World Championship Dog Weight Pull

Yesterday I went to the World Championship Dog Weight Pull that was going on during Fur Rondy. It was a chilly 15°f, but the dogs were all excited and there was a huge crowd attending.

There wasn't an unhappy dog in the house. The sled weighs 200 lbs empty. Each concrete cylinder weighs 30 lbs. The sled started empty and each heat the weight was increased by 3 cylinder (90 lbs.). I left when the weight got to 560 lbs. Some of the smaller dogs were still kicking but.

These guys and gals love to pull.

For more photographs of this event, check out my online gallery.

For the final stats and more on other Fur Rondy events, go to Fur Rondy.

Wordless Wednesday 2/24

Why did the moose cross the road?

I was taking the trash out Sunday morning. I was still in my pajama's, slippers and still needed a shower and more coffee. When I was steeping up on the porch I heard a car horn blow and traffic driving slowly. I looked down the alley and saw Momma moose and her two young ones having breakfast right next to A St.

I ran inside, grabbed my camera and a jacket. I was not dressed for success.

Anchorage has grown a lot in the 25 plus years that I've lived here. There are a lot more businesses, people and then traffic. What amazes me is the respect drivers give a moose crossing the road. Sometimes they slow down or even stop until they are all the way across.

There are plenty of horror stories of moose and car collisions. Moose behavior can be very unpredictable. They can be easily spooked and dash across the road without much warning. They don't pay any attention to jay walking laws. They can do a lot of damage to a vehicle.

I think Anchorage citizens are more tolerant of moose crossing the roads than pedestrians. I believe they think that people should be smarter, pick a better place to cross and make it snappy.

The two young moose crossed the road because mom did. Why mom did? I have no idea.

Just kicking back

The weather sucks lately. I know that some of you might think I'm a little off my rocker, but 40° plus this time of year is not nice. This is supposed to be winter time.

Next Friday Fur Rondy starts. We need some snow and a little bit cooler temperatures. There will be sled dog races, running with reindeer, photo contest (I'm in that one) and all kinds of neat stuff.

So, until Rondy starts and the weather gets better, I'm just kicking back for a a bit.

Wordless Wednesday 2/17

Chilly Waters

I had plans to do all kinds of chores and stuff around the house yesterday. While I was siting at the computer the sun came through the window and blew that plan right away. A beautiful sunny day with warm temperatures in the low 30's. I did know what I was going to do, but I knew it involved my ca,era.

The tide was out at Ship Creek. Check out that ice build up on the pilings.

The warm temperatures cause some open water and the ducks that stay behind took full advantage of it.

Someone didn't read the closed sign.

I forgot the name of this lake. There were only these two ducks visiting it. I think there was too much activity on the trails around it.

Looks like we might have another gorgeous day today. Darn!

Wordless Wednesday 2/10

(Borrowed from a friend www.akbritt.com)

To Eureka

Friday I headed up to Eureka which is about a 2 1/2 hour trip depending on weather and road conditions. Once I was out of the Anchorage area the weather turned for the better and I made pretty good time.

I was to meet someone there and I got there at least 2 hours early. I did a little sightseeing and then waited at the Eureka Lodge. Bad Whiskey here is used for grooming the snowmachine trails.

If you have problems with your mail person not leaving your mail because your mailbox is blocked by a spider web or something piddly, show them this.

The temperature was around -7°f and a little hazy. It started snowing about when it was time to leave.

I got more photographs that I'll put up later.

Late Wordless Wednesday