Whew, what a year. When I elected to step back from Iditarod in 2022 (likely one of the best choices I made for myself and ATAO, with all the shenanigans that would be ensuing, unbeknownst to any of us), the … Read More
Wowee, I sure do hate asking for things. I hate asking for help, I hate admitting I need things, and I especially, especially hate asking for money. Money sucks! And it’s also, they say, a bit essential to make anything … Read More
Over the last twelve days, I’ve been panic-building a sled. Why now? You may ask. Well, better now than never! The sled I’ve been driving for the past four years and literal thousands of miles is at the end of … Read More
It’s been a wild year. In more ways than one. Here at ATAO it’s been a year of culminations- and we’re almost to the highest peak of all. Iditarod is around the corner like- REALLY around the corner. We’re in … Read More
This morning, the thermostat clocked in at a balmy 5 degrees Fahrenheit here at ATAO. The dogs are nestled into their straw beds, dreaming of breakfast and running and bones with the marrow still on, and other important things. The … Read More
We have some important news about Mr. R2: he’s heading to a life of couchy goodness. I thought I better get that out of the way first off, so no one thought the worst. You probably know that R2 was … Read More
At the beginning of Iron Will (the only mushing movie I can really get behind) Will (good name!) has told his family that he wants- needs- to run the 500 mile dog derby from Winnipeg to St. Paul in order … Read More
Today is the start of the first Iditarod of the new decade. I was hoping to go down to see the start, but random wrenches gummed up the works. That’s okay– I’ve seen a lot of Iditarod starts. I would … Read More
A few days before the start of the Solstice, a friend mentioned that it didn’t look like I was signed up to race. “Yes I am!” I said indignantly. “They must have made a mistake.” I was, of course, supremely … Read More
Tis the season to think back over the year and reflect, and a good time to share some things we’re thankful for. Gratitude is kind of an amazing thing– It gives you back so much positivity. That thing about thinking … Read More