funhog and fundogs

Fun in the Sun

2012-02-08T22:36:00.001-09:00

We've had a real nice month of sun, powder and cool temps. Its been a remarkable stretch we've been able to enjoy the fun in the sun.

We started this day out by breaking trail in 15 inches of light powder

Like many places in Alaska when its sunny there are great views

The effect is always the same, we have fun! Who couldn't in weather like this.

Wash and Wear

2011-12-19T23:06:00.001-09:00

Powderhound Valley pushing 12 inches of powder during a snow storm. Not many of us would be this happy in chest deep snow. With those great big paws, and that love to get out and run free, Gotta love a dog you can take anywhere with you.

Eventually the snow fall stopped, the clouds lifted and it was time to go home. On the skin track she is waiting for me to catch up.

click on any picture to enlarge.

The Thing about Fresh Snow?

2011-12-04T13:18:00.001-09:00

It makes our dogs look great!

Nightjor

2011-11-21T23:02:00.001-09:00

Since its dark when we arrive home from work, and we like to ski after work we Nightjor. We use a headlamp and go to the local trails in the Chugach State Park. We don't need much of a headlamp on the way up the trail but traveling downhill a powerful one makes the run all the more enjoyable. This year I have a Princeton Tec Apex. Its a 200 lumen light which really lights up, but the battery pack can't support that brightness for long. Not a big deal if you like your headlamp to launch into the strobe mode without warning. Acid Flashback?

Taking a break.

Running with City lights in the distance

All in the life of a fundog

Skijoring with Friends

2011-11-07T22:54:00.002-09:00

With fresh snow we decided to head up to the local state park and skijor. It was a perfect day with nobody in the parking lot and on the trail we only saw the evidence of our "friends" the bears.

Cautious but undeterred because we had our dogs who are a great alert mechanism we continued up the trail. Happy dog, great work ethic and lots of fun :)

Game On!

2011-10-21T00:05:00.003-08:00

Looking up a the mountains, I spied a low snow line. Figuring I might have to hike my skis for a some distance I was surprised, I could ski pretty close from the trailhead. A bit of powder on a hard base made for a fun kick and glide for the first day out. Sunny, warm, and no wind would keep the spirits high regardless of the snow conditions.

This time of year we share the trails with moose. Exercise some caution and its quite a nature show to watch.

After returning home, I put my comments down on the local trails report, finding out they appeared in the morning paper.ADN article on start of ski season Yep , "Took me a dozen years to ready my rock skis for today."

The start of ski season, Game On!

One-On-Bob

2011-10-02T16:34:00.001-08:00

I like to take our each of our malamutes out individually. you'd probably call that a day of One-On-One, we call it a day of One-On-Bob. One-On-Bob days are a special experience because we have 3 of our own dogs, plus a foster or two. I find it boosts the bond between each dog and myself, its more enjoyable sometimes just to have one dog because its easier to care for just one dog and much simpler when afield, and boosts the confidence of our shy dogs to run free. To go out individually is a rare treat for the foster dog and a real good one at that. We should do this more often, it really helps in managing the foster dog, but we seldom do, I guess we'd rather take our own malamutes out individually.

Today I took Healy out by herself. About 4 miles into the hike, in the tundra, I let her off her leash to run loose.

She played bumper pool with my legs for a bit then realized she really was free. She took off running like the Greek fleet footed god Mercury.

They show their thanks for a One-On-Bob day in many ways. For Healy you just need to look into her face and watch her tail.

Thanks Healy, what a great day to connect.

The Eyes Have It

2011-09-20T23:47:00.002-08:00

I love to see the dogs run free, its amazing what happens when they are outside, in the mountains and running free. When I capture them in picture and can see their eyes, like in this picture, I get even more excited. Just like they are.

Our foster dog Healy.

Healy further down the trail

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Click on any picture to enlarge it.

Splash into Fall

2011-09-07T22:30:00.002-08:00

Fall time is special to us. The air is brisk and when moisture falls I think, "just a little bit colder and this could be Snow!". Best of all are the splash of colors in the alpine tundra. They don't last long, but they are spectacular while they are around.Hurricane Creek Valley behind Valley.

Who wouldn't have a big smile on their face running in these colors?

On our way to the pass. Valley is so patient sometimes.
The colors can be subtle but still splendid.
The ever happy Rocket.
Happy Healy!
It was a day where the colors just never quit giving.
Click on any picture to enlarge.

Marked one off the Bucket List

2011-08-16T18:10:00.008-08:00

On my bucket list of hikes in Alaska was a trip though the backcountry of Hatcher Pass. There is a hut system just beyond the ridges of mountains seen from the road and I had never been to any of them. After this weekend I x'd out this entry. (As always you can click on the picture to enlarge.)

Started out with beautiful sunny skies, wish those stayed around.

Ended up hiking with 5 folks the first day then just one other continued on for a night at the Bomber Hut.

Before long we were hiking in fresh snow, the first snow of the season. Valley loved this, it finally cooled down for her.

Always good views around, we were never without something inspiring.

Yes there were people along.

Looking back at what is known as The Nunatak on the Snowbird Glacier.

She pretty much had a good face on the whole time.

View shot when the clouds lifted.

looking for marmots kind of an equivalent to a ground squirrel. They have an extremely high pitched whistle which drives the dogs nuts so they give chase. I used to hike with an opera singer, and she could never get a high enough pitch to match that whistle.

Standing at the front door to the Bomber Hut.

Looking back at what we hiked up, standing at the rear of the hut.

Start of the way out on our way out to the rigs.

Posing :)

Pennyroyal Glacier right before the start of the winters snow accumulation.

This is the Bomber Glacier. A B29 crashed on a snowy stormy night in 1957. There were some survivors, but the bomber still sits there. This picture was taken, right before it started snowing.

Valley climbed this almost on her own. I top roped her. But really it was her work that moved her up this 15 to 20 foot "slope".

I gotta go down that? 500 feet to the Upper Reed Lakes.

The last day it was raining and snowing on the glacier. The Girl loves being lose regardless of the weather.

Valley launching off a boulder, she was incredible the way she handled maneuvering though the big boulder fields, just amazing.

Just to show the scale of rocks.

here we are on a trail! about a half mile from the car, Valley doesn't look tired but happy! We were tired and dragging.

At home, she was so tired she didn't eat until the next day. When I sat down in the morning to give her the morning routine, the morning pet down, she growled at me LOL. Ok she can sleep in :)

What Goes Around, Comes Around

2011-08-04T19:59:00.002-08:00

The first homeless dog I found a home for was/is Healy. There were 19 malamutes in Haines who needed a home in a hurry and Healy was one of those. She made her way up to Anchorage to the Alaska SPCA. Molly Moldovan of the Canadian malamute rescue group AMHL (Alaskan Malamute Help League) contacted me to check up on her and I did. I started walking her, then made up a flyer with her picture on it and placed it around town. She was adopted by a nice person and taken home. What could be better?

Well she was returned last week. Healy didn't get along with a pitbull living there, and we took her back. So after 9 years Healy is back again. What goes around comes around. We now have the first dog I adopted out, Healy. And the third dog I adopted out Rocket :)

Healy in 2002.

Healy in 2011

Healy is doing great.

Making herself right at home.

She loves to go on hikes and walks around the neighborhood.

She can stay here as long as she wants. I hope she finds a home, she certainly has enough love to fill it up. But she's good to stay here.

The Friendly Arctic

2011-07-17T23:17:00.002-08:00

We recently traveled to the Brooks Range where we spent 10 days dayhiking off the Haul Road. It was a trip warm and sunny for the most part with the occasional Arctic Mosquito disturbing the piece. Everyday was a new day of hiking in different and exciting terrain.

We've traveled to the Brooks Range many times before. It offers a great time to hike, enjoy the out of doors and spend time with our malamutes. What could be better?

Rock Dog

2011-06-19T17:41:00.006-08:00

Valley is my Rock Dog. She's my choice to lead me through boulder and rock fields, which is not an easy task. If she pulls too hard I lose balance and fall, possibly resulting in injury. If I don't move fast enough, she can't maneuver and loses her way. Keep in mind, she is leading through all this. She picks the route and sets the pace. I follow.

Those boulders are bigger than she is.

even the small ones are a challenge, they get really slippery when wet.

After the boulder field taking a well earned break.

Valley, best rock dog I ever had.

Three Ridges Two Valleys

2011-06-13T23:24:00.002-08:00

The low snow year has made the high country accessible earlier than in past years. Its a full month ahead of last year when late March and Early April snowstorms left alot of snow on the ground.

Sunburst Ridge on the left, Sunnyside on the left and way back there covered in snow is Silvertip . Below her is Turnagain Pass and of course in the foreground is Valley. Three Ridges and two Valleys :)

Oh boy does she love to run!

Valley always happy to be out!

The Big One One

2011-06-08T23:16:00.004-08:00

Memorial Day Weekend it was Jago's 11th Birthday, the Big One One. We celebrated the best way I know how with a malamute and that's to go outdoors and enjoy it. So it was, three days of fun.

We started out the weekend, hiking towards Williwaw Lake.

Looking good for a girl of 11

Memorial Day weekend is considered the first day of summer around here and you can see why, the snow is still around, and its not even green up high.

Sunday we decided to hike up from McHugh Creek along the Seward Highway, boy was it hot!

Overlooking Turnagain Arm and Hope Point.

We took a half hour nap here and you can see where Jago parked, right on the snow bank with her head on the tundra. Pretty good spot if you ask me.

Sharing the trail with Valley. There is so little snow this year we could have hiked through this valley back towards the house. That usually opens up several weeks later in the season.

Monday we hiked out to Rabbit Lake. This hike normally takes 4 hours round trip, today in the heat, stopping to take breaks at every snow bank, it took 7 hours.

We ran into our past-governor Tony Knowles and his wife Susan. They saw us stopped on a snow bank resting. After hiking 4 miles, out to the lake and returning they found us about a quarter mile down the trail from where they originally spotted us. we were moving that slow. You've seen the bumper sticker, "We stop at River Crossings", ours would have been "We stop at snow banks".

Just a Dog

2011-05-28T08:31:00.003-08:00

One of our veterinarians emailed me this and I thought you'd like to see it too if you haven't.

Dog Sled Pass

2011-05-09T21:20:00.003-08:00

We received reports the Willow Fishhook road was plowed so we stepped into action and decided to ski up to Dog Sled Pass. What Alaskan Malamute wouldn't want to be there in the winter?

Looking down the Craigie Creek Valley we just skied up.

Kellin nearing the pass:

Hatcher Pass has some incredible scenery, we weren't disappointed today even with the cloud layer. Looking up Dog Sled Pass, this is Moose.

Looking down Dog Sled Pass.

What us funhogs came to do. Telemark ski.

Probably the last ski day of the season for the dogs, looking like mine is close to ending as well. good by skiing, hello hiking :)

Why doG created Malamutes.

2011-04-24T18:31:00.002-08:00

Best Friends.

With the snow line about 200 feet above sea level we went for our first hike of the season. At a pullout from the only snow free trail, I found Saint Nicki and our foster dog Trek enjoying The Good Life.

April Powder

2011-04-18T23:05:00.002-08:00

April powder brings happy funhogs and fundogs.

We started out skiing on crust.

Touring for turns makes for some long skins.

then some telemark turns in Powder.

and

Gotta love being up front and personal in the mountains

Nice long sunny days, mmmm, mmmm.

This is fun!

2011-04-04T10:13:00.002-08:00

Nothing beats four dog drive :)

Trek

2011-04-03T21:47:00.006-08:00

We continue to have good news about our foster dog Trek.

We skied out to the Denali View Chalet this weekend accompanied by all the dogs including Trek. He really shined.

Can you believe this is the same dog terrified of men just a few months ago?

(As always, you can click on the picture to enlarge it.)

He loves to skijor, he has a steady pace and pulls hard. He's not too good on speed but then what malamute is? That's him closest to the camera with Jago on his right side, Nicki is being towed.

Speaking of Jago, she skijored Nicki 9 miles into the Chalet, 10 weeks after her ACL operation.

Denali on the right, Hunter on the left. It was a pretty cold day despite the temps in the high twenties. The stiff North Wind was the culprit.

Happy Nicki and Happy Trek during a lull in the skiing.

We had Trek tied outside the Chalet. His first night he was subdued and stayed away from the action. But Day Two he was up and milling about the 18 folks who attended the ski tour. Trek is coming into his element.

My New Ski Dog

2011-03-15T16:51:00.003-08:00

Well I have always like malamutes as ski dogs. Functionally they are well built for the role. Rocket is fading so he can only go on the simpler stuff. Jago (Babe) blew her ACL in December so she is out. When I had a four day, 38 mile ski tour from Forest Service Cabin to Forest Service cabin I enlisted Valley's help to be the new ski dog. From the trailhead at the start all the way to the end she was my new ski dog. She did great. She ran ahead to have fun, then either ran back to check on me or sat and waited to make sure I was coming along. She threaded herself between skiers with pulks and would blast ahead into the lead. She was even polite enough to sit on the side of the trail and let dog teams go by. In the cabins she found her spot, and stayed there not bothering anybody.

Here are some pictures:

Yep she's my new ski dog. Took 6 years of training but it was well worth it.

Dos

2011-03-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

Guess who had ACL surgery two months ago. The one pulling LOL.

That's a Dog!

2011-03-13T19:32:00.002-08:00

Yesterday I was showing pictures to Nicki's grand niece Lauren. Lauren turns 3 in another month. When I showed her this picture, and said "This is Moose". Lauren said, "That's not a Moose, that's a dog!"

It was a great sunny day, this is like two weeks of sun without clouds. Valley seems to like it.

And here they are together.

Moose was adopted from a rescue in Logan Utah 6 years ago. Several years ago his owner asked me some questions about how to fit him with a harness on a website named telmarktips.com. She just moved to town and wanted to go skiing, so that we did. And we got to meet each other and each others malamutes. Seems like I must have given her good advice :)

Alumni V2

2011-03-07T22:48:00.002-09:00

We were up in Fairbanks dropping a malamute off for foster care. Tom adopted Siku and Lady Lou several years ago. Both of them couldn't have found a better home.

That'd be Siku with his head turned, Lady lou looking at the camera, and Tom behind them in the skis. The Alaska Pipeline is behind them.

Family Affair

2011-02-28T23:23:00.003-09:00

Well you know what they say, "Families that skijor together stay together."

Yesterday we were out skijoring together. I got behind Trek and Nicki was behind Rocket. Valley as you can see is leading the party.

Blast Off!

2011-02-05T18:09:00.003-09:00

We continue working Valley into a great backcountry malamute, and this weekend we took her out on her very own into a new spot. It was a bit of a struggle to get her away from the trailhead, she also followed behind until lunch break. but once loose she became her old self again :)

First the scenery pose:

Blast Off! she takes off running...

Pouring it on!

Landing

Only to take off again

To Cool down.

What a great day to share with Valley.

Alumni

2011-01-25T21:51:00.003-09:00

Every once in a while I get to see some of my alumni I've adopted out. This weekend we were skiing in Turnagain Pass at a place known as Eddies.

Roxy (B&W) I adopted out 5 years ago, Takotna (R&W) a couple of months ago.

Roxy looking pretty.

Takotna looking pretty.

Of course they love it when they can give chase, and we love it when we can ski in powder.

I have to admit, I love the alumni who are powderhounds. That'd be Roxy and Takotna.

Paybacks are not hell

2011-01-08T20:31:00.004-09:00

Paybacks aren't always hell. Hell they are sometimes fun. When Takotna was adopted out I told the adopter, I'll take you back country skiing. Today was payback times.

Takotna on the way out on the trail,after finding a great spot to take a break.

She's waiting for us to catch up to her. At a little over one, she has all the energy in the world. 8 or 10 inches of powder doesn't slow her down.

Valley was along.

After skiing out we returned and did some telemark turns. Looks like Takotna is having fun.

What goes up....

Must Come Down.

Takotna can even surf.

and comes up smiling.

After a day like this, you know what they say?
"If the FunDogs are Happy, so are the FunHogs."

Trek!

2010-12-27T23:06:00.004-09:00

Trek has been in our home now for about 6 weeks. He came in terrified of men and when I picked him up to put him in the rig he peed all over us. Poor guy, but he loves Nicki.

and he loves to skijor. Here he is running with Rocket. Looking pretty happy he is.

Running along side Valley:

We've been taking him to the same spot over and over again. Shy dogs learn from repetition and consistency. Its the main way they learn to trust. It must be working, because when we come out with the harness, he plants himself next to Nicki :)

Happy Howl-i-days

2010-12-24T20:04:00.001-09:00

We are wishing the visitors to the blog the happiest holiday season, and a year full of healthy adventures.

Spiritwalker

2010-12-13T22:38:00.000-09:00

We went out for a little tour Saturday ending up on Spiritwalker near Summit Lake. It was a great day, with some sunshine and warmer temps up high. We lucked out and the skin track was set too, which made it easy on the dogs.

We skied up to and down the knob along the ridge behind Valley. It was a great powder day with 12 or 16 inches of powder on a hard rain crust. You can see why I was excited the dogs had a trail to charge up the hill on.

On our way down we had good views up Mills Creek before it clouded up.

Just how does he do it?

2010-12-05T23:13:00.001-09:00

Just how does a guy let 3 malamutes off leash in a half million acre state park and then retrieve them at the end of the day?

35th Annual

2010-11-25T15:18:00.003-09:00

Today marks the 35th annual ski on Thanksgiving Day. I started back in college and I am still going. I remember bumping into Will Putman someplace in Fairbanks sometime after I arrived and we skied at his house for years. I remember a memorable ski up from my place in Fairbanks near the Old Nenana and Henderson Road up to the top of Ester Dome. But most of all I remember having a dinner afterwards with friends and being thankful for all the happiness of the day.

It was a great day, we had a big storm blow through that brought rain, high winds and lots of warmth. We almost lost our snow pack. Today we woke up to 4 inches of wet snow. After breakfast we put it to good use. :) Its still snowing now, so far the storm total is about 10 inches. I suppose it'll go all night.

After the storm earlier in the week, this is plenty to be thankful for.

Ice Dancing

2010-11-21T19:39:00.005-09:00

When we go cross country skiing we go cross country. This means we don't always have a trail and we have to make our own. Sometimes there are stream crossings.

This doesn't seem like such a big deal until you check out Nicki's face in the picture. This is a closeup. Click the picture to get a close up.

Look at her face out on the ice.

A little happier to have made it across. (This is actually the 2nd stream crossing :) )

Jago (Babe) decided to she wanted more of an adventure so she walked up and down the stream on the ice.

Valley on the first crossing.

The dogs walk on ice gingerly, very careful indeed. They go right across though.

These stream crossings are really "pretty small potatoes" since they are so small. Its early in the season, so we have to make sure the ice is strong enough, but that's my job :)

Best Buds

2010-11-14T18:07:00.002-09:00

Valley and Rocket are best buddies. They often sleep next to each other, however if Rocket touches Valley when she is sleeping WatchOut! She comes out of a dead sleep to snarl and bark at him.

These two girls are ok with each other. Valley would like to be Jago's friend but Jago isn't that into it. Jago might be if Valley would give her all her food but I don't think that's going to happen. What malamute gives up their food?

When I ask Valley if she wants off leash, she comes up to me tentatively, I reach over and let her off. I don't ever think she has ever said, "Not now, I am comfortable the way I am." Its nice to let them off and let them run. They love it, naturally. And its been a great confidence booster for Valley. Today she pulled for the first time ever while breaking trail.

Thirsty Girl

2010-11-07T18:33:00.002-09:00

We made a run up on a local trail. 8 miles out and back. Lots of snow to eat but why do that when you can stand in the creek and drink the stuff instead?

Powderhound

2010-11-07T18:24:00.002-09:00

We had a great day in the powder down on the Kenai. Here's Valley blasting her way through some powder.

and then running down the trail

Early Season Skiing.

2010-10-31T16:33:00.002-08:00

We are in for a bout of early season skiing. Looks like another week with little or no snow. :( that's ok, we'll get out but it means finding this on your ski tips at the end of the day. LOL

Regardless the dogs have a great time. Who wouldn't its alot of fun to run and run and run.

Its amazing what running free has done for Valley. She really loves the stuff and her confidence has grown leaps and bounds. She used to be terrified of skis and now she runs up for a pet then charges off. Skiing, good for her, good for me.

Dawn Patrol

2010-10-29T08:36:00.003-08:00

The first day of ski touring is always a good day, even if it is at Oh-Dark-30. Here's to the first day of skiing, only 99 more to go!

Why I like Malamutes

2010-10-24T23:26:00.001-08:00

gotta love it when they go swimming with ice on the surface.

AMCA National Specialty

2010-10-24T18:51:00.011-08:00

Last week we attended the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA) National Specialty in Denver Colorado. Before the event we visited with a niece who just graduated from College and started working. We then ventured to a [i]modern[/i] shelter in Longmont. Since we've been involved with the Alaska SPCA who drastically needs a new shelter, this was a real bonus.

Sunday we set up the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League (AMAL) booth to fund raise to help malamutes who need homes.

It didn't take long due to the generosity of many individuals for our space to overflow with gifts. Thank you for your generosity, each and every gift, large or small goes to support malamutes who need help. Whether you gave something to be sold at the booth, or purchased something, your help is very much appreciated.

I was lucky enough to spend the week with Lynne and Dan Anderson, who have to be some of the nicest folks a guy like me could spend time with. I had the pleasure to sit in the booth with Sharon from Polaris Alaskan Malamute Rescue of Colorado, Roberta of Alaskan Malamute Rescue of New Mexico, Carol of Golden Years Alaskan Malamute Rescue and Katy of Moonsong Malamute Rescue. Meeting these folks in person is kind of like meeting your favorite radio announcer, except I only know those folks through an email list serve.

There were also hundreds of malamutes. So many it makes the head spin at times. One of my favorite was Timberwolf who was part of the South Dakota malamute rescue over 3 years ago. This was a big rescue of nearly 20 something malamutes (if I remember correctly) who ended up in a shelter and needed help in a big way.

Timber won the regional and National Rally competition and earned his CGC.

For the past three years I flew down with Valley. At first I was told Valley would go into a crate for the event, but once they saw how Valley handled the affair, a crate hasn't been needed.

This is one of the rare moments when she was not flat on her side at the booth. Many folks couldn't imagine Valley could spend so much time laying still. Ha! At the Rescue Showcase reception, Valley got up on her paws and at least a dozen folk exclaimed "Valley got on her feet! Valley got on her feet!". Its entirely possible, that might have been the first time they had seen the phenomenon LOL.

The highlight of the week, besides visiting with Dan and Lynne, is the Rescue Showcase. Before hand, Sharon and Paul organized the "AMAL Annual Meeting" a tailgate party where they brought Beer! and food. It was a great way to meet the 16 malamutes, and their owners, who were going to be in the annual showcase.

I bet you can spot Valley in the picture :). All I needed to say to the owners was "What's your malamutes story", and I heard 16 great stories.

Here's the notorious Hoshi and the two wonderful folks she lets live with her.

Before long everybody lined up and Dan Anderson gave them instructions of what was going to happen.

With Katy's DSLR camera I took pictures of the Rescue Showcase, when I get those I'll post them here.

We were lucky enough to stay at a flophouse which graced us with rabbits on the lawn early in the morning and late at night. They provided lots of entertainment for Valley who loved to give chase. In the morning and after dinner we frequented the Sand Creek Greenway for long walks. We found gophers, deer, rabbits and geese. The ground hogs don't make the same sound as the marmots we have so they weren't so much a prey item as the deer and rabbits. Whoever trained the gophers to chirp in a low non-shrill voice, well Thank You! Every dog we met was on leash, now how about that!

Check those gopher holes out, you could lose a leg in there.

We left the Specialty early. Our malamutes need exercise and with two weekends without a good run, makes them antsy and difficult to live with. Saturday and Sunday, after the specialty, they ran good and fun.

Valley! For those folks who were excited about her getting up at the Rescue Showcase Reception, they'll love this :)

Thanks again for supporting Malamute Rescue. It was great meeting you and seeing you again. See you in Michigan next year!

First Snow

2010-09-28T23:04:00.007-08:00

What a surprise, we were out hiking, the clouds dropped and we found ourselves in a snow storm. I can't complain about that.

Here are the first few flakes on Jago's head.

Fall colors first snow.

Lots of Moose starting to appear because of fall rut. One has to be more careful in the woods than with bears now. Moose Encounter of the 2nd Kind.

Moose Malamute Stare Down.

Moose Encounter of the First Kind. I had to run like crazy to get away from this guy. He just appeared out of the hemlock, then ran along side us as I trotted down the trail. There is no zoom on this picture.

Great day to be out hiking and enjoying the gift of our first snowfall.

2011 Calendar

2010-09-22T23:01:00.004-08:00

After weeding the best 250 pictures out of thousands of photos I took last year, I finally picked 13 to go in this year's Fundog Calendar. It took 3 or 4 weeks of sitting at the computer to look through the years photos. Besides the great memories I have one sore rump. Now I have to figure out some one liners for each photo and we are ready to print.

If you'd like a calendar, email me. All the profits go to AMAL or the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League. AMAL is the U.S. national rescue organization for Malamutes and your donation funds veterinary care, emergency boarding and some transportation for malamutes who end up in shelters or the short end of the stick.

(click the picture to enlarge)

Last Weekend of Summer

2010-09-07T22:43:00.004-08:00

We spent the last weekend of summer 2010 in neighboring Chugach State Park. The forecasted high winds appeared as we were about a mile from our destination for the first night. We were scoured by 40 mph winds and intense rain. While attempting to set up the tent we were lucky not to have it blown away, because several times it was squashed flat in the wind gusts. Nicki, myself, Rocket and Valley stayed in the tent. Jago decided she didn't want a part of it. Talk about tough as nails! This is the same dog crying murder because she was "stranded" on a rock in our last blog post LOL. Everytime the tent was blown flat Valley gave me this "Help Me" look. I petted and held her, letting her endure the storm sleeping between Nicki and myself.

We woke up in a cloudy drizzle with no wind. I had forgotten the cook kit so we couldn't heat up any water, meaning no breakfast, coffee or tea. That was enough for Nicki, so all of headed back to the trailhead and she stayed home. I picked up the cook kit and returned with Rocket to resume camping.

The second night we were afforded a beautiful sunset.

The dawn's light showed early fall colors down valley from our campsite, with the promise for some sun for the day.

The calm shown in the reflection of the lake we camped next to.

Before tackling the return trip for the 3rd day in a row we tried a day hike up to another pass.

Where he decided to go for a swim.

Then made a loop around the granite to dry off in the sun.

Returning to camp to pickup the backpack and start home, we encountered yet another group of Dall Sheep.

(Can you spot them on the knoll to the right of Rocket's head?

Tired boy, needs a nap at the rest break on the walk home.

and one more final shot before we drop down to the trailhead.

The weather doesn't always cooperate for our outdoor adventures, but this weekend we snuck in enough sun to dry off the camera and keep up the good spirits. Bring on the fall colors and some snow!

(you can always click on any picture to enlarge it)

Malamute Rescue Boat

2010-08-22T15:07:00.004-08:00

Sometimes you get in a little bit of trouble and you need an extra hand getting out. Even if that help is a little late in arriving, better late than never.

For some odd reason they decide to climb out onto the rock, Jago leading. Maybe Jago said to Cody, "Let's go check the island for Ducks". That'd be all it'd take for Cody to get going.

About ready to jump up and explore their new found island and maybe some ducks.

the next thing we hear is a giant KERPLOOSH and both dogs are swimming. Jago is even swimming! We've never seen that before and in the excitement we yell, "Look Jago is swimming".

Cody crawls out.

Then Jago crawls out on near by rock.

Except she can't make it completely out and is screaming for help. In two feet of water she's stuck and everybody knows about it.

Saint Nicki goes to save the day.

But Wait! Rocket dives in, and he's going to help save the day. See? He has his water wings deployed. Better late than never I guess.

Alls well that ends well.

Another episode of camping with the fundogs.

Blue Lake

2010-08-16T21:43:00.005-08:00

We woke up on Saturday with a blazing blue sky. I put it into overdrive and decided to head over to Blue Lake, a 16 mile hike for us funhogs and fundogs.

Heading out from the rig we leave Our Fair City behind us.

Right over the bump in the foreground is Blue Lake (commonly known as Long Lake) we'll walk around the lake and head between the two ridges in the foreground, over the pass, to williwaw lakes, down the Middle Fork of Campbell Creek back to the rig.

Rocket on the non-stop chase for marmots.

Valley at Blue Lake.

Heading up the pass near the end of the lake.

Up at the first lip

The lake right before the pass.

Rocket in the pass, with the large rock wall behind him. The Daily Downpour started right after we left the pass.

The lake before dropping down to the middle fork and what everybody thinks of as Williwaw Lake.

Nice shot of the creek running into the lake.

Looking back across the lake.

At the lip before we drop down.

Four miles back to the rig. She's looking better than my feet are feeling.

16 miles I figure in about 12 hours. A bit too rainy to get a nap in at the key point, but one of the most beautiful places I've been in the Chugach, particularly the pass between the North and Middle Forks. The camera just couldn't capture all the scenery.

Tent Life

2010-08-10T16:34:00.001-08:00

If you wonder what life in the tent is like when its really stormy and raining out. Well now you know!

Raven about Crow Pass

2010-08-03T09:42:00.006-08:00

After two weeks of good rain, sometimes heavy and sometimes windy, the forecast said things were going to clear about mid-morning. Counting on the luck of the malamute, I decided to grab Valley and go for a hike up Crow Pass where the scenery is outrageous and soothing. Just what a funhog and fundog needed.

After about a mile into the hike things open up. Low cloud cover and great visibility.

Malamutes and waterfalls.

Malamutes and cascades.

Finally sunshine!

Looking down Raven Creek towards Eagle River.

The Raven Glacier.

And now to find a spot to take a nap in the sun and out of the chilly wind.

I can see our nap spot right in the green tundra over Valley's back.

this will work

Looks like Valley is enjoying it too.

Heading home after our nap, Crystal Lake. The ski is clouding up again but it never rains.

Looking down the trail we are going to descend on.

A great view to end the day.

Big or Small

2010-08-01T19:58:00.002-08:00

Rocket doesn't care, he'll swim in anything.

In this lake, the big one, he was going after loons. good luck Rocket, you don't have a change.

I had been wondering where Rocket was until I popped over a ridge on the trail. I should have known.

And if a lake isn't nearby he'll make do with the creek LOL

Ker-Sploosh!

2010-07-24T19:06:00.005-08:00

Anytime we hike up to a lake you can bet money Rocket is gonna want to swim in it. Here he goes!

Swinging by.

And heading out again.

Stretching the legs

Shaking Off he's ready to get on with the hike.

Pass The Fun

2010-07-11T19:46:00.016-08:00

This weekend a day of bluebird skies blessed us so we joined some friends and hiked in Hatcher Pass between Fairangel Creek and the Independence Mine. As you'll see the views were stunning as we worked our way through three passes. Both Nicki and I felt this was one of the most scenic places we've ever been to. (Click on any picture to enlarge it.)

Cloudless days in the summer usually mean hot days, so we used all the coolness we could find.

We were greeted by lots of sheer walls on both sides of us as we passed through.

Looking back at the start of the hike you can see the "road" we drove in on.

Valley really hasn't started to shed yet and the heat was working against her.

Lower Fairangel Lake, we gotta get back here for an overnight camp.

On a clear day, it seems like you can see forever.

With snow at higher elevations.

We climbed up to our lunch spot.

With large boulders to negotiate up and down from the passes, the dogs did quite well when allowed to pick their own course.

Perhaps you've seen the bumper sticker "This Car stops at River Crossings"? On hot days we stop for snow banks. The first pass we ascended is in the background.

Dogsled Pass below us.

Jago never too tired to stop hunting marmots in the tundra.

Scenic Schroff Lake.

Valley at the lake, happy to have a moment to take a break. Our last break before the last pass.

Nicki enjoying the sunshine before the pass.

Sitting at Friendship Pass with friends, looking at our last bit "trail" to end the trip.

And finally a view from the last pass. Our cars are at the buildings in the foreground. Palmer and the Chugach Range in the distance.

Not a long hike distance wise, only 5 or 6 miles. With all the up and down and boulder action it seemed longer. Fun day for the funhogs and fundogs.

Sharing

2010-07-05T17:08:00.002-08:00

If you and I had to share a bench seat, we'd each take an end then turn to each other and ask "Do you have enough room?". These two have a different idea on how to share.

Moose Encounter of the 2nd Kind

2010-06-18T00:01:00.004-08:00

Returning from out hike to Williwaw Lake we encounter this bull in velvet.

After watching him for a moment, he disappeared. There was a guy talking on his cell phone waiting for the moose to leave the trail. He said something after he hung up like "I just called in an airstrike". LOL

Kind of fun watching them in the various stages of their life.

Teaching Shake and Catch with the Fosters

2010-06-14T23:49:00.002-08:00

We had a great time teaching Shake and Catch with the foster dogs, well right up until Koda decided to end it LOL Considering these two are extremely food aggressive I am surprised that I even tried this. Watching it makes me chuckle, it was fun while it lasted.

Memorial Day Weekend Day 1

2010-06-01T22:16:00.007-08:00

We stayed in town because our foster dog Koda had a hip operation. We didn't think taking him out for 3 days hiking was a good idea so we stayed in town. The first Memorial Day in town for the funhog and fundogs in 35 years!

Here he is holing up on a hot Saturday. You can see the scar on that leg of his, Ouch!

While we were home, this guy showed up needing a new place to live. His name is Cody. Now how weird is that, Foster dog 1 is Koda, and Foster dog 2 is Cody. You try to keep those two straight.

So here I am trying to take pictures of Cody for petfinders.com and five minutes after they meet, its the Takedown!

Then Cody had Koda pinned, or is that Koda has Cody pinned? I am telling you its hard to keep their names straight. Should I start counting to ten?

I don't think that's good for his hips, but I am not telling his veterinarian, nor should you.

There is still a little life in Koda, he's squirming.

But wait, Koda strikes back!

In the end, Cody (at least I think it was him) had Koda pinned. And Koda went back to lounging in his hole. All day long they were taking bitenecks strikes on each other. Pretty damn good luck to have foster dogs like that, don't you think?

So Day 1 of holiday, lots of fun despite not out on the trail hiking.

Blast fromThe Past

2010-05-29T22:10:00.003-08:00

I was rumbling around looking for photos for Babe's 10 birthday and I found this. Now you get to see it.

(you can enlarge this photo, as well as all photos in the blog, by clicking on it)

Hot Dog

2010-05-23T19:04:00.006-08:00

Today was the hottest day of the summer, it must have been in the 70s and maybe 80s F (18 to 24 C). Too hot for us, Jago and I looked for something with a bit of snow on it.

Great views to the south of us.

And enroute along the ridge.

Up top along the ridge we had trail, trail mixed with snow.

And trail made of snow.

We found plenty of snow to roll around in.

and

after that roll, she pops up smiling.

On they way back down, the Hot Dog followed. You'd thought her tongue would have been longer.

First day of summer is next weekend. Bring it on!

Change of Scene

2010-05-19T22:54:00.002-08:00

We are in the midst of a change of scene. Our low lying snow is departing, leaving us with some hiking trails. We received a bunch of snow late in the year so some of our popular spots probably won't be snow free until mid-July, and that might be optomistic.

We decided to head to Falls Creek to see how high the snow level was and to get our first big hike of the year in. this is a shot at the trailhead, its about 8:30 pm

About 1600 feet in altitude, we have enough snow to ski on. Its about 10 pm in this picture.

Heading back down the trail.

Trail of 98

2010-05-09T23:51:00.003-08:00

Today we skied our 98th outing together for the season. With clear skies, a cold clear starry night, below freezing temperatures and 10 feet of snow at the trailhead; perfect conditions for crust skiing were awaiting us. No need to worry about soft snow and the dogs if we can return before it softens up. Today we left at 7am and arrived back at the trailhead at noon.

Starting out on nice hard snow.

Taking our first break after climbing 900 feet and traveling 2 miles. There are always good views on bluebird days.

Valley is pondering our next move.

Moving along Center Ridge before we drop down to the valley floor where the traveling is easier and faster.

I am not sure why she is coming back to me but she seems happy to be out today.

View off to the right while skiing on the valley floor.

Moving along on the valley floor. You can see an "undulating surface" which we are traveling on, that was weird, it was like boating on water with wakes.

Skate skiers moving up valley from us. Skate skiing on crust snow is a common thing for some of us to do this time of year. Its like its own season.

Checking another couple of skate skiers out who are closer during our lunch break.

Trotting back. By now the snow has softened incredibly and its a good thing we are on our way back. You can see the skis are making a mark and the dogs are starting to sink in.

The sun is pretty hot, so we took a few breaks to let the dogs cool down. Hot on the top, cool on the bottom.

Valley View.

A great day to be on the snow. I can't believe we are still skiing. Some of the low lying trailheads are free from snow, and they are packed with cars and folks hiking. However we are still out enjoying alot of snow waiting to melt.

Dawn Patrol

2010-05-04T21:36:00.005-08:00

When its clear at night, the morning is cold. That makes for some mighty fine crust skiing. The crust is as solid as concrete and it also allows the dogs to travel along. Something they can't do in the afternoon corn snow which doesn't support their weight. Without crust skiing, it'd be hard to get them some exercise in the spring months of April and May.

What its like when we first show up at the trailhead before sunrise. Enough light to ski, and barely enough to capture photos.

If you enlarge the picture, by clicking on it, you can see the skate ski tracks from earlier travels. There is no sinking in the snow by the dogs and we can ski quite fast.

Ptarmigan Peak in the background. Until I figure out how to take motion shots in low light, we'll have to do with these "static" pictures.

And Ptarmigan Peak with the rising sun shining on it, right as we are leaving the trail.

In alot of ways, this is my favorite time of year to ski, its beautiful out, nobody else is hardly around, you can ski anywhere, and the dogs love it.

Many thanks to Tim Kelley, who many years ago introduced me to this. Without him and his website, I'd still be missing some of the best skiing in Alaska.

Spring Skiing

2010-05-02T19:17:00.004-08:00

One of the best reasons for spring skiing. Finding a patch of bare tundra and sneaking a nap in.

Even Rocket is looking like he's going to tip over.

Where's Waldo?

2010-04-27T21:04:00.003-08:00

Can you spot Valley in this picture? She's there. Click on the picture if you think it will help you spot her.

It kind of shows us how small each of us really are in the world. Just a speck. But a fun speck non the less.

More evidence she is really there.

It was a beautiful bluebird day in the Talkeetna Mountains north of Palmer. Down low it was corn snow, and up high it was deep powder. A great day to be out touring. Just ask Valley!

Mother Nature or Old Man Winter ?

2010-04-22T22:27:00.004-08:00

I am not sure which one gifted us with 6 inches of fresh powder but thank you for looking out for me ;) It's not a good idea to ignore a gift, so we thought we'd enjoy it while we could. Folks in town were whining about the snow, but us funhogs and fundogs don't like to complain, we fired up and took the matter into our own hands. We know how to solve this problem, we've been training all winter.

Can you recognize the Alaska State Dog in the picture? (click any picture to enlarge)

At the trailhead we ran into our neighbor Amy who adopted Yukon from Malamute Rescue of Alaska. He's looking like a fundog to me.

Lookie here, The Funhogs and the Fundogs. All of us in one picture, ain't that sweet.

Saint Nicki!

I don't know what it is about Rocket, but when somebody goes down in the snow, he has to clean them up a bit after laying all over them. Sometimes he frenches them Yuck!

Sure was a fun evening after work.

That Leg

2010-04-12T17:46:00.003-08:00

You know the one that had the ACL operation back in December. Its looking pretty good, good enough to pull and go out and pull for a long weekend of fun.

We enjoyed a 9 mile skijor out to the Denali View Chalet during a beautiful sunstorm. We gave Jago a rest day on Saturday and only skijored her 4 miles. Then Sunday it was 9 miles out in a blazing snowstorm with about 6 inches of wet snow for her to deal with.

No ill side effects. She pulled strong all day, was ready to go the next day and no limping the entire time.

What Denali looks like on the approach to Kroto Lake. Looking over Valley's noggin.

A Grand Day in the Neighborhood.

2010-04-04T19:07:00.005-08:00

What a grand day it was, sunny, warm and no wind. In town the mood is spring, in the mountains we are still talking powder. We took advantage of the day and toured to a mountain in our neighborhood, McHugh Peak, which we can see up the valley from the house.

The dogs are always happy to go someplace where the can run.

This is the first grass they've been on since mid-October.

and

Mt Redoubt the volcano in the background. Is it blowing steam? Or is that a cloud over its top?

They love being in a spot where they can look around. Usually when I get a picture of one of those two peaks we are at the bottom.

Outdoors, they are always looking around, they always have the eye on the lookout.

Lunch is a great time to take a break, although the scenery never seems to.

and over Rocket's shoulder is the Kenai Peninsula in the background with Turnagain Arm in the foreground.

They love to run. For them running after us as we telemark down hill is the most enjoyable fun of the trip.

and

Not sure how much longer we'll be able to take the dogs out. Mother Nature and Old Man Winter will dictate that. As soon as it quits freezing in the morning, and the dogs start breaking through, that will be the time for them to quit the snow season. Six months of fun will come to an end.

Tipped Over

2010-04-03T23:05:00.002-08:00

My Gosh Darn Malamute tipped over, now what do I do?

Snowcamping snowdogs

2010-03-23T22:26:00.003-08:00

We had a weekend of camping with the ski club and our dogs. It was fun, temps down into the single digits below zero F zooming up to near freezing during the day. We had a great tp to climb into after dinner to enjoy life thanks to Jeff.

We had about 12 inches of powder going into the weekend and awoke to fresh
snow every morning. Jago even joined us for the trek into the camping spot, although she didn't get the chance to run around. Which is fine, we enjoyed her warmth in the tent while sleeping.

this is the trail in and out

Rocket gave us the look to let us know when it was time for bed.

But the scenery was great

and the snow conditions good.

Lovely Pair

2010-03-23T21:40:00.002-08:00

A lovely pair don't you think?

Two of my favorite "girls". A lucky man I am.

Four Play

2010-03-02T21:46:00.003-09:00

This is a one of a kind picture. About once a year I seem to get our 3 in a picture together, and now I have Four! Quite the magic spell I must have worked. Ok, but the big question is, one of these dogs isn't one of ours, which one is it?

Skijoring Fan Hitch

2010-02-16T20:59:00.005-09:00

I've been asked several times how I run 3 malamutes together. Lucky is the word that comes to mind.

Running from each dog back towards Nicki is a fixed line, individually they are attached to a central O-Ring, which is attached to a single line running directly back to Nicki.

This is a picture of the middle or central portion of the assembly. This is the "fan hitch" connecting device, a 1 inch metal o-ring purchased at the local hardware store. You can see the colored 4 foot fixed lines leading to the dogs. The one inch webbing returns to a flexi leash connected to the skier

Back at the skier we have this.

The two inch webbing is actually the shoulder strap to a duffle bag. You can see the metal O-ring again from the hardware store at each end of the webbing. The quickdraw is a device used by climbers and can be purchased at any outdoor shop that handles climbing equipment. Connected to one of the carabiners is a webbing version of the flexi leash.

The 2 inch nylon webbing goes around our waist, we clip in and unclip using the other carabiner--the one not attached to the flexi leash. We then run the belt of our back pack through the handle of the flexi leash adding stability and comfort.

This is a comfortable and convenient system we've used for years. Maybe you can find something useful here for your dog driving days.

Even on a snowy day....

2010-02-15T16:37:00.001-09:00

it's fun to get out and run with the dogs.

Blowhard

2010-02-06T14:39:00.004-09:00

We had a little bit of weather blow in so we stayed near home for skijoring and touring. The wind was blowing about 30 mph (48 kmh) with temps in the teens F. A great time was had by all but you can judge for yourself :)

Groundhogs Day

2010-02-03T21:27:00.003-09:00

We celebrate Groundhogs Day like its a national holiday. Why? Its Nicki's birthday. We go out to dinner, I make a dee-licious chocolate cake and a few presents are opened. Its almost like Christmas, only different :) So while Phil is out checking for his shadow, we are whooping it up having a good time.

Sweet Day in the Mountains

2010-01-27T17:25:00.001-09:00

We have had some good weather and captured a video of some of the fun we've been having.

Wake me up when its time for fun

2010-01-12T21:01:00.004-09:00

If you have met Valley you might have asked about her kicked back style. In the back of your mind you were probably wondering if she ever woke up or how she might accomplish such a herculean task of moving from one spot to another. When you asked me, I probably said something like LOL "She's saving her energy up for some action". For those who haven't met her, let's just say, once she chose her spot, that was pretty much it for the day 'cept for breathing.

Well I actually captured her in motion and thought I would share that with you hehehe.

The windup

and running the line

Watch out Rocket!

Head Fake!

Tag your it

That wasn't the only time Rocket had to suffer on leash. She came after him again

and again

all day long. In fact when I let him off, he got the zoomies and struck back!

Body Slam!

I guess paybacks are hell.

Sitting Pretty,

I know its hard to imagine but seeing is believing. ;)

Moonshine

2010-01-01T19:26:00.002-09:00

We like to make the most of things when the moon shines. to do that there is nothing like skiing on a full moon.

35th Anniversary

2009-12-27T16:25:00.003-09:00

Its the 35th Anniversary of the first Christmas which I skied. For 36 Christmas', each and every year since the first one, I've gone cross country skiing. Always after opening presents and before dinner, its usually a couple hour event where we can celebrate the day. No Food, no commercialism but outdoors with ourselves and our dogs. After all these years, its a special event or tradition of its own. It started as a way to blow off some steam before going to dinner with some friends, when I first left home to go to college. At one point I think we had something like 30 folks skiing with us. Nowadays, its just Nicki, myself, the dogs and either some close friends and neighbors.

Two happy Christmas skiers.

Its a great time, too bad it only comes around once a year :)

Powder Burns

2009-12-21T22:23:00.003-09:00

We had a great snow for about a week. Four five days, every day we were on the receiving end of 3 or 4 inches of fine light powder. The kind that falls at temps below 10degF or -11degC. Some folks would call it champagne powder. We'd get home from work, eat a quick dinner, harness the dogs and load them and the skis up and head to the state park about 5 minutes from the house. Going to work Dead Tired was fun.

The best was Thursday evening where it was snowing so hard the headlamp was worthless. 12 inches of powder on a hard base. I couldn't see and both Valley in lead and Rocket were pulling me out into the darkness. They stopped, I wondered why but with the headlamp on low I could see enough, that this was our normal stopping and turning around spot. They knew exactly where they were, how they got there and were ready to head home. Without them I wouldn't have known how I got there. They didn't seem to care about the deep snow, the darkness or the falling snow. They were out to have fun. Fundogs they are.

Then the wind kicked up. 55 mph winds for a few days. I am not sure where our powder went but its gone.

Our neighbor Amy slicing a turn on our new found hard snow.

And Valley disappearing in a 55 mph wind gust.

Wishing you, a very merry holiday season, and a healthy 2010.

Menage a Trois

2009-11-26T12:14:00.002-09:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We decided to run the dogs today before our big feed. We both hooked up the three of them and gave them a run. 45 mph winds and I am not sure if it was snowing or not, since 4 inches of snow fell last night and it was blowing around pretty good.

Here I am behind the 3.

Nicki behind the 3.

Menage A Trois

Fun Runner

2009-11-20T00:45:00.005-09:00

Babe loves to run, even with somebody behind her attached to her on a leash. There is probably nothing more enjoyable to her.

and despite that face, Nicki is not about ready to drop.

She's a great dog to skijor with :) Looks like a great season ahead for us.

Polar Bear Dog

2009-11-03T00:09:00.005-09:00

Rocket encounters a Polar Bear on a frigid Alaska night lit by the full moon. Malamutes were used by the Inupiat to hunt sea mammals including polar bears on the ice on the Northwest Coast of Alaska. Instincts play out in an age old tradition of Malamute vs Polar Bear.

Rocket eyes the Polar Bear and judging by the look on his face he's not happy its around.

Rocket makes the nab.

Taking the bear back for some punishment.

I have seen this behavior for decades now, the Polar Bear is doomed.

gut Shot

Ouch, that has to hurt. You can almost hear the bear bellowing.

Sniffing to see if there is any remaining life. Its The End for this bear!

Weathering Heights

2009-10-14T21:44:00.005-08:00

We helped the friends of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center by hauling a weather station up to Fresno Ridge, pulling the old one off and putting the new one on. They made this real easy for us to do. A clap on the back to Crane Johnson.

Here's Rocket supervising our work. The main controller box also contains the temperature, humidity, and pressure gauge on on this unit. Its found in the middle of our crap, I mean packs. We put this unit on after taking the old unit off.

This is Thomas bolting the main unit on the tripod.

This is Thomas attaching the anenometer wire to the pole. We don't want anything flapping in the wind.

Taking a break after finishing the work.

Heading home. Rocket carried the tools, about 10 pounds, in his pack. Thomas and I alternated carrying the weather station up in my pack. Thomas carried the old weather station down. Thomas has the old weather station in his pack.

It was foggy or cloudy all day but only enveloped us at the weather station. Fun day, and glad we could help folks out. We'll be watching the weather in the Summit area for skiing this winter :) Now were talking fun~!

Pineapple Express

2009-10-11T19:34:00.006-08:00

What's a funhog to do when he wakes up and finds its 61 deg F outside? What a sock in the chops. Those gosh darn blocking highs and fronts moving in from the south put an end to our early ski season. Well, we put on the hiking shoes, make up a lunch and take the dogs out for a hike.

The place was empty besides a few moose, a bunch of Dall Sheep up high, and this Raven. Just a fifteen feet off the trail. He watched us walk by. Valley was interested in him but I just couldn't see the Raven letting her sniff his rump. I don't know Ravens too well but I don't think they act like dogs very often.

The pretty girl on the last break of the day.

Mother Nature teams with Old Man Winter

2009-09-26T17:38:00.004-08:00

Mother Nature teamed with Old Man Winter last night and produced the goods. 3 or 4 inches of snow on my deck. Well what's a funhog to do? Grab the skis, a fundog and go skijoring.

this would have lasted longer but my skis slipped out from underneath me and I ended up on my back LOL

Season opener, game on!

In the Throne Room of the Mountain Goat

2009-09-20T16:16:00.003-08:00

We saw a goat way down low and thought we might want to check it out. So we crossed the creek walked a ways then saw him again on the ridge. So we moved one gully over and climbed about 1500 feet give or take. Valley ran to the end of the line. I peered over and snapped the photo on full zoom

Same "pic" but with no zoom

It sure is great hiking in their realm, peace,quiet and beauty. What a lucky day to happen upon a goat.

Here Valley is on the return back in the valley off the ridge.

Another spectacular day in the mountains.

Last Weekend of Summer

2009-09-11T19:54:00.002-08:00

We decided to spend our last weekend of summer east of Denali National
Park in the Alaska Range soaking up the sun and fall colors.

Here's Valley right before our camp:

Two Lovebirds in Camp:

Jago(Babe) out on patrol around camp while we are cooking:

Rocket with his turn checking things out during our breakfast

Out on a day hike from camp, entering a hanging canyon:

Valley settling down for lunch:

Here are some caribou we scared up.

Happy Valley at the head of the hanging valley.

View out the opposite direction:

All things must end, here we are on the way out.

Big dogs are really small dogs in the big picture. Looking out into
Denali National Park and the Parks highway.

It was one of our best summers ever, we are looking forward to an
early winter season with lots of skijoring.

Tincan Garbage Can

2009-08-30T20:40:00.003-08:00

Tincan is a place where we backcountry telemark ski. I was there once last year skiing and once cleaning up. Its a very popular place so every year I make a trip in with a big pack and pickup garbage. Its easy to hike into, with a bit of chest high "grasses" to wade through before we hit the alpine. This year there were lots of brown bottles, but before you jump to any conclusions, they were all budweiser ales. I also snagged a good snow shovel, so if you know anybody who is missing this one, let me know.

on the north side of Tincan, where we headed so the dogs could get some water.

Looking over at the Eddies ski site, not too much frost action going on in Turnagain Pass

Looking up Ingram Creek

On a hot day like today, we were happy to find a snowbank to chill on.

Looking up at Kickstep.

Antimony Creek

2009-08-13T21:19:00.004-08:00

For 30 years I've wanted to hike in these mountains. I finally struck gold after looking at topo maps, a road atlas and google earth. I picked a few likely candidate places for hikes with minimal bushwacking and hit a home run with my first road stop.

Our objective:

What it looks like at the head of the Valley.

Partners:

I wonder what Rocket was looking at?

It was a smokey day from the fires in the interior of Alaska. There is a whole other mountain range across the valley, we might even be able to see Denali on a clear day.

North of Denali State Park

2009-07-27T20:41:00.003-08:00

I been thinking with the building of the Anc to Fai intertie a number of years ago there should be some trails into the NW Talkeetna Mountains north of Denali State Park. So with a free weekend, I tried out a candidate since I have been itching to get in there for quite some time. success!

You can see the 4 wheeler trail in the foreground which eventually leads to the left

You knew there had to be some dog photos in here someplace :) Rock on the left,

Scree on the Right

Up at the head of the Valley this on the right

and on the left

and this lake below them.

Looking back the way I came.

There seemed to be considerable traffic, enough to place a foot path in places, in this valley. I saw some kids on a quad down near the highway but nobody in the valley.

what a find, now I suspect there are similar quad tracks towards the NW Talkeetnas spread up towards Cantwell. I am beginning to think there is probably one back of the Igloo?

Snowbird

2009-07-19T18:16:00.003-08:00

Snowbird as in the glacier not the Alaskan heading to Arizona for the winter.

Right after she took a complete dunking crossing a snowfield. I am glad that happened to her and not me :)

Tombstone Mountain Backpack

2009-07-07T21:03:00.007-08:00

We hiked into the Tombstone Mountains which are 30 miles NE of Dawson City in the Yukon. The Tombstones are part of the Ogilvie mountains. The area was officially made a Territorial Park while we were in the mountains, but were a provisional unit for a number of years.

Its an 8 mile hike from the Dempster Highway to Grizzly Lake where we spent the first night. After you leave the parking lot you follow a creek, then climb steadily to the ridge, follow it and eventually drop down to the valley floor. We've never found it an easy hike especially if you get a clear hot day, but if you go early enough there is water and snow up high to replenish.

Grizzly Lake is behind Valley in this photo. (Click on any photo to enlarge.)

Nicki on typical terrain playing the Pied Piper roll with the dogs. The dogs carried their own food which consists of Eagle Pack Power and dehydrated meat as a supplement. Rocket also carried our apres-hiking shoes. Valley also carried some fuel and food.

It snowed on us the night we arrived at the lake and stayed around for the next day. You know something is up when the pitter-patter sound of the rain on the tent changes to something softer falling. The few folks we met on the trail asked us how the dogs liked the trail, we just laughed, the dogs were having the times of their lives.

After we waited out the snowstorm, spending the day relaxing, snoozing and reading we headed up and over the pass to Twin Lakes. This was the only "treacherous" part of the hike, snow on ice on scree.

Up in the pass to Twin Lakes with Rocket looking back towards Grizzly Lake.

Looking past Jago up valley beyond Twin Lakes.

Campsite at Twin Lakes.

I always forget something, on this trip I forgot the windscreen to the stove. It blew pretty good everyday so we had to improvise. We also forgot our hiking staffs which was a major pain the rump. I also ripped out my pants in the front the first day, boy what a pain that was. Drafty :)

On a walk to look at the upper lake.

Time to take a break.

You'd never know this girl was so afraid of life she was unapproachable for years. She has adrenal gland failure (Addison's disease) so we plan life around her Percorten injection. In this case, we had it the day we departed.

I love this picture. I have never been on a hike where the weather changed so quick, so often and so drastically. It went from hot to cold to hot again many, many times.

Two happy girls.

Valley! We used the Flexi leashes 26 feet long(8 m) of the ribbon variety. The rock ate away at the ribbon so we almost had complete failures a couple of times. I like the length and weight of those units but maybe the web variety is the way to go.

Can you spot our tent in this picture?

Using a snowline to climb out of the valley back up to the pass...much easier walking than walking on scree or negotiating giant rocks.

The dogs were always after ground squirrels and marmots. Jago(Babe) spent the time at Grizzly Lake by the outhouse which had a resident marmot. That damn marmot was pesky. He jumped out of the john, threw a giant rock holding the seat down at me, then ran over and kicked my shin. LOL.

Jago leaving Grizzly Lake to head back home.

Nice view looking back to the lake from the approach ridge.

Looking down at the Dempster and if you look closely, you can see the trailhead lot.

Rocket! No trip to the Yukon is complete without swimming in the Yukon.

We do a long backpacking trip into the wilderness every year. We like to get away where it is quiet and their aren't many people or other disturbances. About the only criteria we have is we like to find a place to hike without trails. The dogs really love these adventures, after we finished they slept for 3 days. We grow closer to them and they to us.

1st Backpack

2009-06-21T23:13:00.002-08:00

We hiked out for our first backpack of the season, a preclude to our yearly expedition. Not long an overnighter, but a great way to spend the weekend.

Enroute, Rocket got the zoomies even with his pack on.

Here they enjoy a break near the lake.

There is that smile for us while he is waiting for us to catch up to him.

Those two love to run together.

Valley is happy to be chilling too.

Sometimes we seem so small.

Looks like I am going to have to fight for my bed tonight.

Jago out on patrol. She was lucky and was neither tied up or carried a dog pack the entire weekend.

Hanging out in the morning by the tent.

Our dining room.

On the look out.

Heading home.

16

2009-05-29T21:18:00.003-08:00

This year there are 16 weekends in the summer. Memorial Day marks the first weekend and Labor Day the last weekend of the summer. You can see our first weekend of the summer was great.

Great views up Turnagain Arm from the Gull Rock trail.

Jago seems happy with the weekend.

Rocket loves running on the trail without a leash.

After which he had to swim a lap to cool off.

And we can see all that running and swimming causes a funDog and the funhog to nap.

Here's Nicki and Jago hiking.

Valley and I decided to spend Memorial Day hiking up Falls Creek and getting up on South Suicide. It was Hot! so we spent a bunch of time in the snow.

Great Views of the scenery around us.

A great way to end the weekend. Valley seems happy with it.

Ok, only 14 more to go!

Last Call

2009-05-13T23:04:00.005-08:00

We are like Brett Favre, we can't leave the sport alone. here we are on dawn patrol down in Turnagain Pass for probably our last run on snow with the dogs this season.

These are my "workhorses" and my best friends. How much gratitude can I show them, when they bring this to me?

Tincan ski site in early morning sun.

Looking happy as we stop for a break.

Last run of the season...heading home.

As always you can click on the picture to enlarge.

Crust-joring

2009-04-25T19:44:00.006-08:00

Its the doggie equivalent of crust skiing :) Today we headed out Center Ridge then up the valley floor to the face of the true Tincan Creek. The dogs love it because they stay on top, and I like it because its pretty damn fast. Center Ridge was crust but unfortunately the valley floor from Kickstep Mountain to the true Tincan Peak wasn't so good. That portion hadn't gone through a melt freeze cycle.

here we are starting out up the valley.

Scenery looking better, have to don the glacier glasses and spread some sun lotion at this point.

Starting to break through just a bit here, so we are losing our crust and soon will gain the wind.

ok time for a break. If you saw my beer belly, you'd be wondering why they aren't panting.

More dog driving.

Downhill I let the dogs loose so I can ski without falling down and they can have a bit of fun.

Any day now I expect the snow to soften enough the dogs won't be able to get out with me, but so far so good!

Another Edition of "A Valley in the Mountains"

2009-04-19T19:35:00.007-08:00

Valley loves to be in the mountains. Valley in the mountains go like hand in glove.

She seems to be happy to be let off and run. There she goes...

Rocket seems pleased with the move.

As we ski, Valley is content to run along side.

or happy to run with us.

That's ash from the Mt. Redoubt volcano on the snow she's running on.

That's Valley in the big valley floor.

Where's Waldo, I mean can you spot Valley?

She's not one to be left behind.

Doesn't she light things up with that smile of hers?

Another great day with our special girl.

April Powder Brings May Flowers?

2009-04-18T22:33:00.004-08:00

gotta love a day of fun in the sun, when there is fresh snow, and a
good base underneath for the dogs to walk on. What could be better?

Big Landscape makes the dogs seem so small.

Here it is April 18th and there is still fresh powder snow.

Which they seem to enjoy as much as I do.

It was a hot day for the dogs, even though the temperature hovered around freezing, the sun made it tough on them.

The dirty spots in the snow is ash from Mt. Redoubt. No doubt that
snow will melt soon. If you click on the picture, you'll have a better view.

Always happy to take a break, aren't they?

Nearing the end of a great day.

The end of the dogs ski season is near. They have 92 days of ski
touring or joring on the snow this season. They love it!

Woosh!

2009-04-13T22:34:00.004-08:00

Rocket and I skijored out from Glen Alps, out the powerline to near the Ptarmigan Pass and returned in 45 mile per hour winds (70kmh) and falling--blowing snow. It sure felt good heading back home out of the wind.

A Fine Day for an Outing

2009-04-05T22:02:00.001-08:00

A mighty fine weekend for an outing. 3 days of sunstorm at the Denali View Chalet Lodge at Kroto Lake.

Valley, Denali and Hunter.