For the ninth consecutive year, Wallowa County will be able to view pieces of the famous Iditarod and Yukon Quest sled dog races when the Eagle Cap Extreme again will be staged as a qualifier for those races.

The highlight of Wallowa Countys Jan. 23-26 winter extravaganza for many will come Wednesday, Jan. 23, when vet checks of the dogs will be held in Joseph, Enterprise, and Wallowa. Thats when, in an informal atmosphere, the public will be allowed to meet and mingle with the dogs and their mushers. The vet check in Joseph is set for 9 a.m. on Main Street, at 1 p.m. by the courthouse in Enterprise, and a lesser number of dogs and mushers will be in Wallowa at 9:30 a.m. in the Wallowa Christian Church parking lot.

At present, a total of 14 teams have inked their intent to participate in 200, 100, and 62-mile races, all that begin and end at Ferguson Ridge Ski Area. This will be the first year for the 62-mile race that will be split over two days with the winner determined by accumulative time.

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night, Jan. 23, a mushers potluck will begin at the Joseph Community Center.

The start of the Eagle Cap Extreme Race for all three competitions will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24.

Speaking of a sled dog course known for its toughness, Eagle Cap Extreme President Randy Greenshields says, This is the best snow weve had in years. Its really firmed up nicely.

More details will be published next week.