Mill River Sled dog races - O'leary, PEI - Feb 26 & 27/05

3 dog races

Getting ready at the start line (Aero, right & Koal, left)

Above: (hitching the dogs up) Aero and Koal

Above: At the starting line, getting ready!

We're off!

Crossing the finish line!

        Although we've been running the dogs all winter, I only found out the races were taking place the previous Sunday before the races!! Having only a few days to get the dogs ready, we arrived in Mill River knowing that with a full team of Malamutes, our timing would not be anywhere close to the other team. Not to mention I had been using Xera at lead since Aero was been a total nutcase having a female in peak season home, but at the very last minute I decided to give Aero a chance and put him back where he belongs in lead position. I think the dogs surprised me coming in the 3 dog category (4 miles)  in 3rd place on Saturday. On Sunday, we had a rough start, lost a few minutes trying to untangle everyone, leaving another musher to pass but we quickly caught up with the other team and passed back and fourth and ended up coming in in front but losing by 12 seconds for 3rd position, because of the minute interval between the teams. Overall we ended up in fourth position which I couldn't be happier with the way the dogs preformed both days, especially for this being their first competitive racing event!!

Skijoring competition

       Skijoring.. well, I guess I can start saying that I've never really been on skies before!! This year was the first year that they were holding the skijoring competition. Like I said before I only found out about the races the week before so... my first training run Tuesday morning I fell the entire way, the dogs were just too fast and yes maybe I should have started with only one. I didn't get discouraged. Wednesday , I took Aero for a run, things were better but I still ended up falling once. I arrived at the races Saturday morning, not knowing if I would enter, I decided what the heck.. it should be fun!! Saturday we were off, the two dogs: Aero and Xera had just finished running the 3 dog race one hour prior to the skijoring so I felt safe that they would take it easier on me along this 4 mile run.  I only fell once going down a hill. We started second leaving the starting line and quickly caught up to the other team, passing them and ending up finishing in 1st place!! Sunday we started off first from the starting line and ended up again in 1st Place!! We came home with a beautiful trophy and 80lbs of dog food and a very nice cash prize!! (for both the 3 dog race & skijoring)

Crossing the finish line

Above: (Princess) Xera and some of our winnings for the weekend!