Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1901-01-17
LONG RIDE WITH DOGS
The Novel Team Used by q Mime.
sofa Family.
They Have Travelled All the WAY
from Their Northern state 10
California with Their Faith
full CANNES.
Mr.. and Mrs. Blandy are Minnesota

Mr.. and Mrs. Blandy are Minnesots
couple who have just made q most re
markable journey. Leaving their home
at Brainerd, Mimi, one yenr ago, with
their baby boy, four years old, they
have Travelled by dog team clear to
California, and ere now in camp al
Sweethriar, In that far-off state.
The Blandys wanted to make a TRIP
10 the Pacific coast. They wanted tc
90 leisurely so as to see the country.
Economy was an object, as was also ar
opportunity to earn something en-
route. So Mr. Blandy and his wife de-
cided 10 travel by dog team.
Dogs nre used IN the arctic regions"
argued Mr. Blandy; "why not in the
temperate zone?"
Their outfit consists OF small spring
wagon with one seat. and covered with
canvas, the whole weighing 2lO pounds
with the baggage OF the travellers. Mrs.
Blandy and her baby occupy the seat,
while Mr.. Blandy sit in front on roll
of blankets and tent, from which
perch he drives his dogs. These are
six in number, huge cross-bred st. Ber-
nard and Newfoundland, powerful OF
muscle and kind OF disposition. In the
rear Of the wagon is rack Of shelves,
containing dishes and provisions, while
pots, kettles and an oil stove are hung
from hooks above the rnck. The back
end OF the wagon is made to let down
and, supported by sticks, serves as
dining table.
When seen by reporter in the camp
at Sweetbriar Mr.. Blandy had tin can
and paint brush in hand and was go
ing the rounds" among his dogs, paint
ing their feet with tannate OF glycerin
10 prevent sensitiveness. When travel
ing over rough roads he makes applica-
tions OF this preparation every evening,
to insure his animals against suffering,
and the faithful creatures seem 10 like
the operation, for they look at their
master with gratitude and affection.
Those dogs are far ahead OF any
horses, Mrs. Blandy said, emphatically,
when some one suggested that Shetland
ponies would be preferable. "Why,
logs will carry you through snow to
safe, warm place. and horses would give
out on you. And didn't we travel 2lO
miles on the railroad2 Horses couldn't
walk ties and carry you over long
lrestles a mile and three-quarters in
length as our dogs did. wouldn't take
50 horses for one OF our dogs. Would I,
Bruce?" and she patted great, shaggy,
yellow dog on the head.
They travelled at a speed that was
convenient TO the character of the coun-
try they crossed-never travelling less
than ten miles day, renching daily
maximum OF SO miles (at one time COW
ring SO miles in two days. and stopping
ntownsto sell pictures or pick up n few
dollars by painting Advertisements on
he canvass Of their wagon.
The Blandys always leave towns amid
roar OF cheers ard laughter. When
they are about TO start Mr.. Blandy
walks among his dogs and, stooping
DOWN, adjusts all their feet 30 az 10 pre-
Tent the ENHANCEMENT Of limbs IN har-
ness, quickly steps into the low wagon,
seats himself on the bedding and tent,
snd, with lines in hand. he calls To the
logs aud the are off. There is nothing
slow about these dogs-they trot or
At good gait, raising a big dust, and
never walk except when climbing hills.
San Francisco Call.