DOGGY DAY AFTERNOON

Warmer days have melted our snow down to lower levels, but there is still plenty of the white stuff up north.  That’s where we went Saturday to watch the not-so-serious part of the Annual American Dog Derby.

 We arrived after the big dogs and their sleds had been down the 40-plus mile track and back.  Now it was time for some kid fun.

 The Junior Race was followed by the Skjoring Potluck Race...

...in which one to two dogs assist a cross country skier along a four mile track.

 This team left with the most speed and control in my opinion. 

 While the racers were out we did a little people and dog watching.  Almost everybody brought their dogs for the day.

 Almost everybody.

 There were dogs of all sizes and breeds.

 Here comes back the fast team…still with plenty of hustle but those tongues are hanging out.

 The return of another one of the Junior Mushers to plenty of applause and high fives.

After the sled races the crowd moved to Main Street for the next set of events.

 First were the Kid Snowshoe Races.  The racers were grouped by age and strapped into snowshoes and set off.

 There was some very serious competition.

Next came the Mutt Race wherein dogs with no training were harnessed to a dog sled and encouraged to pull their friend down the track.

 

 Some dogs did okay with a little encouragement.

 Others were having none of it.

 Then there were the dogs who were just happy to be there and expecting a treat at any moment.

 Just for fun here is some action from the snowshoe races.

The last ones on snowshoes were the Mormon Missionaries.

 First the Sisters.

 Then the Elders. They had been assisting all day with the events and deserved a moment to show off.

 It was a great day to get out of the house and enjoy the sun and the end of a long winter.

 Kids and dogs.  What’s not to like?

IF IT WEREN'T DANGEROUS IT WOULDN'T BE FUN - 2

The weather was sunny and the snow was deep.

 Plus every ride down began with a free ride to the top courtesy of Crazy Chris’s Four Wheeler Haulage.

 

Which was also an excuse for Crazy Chris to hot rod the hill.

Sledders shot down with their face a few inches from frozen slush.

 Well…some went down in reverse.

 Screaming was optional.

 What just happened?

 Grab the sled and catch another ride to the top.

 Rider down.

 No serious injury.  Just dust off and go again.

 Yeeee---Haw!

 Skills!

 Clear the hill for one last ride.

 Load up the toys and go home.

ANOTHER ESCAPE TO HARRIMAN

Cures for cabin fever during long Idaho winters come in many forms.  Some of the best involve dressing up warm and just getting out in the snow.

 Some people carry this to extremes like my dear hubby.  He has passed the insanity on to his sons, grandsons and even his sons in law.

 As soon as there is questionably thick ice on the favorite lake, DH and his fishing buddies are out there drilling for trout. Fish caught this way have wonderful flavor so I don’t complain.

 No, my idea of a fun time in the snow involves cross-country skis or snow shoes and a view like this one of an icy river and swans.   (This time the only camera I took was my new cell-phone.  I was impressed with the quality of the photos.  The original of this shot is over 4,000 pixels wide at 72dpi.  I brought it down to 800px for faster loading)

 If I want to see the swans I have to ski over this bridge.  It scares me every time, especially like yesterday when the track was icy and the skis go FAST.

 Harriman State park has an extensive trail system with ranch buildings which have been converted to use for visitors.  The main lodge was open with bathroom, hot chocolate, fireplace and big screen t.v.

 I passed up the ranch and continued out to the lookout over the river.  Since it was a holiday there were plenty of other skiers to keep me company.

 By the time I got to the lookout I was looking for more than scenery.

There has always been a portable outhouse, (a.k.a. kybo) there for people like me who need such a break. (btw, this photo was taken just a few years ago with my first cell phone.  Amazing difference in quality)

Even though kybo seats in the winter are rimmed with frost which promotes hovering, they are still a welcome sight.

 Squatting in winter woods with lots of company is really not an option.  It’s amazing how FAST one can ski with crossed legs.

CABIN FEVER

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

When experiencing cabin fever, a person may tend to have distrust of anyone they are with…

…and an urge to go outside even in the rain, snow, dark or hail.

Hey. Wasn't it around here that the Donner Party got snowbound?

One therapy for cabin fever may be as simple as getting out and interacting with nature.

Research has proven that even brief interactions with nature can promote improved cognitive functioning and overall well-being.

Temperatures were warmer today than they were all week but the deep cold left the river frozen.  The big trumpeter swans who usually swim in the shallows had probably gone to a nearby creek fed by a warm spring.

The cross-country ski track was under several inches of new powder.  There were recent footprints in the tracks, probably left by the two coyotes I saw trotting along across the river.

Harriman Ranch looked like a picture from a Christmas card.  

Some places are like people: some shine and some don't.

It’s amazing how a little fresh air and a blink or two of sunshine can cause an attitude adjustment.

Guess I won’t be taking an ax to DH at least this week.

Redrum!  Redrum!