Motivation

Great views in the backcountry between Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo Pass.

Nice views to our right as we cruise along the fun shelf
deep in the backcountry.

Today's skijor excitement centered on following moose tracks for over two miles. We came across the tracks in the trail far from the trailhead. Only a single snowmobile had been out this far before the moose and then us. But, given how far we were into the backcountry, the snow was also very deep. As a result, the moose was postholing in the trail quite a few times. 

Moose posthole footprint right under my ski tip.
Another posthole print directly in front of my ski.
Jack & Rudy running hard to follow & find the moose!

Now that you've seen the postholes in the prior photo, you'll appreciate today's video highlight. Come along as Jack & Rudy are running HARD despite the effort it takes to deal with the moose postholes. The moose tracks were clearly very fresh and provided intense motivation for Jack & Rudy to fly through the choppy and occasionally deep trail. Wheeee! 

[watch on youtube if no video loads below]

We never found the moose as the tracks left the trail after about two miles of following. A little past where the moose left the trail, it was time for us to turnaround. Well, following deep moose tracks for 2 miles means you need to roll snow angels and cool off at turnaround time :)

Rolling in the snow to cool the jets after some intense
moose track following.

Arriving back to the trailhead and all smiles from the happy sled dogs!

"What a fun day!" says the happy kids.

Finally, our end of run ritual, sharing "end of run treats" as we celebrate a fun day.

Such happy pals!

We've been waiting for the snowpack to enable us to get in some long runs. Well, today was it! It was the perfect decision to go north from Rabbit Ears Pass towards Buffalo Pass and find some really great snowpack! 13.1 miles traveled with 900 feet of elevation climbed and a top speed of 20 MPH.

2022/2023 Season to Date: 15 days on the trails covering 111.1 miles with 9150 feet of elevation climbed.