Okay, so it's been snowing like mad here over the past two days. We got about 5 inches from one storm - and then today we are supposed to get 7-11 inches. That's here where I live - which doesn't get snow all that often. Up in the mountains - it's getting dumped on.

So Tuesday I decided to go on a run here at the house. Yes, I was insane to do so - as there was truly only a good 4 inches of snow on the trail, and I had to set my snowhook in the mud. But hey, I was ready for an adventure.

My run went flawlessly. The dogs ran great, and we did a little 2 mile run. We got back home, I put the dogs away - and it kept snowing.

So at this point it snowed another inch or two - so I decided to go on a second run at dusk. I mounted the sled, pulled the hook, and we were off. Now at this point I was expecting the dogs to be a bit more tired, so I wasn't prepared for how fast we took the first corner. The sled tipped - and I was drug on the ground for about 10 feet. I was quick enough though, to jump back onto my feet - and upright the sled. I was doing the famous one hand hold for a while there and everything. lol

We get onto the trail - things are going fine, I was using the drag mat - then put it back up....and then I put my foot down a bit later to slow them down and WOOSH! My foot caught on the ground (since I had put up my drag mat), and I tripped. I regained my balance, and we were off again. Nothing too bad - but just something to lower my pride and confidence. :biggrin

As we continue down the trail we make a left, and do a small loop - come down a 45 degree angle hill for roughly a quarter mile - everything is great, and we make our way home. I decide to stop in a field to fix some twisted lines, bend down to fix a dog - and WOOSH! The dogs are gone. I lost my dog team for the very first time. Now for those that have lost a dog team - the following image is one of fright AND humor. It's almost humorous to see this terribly fast team speeding along the trail perfectly - with a little, lightweight sled tracking nicely behind the dogs. I quickly pursued the dogs in fear of a tangle, crash, etc...LUCKILY I was only a mile away from the house, so things were looking up.

I run for approximately a quarter mile (which isn't very far), and joyously find them at a Y in the trail - deciding where they should run next. I get onto the sled, catch my breath, and away we go - home.

The moral of this story is to NEVER let your guard down, and never underestimate the power of a sled dog team. Maybe I should have just stopped after the first perfect run - and let the dogs be.

:biggrin

P.S. As I sit here typing the snow is coming down fast - so wish me luck on tomorrows run!