Tales of Seven

6 Dog Power - Part Deux

Quebec, Canada

A few more pictures from the recent dog sledding adventure. Dog-scenery.

And one shot with the puppy brigade.

6 Dog Power

Quebec, Canada

We heard them before we were anywhere near them. The Hounds of the Baskervilles. Over a hundred communicating, territory defending, barking-in-eager-anticipation huskies.  The volume was absolutely daunting.

This was our foray into the world of dog sledding - an opportunity to learn the basics and try a hand at driving a team of dogs into the open snows.

We turned the corner to see a village of dogs, and after a brief visit with the puppies, started out with a lesson in the basics of sledding. "Step down on the rake-looking-thing to slow and lean into the curves."(It was a short lesson.)

Then it was time. At the start of the trek, our 6-Dog-Power sled *launched* (not trotted), with dogs leaping into their harnesses to start us on our way. After a mad dash onto the trail and into the woods, we settled into the 'wushing' sound of snow and the huff, huff, huff, huff, huff, huff, huff of the focused dog engine.

Braking to avert corner wrecks and inadvertent sled-gating of the-dogs-ahead was common, but we could often just stand back and enjoy the rush of passing snow scenery.

Our trek complete, we took a victory round around the kennels, parked our dogs, then headed in for some nice hot chocolate -- a wonderful new experience in hand.

(pictured below - my turn driving the dog engine, and a picture looking forward)