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For two years now, our kennel has been invaded by dog sledding enthusiasts from West Bloomfield, MI.

Each year, a different group of women sign up for the adventure and make the trek north. Last Saturday was the day for 2009.

Led by Laurel Zoet, Naturalist/Programmer for WB Parks and Recreation, the group comes up and spends the weekend at Cedar Bend Farm, and then heads over to our place for a day of dog sledding. (click on CB Farm)

This particular morning, in temps hovering around zero, the hardy group of new participants decided they would walk to our kennel property, approximately 2 miles from Cedar Bend Farm.

Armed with directions (and a compass) from Laurel, the group headed out early, giving Laurel and assistant, Molly, time to tidy up their accommodations before heading over for the day.

Later, upon driving the passenger van to our place, Laurel and Molly noticed the road was absent of any footprints. Hmmm…time to get out the tracking dogs?

A quick sweep of the radius and Laurel and the girls were back in business.

To coin a phrase from one of the participants, “…we Gee’d and we should have Haw’d”.

The group, in their zest to reach our kennel, took the wrong road. The road less traveled.

Had they kept walking they may have come upon a favorite spot down the road from us. Cedar River.

Not a bad outcome, had they made it that far.

The dogs always enjoy the new visitors. This day was no exception.

Rustic Russ is the only male in the bunch. It’s o.k., he grew up with 3 sisters.

Laurel reacquaints herself with LCK dogs.

Friend Amy was also on hand to answer questions, harness and even chase after a runaway sled or two.

Harness time turns into lovin’ time.

The feeling is mutual and reciprocated.

The gals knew how to have a good time, even when demonstrating their skills on (and off) the sled.

What is amazing is…these gals were all perfect strangers until meeting up for this adventure. I’m sure friends were made for life. It’s just that special.

Until next year girls. Thanks for a great day!

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Before I begin our story of Union’s Freedom Run, please check out the Prairie Home Companion video of mushers Jennifer and Blake Freking, from last week’s show with Garrison Keillor. (click on video) Good stuff. Beautiful dogs.

Idita-Brat Andie and now-retired Union in the Upper Peninsula two winters ago.

For Union, life will be different now. Having been raised by the Andrew Cesario family, Union experienced life as an Alaskan “sled dog”, carrying out the task of main leader for the last decade of her life.

However, now, she is demoted/promoted to the rank of House Dog.

Zip ~ demonstrating the skill required of a Last Chance Kennel house dog. It’s a talent.

Rustic Russ know each dog’s ability and character. He reports Union won’t be a problem being loose at Russ-Stick Acres with the house dogs for the remaining years of her life.

He states this without reservation and with no concern in his voice.

I, on the other hand, envision all kinds of disaster waiting to unfold. There are so many opportunities for adventure here. Cows, horses, our free-ranging rabbits…oh my!

My head won’t stop conjuring up the scenerios.

However, I believe Rustic Russ and with shaking hands, I release Union for the very first time into a new way of doing business. Freedom to roam. (Note I did keep her leash on, just in case I needed to grab it for any reason…)

The Release! Heading from the Wee House to the main cabin. It’s dinner time!

OK, she’s resting…before the big run.

Hmmm…well, the snow is deep.

Although 16-year old Satch seems to be getting through fine.

Er, ah, hmmm…and it is cold.

Double Hmmm… Can you say anti-climatic? (See that teeny tiny dot of a dog still sitting there?)

Zip to the rescue.

It works with goats, cows, and even chickens.

OK, with dogs, not so much.

Rustic Russ to the rescue.

Still nothing. Nada. Nothin’ doin’.

Ah, pulling…

That’s it!

The Release ~ Again!

Better…

Oh yeah Baby!

I like initiative. After all, she is a lead dog.

First stop ~ Chicken Coop. That was to be expected. Even the house dogs can’t resist those aromas.

The making of a House Dog completed.

Knowing you’re home, and heading for the door.

Another successful day of kennel life. Life is good.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Continued from Part 1 ~

Zip has always been a special dog to the Fortier Family. She is a welcome sight as we visit this cold, sunny day.

As we rejoin myself, Amy, and Francie in the dog yard with Joann and Ana, talk turns to dogs and the pending John Beargrease Race in Minnesota.

Speaking of dogs, here’s a glimpse of the kennel, a couple days prior to race start.

With the day coming to a close, we pile in our vehicles and say goodbye, saturated with “dog talk”.

Francie with her dogs, including new dog Koyuk.

Amy and I in “Betsy” with Zip.

On the way back to our Last Chance Kennel for a quick spin with Koyuk and India on the trails before dark, we stop in Mancelona for a bag of dog food for Koyuk.

Zip greets one of the resident mousers, with Amy looking on.

Until next time.

Stay tuned for the next installment of “On The Road with Zip”. Who knows where it will lead us?

WAIT…BREAKING NEWS:

Today, Joann Fortier has something to smile about.

More or less.

While getting prepared for the John Beargrease 150 (Click on JB race), she was battling the flu.

Joann hoped she would feel better once they accomplished the long drive to Duluth, Minnesota with the dogs.

But if not… she had a back-up plan.

Race Day arrived. -8 at the start.

Joann?

Sick.

Not to worry. Hubby Larry would become the proxy jockey. The driver of dogs.

He had a ticket to ride. And boy, did he come through.

Eight dogs plowed through the race, with athletic Larry at the helm, with an average speed of 10.8 mph.

All eight dogs finished.

He came in 4th, earning himself a “Rookie of the Year” title in this prestigious Mid-Distance race.

They will be heading back home to Michigan with significant “gas and dog food” money in their pockets from their winnings.

Congrats Fortiers! You deserve it. Both you and your dogs have worked hard.

Also a big congrats to winner, Dave Turner, from Oregon. Dave transported two of our dogs (Dot and Excel ~ “Shaw Dogs” ~ who came to us via Fortiers) to Oregon last year to hook up with their new owner with assistance from, who else?

The Fortiers.

The mushing circle keeps going ’round and ’round.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

It’s no secret. Zip likes to travel.

Believe it or not, she’s kinda picky about where she is going.

However, when it comes to kennel tours, she’s there.

First stop. The Fortiers. Joann, Larry and little Ana’s digs, just outside of Mancelona, MI.

However, first, we have to get there.

Friend Amy’s trusty transport “Betsy” wasn’t able to back out of the narrow snow-cave driveway without incident.

That Besty.

She can be finicky at times.

Try as we might…Nada. Nothin’ doin’. No way. No how.

We sent Francie on ahead in her vehicle, while Amy and I waited in the cabin for Rustic Russ to return from procuring wood.

Beaten and defeated, we plugged in an Iditarod DVD and waited for a tow.

We thought of hooking up a team of dogs…hmmmm…hooking them on the bumper…but the thought dissipated as soon as the words hit the cold air.

However, before we got two checkpoints into the DVD, or dug out the chips and dip, Rustic Russ returned and got us on our way.

Our goal? To meet up with Francie at Coyote Run Kennel to pick up her new sled dog, Koyuk, a highly experienced and wonderfully good-natured “Shaw Dog”.

Koyuk would be joining India in dogsledding duties with Francie at the helm.

We finally arrived!

We are greeted by Joann, and daughter Ana, and 30ish some dogs.

Memphis “High Fives” Amy.

Happy dogs. Excited dogs.

One dog in particular I will miss seeing upon visiting in the future is Duelly.

He headed to a new home this week.

Joann and Francie talk about Koyuk’s transition, while Amy and Ana play in the snow.

And now, the dogs, Joann’s adventure at the John Beargrease Race (click on Race for an amazing Blog) this weekend and, ~ wait…to be continued…check back tomorrow!

Until then, wish Joann luck and God speed on the (- double digits) snowy trail in Minnesota~!

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

For the brand new Russ-Stick Rambling’s feature, “On the Road with Zip”.

Come with us as Zip travels to area kennels.

Check back for the first installment of this informative and fun endeavor.

First stop ~ Coyote Run Kennel ~ owned and operated by Joann, Larry, and Ana Fortier.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

In the next few hours, as my little grandson boards a plane for southern California, my heart will be left with a dull ache.

I can not allow myself to think of all I will miss between now and the next time we visit.

You may wonder, how do I cope with the pain of not being in his life on a daily basis?

Bottom line, I’m blessed.

I’m blessed, because David is blessed.

He is blessed with many significant people watching over him, caring for him, nurturing him.

He has a circle of people who love him dearly.

The obvious being his parents, Charlie and Kristina.

Since Day One, they have been excited about being his parents.

And David’s Grandparents…Karen and Jose Torres.

Nana Karen

Papa Jose

Influential men.

Uncle Steve (Hawaii Steve) and Blair.

A trilogy of strong men ~ Bub (Charlie’s mentor in film and life), Steve, and Charlie.

Jeanette, wife of Bub.

Aunt April, “scrapping” on a Friday night while the men enjoy their cigars out on the patio.

Aunt April and Uncle Brandon this past Christmas. (Photo courtesy Karen Torres)

Cousin Elijah

Cousin Caleb

Oma ~ Great Grandmother…Karen’s mother. A truly incredible woman. (Photo courtesy Karen Torres)

And the loving arms of the Church (click on church).

Pastor Jose leads the ministry.

And, way, way up in northern California, a long day’s trip away…

Uncle Mark & Aunt Rojill

So, until next time, I will need to trust in those around David to keep him safe.

The payoff is great ~ they get to see him grow and become a wonderful little person on a daily basis.

We will just keep on doing what we do, and look forward to the next visit.

For now, that is the best we can do.

Thank you California friends and family ~ for the Peace of Mind we get knowing you are there for the little man.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman ~ Nana of the little Woodsman. David.

The dogs.

You will hear mushers utter this mantra.

It is spoken everywhere.

Throughout races circuits, “talkin’ dogs” over a cup of coffee, and in musher journals. Or if a musher has time, or electricity, computer blogs.

“It’s all about the dogs.”

“You’ve got to do right by the dogs.”

Well, today it was all about the baby. As it should be.

Our grandson, David.

We began our festivities at Cedar Bend Farm. (Click on name.)

We work in tandem with owners Dan and Alice Grimes to provide an all-inclusive stay for dog sledding groups. They stay at Cedar Bend and come to our place to enjoy the day on the runners.

Charlie, Kristina and little David stayed at the Heart’s Rest, one of many options.

Less than 2 miles from us, it provided a nice cozy atmosphere, and plenty of room for a gathering.

Complete with a horsey rocker, hand carved (with love) from Papa Rustic Russ.

The goal? Getting David ready to ride his horse, Nauish, when he is much, much, older.

Family was reunited.

Aunt Carla and Uncle Craig drove down from Walloon Lake (parents of Hawaii Steve & CMU Lauren) .

Lauren enjoyed meeting little David for the very first time. And vice versa. Boyfriend Tyler also enjoyed the gathering.

Enjoying a night of fellowship, food and conversation (no TV or radio) was a nice lead in for the next day’s visit at Russ-Stick Acres, home of Nana Sherry and Papa Russ.

Sub zero weather ushered in the day.

Although the air was biting cold, we ventured out of our small cabin to see the animals, after a breakfast which included Monkey Bread, a Russ-Stick Acres winter staple.

Off to see the cows with Rustic Russ leading the way.

Dudley the bull came to greet the family.

Then it was off to see the horses; Buck, Raz and black BLM Mustang Nauish (pronounced Now-eesh, which is said to mean “Thank You” in Cheyenne).

Oh the adventures David will have years from now when he is a young boy at Russ-Stick Acres. Huck Finn will have nothing on him.

David even survived his first trek into the dog yard, with the barking, screaming dogs. Not a problem for this little guy.

Heading to the Wee House. Don’t let the sun fool you. It was cold, but David was mesmerized.

Perhaps it was the diamond-like snow glittering all around him.

Or perhaps it was because just days earlier, he was in 80 degree California warm winds.

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Peek-a-boo!

Camera steaming up in the toasty Wee House, due to the contrast of single digit temps versus a warm wood stove.

Once the Matz family loaded up and headed back to Chandler Hill, Rustic Russ and I commented on how nice it is to see a little child, our grandchild, so loved and cared for by his doting parents. So treasured.

Parents who put him first, before their wants and wishes.

It’s all about the boy.

Little David.

The little Woodsman.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Rustic Russ and Raz celebrate Martin Luther King day on Monday.

-29 at the Wee House this chilly Tuesday morning.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Woodswoman

Retirement. My favorite word in the English language.

One day I will enjoy the blessings this event will bring about.

But until then, I will have to celebrate a retirement of a different nature.

Saturday was Union’s last day as an official working sled dog.

We knew it was coming. Even though she still leads, and has enthusiasm, it is time.

She is joining the rank of “house dog”.

Her winter days spent lazily by the wood stove and walking snowy trails.

Her summer being carefree and enjoying the surrounding flora and fauna.

Rustic Russ feels chickens or rabbits will not be an issue for her, perusing about Russ-Stick Acres with the other house dogs:

Scooby – Retired sled dog.

Satch – has been retired since a pup – going on 16.

Zip – active cattle dog and thinks she is in charge of everyone and everything.

Nope, retirement will not be an issue at all for Union. She has been an excellent leader, an integral part of the dog yard dynamics, and has earned her retirement, even though I will miss my main leader.

The dog yard will miss her too.

She has spent nights in the cabin before, but Saturday night, the dogs knew she was gone forever.

There was a low howl emitted the entire night. A goodbye howl.

For they knew one of their pack would be leaving an empty dog house behind, and their numbers had just decreased by one.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman