From the Beargrease Trail

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Marnin Lucky and Schultz! Yep I made it to the finish in time to see Jason Barron from Lincoln Montana come in first place & John Stetson from Duluth come in second. Dyam it is COLD out there!!!

[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cold.gif[/img]

I got pics. I got cold weather camera care tips from my fellow Beargrease fans who were as crazy as me to be out there. I got alla that but it is going to have to wait a bit before I can share. Gotta warm the camera proper first, and oh..I am going back out on the trail about 25 miles up the road first.

soon come, tundra stylee....

[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/breakdance.gif[/img]

[schultz]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Ok, we wait patiently for the pictures. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

[Seveen]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

this looks like a lot of fun

i love the winter version of tailgating

pretty cool to see a fire burning in the snow

thanks for sharing [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70459-hugs.gif[/img]

[Jamaicamiss]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Very interesting Nanook. Loved the pics. I had a wonderful dogsled ride in Colorado one time. The dogs yelped until we started and then they were all business. It was so beautiful and serene. My guide had ice all over his beard when we finished. I was snug as a bug in a rug the way he had me wrapped up with just my eyes showing.

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Hey Schultz I am all uploaded to photobucket but have been locked out of the board most of the day. I need a rest though before I continue all that freash cold air make me so sleepy and I think I will take a sauna and cool off in front of the fireplace for awhile then I'll be back.

Oh, you asked about dog breeds. They are mostly mixed breed dogs which we pretty much call huskies, or sled dogs, as opposed to a breed such as Siberian Huskies. BUT, yep..there is always a but...There are people that train and race teams of Siberian Huskies and one of them was 4th place last time I looked. Otherwise the huskies as in sled dogs are bred from generations of dogs that have been used in the sport and are very valueable. In this case mix breed does not mean mutt.

Hey Seveen, thanks for stopping by. I didn't know if your warm blood woud be able to stand the pics. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] You should join Nylah and her brother and we needs to get Schultzie here too for a likkle rendevous in the snow next year! I have nuff warm clothes for you and Schultz too. truss mi. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70392-silly.gif[/img]

Hey Jamaica Miss, howz it goin! let's see..if you have 80 above today and I have 20 below I think that makes it 120 degrees colder here than in Jamaica today. Dyam that sounds cold, I think I better go to my sauna & fireplace now heheh. Come on back later I got some pics of some ice face for you! Lucky you I have never ridden on a dog sled but now I think I needs to make that a goal SOON.

OK, I needs to go have a rest before I continue. I bet the finishers are snoozin right about now too. Gawd can ya even imagine being out on the trail all night long in 20 below? Jason left his last checkpoint at some crazy time like 4am.

[wandaweberg]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

tap tappity tap tap

[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/yahoo.gif[/img]

[Nylah]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail


Nanook - I remember when I was younger my dad had a friend who bred these cross-breed Huskies and wolf dogs.

Although, I would run screamming in the other direction whenever one of them got to close [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] they were absolutely beautiful to look at. The biggest frikkin dogs I have ever seen. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/eek2.gif[/img] One of them in the house got to close when I wandered away from my dad one day, and the poor thing licked me just out of friendliness - I of course scared the dog half to death cause I freaked out cause I thought she was gonna eat me [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I digress though - my point is I remember the lady owner saying that she would sell them to ppl who did dog-racing in N.W.T..... given the wild nature in their blood from the wolf side, wouldnt that be a kinda counterproductive to have dogs like that on the team?

been meaning to ask this for awhile, cause it just struck me as odd. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70402-thinking.gif[/img]

[schultz]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Nylah, they do look like Husky/Wolf mixes. They look real strong too.

Ok, Nanook go rest your bones and warm up. I can't see the pics from work anyhow. When I get home tonight I'm gonna come back looking for your pictures.

Oh!! I'd love to come one year....keep that invitation open! Sure would be fun. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Empress_Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Nanook - I remember when I was younger my dad had a friend who bred these cross-breed Huskies and wolf dogs.

Although, I would run screamming in the other direction whenever one of them got to close [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] they were absolutely beautiful to look at. The biggest frikkin dogs I have ever seen. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/eek2.gif[/img] One of them in the house got to close when I wandered away from my dad one day, and the poor thing licked me just out of friendliness - I of course scared the dog half to death cause I freaked out cause I thought she was gonna eat me [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I digress though - my point is I remember the lady owner saying that she would sell them to ppl who did dog-racing in N.W.T..... given the wild nature in their blood from the wolf side, wouldnt that be a kinda counterproductive to have dogs like that on the team?

been meaning to ask this for awhile, cause it just struck me as odd. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70402-thinking.gif[/img] </div></div>

Sorry for my absenteeism. I haven't been neglecting you all I have been locked out of the board. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70394-bawlout.gif[/img]
I did not get my rest or my sauna either because right after I posted the power went out for a couple of hours. What happens when power goes out when it's below zero? HA! guess! Thank God I had a fireplace here to use for keepin doggies warm and the situation was only temporary. Boy will I ever sleep good tonight.

Gee Nylah, you raised some hard questions to answer since I do not raise sled dogs. However...I know quite a bit about dog breeding in general. Your post tells me now why you say you are somewhat afraid of dogs. yikes!

I had to google what you said because I have never heard of it. It seems it is/was a common practice by the Inuit. I still can't imagine it but I can't imagine a lot of things. I need to go back to some of those google links and read up and learn sumthin. wow.

Anyway, the dogs used in these races? I would be willing to bet...NO.

Ok, let's see if I can post. Wouldn't that be nice if I can finish!

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

What on earth could promt me to go out early in the morning when it is -21F below anymore now that I no longer work outside? Only one thing in the world and that is the finish of Beargrease! I mean, geeeeze...these mushers spend 3 days and 3 nights out on the trail no matter what is thrown at them and when I start to feel like it's too cold to go out for a few minutes to watch I feel wimpy. One thing I ain't..is a wimp. lol.

Ok, so I had to get up a lot earlier than usual for I have my own pack of dogs to tend to before I can go out the door. I did that first before I even thought about seeing if a vehicle would start. Wind chill -45F below. The first time I opened a door I said to myself..."NO WAY"! [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70400-talktohand.gif[/img] This is freekin nuts I can see it on TV! But TV ain't the same no matter how good your imagination is.

Dogs out, car started and warmed up and I was on my way. Oh..I think I have mentioned it was 30 above for the start on Monday. Tuesday was mid 30's and it rained. Wednesday the deep freeze hit and all that rain coated the roads and the trail too.

My drive to the finish was about 15 miles of this...

[Nylah]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nanook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Sorry for my absenteeism. I haven't been neglecting you all I have been locked out of the board. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70394-bawlout.gif[/img]
I did not get my rest or my sauna either because right after I posted the power went out for a couple of hours. What happens when power goes out when it's below zero? HA! guess! Thank God I had a fireplace here to use for keepin doggies warm and the situation was only temporary. Boy will I ever sleep good tonight.

</div></div>

you poor thing [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70459-hugs.gif[/img]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nanook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Your post tells me now why you say you are somewhat afraid of dogs. yikes! </div></div>

somewhat! [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/704555_dwl.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

yeah, it makes no sense that I am afraid of big dogs but want to come watch dog-sledding. Never said I had much sense [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] I just remember being fascinated by this lady who raise the cross-breeds for racing. She herself was really kool but those frikkin dogs were scary. It is nerve wracking when some 4-legged animal can almost look you in the eye when you are little kid! And it's those intense white/blue things staring back at you [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazy.gif[/img]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nanook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I had to google what you said because I have never heard of it. It seems it is/was a common practice by the Inuit. I still can't imagine it but I can't imagine a lot of things. I need to go back to some of those google links and read up and learn sumthin. wow.

Anyway, the dogs used in these races? I would be willing to bet...NO.

</div></div>

I didnt know about the Inuit part [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70402-thinking.gif[/img] makes sense now because I remember that she only sold the dogs to ppl up North. But like you said, I just cant imagine those dogs being used in dog-sledding. That's why I asked - I just cant picture it but she said she did. However, this was a very long time ago.

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Oh yeah and I forgot to mention how I fell on my keester the minute I stepped off the porch when I went to see if a vehicle would start. Loops if you're watching I will grab my cleats when I go home tomorrow! However it is so bad I almost wonder if they will help much!

I landed on my keester and my wrist. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70394-bawlout.gif[/img] yikes I can't be breakin anything more than what's broke already for Christs sake. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/dizzy.gif[/img] Thank God for large favors I was able to shake that one off, whew. Then I saw the road but by then it was too late I was in the "gotta go gotta go gotta get there now" mode and it was all I could do to keep the speed down while wondering if I would get there in time. Of course I knew I would get there in time especially when I crossed the first road crossing area and there were no sled runners in the snow. What a detective I am, lol. Thus is the life of a ex speed demon with tendencies.

I finally arrive at Billy's. Yaay. There are a few people milling around and it was hard to tell who were handlers and who were us race fans/onlookers because we were all dressed up warm and toasty.

I didn't bother to start asking questions outside, I figured someone inside would know answers so I headed there first. I have been to so many Beargrease finishes now and this is the first time I ever entered a building but it was nice and warm in there.

I sat at the bar and played with my camera the same way I did on Sunday taking manual shots with no flash for something to do after hearing it would be around 45 minutes. See, I KNEW I was going to be there on time so why so hard to drive slow! Oh yeah, cause I am a leadfoot that's why, lol...

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Very interesting stuff Nylah! I am definitely going to google the wolf hybrids and the Inuit it sounds fascinating. I gew up not afraid of dogs at all. I was attacked when I was around 7 or 8 by one big dog on my way home from church once and he tore a hole in my hip but I was still never afraid. I knew the dog and he had been hit by a car and went looney after that and one day he just broke loose and attacked me out of nowhere as I was walking by. I felt sorry for the dog. duh. I hopeless.

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail


I orderd a hot chocolate I was already plenty caffinated enough. To sit inside was hard just because I knew stuff was going on outside. I was also worried I was gonna kill my poor camera if I went out there but I couldn't help it I had to go and see whatta go on...

At the John Stetson & Jason Barrons trucks they were dragging snow to the side for the dogs with a blue toboggan and spreading it around. Stetson's truck told a story in itself..on Sunday it was bright and shiney.



That is Jason Barrons trailer by the two men with the shovel and blue tobaggon



One reason I love the finish? It is in the early morning during a weekeday so not so many people, just a perfect amount and all of us either serious fans, handlers, race officials, or media and I like it that way. It's intimate. Years ago the race was another hundred miles longer and the purse was way higher and all the greats would be here. I was at the finish one time in the middle of the night when Susan Butcher won and I got to meet her. She is my hero and that was one of the highlights of my life, ever.



The last 3 days weather is evident on Stetsons truck

[Nanook]

Re: From the Beargrease Trail

Alright I'm having good luck accessing the board I better strike while the iron is hot.

Standing outside waiting is always fun. I suppose that is because those of us that are there are serious fans. You'd have to be. I learned some great cold weather camera tips from a guy with a Nikon set up I would die for. No lie. After losing my camera last winter to this exact weather I was carrying it's replacement around inside my heavy down coat like it was a baby. This guy carries his biggie camera around no matter, outside. The trick is to wrap it up before bringing it inside and leave it wraped for a couple hours before touching it. There is no condensation in 20 below, nada. It made sense and all I could say to that is I wished I had known that a year ago before I wrecked a great expensive camera!

And then we got a 5 minute warning. Jason Barron was around the corner! And by the time we could find our spots for a shot...

Jason Barron 2008 Beargrease rookie and Champion....



I was happy for the cold weather and not having a big crowd, photo ops abound.

What's happening here is Jason is doing what every musher does when he comes in to the finish. Actually they do it on the trail too, and it is a testament to what this all means. The musher and the dogs are one team, not man and team. Each dog is lovingly tended to one by one and only those dogs know what kind of promises are whispered in their ears. Was it steak? I have actually heard that promise out loud at one finish! Jason would be the one in red and the veterinarian in green. All dogs are checked over by the veterinarian and they were all deemed in excellent shape. Yaay, what we want to hear, right?



The lead dogs are the most valueable dogs on the team.



Lotsa pets and lotsa checking out by the vet. Jason can be proud of his care of the dogs.



The leads again. I think they are tired and want food and rest. And who the heck are all these people anyway?



Dosen't whitey look proud!



Jason and his wife in the media frenzy




I MUST get these next two pictures to him and I will. Big ones too...



Is he happy or what?



Now it started to suck cause it was so cold. I so wanted to stay to see John Stetson come in 2nd since he is a native Duluthian but dyam it was just ridiculous out there so I did the next best thing. I went a little ways towards home and caught him about 5 minutes before the end...



Enneyways it was big fun and I can't believe it is over already it seems like just yesterday I was waiting for 2 years & I can hardly wait till next year...

sign up sheet, lol...

Nylah [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]
Nylah brother [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]
Schultz [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/desdentado.gif[/img]
Seveen [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cold.gif[/img]
who else???

I gots one more little diddy for morning but this is all of sittin here I can take tonite.