Race Prep 2

Race Prep 2

Yesterday (1/25) was a busy day at the dog yard. After we fed the dogs and unloaded the truck and trailer of gear from this past weekend’s Serum Run shakedown that my kennel partner took part in, it was time for setting up the drop bags for this weekend’s race.

Drop Bags for Race

After the gear was sorted out and all the food was prepped I headed out for a quick 20-25 mile run. We loaded up a 10 dog team in the dog truck and headed to the Community Center to find a fresh trail.

We got the dogs hooked up with the help of my handler (thanks Austin!) and I headed out onto Willow Lake. The day was overcast and looked like snow but it was beautiful! I even hammed it up for a couple photos on my iPhone.

 

Clowin' Around

As soon as I hit Long Lake it started snowing and soon it was a white out and I was not able to see the the next marker in front of me. Not to worry, I knew the trail but I was admiring the new markers they put in place for the race this weekend.

We made it to the “Willow Swamp Trail” rather quickly and had a great run around the loop.

I stopped and snacked the dogs about mid-way and gave them all a “good dog” to keep their spirits up.

I have found a new leader: Shifter. He is a dog that I got from Hugh Neff back in September and has proved to be a dang good sled dog. He pulls hard all the time and his tail is always wagging when we stop. Shifter was always a second or third string leader until this weekend when I put him in front with a 9 year old female, Bird. He did great. He responded to the Gee-Haw commands and turned on a dime.

Shifter and Bird in Lead

We made it back just as it was getting dark. Austin left when I went out so he was back at the kennel and I loaded up and grabbed a quick burger at the local “soda fountain”.

This was the last run before the race. I know we are all ready!

 

Robert Forto | Team Ineka | Alaska Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Dog Works Radio | Denver Dog Works | Daily Post

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Dr. Robert Forto is a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the popular radio shows, Mush! You Huskies and Dog Works Radio Shows