An absolutely stunning sunrise greeted us as we lined up to convoy into Waitarere Forest. Plenty of recent rain made some places pretty wet and muddy.

Everyone readying for a fun morning with fancy dress an optional part of the day.

This is a specialty Siberian Husky event, with smaller entries than an open session. Central Territories Siberian Husky Club’s small team of volunteers create an atmosphere of relaxed fun and good times.

Rigs roll out first, then Scooters – single and two dog. Some handlers talking to the dogs, maybe giving them final race instructions 😉 Nearly all handlers steady themselves for a quick release and step away on start.

There are the super excited and vocal dogs. Power and focus for others. The dog that unblinkingly stares at the photographer. Always though, the power of leaving the start line.

In 2018 the start for Juniors and Veteran Class was out in the forest. This required scooters, dogs and mushers be taken in trailers and vehicles to the start.

Happy dogs and mushers return from their adventures on the trail.

Racing finished, it is time for the always busy helpers to write up results, allocate certificates and hand out the goodies.

Thanks go out to Nardine and the CTSHC crew for a well-run, fun event and weekend, and always allowing me to cruise round doing my photography.

Well . . . this wraps up things for me from The Year That Was 2018. Will see if I can be quicker on the reporting front in 2019 . . . no promises though 😉

As this blog is published, I’ve already begun my final year of photography to capture the remaining images needed for my project and ultimate publication of a book. Look forward to seeing many of you out on the trails again this year and very excited about my trips down south for dryland racing in June and snow racing in August.

Until next time,

Teresa