News

Northern Lights 300: Getting Prepped

Sarah · January 21, 2016 ·

We start the Northern Lights 300 tomorrow. I am looking forward to hitting the race trail, to that magical “take off” moment because leading up to it has been stressful. Unlike Copper Basin where I felt on top of everything, this go around I am scrambling to get ready — I mean I still haven’t published my race reports from copper basin! Talk about being delinquent. (they are first priority after this race)

The moon has been so bright recently. I am looking forward to hopefully having a clear sky though the forecast calls for light snow. I was excited about the prospect of a hard trail but perhaps we will again be in soft conditions. No matter.

Today has been so stressful that at times I close my eyes, breath in, smell the air around me, and try to plant myself in the moment: what needs to be done next? And then I do it. Then again, what needs to be done next. And I accomplish that. So on and so on. Breaking down impossible tasks into small mangable pieces.

My sled still isn’t packed and theee of the doors ripped off my dog box today so we will all be snuggling close for the ride to the start line!

My race team:

Zema, Athena, Lena, Rowdy, Hammer, Crazy, Coda, Bensen, Penny, Check, Dolly, Varden, Hank, and Trunk.

This is a 14 dog race. The new additions from Copper Basin are: Hank, Rowdy, Hanmer, Trunk and Bensen.

Staying back this time are: Bud, Madori, and Hoover.

Dog of the Week: Check

Sarah · January 20, 2016 ·

I find that I have little epithets or sayings for each of the dogs. For Check, it’s “Check marks the spot.”

Check is a reserved dog. He is slow to show his excitement but is a steadfast worker. He is a happy dog who lives to eat and run. He is beautifully gaited.

He isn’t much of a socialite when compared to some of the other dogs in our kennel, including his brother. He is happy to be pet and may come up to you asking for a scratch on the head but he’s not a jumper. He is never, it seems, out of control with excitement.

To me, Check seems to be a very methodical dog. Watching him develop as an athlete has been especially interesting. He enjoys his job but seems, to me at least, that he also enjoys figuring things out.

He is a dog who likes to know what is going on. With that attitude, running him up front had been a no-brainer but with so much talent he hasn’t spent a lot of time up there.

He is one of those dogs that you know will lead but is still trying to find himself so the continual stress of being in charge seems unnecessary.

Honestly, Check is already an out standing dog. That being said, I think Check has only begun to scratch the surface of his talent.

I think the best of this dog is yet to come. He has that slow burning confidence. When he truly comes into his own, this dog is going to be unstoppable.

2016 Pre-Iditarod Interviews with Greg Heister

Sarah · January 19, 2016 ·

Wow! Greg Heister the voice of the Iditarod stopped by our kennel this afternoon to interview Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey about the 2016 Iditarod

We thought it was really cool that the Iditarod is working so hard this year to give fans an extramarital glimpse into our lives and kennels.

Greg asked me how I originally got started in mushing, what I liked about the sport, and ask me to introduce two of my favorite lead dogs. I choose Coda and Dolly, up-and-coming dogs in our kennel.

Travis also talked with Greg though I couldn’t quite hear what they were saying. I am sure Travis talked excitedly about his year’s race preparations which, so far, are going quite well. Travis talked to Greg about 3 of his dogs: Wrangler, Fidget, Flo, and Krum.

We don’t know when this clip will air but you have to be a iditarod insider so, if you haven’t already signed up, please do so!

Travis Beals being interviewed by Greg Heister for the 2016 Iditsrod

Happy trails,

Sarah

Back at it

Sarah · January 18, 2016 ·

The cold has returned and with it the trails. I’m still working on my 2016 Copper basin 300 story but I thought I would still share the going ons that occur day to day.

It’s been strange reemerging myself in cabin routine. We took a break from running dogs to recoup and recover. I visited friends in Anchorage, I gave the dogs lots of rubdowns, and mostly have tried to sort out all that is left to do between now and Iditarod. There’s still so much to do. So much training, so much packing, so much for preparing that at times the thought of it can be overwhelming.

On any given day, it seems as though the easiest thing to do is simply run dogs. Ignore the world. Ignore the phone. And in some instances, ignore the people.

To be honest, the last week has been hard. Racing was such an easy, wonderful distraction. There’s nothing quite like being out on the trail with your dogs from mile after mile after mile. Knowing that you don’t have anything to worry about, except the next time that you were going to stop and rest.

In Anchorage, I took good care of myself. I leisured in the joy of running water and electricity. Working for rent late to start updating my blog. I wrote three posts, one on my team, one on Wyatts team, and one on Justin’s team. It was fun, but telling the true tale is what I look forward to most. That part, is still coming along slow. Hi showered and hot tub I let my sore muscles relax. I got a haircut and died my hair pink. Something I had been wanting to do for months and finally, did.

So much of who we are is wrapped up in how we look. I don’t know if a tiger can change it’s stripes, but I can sure try!

Sarah Stokey after having her hair done in Anchorage after the 2016 Copper basin 300

We enjoyed the company of friends. And I enjoyed the fact that I could clean the cabin, and get reorganized. Today I went out with the dogs. I was so happy to see how well they did. The sugary conditions of the Copper basin we’re so different then the trails we’ve been training on.it was nice to see how well my team bounce back. They look better than they ever have today.

Sarah Stokey and her dog team training for the 2016 Iditarod

I love this time a year. I love the way we gain light. The soft pale blue greens that fill the skyline and the muted yellows. Today, was one of the first times I hoped up and ran my entire run during the daylight. It was fun. I enjoyed watching Denali as I weaved through the swamps. At one point, I took a trail I didn’t now. My headlamp that I had packed was pretty dead in terms of batteries so I ended up calling the dogs Gee off the trail we were on and across the swamp. We forged our own trail, Using the mountains and the powerlines as reference points. I was so impressed with how spot on my leaders were.

With the swamps as icy as they were, we could travel practically anywhere. The idea of following a set Trail was somewhat ridiculous because everything was hard and fast. After the soft snow of the 2016 Copper basin 300, my sled dogs seemed to enjoy the challenge of going off trail.

Sarah Stokey right before taking off with the 14 dog sled dog team in Willow Alaska

It really was a magnificent run. I followed the sunset home and chase the last the daylight. It was my first run wearing a new helmet and goggles my mother had sent me. I felt a little ridiculous, because not a lot of people wear helmets in the sport. I have to admit though, I forgot how warm wearing a helmet was. I enjoyed the goggles immensely because the last run I’ve gone out on that was this cold, I started having problems with my eyes getting too cold. I read about Brenda Mackey in the kusko 300 and I’ve decided that I better get used to mushing with goggles. The one time I froze my eyes was brief, but immensely painful. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain of frostbite.

I got back to find that the oil stove went out. I’m sitting in the cabin now, using my headlamp for a light, and waiting for the cabin to fill back up with heat. My hands and toes are so numb that I may as well be back out mushing. Six dogs keep me company in the cabin. Lying on my feet or on my chest as well as three cats who mostly stay upstairs but have now wandered down to try and find a little bit of warmth.normally, the cabin would be warmer. But I was gone for several hours and I left the windows open so that the dogs would not overheat. The stove must’ve gone out shortly before I left while I was outside still hooking up. I have it on and running now but it certainly is not at full blast.

As I do whenever I face something that is less than ideal, I remind myself that this will toughen me up for Iditarod.

Well, I guess that’s it for now. I want to get back to working on my Copper basin 300 right up. I haven’t gotten very far. I suppose that’s mostly because I’ve gone into such excruciating detail so far. I hope it will be a good post. For now, happy trails!

Justin’s Team Recap

Sarah · January 16, 2016 ·

Justin’s team

Justin had an impressive rookie Cooper Basin 300. The dogs worked great and despite catching a bit of a stomach bug were still able to perform strongly. Justin finished with 11 dogs in a time of 40 hours and 54 minutes.

Here is an overview of Justin’s team! We are very proud of Justin’s accomplishments and the excellent vet care he had along the trail.

Flo 2 years old, female,

We knew Flo had heart because when she was four months old she almost died. In fact, everyone expected her not to make it including the vet. But she had the heart of a champion and an unyielding determination. Somehow, she made it.

Now, just over two, it was a real treat watching this little girl compete on Justin’s team. Justin reported that Flo was incredibly bouncy and energetic and ran in lead for the first 100 miles of the race. She ended up developing a sore wrist and because she is one of the top dogs’ in contention for Travis’ Iditarod team, Justin chose to drop her. She was a real asset while in the team and we look forward to a very bright future for this young lady.

Fergie, 2.5 year old,female

Forget was absolutely incredible on this race. She ran the entire race in lead – 200 of those miles she ran alone in single lead. I can still remember her as a young puppy sleeping in my file cabinet as I did my paperwork. It was really awesome seeing how great of a race she had with Justin. Justin reported that she ate every meal on every run and was always eager, upbeat, and happy. You really couldn’t ask for more from a dog.

Mongoose or “Goose” as we sometomes call him

Mongoose, 2 year old, male

Mongoose is a terrific athlete. Last year he was one of the few young dogs to make Travis’s Iditarod team. He only made it about 600 miles in Iditarod but for young dog that is still a remarkable achievement. During this race, Goose, as he is affectionately known, ran the whole race in swing – which is the position right behind the lead dogs. He drove hard up the hills and was a fantastic eater. Justin reported that whenever he whistled The team up mongoose was the first to start driving hard. He was very loud and all of the checkpoints and was always one of the most eager dogs. With his loud high-pitched bark he has a very distinctive eager cheer that helps rouse teammates.

Krum, 3 year old, female

Krum ran and finished in the 2015 Iditarod in 11th place with Travis. This was not her strongest performance as she got sick. Despite not feeling well, she powered through. Her performance was still admirable and even though she had a bit of a stomach bug she always ate every meal. We are really proud of Krum for pulling through and working as hard as she did.

Teddy, 3 year old, male

Teddy was another dog that finished on Travis’s 11th place 2015 Iditarod team. on this race, Teddy was the invisible dog. By that Justin meant that Teddy was always happy, he always ate, and he always moved smoothly – Justin never had to worry about him. Because of his strong performance, he was very easy to overlook. He performed well and fit in great with the team. Teddy is always a strong performer and a great eater. Justin reported that it was very nice having a dog is capable is Teddy that he did not have to worry about while racing.

Kip, 2 year old, male

During this race, Kip was ravenous. He got a little soreness in his wrists but with the vets help and good dog care, Justin was able to work him through it. In Sourdough, Kip got a little tired leaving – this wasn’t too surprising as he was 150 miles into his second race. He quickly warmed out of it and as the race progressed he became one of the most energetic dogs. Leaving the final check point, Kip’s loud yodeling wail could be heard as Justin exited the checkpoint.

Bruce, 2 year old, male

Bruce was a very rowdy and a very happy dog. Although he got a little sick, he was still very energetic. He was one of the main cheerleaders in the team and always helped other dogs get excited. Throughout the race he kept a very tight tug and never slacked. He had an impressive performance and is in contention for Travis’s main race team.

Cuervo resting in the Nome dog lot after finishinf the 2015 Iditarod with Travis Beals in 11th place

Cuervo, 4 year old, male

Cuervo joined our kennel 2 weeks before the 2014 Iditarod from Dallas Seavey’s kennel. He has finished the last two Iditarod’s with Travis. His best finish was 11th place last year. Justin described him as a “mini-tank” as well as the horniest dog in the team. We weren’t surprised. Cuervo has always worked hard in the team and has worked even harder chasing down the ladies. Cuervo was was, according to Justin, another one of those invisible dogs that you simply never have to worry about – unless he is around a girly dog. Cuervo does his job and always gives 100% of himself to the task at hand.

Thunder, 7 years old, neutered male

Thunder is an older dog with lots of racing experience. His best Iditarod finish yet was with Pete Kaiser in the low teens a few years ago. He had a great performance and was barking up every hill. Thunder was sort of the oddball on this particular team as he had not trained with this group of dogs before. He had primarily been training at a slightly slower pace with many of Sarah’s dogs. Because of this, we weren’t surprised to see that he got a little tired the last 2 miles of the race. He had a little trouble with his feet but otherwise was great. One thing about Thunder is that he likes to roll. Anytime he thought the team was not moving fast enough, he gave some great motivational barking.

Thor, 2 year old, male

Thor was great. He’s really come along way since his last race, the Knik 200 in 2015 where he also ran with Justin. Last year Thor was easily distracted and not the most mentally tough dog. He often would stop pulling for miles on end and would need a verbal “wake up” call to get back with it. Justin was really happy to report that for had a very great race and was really on point. He pulled the entire time, had great energy throughout the race, and was steadfast and happy. We are very pleased with Thor’s development.

Wrangler resting in the Nome dog lot after finishinf the 2015 Iditarod with Travis Beals in 11th place

Wrangler, 4 years old, male

Wrangler has finished every Iditarod with Travis. He was the hardest worker in the team and ran in wheel the entire time. He was, without a doubt, the powerhouse of the team. He was one of the few dogs that never caught a stomach bug and was always eager, excited, and working his butt off. Justin voted him the team MVP. We can understand why, as Wrangler has always been one of those dogs who just gets it done.

Marlow, 2 years old, male

When Marlow was a puppy, I knew he would be special. That’s why I named him Marlow. I had to name a dog I knew would make the team because it was a tribute to one of the dogs that permeated my childhood. Growing up, my best friend and his family owned a huge blue Great Dane and she was named Marlow. She was a beautiful dog and her tail used to thump with excitement on kitchen cabinets and could be heard throughout the house. She was not “my” dog, but I spent so much time growing up at my friend’s, that I loved her like my own nonetheless. Honestly, I would have never thought to name a dog after another dog, but this somehow just felt right. I gave our Marlow, big shoes to fill.

So far, Marlow has lived up to the expectations I placed on him. He has been great in tours, training, and performed exceptionally well during his second race.Justin never had a problem the entire race with him.

Justin never had to worry about Marlow and he was always ready to go. Anytime Justin would approach the team, he reported that Marla would pop up with excitement hoping to get back on the trail even if the rest of been relatively short and there was still more rest to take. At the kennel, Marlow is a quiet low-key kind of dog so we were surprised when Justin reported that he was very loud and excited out on the trail.

But this doesn’t surprise me either, his name sake was a rather mellow dog until she got excited too. Kindred spirits, perhaps?

Justin

Justin reported that some of his highlights were were simply being out on the trail and learning a lot of new vet care. He enjoyed watching the team recover from being sick to healthy and how that affected how they raced. His favorite part was the checkpoint hospitality, where he was always able to get a great meal. Justin said he really learned a lot and was very pleased that he was able to take such a capable teen out on the race trailer full of seasoned veterans with a few younger dog sprinkled in. Some of the tougher moments for Justin was his time coming into Sourdough when he made the decision to unexpectedly camp for an hour along the trail. It was only a 40 mile run from the previous checkpoint, but the dogs had not been feeling well and have been moving very slow. They seem to have recovered well and Justin finished on a real strong note with a team of 11 barking and screaming dogs.