After a long hiatus, we are back running the dogs here at Miortuk.
So much has happened here since last year, it is great to get that behind us and getting back to a normal Winter life.
With the arrival of Ophelie & Roman (a couple from France) on the 3rd of January to spend the next four months here as Handler/Trainees training the dogs commenced for another season.
They are very quick learners and a big help here for me!
The dogs are in their conditioning stage with slower runs to strengthen up their muscles after a long layoff. 
Blue my best athlete, breeder decided this year to retire from running at the age of 13.
I can't blame him as he has been a fantastic dog and the mainstay of my teams over the years.
He still looks like a puppy and is great health. Now is the time to enjoy the privileges of retirement.
Now is also a time to work with young Leaders.
The above video has Lance running Lead for the first time this season with his sister Lilly.
What a dynamic duo!
Lance had some experience last season, but this will be his full season of regular runs upfront. 
Lloyd (Lance's brother) will also get more Leader Training this season.
Before the season is over Levis (another brother, seen here at right Wheel) will be introduced to Lead. 
All of the "L" litter are Blues/Indigos puppies!
Until the next.......
​

Lots of sunny days and cool nights here at Miortuk.
All the leaves are off the trees for another year.
The squirrels are busy scurrying around preparing for Winter.
The Grey Jays and Blue Jays visit regularly for food joining me while I have a coffee break.
The Raven are here dayly seeing if there is any food left around from the dogs feeding. They turn over the dog dishes checking if there are any leftovers.
They come quite close to the dogs to check their areas for food and most of the dogs don't even bother with them. The exception is Saphir who temps them into here area and then chases them away.
It is a big game between her and the Raven.
The dogs are doing good and have been quite active digging holes in the soft ground.
That will soon change when the ground is frozen.
We have had a few days with snow flurries as a reminder hat Winter is just around the corner.
A rather peaceful time here at Miortuk.
​Until next.......

Apologies for the long delay in updating the life here at Miortuk.
Firstly, all the dogs are doing great and enjoying the change in temperatures with the arrival of Fall.
Unfortunately, we have not yet started the Fall Training due to lack of help. 
Since the Covid experience, I have personally found it difficult to get motivated to update life here in the forest.
Life here goes on really not influenced by the outside world.
Life in Nature continues without the pressures of the outside world, thankfully!
However, over a week ago, I suffered a little set back and an awakening that I am only mortal and not invincible.
Thanks to the quick action of Denis Tremblay, I was rushed to the Hospital in Joliette by Ambulance based out of the Manawan.
I would like to thank Denis, Phil Quadros and Rosalie Cerro for looking after the dogs while I was away.They did a great job and it was a great relief for me knowing they were well looked after. 
After a week in the hospital, I was able to return home to my Nature and my canine family.
I would like to acknowledge the great service of the Paramedics, the Doctors, Nurses and all the medical staff that made my return possible.
Life is always full of challenges and the unexpected!
What is important is how we rise to the occasion and overcome!
​Until next........

 

It has been over a month since the last posting.
Where has time gone!
First, the weather has been changing from hot/humid days, to some stormy conditions and the changes in September to more Fall like conditions.
The Birch trees leaves are turning colour and staring to fall, the Fire Weed the last week has turned to silk predicting the first snow to arrive in 6 weeks, the temperatures hot during the days and cold at night and the Sun very intense with outside temperatures in the mid 20's and the Sun on the thermometer reading 40.
The Humming Birds feeding more volume getting ready for their migration south.
Several maintenance works here for the chalet being finished: roofing at side entrance way, two new roof vents installed and insolation of septic lines from the chalet to the septic tank completed to prevent Winter freeze up.
​Over the next several weeks repairs to the dog houses and leveling of the kennel'
The dogs are looking great with shinny coats and increased weight/muscle and starting to get excited with the cooler nights with anticipate of another season running.
Some sad news with the death of Lance Mackey and Queen Elizabeth.
Two icones in their own right.
​Until next.......

Sturgeon Moon overlooking Lac Charland.
​Another life's beauties here at Miortuk.

 It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of Pippin.
Pippin was a loving, gentle soul that always gave me comfort on some of my darkest days. He would jump up on me and with those gentle eyes look into my eyes and give me comfort.
He said good bye to me in a dream on Tuesday morning marking his passing.
This has never happened to me before.
​We had a very close connection, especially after the passing of his neighbour and best friend Louis last year.
Pippin was never the same after, as he missed his buddy terribly and was lonely since his passing.
He passed away in his sleep facing the forest were Louis was buried.
It must have been a joyous reunion when they met again.
​Love you Pippin!

It as been almost a month since the last post.
As usual, the month of June is fly season here with an abondance of Black Flies and the arrival of Mosquitoes. Just this week,  the Dragan Flies have returned are busy eating the the Black Flies and Mosquitoes.
This past month has experienced some extremes in weather starting off with a long dry spell and ending with sever thunder storms, high winds and torrential rains with a few hot/humid days.
The sever weather also created a number of Hydro outages that all lasted several hours and one for over 12 hours.
These outages also cause a lack of communication to the internet and phone service (VOIP).
One living here has to be patient and know how to prepare for these interruptions.
All in all, that is what can be expected living in a remote environment.
The dogs are all doing great enjoying their vacation chasing Butterflies, digging holes and playing with their kennel mates.
This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with each of them daily.
They love their pets!!!
The new internet is working great since the conversion to Starlink!
Above, you see the first real quality Sunset seen here for several weeks.
Welcome Summer.
​Until the next........

Yes, it is that time of year again here at Miortuk with the return of spectacular sunsets.
A lot has happened here since the last post. 
The snow has all melted and the kennel is all nice and dry.
Although the area around us has experienced some sever storms, here at Miortuk we have been spared.
The dogs are all enjoying the change in weather here with joyful play and of coarse digging in the sandy conditions.
Oh, they love to dig!
The area is filled with the sounds of the returning birds and the night time serenades of the frogs.
This is time of year that planning for the future here takes place.
Still looking to confirm the applicants for the Handler/Trainee positions here for the coming season.
Hopefully all will be settled soon.
Switched Satellite Internet systems  from Xplornet to Starlink.
Faster speeds and unlimited data.
Very happy with the new system. 
​Until next.......

We all have challenges!
What is important is how we handle them and not let them stop us.
The above video is a perfect example, when you fall get back up and continue!
Stay positive and focussed!
​Until next.......

Here is a short clip of our last race before Covid.
Covid robed us of 2 years of racing excitement.
In this team were two rooky Leaders (Kira & Venus) plus two first time racing Yearlings (Louis & Lilly).
Unfortunately, in the last 12 months, both Louis and Kira passed away.
​Lilly has turned into our number one Leader here at Miortuk.
However, here you can feel the peace and solitude of running with a great team.
All the anticipation and adrenalin passes as you start the race and all focus is on your Team Mates and the trail.
A great memory!!!
Until next......