Season opener...The Nichols Oil Spill Run

Named for its race course that crosses that famous Alaska oil pipeline, the Nichols Oil Spill Run is the first in a series of races put on by our group of friends each winter. Number one rule is no motorized transportation. Number two rule is have fun! This was Kieran's first official ski race and you can see that he's excited to get to the starting line. Max and I were both a little nervous, wondering whether the kiddo would decide half way through the 6 mile course that he was done and wanted out. No need to worry as it turned out. He LOVED it! Skiers and mushers alike reported to me along the trail that there were only smiles coming from inside the little yellow chariot.

Before the start of the race everyone was able to check out a map of the course. Here Max studies it while coming up with his race strategy. Kieran was the youngest finisher, but he wasn't the youngest baby in attendance. Thea wasn't quite up for the thrill ride behind her doggies...yet. She'll be big competition in the years to come though. Look out Kieran!

Tom, our host for this race shows the pre-race group an example of the fancy new trail markers we'll be looking for. This was the best marked Mug Series race course ever!

And they're off! The field of competitors included mushers, skijorers, skiers, bikers and one runner. Jeremy, last year's series winner starts his run.

Dianna ran our host's "B" team and they didn't mind a bit. Dianna must be light as a feather compared to Tom. And just as nice. A winning mushing combination.

I ran no team, and my time showed it. Must remember to borrow a dog or two next time!

Hank shows great enthusiasm at the finish. That's the spirit!

Thea's mom got her chance to race after handing Thea over to her Dad after his finish. They've got the system down already!

Here comes Team Kaufman! Max and Kieran made an impressive showing in their first ever team event. I predict this partnership will last a few years :)

There goes Ellen...after her finish and straight back to the truck so the doggies can rest up for the next race and so Ellen can get inside where the post-race potluck feast is waiting!

The dads compare notes after the race. Race notes or diapering notes? We'll never know. I love this picture. Too cute!

Finally, the results...once again Rachel claimed the "Pink Lantern" for her last place finish. However, I did see some big improvements in her skiing so I think she shouldn't get too used to hanging on to the lantern this year. We're expecting big things Rach...this is your year!

Ellen shows off her 3rd place prize...a fancy mini headlamp! Tom went all out on prizes. Well, some of them.

Max and Kieran captured second place (with the 20 minute child-towing handicap) for which they received a plastic freezable beer mug. I told Max he should have come in 3rd (for the headlamp) but Max seemed very happy with his prize.

And the winner is...Brian! (who also claimed the 20 minute child-towing handicap) For his hard work he received last year's least coveted trophy (last won by our host Tom)...the lavender bath selection. Congratulations Brian! (Maybe you would have rather come in 3rd?) It was a great start to the season...thanks again to Tom for all the planning and organizing, and last but certainly not least, for all the cleaning in advance of the potluck ;)

Back at the ranch...

One morning last week Max loaded Kieran into the backpack so he could eat breakfast while I got ready for work. I snapped a couple of shots thinking Kieran would get a kick out of seeing them when he's older...I didn't notice the uncanny synchronization until I downloaded the pictures. All I can say is...like father, like son.

First reach...

Then drink...

Have a great day!! P.S. Thanks again Auntie Heather for the backpack hand-me-down! You can see it's getting lots of use up here :)