mud mushing! Oh well. And Team HumDog was all set to go; training like maniacs with our sights set on the 4 mile. We weather another rain storm, instead of gliding over crystal trails... Silent and in awe...The dog sledding thing is verrry cool and I am so glad I went up to Chemult. With spring fast approaching the focus shifts to the Dryland mushing. Mushing boot camp coming up, register now!

April 30, May 1 - 3, 2009

Thursday 4:00 p.m - Sunday Noon

All Levels Welcome

Includes Lodging/Light Breakfast

Meal information on Site Location Page

PRICE: $890.00

Pretty cool looking MUSHING BOOT CAMP in Fort Klamath, OR.... And I hear it gets results! Participation is limited, so interested mushers are asked to register early. Liz Parrish, Iditarod Finisher, fellow musher, supporter of mushing and mushers, and Inn Keeper (!) hosts these great events. The camp is "guided by experts Jamie Nelson and Ann Stead.... two seasoned professionals with over 70 years combined experience in sprint and distance dog mushing. " More from the webite: "...Mushing Boot Camp is a three day intensive clinic which offers you hours of hands on experience training your dogs with your equipment guided by experts Jamie Nelson and Ann Stead. The Camp also features discussions about training, conditioning, equipment, nutrition, kennel management, health issues and much more. .....You are assured of getting the full benefit of their expertise through one-on-one training as well as group instruction."

Contact: Liz Parrish - info@briarspatchsleddogs.com

Phone: (541) 892 3639

I have plenty good video and pics from our recent adventures. I look forward to putting them together. On a Sidenote: I went through a computer drama and have mourned the loss of about 3 months worth of great pics! Obvious lesson: Back up your stuff! Oh, and don't turn off the inverter while Windows is shutting down...More real soon.

P.S. Check out the KHSL TV NEWS REPORT of the CHESTER RACES: I am not pictured racing, or bragging about racing, but at 50 seconds you do get to see me on the right of the screen, getting yanked around by Will's 9 yo leader, Blue! It took 5 of us to control his 4 dog team! There is great commentary by the mushers too. One, by Laura, claims dog mushing will make you forget your worries. That is the truth.

Chemult Fun Run and Race Clinic

We had an eventful and fun weekend in Chemult Or, for a race clinic / fun run. There was abundant fresh snow; conditions were slow... We still took 4th in the (unofficial) 3-4 dog /2 mile run. I also tied for third in a silly musher game that involved balloons, poker hand, swords, stuffies and a bell. Youda' had to have been there.... My tactic? Speed over accuracy. The dogs had a blast. Snoopy is still an agressive ass and has a lot to learn when it comes to leaving other dogs alone. Physically I got worked. The sled driving with just two dogs is really nothing more than a clown act. And poor pepper...she keeps looking back at me with an expression that matches that of "Max" in the Grinch That Stole X-mas! The snow was slow and deep. My time was a meter of nothing more than how fast I could jog!!! ...Guess i better learn to jog faster...or get MORE DOGS!?!?!

This team sorta lost it at the end...exactly WHO is leading?? Below, my favorite shot; love the toungue! There were a lot of great looking 4 dog teams.

Fresh snow every night...

One of the four"golden" bears that herald the crossing of the Klamath River...Below, portions of an impressive mural by Sharon Maki-Coffin.

Raptors were the Theme in Oregon...

It was a longass drive (350+ miles) and I neglected to document the most exciting part of the trip: when i tossed my car in the ditch, just a mile out of town in my early (icy) departure Sunday AM.!!! It was a slow motion slip and slide, and thanks to a passing angel with a chain and my serious tow hitch that was yankable, I spent just 5 minutes ditchbound. It woulda made a great shot though...and the thickly packed snow in the wheel wells...OH yea, that was a blast trying to put the chains on...then 40 miles of chainworthy travel at 20 mph....Believe me, I was grateful to hit the open pavement, and (eventually) make it home safely. I probably need a real (dog/snow) rig if i intend to take this crazy hobby any further...Below, interesting driftwood fountain. BLUE water!?!?!

More Race Weekend Pics

You Tell ME Why People Throw Shoes in Trees..... Below, Teams in Action.
In Action ...or not...Below, note Buddha 2nd from right, i love that pup...

Interesting Skull on Ice...Below, Long Views of The Mountain called Shasta...

Mushers...A Handsome and Strong lot. Below the Sole Skijor Entrant. Go Scott!!

More Marvelous Mushers...

Our Fearless Race Marshal Terry Hinesly, an Iditarod Finisher! Below, Racing actually involves a Lot of Waiting...

What? More Strong and Beautiful Dog Drivers?

Young Liz and her Father were an inspiration. Working together from the break of dawn, in an often cold (23*) forest, caring for and running BIG beautiful huskies. Good life.

Lake Almanor...Below, Karen, who was somewhat of a guardian angel to me over the weekend. Thanks!

Jr Musher Kamryn Elliott!! You go Girl!
Happy Dog Drivers...

It IS about Winning....Debbie and Curly accept their earnings.

Bill Betzer, Long time musher who was the Trail Boss. Below, Mushing ala Photoshop...

April and John Wood bravely handled many aspects of the race. And HIM, with a bum shoulder! Thanks you guys!
I am still so pumped up on last weekend, so many great memories and inspiration for the future. I figured I better post these pics, PLUS i still have a couple more videos to post as well, all before our Next Big Adventure: Feb 14, 2009 - Chumult Oregon fun run and race clinic with the the Pacific Sled Dog and Skijor Association. See you there, or on the trail.