Back to Arctic in time to run dogs!
Trip Start
Unknown
1
10
23
Trip End
Ongoing
Arctic Village,
Alaska,
United States
Sunday, November 4, 2007
To start with our home is attached to the school so we loser out a bit on that log cabin feel, which I hate. It is more like a cottage attached to a school. I am happy to say we have running water, plumbing, and even a washer and dryer but sadly not a wood burning stove. It is very cozy and actully we have a pretty big kitchen. It only has two bedrooms so the kiddos have bunk beds and sleep in one room. That is interesting to say the least. I can open my door take 8 to 10 steps and be in my classroom. We have a back door that opens up onto the most beautiful trail ever and you can get lost in it. It is gorgeous. I will include photos of the front and back of the house and the "back yard"
OK, now on to dog sledding. My principal came today and asked if we wanted to go run the dogs? They are getting them ready for winter and training some new dogs. They hook them up to a four wheeler and the dogs pull it like a sled (yes a four wheeler) these dogs are strog! We all bundled up and hiked to her cabin where she and Jimmy shared dried caribou and we watched as they hooked up the team. We did not help at this point because I did not feel like getting a chunk taken out of me :) They are strong, excited dogs meant to pull things. Becky took Bradie, Marshall, and Mary first on a run and it went really well so Chance, Marshall, and I went next. It was an adventure. We got through the village pretty OK but when we tried to make a turn the newer dog training in the lead started acting up and being a bad influence. Yukon and Cow started winding back to the four wheeler and crowding up. They got tangled and would not go in a line. Becky kept at them but they were really beligerent. Finally she had to let me drive the four wheeler while she ran in front of the dogs to set a pace. That was exciting but then they got off again and tangled. She asked me to come hold the line on the lead dogs while she untangled the others. I had to get right in with the dogs like a musher and get them to mind. I did alright. Then she would ride by and I would jump on the four wheeler. Finally we were on our way and the dogs calmed down. When we got back to the cabin we figured out the problem. The kids were sitting on two big dog bisquits that Becky gives as treats! They were after the treats and we are lucky a fight did not break out. Sled dogs are not warm and cuddly and they will fight and bite and jump. It was an experience. .
Back of house
Comments
beautiful
Hi Amy,
Sounds like you and the family are enjoying your stay. The pictures of the area are breath taking. Thankk you for sharing your experiences. We miss you like crazy down home!!!
Barb