Mushing into the New Year

Cheers from the top o' the Hill from the Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer perfectly legal dog sled poker run.

Prepared in our bulky parkas to be blasted out of our skins, we had a great time picknicking by the fire on the only calm day ever witnessed on Mt. Mac. The sun came out for Kyla Johnson, the first musher over the top. Here she checks the contents of her t-shirt.




Click on the clip to watch Darrell Otto lead four teams to the top.

Gaeten Pierrard's four dogs worked hardest for their t-shirt, compared to Crispin Studer who rode the runners all the way to the summit behind his 10 dogs. "They're just so fast," he said, compared to the smaller Copper Haul teams.

Debby Knight was a little flustered at the top, as she juggled her t-shirt and poker card into her basket. "Which one is more important to keep," she laughed and pulled her snowhook. Congratulations Debby on your decision. With it, you won the best hand.

Santa's elf Harvey van Patten delivered gifts to all the volunteers along the trail.













As Germans say at New Year's "Guten Rutsch" or good slide into 2010.

Happy trails to all the local dog drivers and our generous sponsors
Hot Hounds Dryland Dogsledding, Air North for hundreds of dollars in flight coupons, First Mate Extreme Dog Food, Icy Waters, and Yukon Brewing

There's a crowded calendar in the new year with teams meeting on January 16 for the Carbon Hill Race. Then, on January 24 2-6 dog sledders and 2-4 dog skijorers can meet again at the Oscar's Electric Race Day at 10 a.m. at Icy Waters km 4 Fish Lake Road. On February 6 the Yukon Quest starts from Fairbanks, and on Rendezvous weekend, February 27 and 28 is the Road Runner 100 organized by the Dog Powered Sports Association. Check this site for updates from trail chief Mike Simon.

photos and video by Mike Simon
posted by Jessica Simon