Lazy huskies will NOT be lazy this turkey day!

Some of the dogs on one of the beautiful trails near the Ranch

Fall training has been going well here at the Ranch, although I have not run the dogs during daylight hours in weeks. I'm learning how to function as a nocturnal animal. This will be good preparation for the Midnight Run, and gives me a chance to really put my vast collection of headlamps to the test. :)


Some of the dogs on what we call "The Creepy Trail."

We are stepping up the mileage now in preparation for our first race which will happen on January 8. This race, The Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Classic, contains an extensive ribbon of pristine trails winding throughout the beautiful Two Hearted River country of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan along Lake Superior. It is prime winter country, and the kick off of racing season for many mushers in the Midwest.

My racing plans, which were originally to compete in the 8-dog classes, were mildly set back with the birth of Aspen's puppies. But the dogs are running like a well-oiled machine at this point in the season, and I don't think it will take much to get Aspen back in the team after she weans her pups.

Besides, we are going to be extremely busy at the Ranch starting in just a couple of days.

We are honored to have been invited to partake in several big events in the city of Akron starting this coming weekend on Friday, November 26 with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Lock 3 park in downtown Akron.

I have been asked to "mush" a keg of beer from Akron's own Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, makers of Siberian Night beer, into Lock 3 for the keg tapping which kicks off the Holiday season in downtown Akron.

Sled dogs and beer. How cool is that?

And the next morning, we will help usher in Saint Nick himself as he rides my sled with part of my team during the Welcome Santa parade downtown starting at 11 a.m.


Jack waiting for Santa beneath the Christmas tree

I've told the dogs they have to be on their best behavior because Santa will be not only watching, but riding with them! ;-)

Please join us if you are able. We will be available both days after the festivities for questions and belly rubs.

Happy Thanksgiving and, as always....

Cold, dog training, the mayor, and the blimp!

It seems like all of the U.S. got dumped on with snow in the last week, except here. Friends in Michigan got 30 inches. Even places that never get much snow, like Iowa, received record amounts. But here, I'm still running miles on the clankity cart!


A slight dusting of snow is all we received of the big storm that swept across the western U.S.

The dogs are roaring to go, and we're eating up miles, though I can't wait until those miles are via dogsled.

The last few days have been extraordinary: clear and cold, with blue skies in the day and starry nights.


Cold temps are all we received of the storms that swept across the U.S.

By the lake where I train, it has been especially cold, with wind chills of about negative 5 degrees.


The frigid temps made me break out the trans-Alaskan anorak!

Stay tuned, however, because next weekend, I will head north in search of snow!

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In other news, I shot Leadership Akron's holiday party this week and got to chat with Akron's mayor, Don Plusquelic.


Mayor Don Plusquelic (center) chats with members of Leadership Akron

Over 9,000 pounds of food was donated at the event for the Greater Akron Foodbank! It's so wonderful to see the generosity of neighbors during a time of hardship for so many.


A salmon spread at Leadership Akron's holiday party was the subject of much discussion!

And now for the really big news! Chris and I have been working with a wonderful group of actors and film makers in Akron. Chris put his writing talents to work and teamed up with his long-time friend and actor/cinematographer, Chris (Blue) Green and actor/director, Todd Volkmer (affectionately known as simply Todd V.) to make a "mocumentary" film of the history of Akron. The film was submitted to the Akron Art Museum's "New History of Akron" contest...and we found out Thursday night during the showing that it not only won first place, it also won the "audience choice award." It was a proud moment for everyone!

If you would like to see the five minute mocumentary entitled BLIMP: Our Blemished Past click the link below.



In all, it was a good week!