This weekend was filled with new experiences (on top of all the unexpected surprises Covid-19 is tossing our way)

—> Megan and Annika planned a run, and then set up, hooked up and ran from the yard without Kristin

—> Kristin and 18 dogs took Jeana and Jeff to Spencer Glacier (more later!)

—> Puppies, Widget and Wrangell, did their first run in harness

Lessons Learned 03/15/2020

Megan (35 yo newbie musher)

Be aware of your surroundings for: snowmachines, people, loose dogs, etc
Drink more water while out on the trail — stay hydrated
Slow down (or stop) for poor poopers (dogs)
Double check (sled, gear, temperature, snow conditions, when is sunset, how far is run, etc)
Change out lead dogs, if you need to
Trust your dogs (they sometimes can see/feel trails when you can’t)
Look for familiar landmarks (groups of trees, mountains, arched trees, etc)

Annika (14 yo junior musher)

Make sure the snow machine sees you before continuing on with your dogs
Always have enough water for yourself to drink on the trail (… the dogs too!)
Check dog feet after (& during) the run
Always check the temperature (dog coats? dog booties? too warm? too cold?)
Always have fun
Trust your gut
Bring hand warmers and toe warmers (and know where they are in your self)

Preparing for a run by Annika and Megan

Do you have / need? Sled, quick release, snow hooks (1-2), gang line, neck lines, tug lines, back up tie off for sled, extra gang line section, extra neck lines and tug lines, 2 carabiners, water for humans and dogs, small white water buckets for dogs, snacks for humans, snacks for dogs, head lamp, GPS, extra clothes (gloves, hat, gaiter, hand warmers, toe warmers, etc), dog booties, dog coats?, emergency bag, bag to organize extra supplies in sled, sun glasses, goggles, cell phone (charged) , map?

Next lesson: Sled repair kit contents, Sled plastic, Emergency Bag contents