Tuesday With Sled Dogs

Tuesday started with rain but by afternoon the weather forecast for sun and about 70 degrees came true. Lots of projects have been completed so far this week. Beds have been built, lots of painting and decorating has taken place in the gym. Doors have been installed and others fixed. A new staircase leading up to the messhall has been fabricated and installed. Kitchen repairs in the camp directors home have been completed. The 12x12 gazebo is nearing completion. And my crew have been cleaning up debris and miscellaneous clutter left over from previous groups who use the facilities. It has been a productive day. And as usual we are being fed better than we deserve.

I mentioned last night that I was heading out on a canoe as soon as I posted. It was a beautiful evening to be on the lake. It was a night to remember for Ed Kimmey who caught his first Alaskan trout last night. Tonight I hear that Kenny landed another trout. While a few guys went out on the lake fishing after supper, the rest of us had the privilege of going to the other side of the lake to visit with 4 time Iditarod champion Martin Buser and some of his sled dogs. He is a fascinating person and it was a real treat getting to learn more about what it takes to compete and win such grueling endurance events. You can tell he loves his dogs and his dogs love him. Though this tour normally costs $34 per person, he invited us in for free as neighbors on Hourglass Lake, one of many lakes that make up the region called Big Lake.

Now it is nearly 10 PM and the sun is finally setting and we are praying for a sunny day tomorrow. I did not have many work pictures today since I spent most of it on the John Deere tractor hauling debris and trash in preparation for the garbage truck tomorrow. I'll try to get more work project pictures tomorrow.

Hauling debris. The blob coming down the road toward my tractor is Tim in the Bobcat.

Stinky old couch being chainsawed in two so I could haul it to the dumpster.

Ed examining a playhouse door in need of repair.

Ed with his prize trout while fishing Monday evening.

On the lake looking toward the mountains. The range to the left is covered in snow.

One of the noisy loons on the lake.

Visiting 4 time Iditarod champion Martin Buser's place across the lake.

Martin Buser with one of his champion sled dogs.