For those that how little I like to leave the confines of the Northern Forest, the last two weeks were daunting.
Two weeks ago, we had to go to Joliette to pickup 32/18 kg/ sacks of dry food from Dalphond Pet Supplies. This week on Wednesday a trip to the Vets for dogs vaccinations and check up. Saturday, another trip to Joliette for 35/55 lb/ blocks of frozen beef. All of these trips take a minimum of 4 hours for a round trip.
The weather wasn't to co-operative with warm/humid temperatures that were not conducive to training.
However, we did get in two days of running on Monday and Friday. Friday was the first time this season, we upped the mileage to a seven mile run.
Both teams handled the increased mileage with no problem.
This coming week looks like another week of unsettled weather with 40/50 ml. of rain from Sunday night through to Tuesday morning. This also to be accompanied with strong winds.
The life of a Dog Musher!
​Until next week........

Friday, we completed the third week of training for the 2017/18 season here at Miortuk.
Over this period, we have been able to compete 11 days of running with two teams of thirteen dogs teams per day. 
The above video is an excerpt from our last run on Friday with the A Team.
This season all the dogs are experienced and the runs to this point have been great. I am amazed how quickly they have got into shape both physically and as a team. 
Their performance now is the same as they finished last Spring (not the speed).
The weather here has been a little unsettled with some nice cold mornings and now for the next 5 days too warm to train.
It is important to get in as many training runs as possible now until we receive more consistent cold temperatures.
The last two weeks, we have had to run three days in a row.
The dogs handled it with no problem. They still receive 3 days rest through the week for recovery.
I have decided at this time in my life, I need to cut back on the number of dogs in my kennel.
For this reason, I have several dogs available to be re-homed. All these dogs are currently in training and there are dogs available that can run in Lead, Point, Team and Wheel.
​If interested contact me ASAP at miortuk@hotmail.com for more details and how I can fill your needs.
​Until next week.......

Why is it we always underestimate the ability of these amazing athletes!
After a four day layoff due to warm temperatures, training/conditioning returned on Wednesday.
I am so happy on how quickly the teams are running as a well coordinated units.
They are already running like the end of last season. The speed is the only difference, that is being kept down during this conditioning period to prevent injuries. This is a normal process here and it has resulted in injury free seasons in the past.
This is not the time to be racing in practice!
To quote Jim Welch," fast dogs will always be able to run fast". It is the mushers job to regulate the speed to the condition of the dogs!
Patience is very important when working with Sled Dogs!
The temperatures this week were only cold enough for running early in the morning on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
This forced us into running three days in a row. The dogs handled it without any problems. As a matter of fact all three runs were equal in performance!
These athletes always amaze me!
Now the dogs will have two days off before the next training run.
Three weeks ago, we started increasing the volume of feed as well as changing to higher fat mixture. 
I am very pleased with weight of the dogs with the exception of a couple that are hard to put weight on. Some are naturally slimmer do to their genetics.
​Until next week.......

 On October 2nd, the 2017/18 season started here at Miortuk.
It was a great starting week with 4 days of training running two teams a day.
It was amazing how quickly the teams picked up were they finished last Spring.
The teams after the first day were well co-ordinated units. 
The dogs are in great shape to start this season carrying a good weight and muscle tone. 
The first day was a little chaotic, as normal, with both the dogs and the humans out of sync.
The dogs were crazy to go making the harnessing and hook up more interesting.
Monday was Jack Trigg's first exposure to running dogs and he did very well.
By the end of the week, Jack looked like he had been doing this his whole life.
We started the season with 4.5 mile runs with appropriates speeds for their first runs around 15 to 16 mph with a couple of short rest stops through the run.
The dogs were not tired and still raring to go after the runs were over.
Great way to start a new season!
​Until next week........

Although the title does describe some Fall days here, it is not the norm. Mostly the days here are quite sunny with beautiful clear blue skies.
Since around the 1st of September until Thursday last week the temperatures here have been exceptionally hot and humid with little to no rain. The lack of rain has caused the lake levels to drop over 3 feet. 
However, now the temperatures have dropped to +single digits over night into the early morning and day time temps around the mid teens.
The days are getting shorter and the leaves are changing color. Soon the mountains around her will be full of Fall colors. 
Even though the temperatures were warm, the dogs are picking up on the climatic changes in the forest and are getting more excited every day knowing the running season is about to begin.
Also the geese have now been migrating South over here for the past week.
Today, Jack Trigg (from Australia) arrives this evening to start his 6 month stay here working with the dogs and enjoying life here in the Northern Forest.
Starting tomorrow morning, all chaos will break out in the kennel when the dogs go for their first run of the season.
NOW THE FUN BEGINS!
The dogs are looking great with nice shiny coats and a good weight to start the season. They are well muscled and very strong!
I am sure my body will suffer a few aches and pains getting used to working with the dogs.
These first couple of weeks is a conditioning time for both the canine athletes and the humans.
Last Sunday/Monday morning around 1.30 am , the dogs were going crazy. The next morning I discovered why! Bull Moose had come to visit the kennel, standing by the corner of the chalet, peering into the dog yard.
It seemed kind of funny as the hunting season had just opened on the Friday and while the hunters were deep in the forest, the moose was  here visiting.
Ah, the irony!
Until next week.......