The Loon's Mushing Report

Yukon Quest starts, plus a whole lot more

2012-02-02T09:41:00.002-06:00

Starting Saturday, February 4 in Fairbanks:Yukon QuestFairbanks, Alaska – Whitehorse, YT14 dogs, 1,000 mileswww.yukonquest.comwww.yukonquest.com/site/race-updateswww.yukonquest.com/site/live-trackingwww.facebook.com/YukonQuestOn going – February 4IPSSSDRJackson, WyomingStage Race12 Dogs (30-70 miles)www.wyomingstagestop.orgFebruary 2 - 6FemundlopetRoros, Norway8 Dog (150 km); 12 Dog (600 km)

So Many Races!

2012-01-25T08:24:00.003-06:00

The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race starts this weekend in Wyoming; while the John Beargrease race in Minnesota has been canceled due to a lack of snow, a 'make-up' of sorts has been scheduled on the portion of trail that has snow. And Alaska races on!January 26-28Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog RaceJoseph, Oregon, USAD8 Dog (100 miles); 12 Dog (200 miles); 6 Dog (36 mile pot race)

A TON of Races Scheduled - A Lot Canceled

2012-01-19T15:49:00.005-06:00

Dates Grouped by CountryUNITED STATESJanuary 20 @font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Kuskokwim 300 Bogus Creek 150 Akiak Dash Bethel, Alaska 14, 10, 7 Dogs

Another Big Sled Dog Race Weekend

2012-01-12T09:51:00.004-06:00

Even if a few races are canceled due to a lack of snow, there are plenty to choose from, including the popular Copper Basin 300 in Alaska, various sprint races, and the on-going La Grande Odyssée stage race in the Alps.January 13-15Eagle Lake Sled Dog RacesEagle Lake, Maine8 Dog (30 miles); 12 Dog (100 miles)www.eaglelakesleddograces.comJanuary 14-17Copper Basin 300Glennallen, Alaska12 Dog

Sled Dog Races Start In Lower 48

2012-01-04T08:46:00.004-06:00

Big Weekend of Racing Coming UpJanuary 6Voyageurs Classic *CANCELLED *Northome, Minnesotawww.voyageursclassic.comJanuary 7Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race12 Dog Pro, 63 miles8 Dog Pro, 42 miles6 Dog Sportsman, 28 miles4 Dog Sportsman, 8 mile2-3 Dog Youth, 4 milesNewberry, Michiganwww.tcsdr.orgKnik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Sled Dog Race12 dog, 200 milesKnik Lake,

Gin Gin 200 Starts Today

2011-12-28T16:38:00.002-06:00

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Results from the first full weekend of racing

2011-12-20T06:51:00.004-06:00

Links to Results:Distance RacesSolstice 100 - Dew Claw Kennel sweeps, with Dan Kaduce in 1st and Jodi Bailey in 2nd!http://www.trdma.org/solstice100.htmSheep Mountain 150 - Jeff King slogs through unbroken trail to edge Aliy Zirklehttp://gomush.com/SheepMountain150.htmlStage RacesAlaska Excursions 120 - Blaine "Buddy" Streeper Takes 1st Placehttp://120.alaskaexcursions.com/race/results/2011Rodeo

Full Slate of Racing This Weekend

2011-12-16T09:12:00.011-06:00

Alaska Distance Racing starts, plus a whole lot more.December 15 - 17, 2011Rodeo Run 2011 www.westyellowstonesleddograces.com/RodeoRun12 dog, 8 dog, and 6 dog teams, along with a 4 dog Junior RaceWest Yellowstone, WYDecember 17, 2011CDMA Junior Points Race #3 www.chugiakdogmushers.comSprint: 1 Dog; 2 Dog; 3 Dog; 5 Dog; 7 Dog (Miles TBD)Beach Lake Trails - Chugiak, AlaskaMCDMA Points Race #4

December Arrives

2011-12-03T07:20:00.006-06:00

Now Need Snow! We had been running about once a week since mid-October. Several ten-mile runs, and one twelve. I was hoping to run the third annual Thanksgiving Day run, but didn’t get an early enough start. So after two weeks since the last run, I loaded all seven dogs, including Alice, and drove to the trail head. Temps were in the low 20’s as we headed out. I paired Alice up with Logan, as

Mushing Race Sesson Begins!

2011-12-01T18:24:00.002-06:00

In Alaska, the Montana Creek Dog Mushers Association is hoping to kick off their sprint season this weekend. According to their website, "The trail is in decent, but not perfect, early season shape...the chances for racing two days are very positive."In Wisconsin, the Can't Depend on Snow annual benefit event also takes place this weekend.Stay tuned, as things begin to heat up in the mushing

The Beauty of Fall Training

2011-10-29T08:55:00.007-05:00

More Reasons We Run DogsWith temps in the 20's, it was a perfect day to run the dogs.After quickly hooking up, we set off through the beautiful Iowa Autumn woods.Wildlife was plentiful, as we saw several deer, plus a kamikaze squirrel that darted across the trail a couple of feet in front of a speeding dog team! I slammed on the brakes to keep Maggie on the trail, then instantly commanded "On by!

Freeze Warning!

2011-10-21T13:27:00.006-05:00

Cold morning = good runCool sunriseWith temperatures in the upper 20's, it was a good morning to run the dogs.Ellen: "Please, sir, may I have a run?"Hooked up with Maggie in lead with Ellen, followed by Browning, then Nick, then Logan and Nucky. Down the field, across the waterway and into the woods. Maggie did pretty good, although she wanted to check out a couple of things off the trail."Take

Training Run Part Deux

2011-10-16T13:56:00.010-05:00

Sunday morning was cool, in the mid-forties. After the “interesting” training run the other day mushingloon.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-training-has-begun, it was time for the 2nd try. I really needed it to be successful and fun for all – including me! After morning chores and coffee, it was time to load up. Oh no, I hadn’t gotten gas the day before, and my truck was on fumes. Another 15

FALL TRAINING HAS BEGUN!

2011-10-14T13:13:00.021-05:00

IS THAT FOR TRAINING THE DOGS OR THE MUSHER?Finally, after 6 months of waiting, and several weeks of teasing weather, we have a cool morning and all my gear is in place. Oh, those words I've longed to say:"Time to run the dogs!!!!"StagingLast season, I had four dogs and a puppy. With two additional dogs, plus the pup being a year-and-a-half, I am ready to run seven dogs. Should be interesting!

Iditarod '11 Update 18- Final Standings

2011-03-20T16:55:00.003-05:00

The race is officially over.The 2011 Iditarod race is over, with Ellen Halverson finishing last to take the Red Lantern. It’s her 2nd in as many attempts.Official Standings1. John Baker (53)2. Ramey Smyth (30)3. Hans Gatt (23)4. Dallas Seavey (21)5. Hugh Neff (35)6. Sebastian Schnuelle (31)7. Ray Redington Jr (3)8. Peter Kaiser (54)9. Ken Anderson (4)10. Jessie Royer (58)11. Aliy Zirkle (18)12.

Iditarod '11 Update 17 - Still Running

2011-03-18T10:08:00.001-05:00

Teams are still moving down the trail, heading to Nome.Rookie Magnus Kaltenbrn is under the burled arch. Cain Carter and Justin Savidis are both out of White Mountain. Scott Janssen and Angie Taggart are in Elim.Red Lantern Ellen Halverson is off the ice and into Koyuk.Unofficial Standings as of 7am ET (Based on Trackers and Standings)In Nome1. John Baker (53)2. Ramey Smyth (30)3. Hans Gatt (23)4

Iditarod '11 Update 16 - MUSHING HISTORY MADE TODAY

2011-03-17T19:46:00.000-05:00

ROOKIE MUSHER MAKES HISTORY First Rookie To Complete The Yukon Quest And Iditarod In Same YearALASKA (March 17, 2011) – After more than two thousand miles and 24 days behind a dog team, Jodi Bailey has set a new mushing record – she becomes the first musher to successfully run both long-distance sled dog races, the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod, in the same year, as a rookie.There are numerous

Iditarod '11 Update 15 - They Keep Coming In

2011-03-17T05:50:00.001-05:00

Half the field has passed under the burled arch.As the teams keep coming in, rookie Nicolas Petit left White Mountain over 5 hours ahead of Kelly Maixner, with Rookie of the Year seemingly locked up.Jodi Bailey is taking her final 8 hour rest, she is 77 miles away from making history by being the only musher to complete BOTH the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod in the same year as a rookie.Magnus

Iditarod '11 Update 14 - Top Ten Is In

2011-03-16T05:58:00.001-05:00

Top 10 Teams Are In NomeJohn Baker set a new record by winning the 2011 Iditarod in 8 days 19 hours 46 minutes 39 secs.Ramey Smyth also finished in record time but couldn’t catch him. John is the first Inupiaq to win, the first Native since 1976. He was greeted with Native drumming and singing as he came down Front Street.Hans Gatt came in 3rd, followed by Dallas Seavey, Hugh Neff, Sebastian

Iditarod '11 Update 13 - Champion John Baker

2011-03-15T13:23:00.001-05:00

John Baker wins the 2011 Iditarod in a record-setting time of 8 days, 18 hours, 46 minutes and 39 seconds.

Iditarod '11 Update 12 - Sprint To History

2011-03-15T06:01:00.001-05:00

77 miles to historyIt’s a sprint race to Nome! John Baker left White Mountain exactly 50 minutes before Ramey Smyth. Ramey has always made the run faster than John. We should have a winner around 12 Noon Eastern Time.Hans looks comfortably in position to take 3rd, followed by Dallas, Hugh and Sebastian.In the Rookie Race, Nicolas Petit is in and out of Shaktoolik, with Kelly Maixner a couple of

Iditarod '11 Update 10 - The Final Stop

2011-03-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

John Baker was the first team into White Mountain at 4:03pm local time, followed by Ramey Smyth at 4:54, for a difference of 51 minutes. In 2010, John made it from White Mountain to Nome in 9:49, Ramey 9:09, 40 minutes faster. In 2009 John did it in 10:51, Ramey 9:08, 1:43.So it is certainly possible…

Iditarod '11 Update 9 - Off the Ice

2011-03-14T06:01:00.001-05:00

Leaders Off the IceJohn Baker was the first team across the frozen Norton Bay into Koyuk, traveling faster than the next 2 teams in, Hans and Ramey. Sebastian is in, Hugh and Dallas momentarily.In the Rookie Race, Nicolas Petit is in out of Kaltag, followed by Kelly Maixner 2 hours later. Mike Santos is in Kaltag, with Jodi Bailey, Magnus Kaltenbrn and Justin Savidis on the way. Cain Carter is in

Iditarod '11 Update 8 - Sunday morning at the coast

2011-03-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

It is Sunday morning, and the race leaders are to the Bearing Sea Coast.John Baker has reach the coastal village of Unalakleet, putting himself in great shape, as he is from the coastal area and trains his dogs in the windy and cold conditions.Ramey Smyth is nearly there, followed by Hans, Sebastian and Hugh. The rest of the front runners are all off the Yukon and out of Kaltag.In the Rookie

Iditarod '11 Update 7 - The Race Towards the Yukon

2011-03-11T05:50:00.004-06:00

It’s always the big names.Sebastian Schnuelle rested on the way in to Iditarod, was the first through the checkpoint, and stopped on the way to Shageluk.Hugh Neff is the first to Shageluk, John Baker is nearly there, followed by Hans, Lance, Martin, Ray and Mike Williams.In the Rookie Race, Nicolas Petit and Mike Santos are in Iditarod, with Justin Savidis, Kelly Maixner, Magnus Kaltenbrn, Jodi

Iditarod '11 Update 6 - In Iditarod

2011-03-10T12:39:00.003-06:00

Trent Herbst and Kelley Griffin have reached the halfway point to the ghost town of Iditarod, with Trent winning the GCI Dorothy Page Halfway Award . Cim Smyth is nearly there. The trio will likely take their 24 there.Martin Buser is the furthest down the trail AFTER taking his 24, and so should soon be the “leader”. However, after this years’ Yukon Quest, we should all know that “It isn’t over ‘

Iditarod '11 Update 5 - Who's In First?

2011-03-09T19:06:00.001-06:00

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Robert Nelson, Trent Herbst, Cim Smyth and Kelley Griffin are technically in the front positions at Ophir, however, when

Iditarod '11 Update 4 - When to 24?

2011-03-09T06:16:00.001-06:00

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; } The top third of the field is in Takotna. Martin Buser, who also won

Iditarod '11 Update 3 - To the Farewell Burn

2011-03-08T06:09:00.001-06:00

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; } The front runners are on their way to Nikolai from Rohn. Hugh, Lance,

Iditarod '11 Update 2 - Up the Pass

2011-03-07T12:52:00.004-06:00

Front-runners are parked at the Rainy Pass checkpoint@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Lance, Ray, Hugh, Sebastian and Paul are all stopped at mile 136.

Iditarod '11 Update 1 - First 12 Hours

2011-03-07T05:53:00.002-06:00

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; } 12 hours into the race, the front-runners have blown through the first

Iditarod 2011 Starting Lineup

2011-03-06T13:38:00.002-06:00

The field is set for the 2011 Iditarod. The Actual race starts today in Willow, Alaska, with the re-start.The field includes Honary musher wearing bib #1 - former KNOM general manager Tom Busch, who died in November at age 65. Busch’s wife Florence will wear the honorary No. 1 bib and ride in the sled of Junior Iditarod champ Jeremiah Klejka during the ceremonial start in Anchorage.Starting

IDITAROD HISTORY IN THE MAKING

2011-03-03T13:56:00.000-06:00

Yukon Quest Update #21

2011-02-19T10:11:00.001-06:00

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Yukon Quest Update #20

2011-02-18T05:40:00.001-06:00

Almost Over@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul {

Yukon Quest Update #19

2011-02-17T22:26:00.000-06:00

10:03 ET Yukon Quest - Official Site: Rookie Jodi Bailey rounds the corner to big applause. She and the team arrive with tails wagging.

Yukon Quest Update #18

2011-02-17T05:46:00.002-06:00

Winding Down @font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul

Yukon Quest Update #17

2011-02-16T05:46:00.002-06:00

Yukon Quest Update #16

2011-02-15T16:49:00.003-06:00

Race On!Dallas Seavey left the mandatory 8 hour stop at Two Rivers, with Ken Anderson leaving 13 minutes behind, for the 75 mile race to the finish. Sebastian will leave a half-hour later. Hard to predict, but it could take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours to get to Fairbanks.Kelley is on the trail out of 101, with Allen still resting there.Jodi and Dave are out of Circle, heading towards the overflow

Yukon Quest Update #15

2011-02-15T05:57:00.001-06:00

Yukon Quest Update #14

2011-02-14T15:55:00.003-06:00

What a Race!@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul

Yukon Quest Update #13

2011-02-14T05:47:00.002-06:00

Monday Morning Cold@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom:

Yukon Quest Update #12

2011-02-13T07:41:00.001-06:00

Sunday Morning Report@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom:

Yukon Quest Update #11

2011-02-12T09:18:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in;

Yukon Quest Update #10

2011-02-11T20:56:00.002-06:00

Friday Night HighlightsHugh is stopped partway to Slavin’s Roadhouse. In Eagle, the next 6 mushers rest, who will make a break first?Dan is approaching the American Summit, followed by Kelley and Josh.Jodi, Mike and Davie are camped outside the 40 Mile checkpoint, with Johannes Rygh on the way.Clint Warnke left Dawson but returned, is waiting to decide whether or not to leave with the next group

Yukon Quest Update #9

2011-02-11T08:56:00.003-06:00

Huge Lead for Hugh!Hugh Neff arrived at Eagle for his mandatory 4 hour stop. According to the Yukon Quest - Official Site , he said the wind coming over the American Summit was "wicked." Hans Gatt is stopped about 20 miles out, below the summit - he had been moving slowly through the storm. The group off the Yukon River and heading up towards the American Summit are all facing snow and wind,

Yukon Quest Update #8

2011-02-10T09:36:00.002-06:00

The Race Is On!The front-runners are hitting the trail as their mandatory 36 hour rest in Dawson City ends. Hugh Neff left at 3:35am (local time), with Hans Gatt following nearly 3 hours later.Five mushers in the back are all on their way to Dawson. Michelle Phillips scratched, she was down to 8 dogs and is planning to run the Iditarod, so she decided it was in the best interest of the

Yukon Quest Update #7

2011-02-09T13:27:00.002-06:00

Jodi Bailey Arrives in Dawson CityRookie Jodi Bailey, who is attempting to become the first musher to complete BOTH the Yukon Quest and Iditarod as a rookie in the same year, has arrived in Dawson City for the mandatory 36-hour layover. I'm sure it was a nice reunion with her husband, Dan Kaduce, who arrived in 9th place. @font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family

Yukon Quest Update #6

2011-02-09T05:34:00.003-06:00

Leaders In Dawson City For 36 Hour BreakHugh Neff first in, followed an hour later by Hans Gatt. In Dawson, handlers are allowed to take care of the dogs, and the mushers can eat and sleep in a bed.Standings as of 6:30am ET@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal

Yukon Quest Update #5

2011-02-08T05:37:00.003-06:00

Scroggie CreekDeciphering the Quest website official standings and the trackers, both which have suspect readings, it appears Brent Sass is out of Scroggie Creek checkpoint.Hugh and Hans are in Scroggie (radio report) and the trackers show Ken and Wade are in as well.Possible standings and positions:@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@

Yukon Quest Update #4

2011-02-07T13:24:00.003-06:00

Hugh and Brent Leapfrogging Each OtherOfficial standings have Brent ahead of Hugh at the Stepping Stone stop, but it appears that Hugh has passed him.@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman

Yukon Quest Update #3

2011-02-07T05:33:00.003-06:00

Leaders Into Pelly CrossingHugh Neff arrives about an hour before Hans Gatt. They were followed by Ken Anderson and Wade Marrs (R). @font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }

Yukon Quest Update #2

2011-02-06T15:41:00.002-06:00

Top Five Into CarmacksHugh NeffWade Marrs (R)Hans GattKen AndersonKelley Griffin

Yukon Quest Update #1

2011-02-06T08:20:00.003-06:00

Hugh Neff Leads EarlyHugh Neff is out in front of the rest of the field, after resting for less than 5 hours at the Braeburn Checkpoint.Rookie Wade Marrs is next, followed by Sebastian Schnuelle, Brent Sass and Ken Anderson.

Mushing History In The Making

2011-02-01T16:50:00.000-06:00

Jodi Bailey Is First Rookie To Attempt Both Thousand-Mile Sled Dog Races In Same YearALASKA (January 31, 2011) - Running a thousand-mile sled dog race is hard work. Running two of them in the same year is extremely wearing. Attempting them both as a rookie? You better be prepared to be cold, hungry and tired. Jodi Bailey knows all about that. “Two days of being blown off the highway… and it was

The New Trail

2010-11-01T19:15:00.013-05:00

We've only ran the trail loop around my farm this season. A couple of loops would give us two to three miles. It was time to find a new route.There is a long 'rails-to-trails' path that is 50 miles long, between two major cites, and passes by about 20 miles from home. Last Saturday, I decided to check it out.This portion runs down and along the river. High winds had knocked down several trees

Fall Training 2010 Report

2010-10-06T16:10:00.006-05:00

The Season Has Begun!Fall training has started at Mushing Loon Kennels. We have several short runs under our belts, as the weather has allowed. Still running the mile loops around the farm, but we hope to get out and travel a bit real soon.The dog boxes are now completed. For this morning's run, I decided to load the dogs for the short, 100 foot drive across the farm. Everyone understood the

Iditarod Update #26 - Dan Kaduce Rookie of the Year

2010-03-18T05:38:00.001-05:00

Dan Kaduce is the 2010 Iditarod Rookie of the Year.Teams keep crossing under the burled arch.OFFICIAL STANDINGS as of 6:30am ETFINISHED1. Lance Mackey (49)2. Hans Gatt (20)3. Jeff King (15)4. Ken Anderson (51)5. John Baker (8)6. Ramey Smyth (21)7. Sebastian Schnuelle (35)8. Dallas Seavey (41)9. Hugh Neff (56)10. Mitch Seavey (19)11. Ray Redington Jr (9)12. Zack Steer (47)13. Gerry Willomitzer (55

Iditarod Update #25 - Top Ten Nearly Decided

2010-03-17T05:25:00.003-05:00

Mitch Seavey looks to finish 10th, just ahead of Ray Redington Jr.Rookie Dan Kaduce is in White Mountain with a substantial lead over the other rookies.OFFICIAL STANDINGS as of 6:30am ETFINISHED1. Lance Mackey (49)2. Hans Gatt (20)3. Jeff King (15)4. Ken Anderson (51)5. John Baker (8)6. Ramey Smyth (21)7. Sebastian Schnuelle (35)8. Dallas Seavey (41)9. Hugh Neff (56)ON THE TRAIL10. Mitch Seavey (

Idiarod Update 24 - Lance Mackey, Champion!

2010-03-16T18:03:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Lance Mackey, the 2010 Idotarod Champion!Record setting 4 years in a row.

Iditarod Update #23 - Almost Nome

2010-03-16T15:00:00.001-05:00

Lance passed through the Safety checkpoint at 11:41 Alaska time. 22 miles to HISTORY!!!!!!!

Iditarod Update #22 - The Road To Nome

2010-03-16T11:58:00.002-05:00

Lance is maintaining his speed at or around the speed of Hans. Jeff is running nearly the same speed. Lance is 40 miles from becoming the only musher to win the Iditarod 4 years in a row.Ken Anderson will leave White Mountain just over an hour ahead of John Baker and 2 hours ahead of Hugh Neff in the race for 4th. Ramey Smyth, holder of the fastest time from Whote Mountain to Nome, will leave

Iditarod Update #21 - Final Break

2010-03-16T05:40:00.002-05:00

Lance is finishing his 8 hour stop in White MountainLance arrived at the final mandatory stop 2 hours ahead of Hans Gatt, who was followed 30 mins later by Jeff King. Barring trouble, Lance should finish 3-4PM Alaska time (7-8PM ET).Dan Kaduce has a 4 hour lead over Michael Williams, Jr for the Rookie of the Year race as he approaches Koyuk.

Iditarod Update #20 - Mackey Maintains Lead

2010-03-15T20:04:00.002-05:00

Lance Mackey maintains his first place by nearly 2 hours, at 12 miles in front of 2nd place team Hans Gatt, who passed Jeff King in Elim. Jeff left after an hour and 15 minutes. Hans is moving almost one mile per hour faster than Lance, the rest times will be the difference.Ken Anderson, Hugh Neff and John Baker are racing within an hour and 15 minutes of each other.

Iditarod Update #19 - Lance On the Home Stretch

2010-03-15T17:14:00.002-05:00

Lance Mackey just blew through Elim, he's now less than 46 miles to the mandatory 8 hour rest in White Mountain.Jeff King continues to hold his slim 2nd place over Hans Gatt. Ken Anderson and Hugh Neff are fighting for 4th place.Rookie Dan Kaduce left Unalakleet nearly 3 hours before the next rookie, Michael Williams, Jr.Rookie Emil Churchin scratched. Rookie Hank Debruin is the only team not

Iditarod Update #18 - King Follows Mackey

2010-03-15T11:54:00.001-05:00

Jeff King leaves Koyuk 2 hours behind race leader Lance Mackey. At this point, it is doubtful anyone else has a chance at the win, unless something big were to happen at the front.

Rivals

2010-03-15T11:18:00.001-05:00

Notes about the Mackey - King Rivalry from Kyle Hopkins - adn.com:While Mackey said the rivalry between them isn't personal, he also said the two champions have traded verbal barbs at checkpoints over the past few years and that King made "a nice smart comment" to him this year in Ruby.“We do it to each other. We jab each other and make the other one think about the other one for the next day or

Iditarod Update #17 - CORRECTION!!!!!!

2010-03-15T09:11:00.003-05:00

The GPS standings and miles are incorrect, due to the path of the trail. LANCE WAS FIRST INTO KOYUK! He led Jeff by about an hour an 15 mins.OFFICIAL STANDINGS as of 10:20ET1. Lance Mackey (49)2. Jeff King (15)3. Hans Gatt (20)4. Hugh Neff (56)5. Ken Anderson (51)6. John Baker (8)7. Mitch Seavey (19)8. Ramey Smyth (21)9. Sebastian Schnuelle (35)10. Aliy Zirkle (50)11. Dallas Seavey (41)12. Ray

Iditarod Update #16 - Swapping the Lead

2010-03-15T05:28:00.002-05:00

King Out in Front Past KoyukAccording to the GPS, Jeff King has a 6 mile Lead over Lance Mackey. The Official Standings show that Lance led Jeff by an hour out of Shaktoolik across Norton Bay, Hans 90 mins later.Dan Kaduce haad a 3 hour lead out of Kaltag over Michelle Phillips and Michael Williams, Jr. In the back, Emil Churchin is heading towards Cripple, the rest are in Ruby and beyond.

Iditarod Update #15 - Moving On

2010-03-14T18:01:00.001-05:00

Lance is out of Unalakleet after a 6 hour rest. Jeff left 30 mins later, after less than 4 hours rest.

Iditarod Update #14 - Lance First To Coast

2010-03-14T12:08:00.003-05:00

Mackey Arrives in Unalakleet 3 hours before KingLance Mackey gambled to take the lead by blowing through Kaltag and getting out in front of Jeff King. His gamble won him the Gold Coast Award for being the first team to the Bearing Sea Coast town of Unalakleet. Jeff King arrived 3 hours later. Hugh Neff and Hans Gatt arrived around an hour later.The back of the pack are all out of Cripple, wiht

Iditarod Update #13 - Lance Leads

2010-03-13T21:31:00.002-06:00

Mackey blows through Kaltag into 1stNot long after Jeff King arrived first in Kaltag, Lance Mackey blew through and into the lead. Shortly after, Hugh Neff pulled in to rest. A couple hours later, Hans Gatt blew through the check point give chase to Lance. After resting for nearly 4 hours, Jeff leaves, followed by Hugh and then Mitch Seavey. John Baker, Sonny Lindner and Ken Anderson are in to

Iditarod Update #12 - Race Along the River

2010-03-13T05:53:00.003-06:00

King is out front - Mackey and Neff chasingJeff King left Ruby an hour and a half ahead of Lance Mackey and Hugh Neff. Mitch Seavey and Hans Gatt left about 3 hours behind Jeff. This is the time to look for a move by someone, cutting rest or running long, to try to move out in front.

Iditarod Update #11 - The King Moves

2010-03-12T14:45:00.003-06:00

Leaders taking mandatory Yukon River 8 hours of rest at RubyJeff King is moving out of Ruby, after taking 8 hours of rest there. That allows him to take as much or as little rest as he wishes the rest of the race. And that gives him an 8-hour lead over all the teams that have yet to take their 8! Lance and Hugh are nearly an hour and a half behind him and will give chase as soon as they can.

Iditarod Update #10 - Game On!

2010-03-12T09:02:00.002-06:00

Race standings start to take shape as teams complete their 24sAs expected, Jeff King shot into first place, as he passed the former race leaders while they are on their 24 hour breaks in Cripple. At this point Jeff, Lance, Hugh and Mitch are all resting in Ruby. The next 20 or so teams are on their way. The next day or so will really put the race into perspective, as far as who has a

2010-03-11T16:19:00.000-06:00

Jeff King arrived in Cripple 2 and a half hours faster than Dallas Seavey and 7 and a half hours faster than John Baker! Expect those who already took their 24 to blow through Cripple into the lead.Linwood Fiedler scratches in McGrath with 11 dogs.

Iditarod Update #9 - Strategies In Action

2010-03-11T05:16:00.003-06:00

Moves are being madeDallas Seavey and John Baker have arrived in Cripple, the halfway point, with Dallas winning the GCI Dorothy Page Halfway Award. They have pushed the pace hard, arrivng within 10 minutes of each other, around 1:30am local time. Martin Buser arrived 5:00am. Those three have yet to take their 24 hour breaks.Jeff King, Hugh Neff, Sebastian Schnuelle, Mitch Seavey and Sven

Iditarod Update #8 - Scratch Report

2010-03-10T09:53:00.002-06:00

Here are the stories of the 5 scratches so far this year. Information gleaned from iditarodblogs.com, alaskadispatch.com, and.com and Jon Little at drtims.com/blog, among others.Kirk Barnum left Finger Lake with 12 dogs so he could scratch at Rainy Pass, where he had enough food to hold out until the weather cleared. He didn’t want to push his team too hard attempting to get to Nome with so few

Iditarod Update #7 - Hans Makes His Move

2010-03-10T05:18:00.003-06:00

Yukon Quest Champion leads out of TakotnaJeff King was first into the checkpoint, followed by Mitch Seavey, Hans, John Baker, Sebastian and Hugh Neff. The rest of the top twenty are on their way.24 hour layovers will start, and the standings will really start to shake out.Michelle Phillips is leading the rookie race, with the top 7 within 16 places of each other.25. Michelle Phillips (36) {R}31

Iditarod Update #6 - Sebastian First to Nikolai

2010-03-09T13:01:00.003-06:00

Sebastian Schnuelle blazes the trail across the Farewell BurnMitch Seavey, John Baker, Jeff King & Hugh Neff are close behind.The next group includes Hans Gatt, Lance Mackey, Gerry Willomitzer & Aliy Zirkle. In fact, the top 34 teams are on the trail out of Rohn. It is STILL anyone's race!Kirk Barnum has reportedly scratched at Rainy Pass, although the Official Standings don't reflect that.

Iditarod Update #5 - Leaders are out of Rohn

2010-03-09T05:17:00.003-06:00

At 6:30am ET, the first 6 teams are out of the Rohn checkpoint, about to take on the Burn.Sebastian Schnuelle has about a 5 mile lead over Hugh Neff, who has passed Paul Gebhardt for 2nd. It's still early, and things will come into focus as the teams take their 24s.William "Middie" Johnson is the first rookie, with Michelle Phillips next.The back of the pack are all out of Finger Lake, with no

Iditarod Update #4 - Heading to Rohn

2010-03-08T14:26:00.006-06:00

The leaders are exiting the Dalzell Gorge approaching RohnThe top 10 teams are all within 15 miles of each other.A couple of the GPS units are not working.Top Ten based on GPS:1. Sebastian Schnuelle (35)2. John Baker (8)3. Ray Redington Jr (9)4. Zack Steer (47)5. Paul Gebhardt (7)6. Hugh Neff (56)7. Mitch Seavey (19)8. Warren Palfrey (27)9. Hans Gatt (20)10. Jeff King (15)Top Rookies:12. William

Iditarod Update #3 - Seb Out Front

2010-03-08T09:27:00.002-06:00

Sebastian Schnuelle In Front of the PackSebastian is leading the way to the Rainy Pass checkpoint. Paul Gebhardt is hot on his tail out of Finger Lake.

Iditarod Update #2 - First morning

2010-03-07T18:17:00.002-06:00

The early pace is fast.It should be no surprise that Paul Gebhardt and Hans Gatt are moving fast out of the gate, as they are known for their speed. And Aliy Zirkle has moved way up in the standings, starting 49th and now in 2nd place. And Sebastian Schnuelle, who preaches starting slow, has moved from 34 to 4th place, on the move out of Skwentna. Linwood Fiedler, who was the first musher on

Iditarod Update #1 - Starting Lineup

2010-03-05T13:45:00.005-06:00

The starting order is set for the field of 71 mushers, including 22 Rookies {R}.The bib numbers start at (2), with #1 reserved for an honorary musher.2010 Iditarod Starting Order 1 Linwood Fiedler (2)2 Cim Smyth (3)3 Wattie McDonald (4) {R}4 Zoya DeNure (5)5 Jessie Royer (6)6 Paul Gebhardt (7)7 John Baker (8)8 Ray Redington Jr (9)9 Justin Savidis (10) {R}10 Blake Freking (11)11 Matt

I’m a REAL musher now.

2010-02-27T15:07:00.013-06:00

"When the cop asked if I knew what I was doing, I didn’t have an answer."It was a nice, sunny, 27 degree day. I was replacing some chains on the new dogs’ pickets. I figured that I would do stuff with them on Saturday as a bonding exercise, then Sunday run them if I thought they were ready. I hooked Ellen and Browning to the drop chains on the truck, and they thought we were going for a run.

Mushing Loon Kennels Grows from 2 to 5 Dogs!

2010-02-24T11:34:00.009-06:00

In the previous post, I detailed our trip to the U.P. 200 Sled Dog races. As I mentioned, we brought home a puppy and two more sled dogs.My friend and mentor Shannon Miller raised this beauty Maggie. She was born January 2nd, just missing Daddy's birthday!Awe - so cute!Mommy loves her baby!Mags giving Daddy a kissThe cats keeping an eye on the evil doggy...Oh yes, she's fierce!While there, we

Trip to U.P. 200 Dog Races

2010-02-24T09:47:00.013-06:00

Angie and & went to Marquette, Michigan this past weekend to attend the UP 200 sled dog races. We left early Friday morning for the 9-hour drive, plus the time zone change. From Madison to Green Bay, it was basically solid town all the way. Boring and similar. After we got north of Green Bay, the scenery started to change, getting thicker with woods the farther north we went. We had a great

Yukon Quest 2/18/10

2010-02-18T08:41:00.001-06:00

Race is winding downOnly 6 mushers left on the trail. Terry Williams scratched at Carmacks, no report as to why at this time.A 30-minute penalty was given to Jennifer Raffaeli for getting outside assistance in installing runner plastic.OFFICIAL STANDINGS:Finshers:1 Hans Gatt (13)2 Lance Mackey (11)3 Hugh Neff (23)4 Zack Steer (2)5 Ken Anderson (17)6 Sonny Lindner (20)7 Joshua Cadzow (21) {

Yukon Quest 2/17/10

2010-02-17T08:45:00.002-06:00

Heading Towards the FinishThere are still 11 teams on the trail at this time. There have been no more teams to scratch.Sources report that Cindy Barrand received a 30 minute penalty for outside assistance wiht a broken brake. Still awaiting an official statement.OFFICIAL STANDINGS:Finshers:1 Hans Gatt (13)2 Lance Mackey (11)3 Hugh Neff (23)4 Zack Steer (2)5 Ken Anderson (17)6 Sonny Lindner (20)

Josh Cadzow Wins Rookie of the Year

2010-02-16T17:22:00.004-06:00

Twenty-two year old native musher Josh Cadzow, from Fort Yukon, Alaska is first rookie to arrive at Whitehorse.No further scratches. Remaining teams are all moving towards the finish.OFFICIAL STANDINGS:Finshers:1 Hans Gatt (13)2 Lance Mackey (11)3 Hugh Neff (23)4 Zack Steer (2)5 Ken Anderson (17)6 Sonny Lindner (20)7 Joshua Cadzow (21) {R}Still on the trail:8 Brent Sass (12)9 Abbie West (1) {R}

Yukon Quest 2/16/10

2010-02-16T08:00:00.003-06:00

Top Five Has Been Decided - Rookie of the Year is NextAfter Hans Gatt record-setting win, Lance Mackey came in 2nd, with Hugh Neff in 3rd. In an exciting finish, Zack Steer takes 4th place by 3 minutes over Ken Anderson.In the Rookie of the Year race, Josh Cadzow holds a slim one-hour lead over Abbie West, coming out of Braeburn.No other scratches at this time, the back of the pack is out

Hans Gatt Winner of the 2010 Yukon Quest!

2010-02-15T15:29:00.002-06:00

Appears that Lance and Hugh are still racing for 2nd.

Yukon Quest Leaders nearing the Finish

2010-02-15T13:38:00.001-06:00

The Official Yukon Quest site reports that 17 miles from the finish, Hans has a 9 mile lead on Lance.

Yukon Quest Day 2/15/10

2010-02-15T08:16:00.002-06:00

Sprint to the Finish!The winner should be decided later this afternoon. After their mandatory 8 hour break at Braeburn, the leaders took off early Monday morning on the final 100 mile leg to Whitehorse. Hans Gatt left just over half an hour before Lance Mackey, with Hugh Neff 25 minutes behind. According the the GPS tracker, at 9:00am(ET) Lance and Hugh are ahead of Hans. What a race!In the

Yukon Quest Day 7 2/12/10

2010-02-12T09:16:00.003-06:00

The Race Begins Again!!!!!Hans Gatt is out of Dawson City and the race is on! We'll see if the record-setting pace keeps up.Another record is that there have been NO scratches yet!All mushers have made it through Eagle and are on their way to Dawson, including the back-of-the-packers, rookies Jocelyne LeBlanc and Terry Williams.In the Rookie of the Year race, Abbie West will leave nearly 2 hours

Yukon Quest Day 6 2/11/10

2010-02-11T08:04:00.002-06:00

At the Halfway PointThe race leaders have arrived at Dawson City, Yukon Territory for their mandatory 36 hour rest. Hans Gatt was the first one in, leading Lance by nearly three hours. The mushers and their dogs all have a chance to recharge, as in this race, handlers can care for the dogs while the mushers take a well-deserved break.The start time differentials will be made up here as well.

Yukon Quest Day 5 2/10/10

2010-02-10T09:55:00.004-06:00

We Have A Race!The race leaders left the Eagle checkpoint within 7 minutes of each other - Zach, Hans, Lance and Hugh. Up and over American Summit, they are crossing into the Yukon, with Lance and Hugh leading the way. Soon, they'll return to the Yukon River and head towards the mandatory 36 hour layover in Dawson City.There have been no scratches, and everyone has at least made it to Slaven's

Yukon Quest Tuesday AM

2010-02-09T06:20:00.003-06:00

Leaders on the move!The leaders are out of Slaven's Roadhouse. Zach Steer continues to set a record pace, with Hugh Neff and Ken Anderson following a little over an hour later. Shaping up to be the fastest Quest on record!Abbie West and Josh Cadzow are keeping the Rookie of the Year race tight.No musher's have dropped yet, with Terry Williams bring up the rear on the way to Circle CityStandings

Yukon Quest Monday AM

2010-02-08T05:38:00.004-06:00

Lance Mackey first into Circle CityDecent snow made the trail over soft, slow and easy on the teams.Standings as of 6am EST 2/8/10