No Snow

So, our snow didn't last very long.  We did get at least eight inches, but it quickly melted and we were never able to break out the sleds.
So now we decided to try something different.  Running the dogs right off the truck, meaning hooking the team to the front of the truck and letting them just run, keeping the tugs tight, but not actually pulling the truck, we mostly just follow them and keep them at around a 10 mile an hour pace.  It gets them out there and it gives us total control, which we've obviously been lacking with the cart.
Today was our first attempt at this and it went pretty well.  We only did eight miles because they've been off for a few weeks, but when we were done, they were all hammering their harnesses and barking, so we really could have done more.  Next time.

Cherry and Thunder, the leaders, ready to go.  Aspen, Stimpy and Traveler are visible behind.

 

The view from inside the comfy cab.  Mushing in luxury!

18 dogs.

It was pretty nice riding in this kind of comfort-no getting cold feet or hands for us!  But we'd still take some snow and sleds over this any day.  Gets pretty boring this way-10 mph feels a lot faster on the runners.  The road had some pretty slippery patches of ice on it, too, which makes us a bit nervous about possible injuries resulting from dogs slipping while pulling.  No problems today, though.  Everyone completed the run in great shape, including Lara, one of our youngest dogs, at eight months.  She shows real promise, and we are looking forward to a couple more hookups and then we'll try her up front with Thunder.  It'd be nice to have a few more leaders in the yard.
As for the snow, maybe if we say we don't want snow for a while yet, we'll get dumped on?  Apparently wishing for it is not working...so much for being on sleds in November.  At this rate, its looking like it won't be anywhere near the beginning of December, either.