Sprint mushers are renowned for being very specific about the conditions in which they run their dogs.  This one is no different.

With the temperatures plummeting in the valleys to -30 and below, we tend to move to higher ground.  The temperature inversions are pretty strong this time of year – cold air staying locked in the valleys and higher ground having air circulating and bringing in warmer temps.  Today I joined my friend Ken Anderson, Iditarod veteran 7 times over, and multi-time top 10 finisher, on his snow machine checking out his local trails.  Ken used to be a stage racer, even when he was competing in Iditarod, he would train his team to do both types of racing.

The past week has been a very busy one.  Sorry for the lack of posting.

I loaded the dogs in the truck and headed to Salcha for some great 10-mile runs.  Our head-on passing is getting much better, and Katrina is getting better with culverts.  I know, though, the numerous culverts in Anchorage will be major obstacles.  I am hoping that our training every run through the culvert will at least prepare Katrina mentally for big, black holes in the trail.

Today was another day in paradise.  The temperature was -15, but it felt like 0F (-10C). It snowed all day, and with that I loaded up the truck and drove to Salcha.

Once there, I coordinated with my friend, Arleigh, to make sure we did not head-on pass in the narrow trail in and out of his yard.  This would be a bad thing as the trail is very narrow, and the outbound dogs are all fired up and the bridge and culvert are not wide enough to allow passing teams.

Today has been one of those December days you hope for – snow falling all day and moderate temperatures.  The dogs were outside a lot today, and though it was not a training day, they were all fired up.

I have been having issues with my ATV starting when it is -10F or colder.  I just can’t see what the problem is!  So, after towing the poor machine unceremoniously to my neighbour’s heated lumber shed the machine warmed up and was happy again.  Not having my own heated shed I am starting to see the benefits.

This is what we are training for!

Welcome to Byrd Dog Kennel’s new website!

This is my very first website and I am so incredibly excited!  Thanks to John S. for prompting, suggesting, and then finally just making the site for me!  I have been extremely busy lately with both jobs and the doggies.  I will endeavour to maintain the site, and post regularly.