Dogs For Sale

Alright - here you go! For questions and inquiries - please drop us an e-mail to info@huskyhomestead.com or call our office at 907-683-2904.

Thank You!

Iditarod Team 2010

Call (M) - Jenna X Yuksi
6.5 Years; 55 lbs.; Neutered
Jeff's "A" Team Iditarod Finisher
$2000
**sold**

Beetle (M) - Shannon X Zorro (Mackey)
2 Years; 48 lbs; Neutered
Dave's "B" Team Iditarod Finisher
Turning 3 years old this summer, Beetle and Cricket are two of the 12 puppies we got when we bred Lance's "Zorro" to "Shannon". Wow - did we hit the jackpot on that one! Several in this litter already leading other race teams as well as our own. Beetle was neutered to help him hold his weight. According to Chief Dog Trainer Dave DeCaro 'he showed a lot of promise as a leader during training and he turned on his performance on the coast [of Iditarod] and had a very strong finish. Motivated on the tow line.'
$1000
**sold**

Cricket (F) - Shannon X Zorro (Mackey)
2 Years; 38 lbs; Spayed

Dave's "B" Team Iditarod Finisher
Turning 3 years old this summer, Beetle and Cricket are two of the 12 puppies we got when we bred Lance's "Zorro" to "Shannon". Wow - did we hit the jackpot on that one! Several in this litter already leading other race teams as well as our own. According to Dave's post-race report card 'somewhat picky eater, would skip every 4th meal or so. Knows gee-haw commands well and was a good help to the leaders as she ran in swing most of the race.'
$1000
**sold**

Dave (M) - Demi X Yuksi
2 Years; 48 lbs; Neutered
Dave's "B" Team Iditarod Finisher
A preferred gait pacer, Dave strikes me as bigger than 48 lbs. Tall and leggy. Dave's post-race report: 'A quiet dog that didn't really stand out, but did a great job. Happy to run next anyone, always ate and always had a tight tug. Did better towards the back of the team.'
$750
**sold**

Schilling (F) - Dollar X Solomon (J. Little)
1 Year; 46 lbs; Intact & currently pregnant - bred by 'Coltrane'
Dave's "B" Team Iditarod Finisher
I just ran this beauty 40 miles this morning. Gorgeous gait, beautiful coat, calm disposition. Awesome, fast trotter and according to Dave "seemed completely at home on the race trail. Ate a ton and was always looked like a playful pup. Never once did I see a slack tug-line on Schilling."
Her pups are due in early May and are part of the deal. All the pups born by this pregnancy are included in the purchase price. However I would like to keep her and the pups at no charge to the buyer until approximately July 1st.
Price bred including pups $1500.
**sold**

Opel (F) - Berkeley X Viper
2 Years; 43 lbs; Intact & currently pregnant - by 'Suspect'
Dave's "B" Team Iditarod
Dropped in Shaktoolik, Opel has been a stand-out from early on. She finished the Kusko 300 in 2009 with Dave and ran on my team in the 2009 Stage Stop Race. According to Dave "she ate great and was a happy dog. She was coming out of heat and had been bred a few days before the race, and it seemed to affect her performance. I would have expected her to do a lot of leading had she been up to par for the Iditarod."
Her pups are due in early May and are part of the deal. All the pups born by this pregnancy are included in the purchase price. However I would like to keep her and the pups at no charge to the buyer until approximately July 1st.
Price bred including pups $1500.
**sold**

Baker (M) - Spaniel X Salem
1 Year; 41 lbs; Intact
Dave's "B" Team Iditarod
Definitely one of Dave's favorite dogs in training, Baker was #17 for the race roster. However, his performance throughout training surpassed most all other team members. we were unable to get Baker to pack on the extra pounds we thought prudent for the start of the Iditarod. Tremendous personality, tremendous sled-dog. So far energy output has exceeded energy input. This dog needs to be fed a lot and often.
$500
**sold**

The following are 12-18 month old harness-broke pups. Unless noted, all have been more than satisfactory to date. $500/each

'European Cities' Littermates

Vienna (F) - Gypsy X UConn
1 Year
$500
**sold**

Venice (F) - Gypsy X UConn
1 Year
**sold**

Dijon (F) - Gypsy X UConn
1 Year
**sold**


Oslo (M) - Gypsy X UConn
1 Year
**sold**

'Crimes & Misdemeanors' Littermates

Treason (F) - Berkeley X Solomon(J. Little)
1.5 Years
$500

Pilfer (F) - Berkeley X Solomon(J. Little)
1.5 Years
$500

'Wine' Litter

Rose (F) - Klarney X Solomon(J. Little)
<1years
**sold**

Ringer (a.k.a. Snowflake) (M) - Ruble X Suspect
1 Year
Ringer really is a family favorite. Donna trained Ringer with her Border Collies at 10 weeks old and he has a remarkable resume of talents. Weave poles, pee poles, and puppy wheel star. He has tremendous personality and is going to be a big boy.
**sold**

'Motorcycles' Litter
Harley (M) - Shannon X Solomon(J. Little)
8 months
FREE - to GOOD home.
This guy received poor marks in a sled dog structural evaluation that was performed by Pat Hastings.
**found a home!**

From Jeff in Nome

As I sit in an overstuffed chair, full as a tick and clean as a whistle, it is hard to imagine that 29 years has passed since my first Iditarod finish. Nome looks much the same as I remember it in March of 1981--crowded tangles of power lines --cheering Nome residents and visitors, some walking a straight and narrow line and others staggering from doorway to doorway. Iditarod week here is truly unlike any other place I have ever been. With our friend and colleague, Dave DeCaro, crossing the finish line just an hour ago with a team of Husky Homestead protegees I feel like it is safe to say that Iditarod 2010 is now over. My race team has long since departed Nome, back to the kennel where they are enjoying TLC in a familiar bed with familiar hands caressing them and filling their food dish over and over. My third place finish in this year's race ironically included my fastest time ever from Anchorage to Nome. The team was a joy to drive and consisted of many of the best sled dogs that I have ever had the pleasure of racing. Litter mates Dublin and Shannon, in particular, had a spectacular race and charged down the street in Nome for the burled arch reminiscent of my Streeper Steakers in the Fur Rendezvous. They will both be going on to race in another team and I look forward to staying in touch with all of the dogs who are not retiring. Viper and Deets, long time sentimental favorites, have accepted an early retirement package and will spend their next years by my side reminiscing about the good old days on the trail. Titan, Sussex, Ross and Alamo are headed to Northern Sweden to no doubt learn a few new words in a different language as they join a top Scandinavian race team. Berkeley is headed into the maternity ward for a young musher here in Alaska who has plans to raise Husky Homestead puppies for his future racing team. Young musher Pete Kaiser from Bethel, Alaska has made a huge commitment to acquire Dollar, Shannon and Snoopy for his young race team. As always it will be fun to follow the lives of the dogs as they move on. Back at the homestead we look forward to puppies to be born out of Dave's adolescent team. We have found over the years that dogs conceived during the Iditarod always bring a special character to the pups as they grow up.

Donna's new print, "A Fork in the Trail" proved madly popular. Released just two days before the race start, it is now sold out. The image commemorates by first and last Iditarod races. Donna will soon be headed to Tulsa, OK where a week from today she will be competing in the AKC National Agility Championships while I expect to be enjoying the spring sunshine back in Denali.

So, to all of our loyal fans, friends, family and fellow racers, thank you to each and every one of you for the support and enthusiasm that has made my Iditarod career so rewarding. I am not exactly sure what is going to happen next, but I assure you that it will be done with gusto, enthusiasm and compassion influenced by thousands of miles on the Iditarod Trails.

Check back soon for personal race photos.

Happy trails.

POTUS

Wednesday 3/17/10 Update

7:36 am and Jeff is still asleep... clocking in almost twelve hours of the well-needed zzzz's. He had a brilliant finish yesterday! The weather was picture-perfect, the dogs sprinted up the chute and under the arch like a Streeper sprint team, all in front of a welcoming crowd shouting and cheering. The bright sunshine was truly a gift that set the happy scene on Front Street. Many of our dear, long-time friends and supporters flew in to Nome and were there to greet Jeff and the team. It couldn't have been a more storybook ending to Jeff's Iditarod career.

Diane and Jerry from Aurora Fine Art in Anchorage were here and wisked me away in a helicopter yesterday afternoon for a flight to Safety Roadhouse to catch Jeff passing through. A spectacular trip over the sea ice and Cape Nome landed us in Safety as Jeff and the team were arriving at the checkpoint. We watched as Jeff checked in and moved some dogs around in the team. The dogs were incredible! Shannon was screaming to go when they arrived and as they left off down the trail for the 22 mile run to Nome. Diane, Jerry and I were given the grand tour of the roadhouse by its intrepid host, Tom. A short history lesson and we were back in the bird off in search of a few more photo opportunities of our team, musk ox and seals. Absolutely a fantastic ride!!

After Jeff's official welcome into Nome, he headed the team to the Nome Dog Lot where they are evaluated by a team of veterinarians, judges for the Humanitarian Award. Lots of food and TLC and into the boxes for some well-earned rest. Three hours later the "Pee Team" arrived to collect urine samples for drug testing. Still haven't heard if Jeff contributed or not.... something new this year is the drug testing of the mushers as well.

The siren blew throughout the night announcing the arrival of another team off the trail. The teams continue to come in and will now for days. Dave left UNK this morning and is still moving at an impressive speed toward Nome. His family is here patiently waiting for his arrival along with additional members of the Dave DeCaro Fan Club! I wouldn't be surprised if a trip down the trail was in our future.

One more tidbit of information before I bring Jeff his triple-shot latte: We remained blissfully ignorant of the cold temperatures folks and dogs were experiencing in the last third of the race. Speaking with Bruce Lee, Iditarod Insider Correspondent and long time neighbor and friend, yesterday, he filled me in while lamenting his own level of discomfort on the trail. "I feel like I just ran the race myself!" he said referring to the toll the temperatures and wind took. Jeff said that if he had an hesitations about retiring, those hesitations are long gone!

More later!

Tuesday 3/16/10 Update

I am sitting in the back room of Mary's shop, Arctic Trading Post, the gathering spot of all who desperately need that morning latte. The hiss of the active espresso machine in the background, KNOM radio station giving us race updates and a couple of well-loved boxers at our feet are just a few of the comforting sounds of our Nome home.

I arrived in town via Alaska Airlines last night and after some wonderful catching up time with Mary and Howie, I headed the two blocks down the street around 11:00pm to the Mini Convention Center, the Iditarod Headquarters here in Nome. A computer and updates along with an uncharacteristically quiet building greeted me. I arrived just in time to watch Jeff's little icon arrive into White Mountain! The Breakers Bar was next with dear friends... a photo was taken to prove that I actually DID walk into a Nome bar (peer pressure....). However, the Wet Buns Contest was already completed with the happy winner carting away enough prize money to instill courage. Nome is a special place abounding with Alaskan traditions, a few of which are best left right here in Nome : )

Out on the trail, Jeff and the dogs are watching the sunrise as they make their last run toward the Burled Arch and the possibilities that a new future holds. When we experience familiar things for what may be the last time, our awareness is sharpened, details become powerful and our reactions to these moments take on a deeper meaning. I imagine Jeff on the runner tails taking it all in. Thinking about his last 30 years of mushing experiences; the dogs, the people, the competition, the successes and the challenges. He is a rich man holding these moments and memories securely in his vault.

Just one of the cherished connections that have come to us through Jeff's racing career is our affiliation with our incredible sponsor, CABELAS. They came on board with Jeff 17 years ago. An amazing company and now wonderful, life-long friends. Last night while visiting with friends (in the bar, I might add), I looked up (way up) into a familiar and unexpected face. A soft, "Hi, Donna." was enough to activate my brain and check the catalog.... Jeff Smith from Cabelas, or Smitty in the familiar. Jeff has not only been representing Cabelas for years here around Iditarod time but was also brave enough to take a crash course (very apropos...) in mushing and then hop on the runner tails and race the Knik 200 Mile Race, and on paper, beating his teacher/coach!

So, back to the race: Jeff is only 26 minutes behind Hans. That amount of time can be made up in this last run and Jeff's run time was a bit faster than Hans' coming into White Mountain last night.... time will tell!! He always has a way of keeping this exciting!!!

By the time I blog tomorrow, Jeff will be here and showered, rested, hugging a hot latte and maybe ready to talk about the trail. Stay tuned....

Monday 3/15/10 Update

What is going on??

The Race Tracker is on the fritz and I now realize to what extent I have been addicted to the darn thing!

In haste, my observations from the stats and Iditarod Inside: Jeff looks great; happy and relatively lively. The dogs look fantastic! Lance’s team looks great as well. He is posting slightly faster run times than Jeff and our gang. I don’t have an OUT time for Jeff from Koyuk yet…. And as I said, the TRACKER is momentarily taking a break (is that legal??), so I can only surmise that the two teams are resting and moving similarly. The interesting development is that crafty Hans. He is continuing to close the gap and could very well change things up soon.

OK, the TRACKER is back and it appears as though Jeff has not left Koyuk as of 7:00 am but my guess is that he is about ready to depart soon. The temperatures are something to complain about now and let’s keep our fingers crossed that the wind has a lazy day today.

The TRACKER is also showing us that the trail into Koyuk has been diverted from the common route. It would be interesting to know why….

Off to Nome! A two hour drive to Fairbanks to catch my flight to Anchorage for a four and a half hour layover there before catching the flight to Nome. Arriving at 8:15 tonight! Yahoo!

I would expect the first team over the finish line tomorrow, late afternoon.

Sunday 3/14/10 Update

Wow.

It's another nail-biter! I think each one of these races takes years off my life.... : )

So, a predicted, the first team into UNK (Unalakleet), the first checkpoint on the coast, arrived at 3:30 am (including the "Spring ahead" adjustment for Daylight Savings Time). However, as unpredicted, it wasn't Jeff! Lance made a bold move running through Kaltag (his typical move, actually, but usually he stops on the trail somewhere along the way) AND NOT stopping to camp along the way to the coast. That truly may be a first. The amazing and notable aspect of this "cutting rest" scenario, is that his team is still moving very well and looked excellent arriving into the village, as viewed on the Iditarod Insider video. We have discussions regularly wondering if these incredible athletes have limits..... A well trained and physically and mentally well-maintained team has all of the appearance of being bionic. We all agree that the mushers are the weakest links in the team. It is absolutely amazing and thrilling to see what these sled dogs are capable of!

Jeff, Lance and Hugh had very similar run times on this long trek to the coast. Hans opted to take his rest on the trail but otherwise appears to be moving very well with comparable speed (if not faster). My old adage was that the sequence in which the teams arrived into UNK was typically how they crossed the finish line in Nome. That has been proven wrong too many times these past few years to put any stock in it this year. A three-hour advantage at this point in the race is truly significant, however. The ability of the teams to try to cut rest this far into the event, at least of any true significance, dwindles rapidly as the miles swish under the runner tails. Depending on the time differential, the speed at which a team is moving must be considerably faster than its competition to alter the outcome with so few trail miles left. That is all assuming that the trail and weather conditions remain friendly. Last year was a great reminder of how Mother Nature can shake things up!

I would be remiss without mentioning a bit about human nature at this point. Most of us have grown up in the black hat/white hat theatre of competition. Guard yourself from creating imagined foes. The people that are on the trail with Jeff are some of the most talented, knowledgeable and intuitive dog folks on the planet. Over the decades of the Iditarod, there have been giant leaps in knowledge and experience surrounding the science of dog care, training, race strategy, and most importantly, reverence for these Alaskan Huskies. Winning this prestigious event is a well-earned award and believe me, without trying to sound too "Pollyanna", these competitors are all winners and should be held in the highest regard for their talents, drive, expertise and love of the sport and of the dogs. They are examples of the very best that is put forward on the 1100 miles of Iditarod trail.

So, what happens now? It would be typical for the teams to rest at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours here before headed to Shaktoolik, the coastal checkpoint known for extreme winds. The Alaska Coast can dole out some bitter challenges to the teams as they make their way along the last 200 miles to Front Street and the burled arch in Nome. Managing the team will be like trying to balance a fine, crystal goblet on the end of your finger. It takes intense focus, impeccable attention to detail and an ability to predict what will happen with the simplest of adjustments. A move too far this way, or that, could cause the cherished crystal to tumble earthward. Have no fear! That is what Jeff just happens to be outstanding at!

I am packing up today for the trip to Nome tomorrow. I think that I am most looking forward to a big, warm, "your-home" hug from our beloved friend and host of many years, Mary Knodel. She is family. And of course, our Nome experience will hold many memories and reminiscences of the past 20 years of race finishes, friends, celebrations and Iditarod life that have become such a part of who we are.

I will continue to post updates! Cheers!

Saturday 3/13/10 Update

YAHOO!!! Jeff is having a brilliant race!!

But, believe me, it is a stressful position to be in; leading the race with several of the best, most experienced, determined and very motivated dog drivers on the planet hot on his heels. Jeff and his team definitely have command of the event right now as he is leaving Nulato and headed for Kaltag, a pivotal checkpoint in this Last Great Race. From what I can see of Lance and his team however, they are scary. The team looks great, had a similar run time to Nulato and Lance is fired up and on the hunt. This is reminiscent of the 2008 race only the team positions are switched.

Mitch Seavey and Hans Gatt also look like they are moving well down the Yukon. Three hours tends to be a safe lead, but barely. That constitutes one rest and if a team is willing and able to forego one rest break and still remain on their game.... well, as we know, "It ain't over 'til its over." There are only seven more runs for the teams to make until they reach Nome. Hans made up 20 minutes on Jeff in the last run. If he can do that seven more times.... well, you do the math. It definitely adds some excitement to our speculations.

I have not heard how the wind is on the Yukon. The weather in the videos has looked perfect and the temperatures seem to be remaining very manageable. Looking forward to weather on the coast, it appears like it should hold up well with mild winds and temperatures as well. As we perennial spectators know, the coast can really shake things up and has provided many an Iditarod tale of man against nature and race-altering events. My best guess is that this year the teams will be granted a reprieve.

As for the dropped dogs, Jeff left Alamo in Ruby and Colonel in Ophir to be chauffeured home. We don't have them here yet so no story to tell there. Dave left young Stewart in McGrath.

We are approaching the most exciting portion of the race as the teams make their way to Kaltag and then overland to the coast. They are definitely on a record pace. I usually figure they will be in Unalakleet by noon on Sunday. They are likely to be there around 2:00 am. which is well ahead of the past years. Hold on to your hats!

My prediction: this is going to be another fabulous King-Mackey Show!

Friday 3/12/10 Update

Well, Jeff kept his promise.

I just watched the Insider video of the gourmet meal in Ruby. Our dear friend, neighbor and summer Husky Homestead team member, Jamie Kohn, was enjoying the 8 course meal right along side of Jeff. Jamie is volunteering for the Iditarod and has been helping the race for many years now. She knew that she would be working
in Ruby and made Jeff promise to share the meal with her. Always thinking ahead.... : )

Jeff's team looked incredible in the video as they were parking in Ruby. Titan and Viper in lead as Jeff situated the team for their well-earned warm meal and rest. They will be staying in Ruby to complete the mandatory 8 hour rest. Each team must take an 8 hour break at one of the checkpoints along the Yukon River: Ruby, Galena, Nulato or Kaltag. At this point in the race, Jeff and the team are in command. I received an e-mail from Jeff's sister this morning, "What's the pro think, is he going to win?". My response, " Looking great but too early to tell." Lance and his team both looked strong coming into Ruby this morning as well and he is a scary guy to have on your tail. Having that said, Jeff is having a brilliant race. I know that he is having a blast, is very excited and will be wearing a big smile all the way to Front Street and beyond. It has been a dream-come-true ride for him so far.

It is likely he may find the phone in Ruby this morning and have time for a quick call home. If that happens, I will be sure to report back!

It looks like Dave is boosting up on his rest in Ophir. An excellent move at this point in the race for him and his team. It is a long way to Nome!

Thursday 3/11/10 Update

This is the point in the race where you need to get out your pencil, paper and abacus to figure out "Who's in first?". Clearly at this point, Jeff has a good handle on the race but there are so many great teams on the trail, each with its individual, and sometimes hidden, strengths. It is not unusual for a not-so-flashy team to really come on in the second half, or even last quarter, of the event. That is truly what keeps us all (unreasonably) glued to our computers in anticipation of the next gripping moment. Jeff has not had the opportunity to see many other teams moving so, when we chatted yesterday, he could not give me any reports on the competition.

Do not be fooled into thinking that the number of dogs in the team has more significance than it actually has. I remember one of the years that Martin Buser won, he was down to ten dogs in McGrath and finished with nine. Certainly, there is likely some comfort to the musher when looking at a big string of dogs, but remember, each of those amazing athletes requires lots of TLC and that means TIME. At some point, efficiency prevails. If the trail is fast, the number of dogs in the team can reach a point of maximum efficiency (or inefficiency!). Which dog is dropped is usually way more significant; your best leader? your best buddy? The dog count is a way for us spectators to compare teams and contemplate their competitive edge, but again, it is just one of many factors that contribute to the winning ingredients of the team.

There is some confusion over the mileage from Ophir to Cripple. The Cripple checkpoint does tend to move from year to year. It is only a tent camp set up for the race each year. Once we get a gander at some more run times we will be able to calculate the mileage a bit more accurately. Jeff will likely be making his run from Takotna to Cripple in one run. It was his winning move in one of his recent victories. That was the point where his team really turned on and it was very exciting! He should be arriving in to Cripple today around noon.

Dave and Jeff were able to compare notes in Takotna last night before Jeff left from his 24-hour break. Would have loved to be a fly on the wall..... : )

Wednesday 3/10/10 Update #2

Jeff is enjoying his day in beautiful Takotna. I spoke with him several times and he sounded great, getting plenty of great food and rest. He reported that this has been the most fun and cleanest dogsled ride/race he has ever had. He had no problems to speak of and the only thing that kept the moments in Takotna from being the perfect dream, "It could be a little warmer." It was 20 below this morning when he made that comment but it had warmed up to zero tonight..... so, I guess it is the perfect dream! He was able to park his team in his favorite parking spot right outside the doors of the checkpoint. He had a steak dinner last night after feeding the dogs (they all ate great!) and then savored a 7 hour sleep. The dogs are in excellent condition; no soreness or lameness, eating like tigers and perfect stools (a Musher's dream). Several of the dogs, notably Titan and Alamo, were standing and barking for breakfast this morning after their peaceful night's rest.

Cadet has been a total blast and Jeff said that he will never forget her name again : ) Dollar, Viper and Sussex ("He is one of the best dogs I've ever driven in my life.") have been outstanding. Ross has been letter perfect and could not get any better. Colonel is a special needs guy (and quite fat) with somewhat of a lack-luster performance unless there is a crowd nearby. He was screaming to leave Nikolai and garnered much attention from impressed spectators. Titan has been spectacular; happy, trotting smoothly, effortlessly leading, eating great. Berkeley is her usual growly, feisty self but moving beautifully. Charger will lead but gets too excited in that position and moves into a driving lope which then gets the rest of the team a bit too amped, so she has been staying back in the team for now.

Two inches of new snow on the Burn provided a trail for the dogs to follow, though still quite tussocky and bumpy. He had to ride the drag all the way from Nikolai to Takotna to keep the team's speed down. A nice problem to have! The trail should be good for the next day or so as the teams travel to Ruby.

Dave arrived in Takotna tonight with his speedy pups. His is one of the only teams that has been traveling faster than Jeff's! Jeff and Dave will have some time to compare notes before Jeff and the team leave at 12:48 am.

There are a bunch of experienced, great teams on the trail this year. Each are making the best decisions for their race and their dogs. We see these different styles of racing emerging now as the teams move into their 24-hour breaks. Jeff's team is very strong at this point in the race and it will be a daunting task for someone to upset their magic carpet ride. It is very exciting! But remember, the race is not even half way over! There is plenty of story still to be told......

Wednesday 3/10/10 Update

I am hesitant to leave the house today..... Jeff is taking his 24 hour break in Takotna and this is the time I can expect a phone call and update on his race and the dogs. It appears as though all's well on the trail for Jeff and the team: great position and run times. The folks in Takotna will take good care of him., as usual! I counted 22 teams in Takotna this morning with five teams going through. I know they all look forward to getting a steak personally prepared just for them at this homey and accommodating checkpoint. Jeff was thinking about his long-time friends and this welcoming village well before the race even began! A special thanks to them for all that they do for the Iditarod and the teams!

I believe Jeff's 24-hour break will be about 25 hours and 52 minutes meaning that he will be able to leave at about 12:40 am. You may remember that it is during this long break where the time differential of the race starting positions is equalized. Therefore the only team actually taking a 24 hour break is Judy Currier wearing bid number 72.

Some observations from yesterday's runs: the run across the Burn was more forgiving than predicted. Jeff stated in the Iditarod Insider video that he had a problem-free run. He didn't pick up his second sled in McGrath either, indicating no major structural issues with his starting sled. His team was screaming as they went through McGrath. That is a sound that warms a musher's heart!

I have not heard a trail report for the trail ahead but expect that it should be good going. We were surprised with 8 inches of fresh snow here in Denali yesterday. Fabulous!

I will send along another update after I speak with Jeff today : )

Meanwhile, Dave DeCaro and our full team of 16, crazy puppies arrive into Nikolai early this morning. Dave is staying right on track for a perfect race!

Tuesday 3/9/10 Update

Thank Heaven and the Iditarod Trail Committee for the LIVE TRACKER!!

You may have noticed that for some reason Jeff's GPS does not update as frequently as the rest of the Musher's. I simply add a few miles.... I usually figure about four miles in a 30 minute period of time is fairly close. And this morning it looks like Jeff is just where he wants to be! The teams are moving toward Nikolai and most will likely arrive around noon. I know that they are breathing a sigh of relief knowing that the worst of the trail and demanding sled handling is behind them. Leaving Rohn there is about 20 miles of nasty trail before it levels off on the Burn. The Burn is a wide open, treeless area known for the lack of snow. This year in particular the teams were warned about the significant lack of any fluffy, white stuff to ease those trail miles. You will notice that the teams are running close together still and that is most likely due to the deep snow conditions up until this point. I also suspect that the experienced teams have been running a relatively conservative attack of the race due to the trail conditions. Some shuffling around will begin soon as the teams hit Nikolai and Takotna and their choices for their mandatory 24 hour breaks.

Jeff will be staying in Takotna for his long break. It is his favorite spot on the trail and he was looking forward to taking "a vacation" there. As I previously mentioned, he had a second sled flown in to McGrath just in case the rough trail took its toll on his equipment. If he needs to switch sleds, he will likely drag the "new" sled with him from McGrath to Takotna so that he can work on getting everything switched out without being rushed.

For many years, Jeff has worked at having all 16 dogs in the team leaving Nikolai. It looks like that may very well be the case this year. I know it will put a smile on his face : )

Down the trail in Rainy Pass rests our puppy team and Dave DeCaro. He is running a brilliant race at this point, showing off his calm reserve and ability and knowledge of managing his team perfectly. Our pups could be in no better hands than Dave's. Here is his team of future champions:

Hopper, Spider, Cricket, Beetle, and Skeeter (Insects)
Shilling, Guilder, and Kroner (Currency)
Opal (Cars)
Snoopy (Famous dogs)
Coltrane (Jazz musicians)
Dave (His namesake)
Eraser (Office supplies ala Carrie)
Stewart (Talk show hosts)
Suspect and Burglar (Crimes)

Stay tuned!

Monday 3/8/10 Update

A quiet Monday morning here at Goose Lake; the only sound being the murmurs of the Iditarod Insider video playing on Carrie's office computer. Tessa, our exceptional crew and I arrived home last night around 8:00 after the Restart in Willow, unpacked and immediately fired up our Insider. The 2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race has begun!

This Iditarod start weekend had a very different flavor than any other year. With Jeff announcing that this will be his last competitive attempt at The Last Great Race, the air was scented with so many varied feelings: surprise, relief, a bit of melancholy, but mostly excitement and apprehension on the winds of change. Jeff carried an overall calm about him as he also tried to savor the smorgasbord of emotions. Our Iditarod Start festivities have become so familiar, like the traditions of a family Christmas. We look forward to seeing all of our Iditarod friends and family and the comforts of settling into the warm embrace of the race routines. This year brought a heightened sense of awareness of all of these precious moments knowing that they will soon be placed in that special catalogue of cherished memories.

Friday was a full day; the Cabela’s Travel Group breakfast, a presentation following, book signings, Meet and Greet at the Inlet Tower and the off to Aurora Fine Art Gallery downtown. Twenty years of send-off parties at Aurora Fine Art were celebrated that night. I produced a commemorative print in honor of Jeff's Iditarod career that were available that evening and once again our hearts were warmed by the people and support who shared the evening with us.

The ceremonial start in Anchorage could not have been more perfect. Jeff's Make-A-Wish Iditarider, Darian Stengrim from Wasilla, was a very fun addition to our team. Jeff made an extra effort in celebrating the start by bringing his very traditional Alaskan freight sled complete with Gee skis, adorned with his most recent black bear disguised as a rug. Darian tucked himself under the rug in the basket of the sled well before departure time and entertained his fans from his regal perch. His smile never faded. As the team slogged its way down 4th Avenue to the start line, we were joined by the "cherry on the top", Buddy Streeper, five-time Champion of the Fur Rendezvous World Championship Sled Dog Race, who jumped on the runner tails of the sled, strapped his GPS onto the handle bow out of sheer habit, and proceeded to learn how to wave like a Distance Musher as Team King traveled the nine mile trail through Anchorage.

Jeff quietly puttered the rest of the day Saturday getting ready for the next day and getting some time to relax and reflect.

The Restart on Sunday, though the excitement level had definitely increased, was still filled with a feeling of calm. The dogs, of course, were not! Another thrilling send off and a sigh.

This year's team:

Charles and brother, Sussex (Types of spaniels)
Deets and brother, Call (Lonesome Dove)
Shannon and brother, Dublin (Irish cites)
Berkeley (Universities)
Alamo and sister, Dollar (Rental cars)
Charger and brother, Titan (Football teams)
Colonel and sister, Cadet (Military ranks)
Viper (Top Gun)
Teddy (Types of bears)
Ross (Friends TV)

Viper and Alamo are the only intact males and Charger the only spayed female. Dollar began the race in heat (could be good, could be bad!). Viper and Berkeley are the oldest with the most Iditarod experience and both will be retiring from competitive racing after this year. All of the team is now sold with the exception of Viper and Deets, who will remain at Goose Lake. This year's rookies are Alamo, Teddy, Cadet, Charger, Titan and Colonel.

As I complete this, Jeff and the team are out of Finger Lake. He was planning to try to get through the Dalzell Gorge in the light. The trail did get some significant new snow to Rohn but the other side of the range is rough and snowless which makes for a tough go for the mushers trying to hang on the back of the sleds. Jeff was hoping to be very conservative until he can get the team safely to Nikolai. He has a second sled that he had shipped out to McGrath in anticipation of some fallout from the rough trail.

Be sure to sign up for the Iditarod Insider for the very best coverage of the race! I will get an update out each morning here at www.huskyhomestead.com.

Also make sure to check out the blog of our very own Dave DeCaro as he makes his rookie run to Nome with the puppy team!

Meanwhile, enjoy the race!

Donna

Here are a few pictures for you to check out:

The team heads up to the starting line.

Jeff takes a moment to talk to the press.

Jeff and his gee pole sled.

Jeff's Iditarider Darian Stengrim from Wasilla, AK.

'Salem' is ready to lead the way for he and Jeff's final fun down 5th Avenue...

And they're off!

Rondy Wrap-Up & Iditarod Excitement!

A fairy tale ending to my first Open World Championship Sled Dog Sprint Race, Fur Rondy 2010! What a privilege it was to have the opportunity to drive some of the finest sprint dogs in the world. My team consisted of 18 “Steeper Streakers” from the kennel of Terry and Bud Streeper from Fort Nelson, BC. Read about my race in the Anchorage Daily News by clicking here.

In light of a particularly wonderful weekend, the Husky Homestead Team invited 5-time World Champion Sprint Racer Bud Streeper to ride with me during the Ceremonial Start! I hope he can stand the pace!

As much fun as I had this past weekend averaging over 17 mph for 75 miles in three days of racing, I would be lying if I told you it was any more fun than I had yesterday driving 19 of my Nome bound Iditarod super stars at 9.5 mph for 50 miles. Truly one of the best teams I have ever brought to the starting line of Iditarod. I hope that I can do the team justice.

Keep an eye out for the young team of Dave DeCaro from Husky Homestead, driving 16 future champions in their rookie run. Best of luck to Dave!

Want to know how to follow the race? Start with a subscription to the Iditarod Insider! Click here for a link. Videos from the start, the trail and of course the finish! Also - get your GPS tracker here!

Another great way to get some 'insider' information is right here on our blog. Donna will once again be putting together her take on the race, the mushers, the trail and everything in between. Stay tuned for her updates!

Alright! Off for another run....

See you in Anchorage!

Cheers,

Jeff

Iditarod Pre-Race Schedule

Heading to Anchorage for the start of Iditarod? Wondering if you’ll get to meet your favorite musher? Here is Jeff’s appearance schedule for the big race!

Thursday, March 4^th

- 6 pm: 2010 Iditarod Mushers Banquet - Dena'ina Center, Anchorage

Friday, March 5^th

- 10:15 am: Iditarod Speaker – Millennium Alaskan Hotel, Anchorage. (This is a ticketed event – click here for information.)

- 11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Book Sale & Author Event – Millennium Hotel, Anchorage (3^rd Floor)

- 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: “Meet & Greet” – Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites, Anchorage (1200 L Street)

- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Send off party – Aurora Fine Art, Anchorage (737 West 5^th Ave)

Saturday, March 6^th

- 10:00 am: 2010 Iditarod Race Start (4^th Ave. & D St.)

Sunday, March 7^th

- 2:00 pm: 2010 Iditarod Race Re-Start (Willow Community Center, Willow)

Sunday, March 21^st

- 3:30 pm: 2010 Iditarod Awards Banquet (Nome Rec Center, Nome)