Checkpoint Training

A checkpoint is basically a pit stop for musher. The number of pit stops depend on the length of the race. Some checkpoints allow the handler (that's me) to help the musher with dogs, gear, feeding, etc. At some checkpoints all we can do is watch as the musher has to be completely self sufficient. Last night was my first hint at what it will be like at the checkpoints in a real race. A small hint but an educational one.

I started at the house by preparing some fat for the dogs to snack on in between runs. Chopping it up into bite size pieces and adding to a cooler of warm water. Hay would be needed for them to bed down on as well so I loaded that onto the trailer.

Of course as I loaded up the truck the dogs begin to whine and howl in anticipation. I'm getting excited to because it will be a first time for me doing this part of my job. My parka is packed with extra gloves and my head lamp for when it gets dark and we head down the road.

We are doing this training with some friends Becky and Dave. Becky is a musher and Dave is her handler so at least I'll have company. We arrive at their house and immediately start preparing for launch. The food and gear needed at the checkpoint is unloaded and I begin dropping and harnessing dogs while Jaye lines up the ATV and gangline.

After they are hooked up and out of the driveway it gets really quiet. I looked at Dave and said "Now what?" With the girls gone our job was to get the food and hay ready for their return. We also, moved the trucks down the road so that the dogs would not see them and try to head for the trucks when they got in as was their habit.

With the trucks out of the way, food buckets and hay set aside, and a bonfire slowly building we had time to just hang out and wait.

After the second run, however, I got a text from Jaye saying that she was dropping Trooper on the next loop and to meet her at the end of the driveway. I ended up taking Trooper and Wyakin because they were not quite up to the mileage of the team and were tired. Both of them had been recuperating for a few weeks. One from surgery and the other from a sore shoulder. After taking them off the line I brought them to the truck in which they happily jumped into a box to rest and be fed. 

It was starting to get dark and cold out. I had thought at the beginning that I would not need extra or heavy gear because I wouldn't be on the ATV. I was wrong. I'm glad that I did bring my parka and gloves but wish I had my snow pants on and better boots. Standing around waiting for your musher to get in gets very cold after you stop running around preparing food and gear.

At just over 2 hours and 19.3 miles the teams came in to "check point" for a rest. Dave and I each led our teams, around the yard as they came in to where they would bed down for a couple hours. After attaching a lead dog to a leader hook in the ground to keep them lined out we set to giving the dogs some baited water with a little fat and kibble in it for energy.

Now that the bellies were full we threw down the hay for them to nest on. A few of the veterans knew right away to curl up for a much needed rest on the hay. The newbies followed suit and within 30 minutes all were nice and cozy on their own pile of hay.

We threw some sausages on the fire, had a couple beers and chatted while the dogs rested. The runs had been uneventful, a very welcome thing after a rough 2 week period. In retrospect I find it ironic that the good run she finally had was the one I did not go along for. Let's hope that has nothing to do with it.

The next run would be much shorter. Only 6 miles. When the girls left for the last run Dave and I brought the trucks back to the yard, picked up most of the hay to use in the truck boxes later and got ready yet again for the return of our teams. This time they would need a good portion of kibble with their water for supper so that had to be prepared. 

It only took a short time to get everything set up this time and the extras put away so Dave and I went in and sat by the fireplace in the house. It was much more comfortable this way.

After that it was old hat. The teams came in, lined up at the truck and got fed. Harnesses removed and hung up. Booties were removed and the dogs loaded into the truck. Put the bowls and buckets away, pick up any poop, load the ATV and go home.

I learned that I still need to dress warm even if I'm not going out on the trail. Learning is fun.