Summer is officially here in Denali. It has been a whirlwind of activity since the end of the snowy racing season. In Alaska, spring is called break up. The term is derived from the concept that the ice which has encased the rivers for the winter begins to break up into chunks that flow down stream. Break up means mud and snow that you can sink up to your waist in. In the kennel it means clean up. Straw is raked from yard, sleds are put away and four wheelers are tuned up. Parkas are stored and puppies are born.
Max enjoying Crow berries which reemerged from the winter snow.
As I was driving to Fairbanks in April I crossed the bridge over the Tanana river in Nenana. You could see down to where the first checkpoint of the Iditarod had been staged. I was amazed to see the remnants of the piles of snow where the dogs had rested still sitting on the river ice. So much had happened since we were there, yet our tracks remained. By my next trip in May, the ice had melted and taken our memories down stream towards the mighty Yukon.
It is surprising to see the world covered in leaves. The brilliant, light green of new leaves seems iridescent as the strong summer sun shines through them. I forget how much the world is seen in black and white over the winter. Summer comes with a rush of color, reminding me of when Dorothy steps out into the technicolor world of Oz. This sunlight is constant now. While there is an official sunrise and sun set time listed, it never gets dark.
Here at the kennel we have been busy with summer work. We have been sharing the dogs with visitors and working on projects. Max has been hired this summer to help with the guests. His job is to hold the puppies, wave, shake hands, and introduce himself. He is proudly saving up his wages of $1 for a remote controlled car. He is getting very good at his job and has come up with some classic lines. The other day someone asked him who his favorite dog was and he said, “Well, there are a lot of good ones.” He is mostly growing out of being too shy to answer questions, and that can lead to too much communication. The other day as a group was lingering near the puppies he told them, “It is time for you to go now.” I keep telling people if you really want to know everything that goes on here at the kennel, ask Max.
Kingpin and his bone
Mike has been working on adding a staircase to our house. When we moved the house, we knocked out the wood furnace and chimney, and have been waiting ever since for the addition of stairs. Mike collected fire killed trees and is peeling, sanding, and scribing the logs. He has designed a two level log staircase as the centerpiece of the house. Everyday is like Christmas as I see the beautiful additions he is giving me in our home. I will be sure to continue to share the pictures of the building progress with you with you.
In between work, we have been trying to find as much time to explore as possible. Max and I were hiking the other day. He took me up and up the trail. Knowing that we had to go all the way back as well, I kept asking him if we should turn back. “ I want to go to where the trail ends,” he said, “that is where we will turn around.” As he slowed down on the way back he he did say, “It was my idea to go here.” I love the way he loves our mountains, tundra, and streams. He is always focused on finding treasures like feathers, flowers, and bones.
Max finds a baby moose track
In the kennel it is exciting seeing the young dogs, pups from last summer, excelling in harness with the adults. Jackpot is moving towards the front of the team. Ichabod is focused from take off to landing. This year’s puppies are cute as can be. They are already getting into mischief as the romp around with each other. This year we are collecting “O” names if you have any suggestions.
The school year is over. Our one graduate Kiana invited me to be the speaker in her ceremony. I was amused when I saw that she listed me as “Guest Speaker,” because with only 16 students and 3 teachers, I definitely feel at home in Cantwell School. I did however, feel a little less at home wearing a dress. Graduations and other school events are special in Cantwell. Almost the whole community attends regardless of if they have kids in school or know the graduate closely. The village really takes pride in its children. This ceremony stood out to me because Kiana was in kindergarten when I started teaching at the school. I have had a chance to teach her throughout her entire school career. In addition to celebrating our shared tenure at Cantwell School the ceremony was also memorable because it was snowing the whole day.
Jackpot enjoying the sun
Summer always goes fast. We try to squeeze as much in each day as possible. Last night Max was reluctant to go to bed yet also worried about missing his time to play in the morning. I hope your days are equally filled with fun.
Until next time, I hope you are having as much fun with your dogs as we are with ours. Mike, Caitlin, and Max