Winter Diary Extract 2004 - 2005

Beautiful new dog flown in from Jo Kelly. His fur colour reminds me of horse chestnut seeds. As a kid we called these conkers. I've named him Conker.
 

Could I kill Thule’s pups on the journey? No. Do I leave her behind and try someone up front and risk it. No. Jo has suggested I borrow Thule’s mother Chilly. Last thing tonight Blitz decides to munch his way tshrough his third collar this winter to equal Thule’s record. Git.

I made time for a break so I went for a walk with Saxon. He loved bombing around in deep snow.

Fly Thule full of puppies back to Jo Kelly. I tape a notice with, “Sick dog – please handle with care” to her crate. Checking in for Thule’s flight the woman asked, “Will she make it?” She explained that a couple of dogs had died on flights from Yellowknife last week. I didn’t want to hear that.

Went into the community for last minute supplies. The local paper reports of a big (for Inuvik) drug bust. Crack cocaine, worth $7,400, was seized. Cops chainsawed their way in to gain entry. Subtle. Word is going around about a load of daffodils for sale. Under temperature control they were freighted here to sell for a charity. To see them would have been pleasant. I haven’t seen a flower for seven months.

Carl calls in and greets me with, “You’re living in a warehouse Gary”. Gear is strewn everywhere but there is a bed in there, somewhere. With the last week ticking away before I go I’m eating wherever the fancy takes me. Concoctions like chips with mayonnaise or evaporated milk poured over peanut butter and jam for instance. Nice. Spots of blood indicate first heat for Spoons. Her and Blitz won’t be coming with me on this journey.

No other dog I own has shown consistent leadership qualities this winter. Jo Kelly flies Thule’s mother Chilly to me. Thule showed a spark in October and it’s taken all winter to shape her. Now I’ve a couple of days to bond with Chilly. I’m seriously worried how she’ll perform for me. Just because she works well for Jo is no guarantee she’ll do the same for me. All I can do is get her out tomorrow and pray we hit it off. I must head out this weekend else I’ll hit spring ice break-up. I’m so tired tonight my teeth ache.

I took Chilly out for our first run together. She did well throughout a three hour run with a small team of Bomber, Piston and Saxon. I’m so relieved. Cleared three foot of snow off my food store cabin. Thankfully a windy few days blew most of it off. I’ve a little leak in the roof and didn’t want snowmelt to ruin any bags of Nutrience when break up arrives. Saw Judi today. She had a load of reindeer legs and asked if I wanted some for my dogs. The herd’s whereabouts is monitored throughout the year. The animals are culled on a commercial basis.

Today was a beautiful bright day. This afternoon’s run with the dogs was a good one. I swapped Saxon for Cream upfront with Chilly. The combination worked well.

After a winter of 3,000 training miles with my dogs I’m on the eve of another journey. Am I frightened? Of the cold, always, especially when water is involved. Falling through ice doesn’t thrill me. A cold swim could shock enough to send me unconscious. If I feel myself go I always make sure my mouth is shut and I bite my lips white. Gulping water could compound a nasty moment and see me drown. That frightens me. Polar bears bother me too. To die wouldn’t benefit my dogs. It would also upset my parents. I don’t want to do that.

The formation I'll start our journey with will be:

       Chilly
Conker - Nettle
Saxon - Twizzle
Marshall - Cream
Bomber - Piston

I go to sleep tonight with my stomach churning.