We are going to kick your ***** out there, Alice said matter-of-factly to Bette.

There is absolutely no way. You dont have the intestinal fortitude to stick it out the whole way. Im sure you two will drop out after the first day, Bette snapped back.

The ride to base camp had been quite an adventure and the entire way Tina and Dana had to listen to Alice and Dana go back and forth with their pseudo macho male like competitive talk.

Dream on *****! You and your little muts are going to be eating our snow for the first day and then we are going to become a mere speck on the Alaskan horizon.

Now now children, we have got a ton of stuff to do before we go meet the dogs, Tina interjected trying to stop the barbs that Bette and Alice kept throwing at each other. We need to go over our inventory and make sure we have everything to go on our sled.

Yeah you guys, we really need to do this, Dana added.

Bette looked at Alice Did she just call us children?

Yeah I think she did, Alice responded. And you better check your woman before you end up being solo on your sled for the whole race, Alice threatened.

Oh and what is that supposed to mean? Bette snapped.

It means exactly what I said. Ill break her leg if she calls me a child again, Alice shot back bluffing Bette.

Bette just stood there staring at Alice. She slowly walked up to Alice and got nose to nose. Tina and Dana were frozen. They didnt know what was about to happen. They knew Bette had a temper and she didnt quite like threats against Tina, playing or not.

Bette lowered her eyebrows and stared directly into Alices eyes for a solid 15 seconds. Alice was afraid of what Bette was about to do so she stood there trying to brace herself for a sudden impact.

Bette finally grinned from ear to ear.

See just my look can intimidate you and make you back down. Thats exactly whats going to happen in the race.

Alice finally realized Bette was just playing, Shut the ***** up Bette. Im not scared of you.

Sure Alice.I could smell the fear all over you, Bette said playfully.

Well I could smell your foul ***** breath in my face too. You need a damn Altoid or something, Alice snapped back trying to relax again.

Tina decided enough was enough. Stop it now! she yelled.

Alice and Bette were both shocked at Tinas tone and quickly took a seat. But not before shooting each other sinister glances. Bette put her hand to her mouth and blew into it to see if Alice was playing or not. My breath doesnt stink, she thought to herself. Alice was watching Bette and just smiled knowing her comment got to her.

Tina finally brought her voice back down to a reasonable level.

Okay, since we are riding with two people to a sled its going to be rough on us as far as space. We are really going to have to pack tight if we are going to have gear for ourselves and for the dogs. Im going to go down the list for the main items we need in our sled bags and then well see what we can leave off.

Yeah that sounds like a good plan, Dana said.

First things we need are our sleeping bags, snow shoes, and axes. Those are mandatory items so we cant leave them off the sled.

Check, got all three items Dana said pointing to each.

Okay, next we need the cooker for boiling water, veterinarian notebook, and 2 sets of dog booties for each dog. Oh yeah dont forget the wrist wraps for the dogs

We got all that, but I dont think we have enough dog booties. Do you know how many dogs are going to be pulling the sled, Dana asked.

Im not sure, Tina answered. Do you know babe? she said asking Bette.

Not really, but I think its anywhere between 8 an 16.

Well that really narrows it down genius, Alice said smartly.

Dana smiled, but Bette gave Alice a look that could have murdered her on the spot.

Dont get her started again, Tina said to Alice. Lets just get this done.

I guess well just have see about the dog booties when we check on our dogs. By the way what time is it? Tina asked the group.

Dana looked at her watch, Its about a quarter after three.

Dammit, we are supposed to meet the dogs at 3:30. We gotta go. It takes at least 30 minutes to get to the kennel.

All of the ladies got up rushing to put on their coats and gloves and ran out of the door.

>>
Do you know where we are going Tina? Dana asked.

I have a pretty good idea. I talked to a Mr. Gallea before we left L.A and he said they have their kennel right outside of Anchorage. It should be about 30 miles away. Babe, grab my day planner out of my purse. I wrote the directions down in there, Tina said

Bette reached back and grabbed the bag and pulled out the black binder.

The directions should be on the notepad, Tina said.

Okay, it says Meadow Lakes, is that where were going? Bette asked.

Yep. What else does it say?

It says get on Highway 3 going north out of Anchorage and follow the signs. Take the Meadow Lakes exit and make a right. The kennel is 3 miles down on the right.

Were on highway 3 right now arent we Tina? Dana asked.

Yeah, so we should be there in about 25 minutes. What time is it?

Its 3:25 right now, so we are definitely going to be late, Alice said.

No ***** Sherlock. I think we already know that, but we thank you for your keen observation Alice, Bette said sarcastically.

***** you Bette, Alice snapped back coldly.

Ladies please. Can we just take in the beauty of the Alaskan countryside without arguing? Tina pleaded.

Well she started it, Alice said.

Oh, thats really mature Alice, Bette responded.

Oh my God, why dont you both stop it, Dana finally spoke up.

Thank you Dana for helping me with these two. Tina said relieved.

For the next 10 minutes they all rode in silence. The beauty of the rugged lush terrain and snowcapped mountains in the distance was an intoxicating sight. Just seeing the clear blue sky without a thick layer of smog was literally a breath of fresh air.

All of the sudden they all heard an explosion.

What the ***** was that? Dana asked frightened by the noise.

Tina was trying to gain control of the car. It feels like we got a flat tire. Im going to pull over.

Great, just ***** great, Alice said exasperated. Tina pulled completely to the right of the road and turned the car off. They all jumped out of the car and went to the back right side of the car. The tire was definitely flat. It barely had any rubber left.

Well who knows how to change a tire? Tina asked. They all looked at each other without saying a word.

You mean to tell me we are 4 dykes out here in the open frontier and none of us know how to change a tire. Jesus Christ we are pathetic, Alice quipped.

Stop whining Alice. *****, it cant be that hard. Ill get the manual out of the glove compartment. You guys see if there is a spare tire in the trunk, Bette said walking back towards the passenger side door.

Tina opened the trunk and lifted up the bottom floor and saw the spare. Yeah we got one back here. I dont see a jack though.

Bette was thumbing through the manual and found the troubleshooting section. It looks like the jack is in a side compartment. Bette reached down and opened a small door on the side of the trunk. Aha, here it is. She pulled it out and grabbed the lugwrench also. Okay, yall grab the tire and bring it around.

Dana pulled the tire out and sat it beside Bette. Tina took the manual from Bette and started reading it. After she read each step, Bette performed it.

Loosen all the lug nuts but do not remove. Place the jack on the flat plate in front of the rear tire and lift car. Raise enough for clearance for the fully inflated tire. Remove lug nuts completely and take tire off. Put on spare and tighten lug nuts slightly. Lower the car and completely tighten nuts. Place flat tire in trunk and all other tools.

After 25 minutes Bette was closing the trunk and wiping her hands on her pants. Lucky these are just Levis, she thought to herself. They all piled back into the car and were back on their way.

Yay for Bette the mechanic, Dana said enthusiastically.

Yeah, thanks babe. You are a lifesaver. Are you sure havent changed a tire in your life? Tina asked.

Nope. Sure havent.

Well thats just great. Were out in the middle of nowhere, riding around with a tire that could very well fly off at any moment. Were a ***** disaster waiting to happen, Alice said.

Well I sure didnt see your ***** trying to help. So sit back and be quiet, Bette shot back.

What time is it now Bette? Tina asked. Bette looked at her watch. Its a few minutes after 4:00. We shouldnt be too far away though.

After a few more miles they saw the Meadow Lakes exit. After taking the exit they rode the few miles and saw the sign to the Snowcrest Sled Dog Kennel. Tina pulled in. It looked like they were the only people there. The kennel was in a very remote location so they all were a bit hesitant to get out.

Well I think we ought to go in. We are already 45 minutes late, Tina said grabbing her door handle. They all slowly exited the car and went inside the building. There was nobody at the counter, so Alice rang the bell.

Im coming, Im coming, a gravely voice said coming from around the corner. When the man got to the counter they all just smiled at him. He looked like a stocky mountain man. He had on a dirty pair of overalls and a flannel shirt up under it. He had a full beard, mustache and a beer belly.

May I help you ladies? he asked.

Yes, my name is Tina Kennard and I called about a couple of dog teams. Are you Mr. Gallea?

I sure am, but you can call me Jim. You must be the lady who called from Los Angeles.

Yep, thats me. Im sorry were late. We had a flat tire, Tina said apologetically.

Aww, its no problem. So who is the lucky one running in the Iditarod? he asked scanning all their faces.

We all are, Bette responded.

Oh. So you need four sets of dogs? he asked looking at Tina.

No sir. Just two. We are going to be riding as pairs. We know its a bit unorthodox, but we all wanted to experience this together.

Okay, I get it. Well come on to the back, I got all the dogs in their kennels. He turned and went back around the corner and all the women followed.

The closer they got to the back they could hear the dogs barking.

Dana leaned into Alice, Im so excited. I cant wait to meet our dogs.

Me too.

Okay ladies, here we are, Jim said pointing to all the cages.

Oh my God they are beautiful, Tina said.

I tend to think so, Jim said.

In this kennel we got the Alaskan Malamutes. Next to them we got the Siberian Huskies. Theyre a strong breed used by many of the teams. Over here we got some Eskimo Dogs and Greenlands. We pretty much got any breed you want. Just take your pick. I would make one suggestion since you guys are pairing up on your sleds. Each team can have up to 16 dogs and I would suggest you use that many. Any less and the strain you put on the dogs is going to be great. Eighty one percent of the dogs that finish the race have lung damage, so we definitely want to reduce the harm to the dogs.

Wow, I didnt know that. Thats an amazing statistic, Bette said worried. She had always loved dogs and the thought of harming them was uncomfortable to her.

Dont worry about it maam. Its a condition called ski asthma and its due to the cold, but they will be fine though. Bette breathed a sigh of relief.

Well take your time and call me when youre ready to pick your dogs. Jim went further down to tend to other dogs.

Well what do you think ladies, Huskies, Malamutes, Eskimos. Which do you want to use?

Ive always loved Siberian Huskies, Dana said. Their eyes are beautiful and Jim did say they were strong. What do you think Alice?

I dont care, as long as they get me to Nome in one piece.
Come on Alice, we need to decide this together, Dana said frustrated with Alices nonchalance.

Okay, okay. Lets get 8 of the Huskies and 8 of the Malamutes, Alice said giving in.

Dana hugged Alice. Thats exactly what I was thinking, she said excitedly.

Well I guess we have a winner huh. She leaned down to whisper in Danas ear, You can jump on me later just like this. She shot Dana a wink and Dana slapped her on the arm.
Ouch, Alice said rubbing her stinging skin. Well Kennard-Porter, which breeds are you going to get?

Bette had made her way further down and was staring in a kennel that had some Samoyeds in it. She was petting a few of them that had made their way to the front of the cage. Tee, I want these.

Oh babe they are beautiful. Their solid white coats are gorgeous. We can definitely take these. I want the Eskimo dogs too.
Thats fine. We can get 8 Samoyeds, 4 Eskimo dogs, and 4 Huskies. Will that be okay? Bette asked.
Thats perfect. Tina jumped up and down in excitement and gave Bette a long kiss on the lips. Well, well. If this is all I have to do to get a kiss like that, Ill make sure we take these dogs back to LA with us, Bette joked.

You dont need dogs to get kisses from me babe, Tina said raising an eyebrow.

Alright now, enough with all the mushy stuff, Alice jumped in. I guess we need to tell Jim what we want and get back so we can finish packing our sleds. We need to get several more packs of dog booties since we have so many dogs.

Yeah youre right Alice, Dana said.

The ladies spent a few more minutes petting the dogs and called Jim to show him the dogs they wanted.

Those are excellent choices ladies. We can go up front and fill out all the paperwork.

After several minutes they had filled out all the proper paperwork, disclaimers, and made the payment.

Is this all we have to do? Dana said.

Yes maam. Ill have them all at the start point of the race before you get there. Just look for the sign Snowcrest Sled Dogs and theyll all be there ready to go. Ill hook them up to your sleds right there on the spot. What kind of sleds are you guys using?

We got a couple of raised toboggan sleds. They are a bit more functional and rugged, Tina said.

Well it sounds like you ladies are all ready to go. Good luck with the race and Ill see you in the morning, Jim said.

They all stood up and shook Mr. Galleas hand. When they left they were all excited about the race and couldnt wait to get started the next day.