Canadian Challenge: Jim Tomkins

It is time to introduce the mushers!

I know many who have been waiting for me to begin this part of the blog and although there is still so much information to share on the workings of the race I decided that those who RUN the race are going to come first.

HOWEVER that said I do want to focus first on a musher from the past.

I received a call tonight that was such a pleasure to take that it left me smiling long after it concluded.  It was from a musher who won the 1999 and 2001 (at the time 10 dog) Canadian Challenge, Jim Tomkins.

Jim, his wife Elaine, and Frank Brooks were the three mushers who dreamed up and started the Canadian Challenge.  Their idea was to have a poor mans Iditarod that didn't cost an arm and a leg to achieve.

Originally it was based on a race out of Alaska in which they would run one way,  turn around and come back again all along the same route.  

The Canadian Challenge would start in Prince Albert, race to La Ronge, and then re-start to race back to Prince Albert for the finish.  Most of the race was run in the ditch along the side of the HI way.   Not always a favorite of the mushers who enjoyed the solitude within the trees, but a fantastic event for spectators who could follow along.

That first race, Elaine had contacts that led her to their first big sponsor, Cameco who offered $20 000 that inaugural year.   We can proudly say that Cameco continues to be a big sponsor to this day.

I asked Jim to share a memory from his time running the Canadian Challenge.

His 2nd win in 2001 was his most memorable as it was to be his last race and he had put everything he had into winning.  

In fact he said he knew he was going to win it back in July. 

One particular memory was at a check point 25 miles south of Weyakwin.  It was colder than 40 below and quite windy.  He says he went to warm up and it was his wife, his coach, who had to kick him out reminding him that he had to win the race.  I'm pretty sure he was smiling as he told me this story.

Jim shared with me some incredible words of wisdom, the same ones he would share with all young up and coming mushers,   "Make a place for that trophy on your shelf, then go for it."  

Jim's belief is that attitude is everything. 

Know you are going to win, own it, and not just for racing but in life itself.

Jim and Elaine Tomkins, Photo Credit: Star Phoenix 

Canadian Challenge; It's a Dog Sled Race

When I finally decided to do this blog and make my way East to Saskatchewan to follow this race I was struck by the challenge I had given myself.

To make the posts read worthy and interesting I would need to learn more about the mushers who would be carving out the trails with their teams, and to educate readers who perhaps have no idea what is involved in such a race or dog sledding at all.

According to the International Federation of Sled Dog Sports dog sledding in North America and Siberia originated 4,000 years ago.

Of course it would have only been used as a means for transportation to trade, hunt, fish and monitor trap lines.   When communities and outposts began to grow this means of transportation would have been used to deliver supplies , mail and news into the Northern Canadian Wilderness.

Mail Run 1911, Photo Credit: Smithsonian

In the late 19th century sled dogs were trained to respond to two voice cues, the traditional French 'Marche,' which was mistakenly pronounced mush, to get a team started and 'whoa' to tell the team to stop.  It wasn't until the last decade of the 19th century when William Miller of the Hudsons Bay Company trained the first team of Eskimo Dogs to respond to turn right (gee) and left (haw)

The first documented sled dog race was in 1850 from Winnipeg, Manitoba to St. Paul, Minnesota.  Disney shone a light on the 1917 version of this race in "Iron Will" in which Alberta Campbell, a Metis from Pas, Manitoba won the race.

I suppose the most well known distance race, The Iditarod, which covers 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome was born out of the memory of the great race to get serum over 600 miles to Nome via dog sled when an outbreak of Diphtheria threatened the community in 1925.

Leonhard Seppala with his dogs 1925

Photo Credit; ESPN.com

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Canadian Challenge with a terrific line up of mushers entered. 19 teams registered in three categories, a 70 mile 6 dog open, a 200 mile 8 dog class and the drawing card , the 12 dog 350 mile class. 

There seems to be a decline in mid-distance mushers as of late, and from those that I have spoken to it is more about the passion and love of being with their dogs that keeps them coming back for more than any financial gain.   As the cost of running a dog sled kennel and attending races rise, competitive mid-distance races are slowly disappearing as the purse and sponsors dwindle.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to this years sponsors, your help enables races such as this one to continue year after year.   

Sponsors and Volunteers are the main nervous system of the race, you help keep it alive and running smoothly.  The beating heart, I feel, is the mushers and dogs themselves, because without their attendance it wouldn't be much of a race.

And now, without further ado it is time to introduce the mushers to you all...... 

Team Rick Wannamaker in 2015

Photo Credit: Jim Williams

Canadian Challenge: February is Here!

February is here.

A month deep into winter.

Winter, a season for me full of adventure.

Two years ago I attended the Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race that runs 600 km or 350 miles as a dog handler for Randy Mackenzie.  

It was quite the adventure and for those who didn't follow the 2015 race you'll have to ask us about it one day.  Instead, for now, I want to focus on this years race.

2017 marks the 20th anniversary of a race that follows a route not unlike the ones that trappers, the Northwest Mounted Police or the First Nations communities would have traveled between Prince Albert and La Ronge.

The Canadian Challenge has been recognized as a world class-sporting event being the longest race that starts, runs, and finishes in Canada and is a qualifying race toward the Yukon Quest and Iditarod.   It is not an easy race, full of challenges, and continues to bring back mushers year after year.  Teams from all across Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, Serbia and Belgium have come to participate over the years. 

As the countdown begins to the official start date of February 21st I find myself without a team to work for.  Not wanting to miss out on the fun, adventure, the cold and even lack of sleep I have made up my mind to follow along in order to keep a photo and written journal of this amazing event.

I have been lucky enough to have had the experience of tasting a little of what has drawn men and women to want to drive a team of dogs into the wild for many miles.  Rick Wannamaker has given me the gift of opportunity helping run his dogs during training, and I've learned so much and have grown to love the idea of mid-distance racing.

I have been asked "Why?" many times.

Why would anyone want to run a races such as this?

It is the connection that one makes with themselves, the land and more importantly between the musher and their dogs.  We all know that dogs love unconditionally, but I believe a musher loves their dogs back just as much.  The bond and trust runs deep between human and dogs on a team, and it shows.  What could be a better adventure than being out in the wild with only your best friends?

I have been speaking with many of the mushers and will give them a voice here, on this blog, so that you may see their own reasons as to why.  Each story is different and I will share with you something about each.  Some of the mushers I call good friends, few I meet once or twice a year through the dogs, and still others I shall call friend when we finally are able to meet in person for the first time.

I hope that you will join me as we gear up to head onward to Saskatchewan in just over 2 weeks.   Teams are scrambling to get in those last few runs as they prepare themselves and their super athletes. 

Many volunteers are working long hours putting in trails, gathering up sponsorships and doing all those little and big jobs that no one sees or thinks of when it comes to putting on such a large event.

Those are also the stories I hope to share here as well.

My own excitement builds, especially after speaking to Remy Leduc the musher who will be traveling the furthest to join us.  That however shall wait for the next post.

February is finally here.

A month deep into winter.

A month that calls us to Saskatchewan and the Canadian Challenge.

Photo Credit: Jim Williams

Then I Blinked

.... and in that blink everything changed.

Nothing will ever be the same.

My Mamma drives me crazy sometimes, like all Moms before her and those to come, she needs to know everything going on.  Always filled with advice and worried all the time.
Must be a 'mom thing'

Busy bee is my mother... once actually referred to as a drunk bumble bee.
When in the midst of people and at a function that she is a part of she will flit from person to person making sure everything is just right and that everyone is happy and taken care of.

Theater is her passion and she always wants us to come to every show she is involved in.  Us kids would sigh and go to shows with people on stage that we didn't even know all because she was the back stage manager, or she made some props.
We once told her that we would come to the shows but she had to have either directed it or be in it for us to attend.  So she had to find other ways to bring us in, like put her dog, Teddy, in a role on the stage.

As I have grown and had a family of my own I grew closer to my mom as more of a friend than a mother.  Although her worrying and fussing will always make her my mom.
She is the first one I call up when I have news to share be it good or bad.
Although I'm afraid that driving in to see my parents was low on my list of priorities as I love just hanging at home with my dogs and found the hour drive in to be a pain in my butt and brought the laziness out in me.  I preferred to talk on the phone or chat via the computer.

Just coming back from a big trip to China visiting our baby girl I couldn't wait to share my experiences and stories with mom and it was 4 sleeps until we could finally get together.
When she left here I was worried about her and the pain she was in, watching her leave, my sister and I commented to each other how we wished she would just go to a Dr and get her back looked at.

Then I blinked.

.... and in that blink everything changed.

                                                      I love you Mom, always and forever.

The Perfect Cup of Tea (aka Life)

Sitting here on a quiet holiday Monday, surrounded by my furry crew, keeping it pretty simple as we wait for Dad to come home from work.

I have a book that I write in, not quite a journal, yet not quite anything else that could be labeled. Skimming through it just now I came across a thought that I wanted to share.

It has come to me with perfect timing.

My Nana had some wise advice when I was younger that she shared with me and now I want to share with you.

Never squeeze your tea bag or it will make your cuppa bitter.

Always 'hot your pot' with warm water before making your actual tea AND there is nothing wrong with dunking a bicky, especially the good ones (digestives).

Sitting here with my tea missing this wonderful lady, it occurred to me that these tips for the perfect cup of tea have much to do with life itself.

Never squeeze your tea bag or it will make your cuppa bitter.

In other words don't force the tea to steep.  It will happen of its own accord.  Yes, some teas take longer to reach perfection than others but eventually they all get there.

Anything in life takes time and patience. Never rush it along or it could leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

In life, by speeding ahead, you could be missing the best of the flavours in whatever it is you are attempting to do.  Leave the frustration behind, sit back and everything will turn out perfectly the way it is suppose to in the end.

AND if I may add, not everyone has the same taste in the kind of tea they enjoy.  So what is most enjoyable for one person may not be for another.

Always 'hot your pot'

According to Nana by doing this you have a better pot of tea.

The right environment for the perfect cup.  Preparation is key to anything we do.  Even if it is just getting into the right mind set. Positive (warm) thoughts lead to a happier outcome.

And dunk that cookie, or bicky as my Nana called it.

If you want to add that sweet treat then do it.

Don't deny yourself. I'm not talking about food treats either, if there is something that will add to your day to make it perfect, then do it.

A simple nap to taking classes learning a new language.

If there is a 'treat' you want, go for it and enjoy it guilt free.

Oh, and sing always.

One fond memory of my Nana was how she always sang.

And why not?

Letter of Thanks

A new year is upon us.

I've been ever so neglectful of my blog and I'm not sure why.

Laziness?
No, I love to write and do so in a written journal often.
Boredom?
Not that either, I love reading other blogs so that cannot be it.
Busy?
Yep, on the nose.
In fact I write this in the few moments of quiet restful me time before leaving for work.

Work.... ugh.... I love, LOVE my job but after 2 weeks off for the holidays it is really hard this year to get back to a routine and part of that is getting my butt in gear to head back to work.

I've had the most wonderful 2 weeks off which also led me to wanting to send this letter of thanks out to those who made my break what it was.


Jesse
For you unconditional love, for giving up a week from your busy life of theatrical pursuits and work hours to be with us.  I miss you very much and hated, HATED saying goodbye when you left for your home back east.  We will see you again sooner than later I hope!!

Mom and Dad
Just for being who you are I am thankful every day.
Mom,  you make me smile over the holidays.. especially with our 'box' game.  Your enthusiasm for wanting to have us all together is important.
Dad, for being a good sport and hanging with Teddy in front of the telly while we toughed out the cold around the fire.

Andrea
For opening your door to our crazy family this holiday once again.
For being the best sister and friend I could ever ask for and having that one person I can phone or text in a time of need.

Mike
For showing an interest in my crazy winter sport and wanting to share this interest by hanging out in the cold while you capture our crazy moments.  This I am ever so thankful for.

Rick and Dena
For allowing me to step into a role within your team of furry athletes.  Amazing dogs belonging to an amazing family.  I have so much fun with them and their quirky personalities.
Yes I even enjoy being dragged along behind the team eating dirt, grasses and snow... well... okay maybe 'enjoy' is a little bit of an exaggeration.    However it all builds experience and I learn so much every time I am out with Rick and the team.
My next goal is being able to drag that sled to the tree or post to tie off on my own.

Cherrie
For finally getting together for 'us' time!
I miss our time that we used to spend together and am hopeful for many this upcoming year.  I'm also thankful for the results from your medical ordeal.









Brianne
I know we we were not together for this break, but knowing you are happy with your adventures (and healthy!!) makes me feel so much better and makes missing you that much easier.

Ray
I left you until last.
My biggest thanks is to you.
You are an incredible partner in my life and over this holiday break you came through in waves.
Pretty much taking over the outside dog chores for the break.
Following me through the mall while I hunted for just the right shoes.
Supporting me in my sadness over our boy heading back East.
Helping to get dogs organized and taking us to the field so I could run the dogs even when you were feeling crappy with your back and shoulder.
Staying home alone with the dogs while I leave you all to hang out on the back of a sled for hours and even having supper waiting for me!
I could not ask for a better husband, partner, and friend.
Thank you.

Thanks to everyone who makes a difference in my life.   There are so many of you out there that just one letter could never cover it all.  This includes ALL my friends over social media, the daily chats and comments all make me thankful for you in my life as well.

It was this holiday season that was full of relaxation, joy and excitement that made me sit back and realize that none of this would have happened without all you special people in my life.

Thank you.

The Perfect Child

I love my kids more than anything.
To me they are perfect.

What is a perfect child anyway?

The baby who sleeps through the night and in their own bed.
The baby who cries only if he/she is hungry or needs changing.
The toddler who has never had a temper tantrum in the middle of a public place, laying face down on the floor screaming as though they are having their limbs ripped from their torso.
Potty trained by the age of 3
A child who says please and thank you without any prompting.
One that never lies.
Always eats their meals without complaint.
Makes their beds and keeps their room tidy.
Helps with household chores with no complaint.
Does homework with a smile.
Always fills the gas tank when having borrowed the car.
Has never broken the law.... ever.... even the tiniest infraction.
Never phones home to borrow money.
Always is thrifty with their pennies so there is no need to borrow.
Eats healthy nutritious meals, never skipping meals to save a buck.
Does not drink to excess, ever.
Phones home on a regular basis.
Stays out of trouble.
Is waiting to be married before becoming intimate.
Would never break any ones heart.

And this list could go on and on, but seriously?  This is the perfect child?
How about perfectly boring and predictable.

This perfect child did not exist in my home.

My perfect children caused many a sleepless night full of worry and anguish.  I will worry about them always.

However my perfect child is one that loves unconditionally.
When they meet the right person it will be an incredible relationship.
They are caring and worry about others.
They are generous to a fault.
They may not call home on a regular basis but I know that they are too busy with their very full lives but are always thinking of their parents.
My perfect child loves adventure.
They are both trail blazers.

 Innovators and trail blazers

Adventure seekers

To me, my kids are perfect and I love them both.

My heart swells with pride and I cannot wait to see where life takes them next.