"Keep it locked up inside don't talk about it.... talk about the weather!" Dave Matthews "

In mushing, weather is a big deal.

Most mushers I know can report the upcoming weather forecast for the next week, at least.

During the "dog days" of summer, the dogs laze around in the shade, waiting...

My leader, Yeti, lounging in the shade of his circle

But they're beginning to get restless. They sense a change is in the air. The days are getting cooler, and the evenings a little chilly.

We have some big plans for this coming season too, as we begin to map out our racing schedule for the upcoming season. Our first race is always, traditionally, the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Classic - which will be our first race this next season. But I intend to step it up a notch and compete in the 8 dog pro class (42 miles) and stay with the 8 dog classes all season. Stay tuned as we announce our intentions for the season!

Puppy Update
In other news, Tak's puppies are really blossoming now. They are six weeks old, and their personalities are evolving everyday! One who has stolen my heart is little Rasta.

Rasta at 4 weeks and 5 days. How can anyone deny the sweetness?

We all have grown so attached to them! We are looking for homes for two of them, so if you or someone you know is looking for an Alaskan husky, please contact me!

Here are some pictures of Tak's Reggae litter:

Perry, the largest male in the litter

Rasta at 5 weeks

Perry's "twin" sister, Ziggy, stalking me from the weeds

Toots playing in one of Yeti's big holes around his house

(from left) Rasta, Wailer and Ziggy planning mayhem, no doubt!

Sophie (with the sun in her eyes) and Wailer 

Finally, Elise with her very special baby, Tosh

Fall is in the air! Get ready for training updates from the trail and, as always...

Can't depend on snow

My sled, runners buried in snow, waiting to go on its first race of the season

A few random snowflakes fall from the sky haphazardly over an expansive, white horizon. There must be a foot of snow on the ground here at the Ranch. The only color is a jagged, rust-colored tree line inching its way upward on this gray and white canvas - as if a painter dabbles his brush neatly in the distance. As the colors come closer, their focus sharpens.



So, how can it be, then, that in this expanse of white that surrounds me, there isn't enough snow up north in snow country for my first race of the season?

It's hard for me to fathom.



I am very disappointed that the first race of my season, the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race has actually been postponed twice for lack of snow.

So, I am modifying my race plans for this season, and trying not to be too disappointed. Tahquamenon is rescheduled for February 12, but that is a week before the Jack Pine 30 which is another race I usually run.

We'll see...

In other news, Ella, one of Aspen's puppies, went to live with my good friend, Jenn, at her kennel in PA this last week.



Jenn and her family have a small sprint racing kennel. We miss Ella but know she is in excellent, loving hands!

We are down to six puppies, and all but the runt and Etta, the one who recovered from pneumonia, are outside now, much to their dismay!

I have several talks coming up from now until March, so check out the calendar of events and stop on by if you happen to be in northeast Ohio.

Prayers for snow!

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....