I had posted this info on Sled Dog Central, but the specific name & contact info was edited out ? ! &*@!!   I’m not getting in the middle of whatever that agruement  is.

You can get a 2009 World Championship Dryland Championship application from MUSH USA Secretary Deb Serbousek  Tel # 715-372-8889 or email @ windigo@cheqnet.net.

The 2009 racing season has officially ended for us. My apologies for not posting from the Jackman 3 day race. We had absolutely no cell phone service, and no internet at the cabin we shared with the Dittmars and Wagners who traveled from Wisconsin.

We drove to the motel in Jackman with free wifi, but no luck. Even with the motel password, we never got on. Jackman is the at the end of the civilized life as we know it.

Johnn elected not to skijor - the course was 7.2 miles and with all our snow gone for 2 weeks, we were back to a 2 mile grass trail and felt we couldn’t keep the dogs in shape for longer mileage.

Johnn’s 4 dog  did well - he finished 2nd for the weekend - first for the day on Saturday only . He ran Rusty and Uri on lead and the two yearlings brothers on wheel.  The brothers - Henry & Billie have matured so much this year. We can’t wait to see how they do next year.

It’s defintely spring here in PA !  It was sunny and in the 50’s today as I washed and vacumed the van for our last race weekend. Right now, there’s a flock of about 40 to 50 robins on the lawn.

We leave within the hour for Jackman Maine. Johnn will be racing the 4 dog sled team only. Since we’re back to dirt training ( about 2 1/2 miles), we can’t condition the ski dogs for a 7 1/2 mile trail for 3 days. 

Johnn won the 4 dog class last weekend at  the Purity Springs race in Madison NH. He scratched the 2 dog ski team after Saturday’s heat. Carl - 7 years old, who has trained every leader we have and who we need to train Sam for next year - collasped after finishing Saturday. It was in the high 40’s and he just doesn’t know how not to give 100 %. Since Sunday was still warm, we didn’t want to risk his health.

He came back quickly and eat within 20 minutes - a good sign. Michelle Boyd and I were packing  snow under all four legs and Johnn was able to feed him snow right after he went down. 

He seems in good spirits now and even did a short run the other morning while it was still cool. 

I’m not sure what kind of wifi coverage we can get in Jackman, Maine - but I’ll try and blog. Looks like the ISDRA 6 and 4 dog sprint medals, as well as the 1 and 2 dog skijor medals will all be decided this coming weekend.

As usual, we’ll be selling Johnn’s racing sled after his last race - now planned for Jackman, Maine. It is a custom stained two-tone Red Maghoney and Golden Pecan Stat Dust model. It has everything - swivel brake, tied basket, mounted snow hook holder,  drag matt, pro-bridle, QCR rails and  two sets of slightly used plastic. The sled has been driven approximately 80 miles.

The sled would sell new for $ 970.00. We’ll sell it for $ 775.00. It will be available Sunday at the Jackman Maine race after the final 4 dog heat.

Also on sale - two sleds left in stock :

Star Gazer - our toboggan sled.  This one is equipped with a tied basket, bar brake, and QCR rails and plastic. It has been custom stained Dark Walnut.  Price New $  975.00    Sale Price $ 875.00

First Star - our racing sled designed for children. This one is custom stained Colonial Maple. Comes complete with tied basket, pro-bridle, drag matt, bar brake and QCR rails and plastic.   Price new $ 625.00     Sale Price $ 565.00

We plan on bringing the junior sled with us to Purity Springs this weekend. If anyone is interested in the tobaggon sled, contact us and we’ll put it on top of the van too. We plan on leaving tonight after dinner for New Hampshire and driving through the night so we can visit with Johnn’s Mom Friday.

We just returned from dinner after another day talking sled dogs at the Admiral Perry Celebration held at Prince Gallitzin State Park near Glendale PA.  Johnn got to come today, and bought three of our “Eurohounds” to show the folks.

The spectators learned that all kinds of dogs can pull and run. Jack, the Newfoundland, was a huge hit with the crowd. Jack and the dogs owned  by the Heitz, Cindy Eddy and us, happily accepted pats, hugs and petting from everyone who walked up to them. The only warning we had to give was - “They’re friendly, but muddy. And you might be kissed.”

Next weekend, we’ll head for snow at the Purity Springs race in New Hampshire. I just have to wash the mud off Johnn’s race sled. Again, today, the sleds were used as photo props  - kids loved pretending to drive a team as Mom or Dad took pictures.