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"I have just returned from two weeks, spent training in Montana. On my arrival I found the dogs be both conditioned and fit and there is now a lot of power there. We had a few days snow cover whilst I was there and this gave us the opportunity to get out the sleds and have some initial runs in without sitting on ATV's behind training teams. The run over Huckleberry Pass was well covered in snow but of course it was still hunting season, so there was naturally a little reluctance to get too optimistic until after Thanks Giving. On one occasion Doug and I had gone out on the 4-wheeler with 18 dogs and had made the decision to go through a new trail (Having gained the permission of the landowner the previous evening). In the middle of a meadow where the leaders were not responding, Doug started to switch a few positions. During that time a black truck appeared across the meadow and gradually rolled up behind me on the 4 wheeler. We turned around and in the passenger seat is a dog and in the driver's seat in a person in camouflage gear wearing a black Ski Mask with holes for the eyes and mouth! "It's the Unibomber" whispered Doug in a low tone (Lincoln Montana is famous for few remarkable events, but one is the fact that the Unibomber was in Lincoln when arrested). Walking towards the truck Doug asked the stranger "Is this a stick up?" "You almost got shot" came the reply. Doug: "Oh, how's that?" Stranger: "Well I saw the horses running and didn't know what you were" Doug: "Well may I ask that if you don't know what we are that you hold your fire?" This banter went on for a few minutes and then all shook hands and continued about our way feeling quite privileged to have not been fired upon! As we traversed the meadow and approached the ranch two Pyrenean Mountain Dogs greeted us, they were defending the house and came out to make their presence known. Having looked back for reassurance several times and after getting no assistance as to how to deal with the impending situation, Pepe in lead took a swiping turn to the right as we approached and diffused the confrontation. I have to say I was pleased! While I was there we also ran several puppy teams for the first time. Its so funny to see them first time out when they are uncertain what they should be doing. I had a few 'moments' with some of the dog's decisions to play games with the new driver. Without going in too much detail I have arrived home in England with a limp which I trust will improve before my return. One triumph is that while I was there I managed to get most of my personal food/supply drop sacks ready to go in storage, since during my next trip these will have to be completed. The local Montana motel "The Snowy Pines" are kindly storing a lot of my gear for me in their garage until my impending return on 26th December. One thing I have noticed is my fitness, I thought I was physically fit when I set off but the way I feel upon my return, which was clearly not the case. With the exception of my damaged leg every muscle in my body as been put to the test! I have a feeling that January's training will not be so understanding." |
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November 29, 1998