Races may be months away but the season is in full swing. The dogs are starting to look really good, and I know they are enjoying the snowy trails and cooler temperatures. Miles add up as we run teams each day. And as much as I love seeing the team come together and dogs get stronger, I can officially say that I am totally sick of being on the quad! My thumb goes numb regularly on long runs. I have gone over the same trails so many times I know each bump before it jars my back. But then I think about why we are doing all this 🙂 Believe me I am ready for winter, bring on the snow. And when it comes, the kids will be ready too. To do the fun long runs and camping trips that make all the mindless miles on the Quad worthwhile. Today Dan spent some time taking video clips of the run. Wanted to share them with y’all to let you get a glimpse of what our world looks like this time of year. And especially to the wonderful members of Team Dew Claw , to let them see the team they are pulling with.

This first clip Dan took fairly soon after leaving the yard on the trail up into the White Mountains. He went out with 18 of the core race dogs.

Turned around and headed back over the hills toward home. The dogs know the drill, and you can just let them roll along and have fun. Plus the views are spectacular. One on a sunny day like this, everything covered with frost, dogs running good in front of you, most beautiful place on earth.

Want to send out a HUGE Thank You to our sponsors & everyone in Team Dew Claw. None of this is possible without you. Also we have some new products up at the Dew Claw Kennel Cafe Press store (all proceeds go directly to kennel training/race expenses).

Lastly I am very pleased to report that Dew Claw will once again be working with Paw Partners, a volunteer organization that sews booties for Iditarod mushers. Any quilters with spare time or mushing enthusiast seamstresses? You can ‘Like’ them and learn more at the Paw Partners Facebook page. It is a great way to get involved with the Iditarod. Considering we will go through anywhere from 3-4000 booties in a race season, this assistance is greatly appreciated.

A final though before I end; all those miles on the quad does give one time to think. As we gear up for winter, and ambitious plans for this years races there are lots of reoccurring thoughts going through my mind. And yes fear of “The Steps” is one. As is the rattling of the never ending ‘To Do’ list. But another has to do with goals and plans. And so it is fitting that recently I ran across this little gem from brilliant dancer (whom I had a crush on in my tender youth).

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to to dance better than myself.”

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Hope y’all enjoyed the (virtual video) training run~