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?
