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RE: Longing for snow: Photos from the San Juan Stage Race
Your post brought back some beautiful memories of a week long mushing course we took in Norway about 4 years ago. Those dogs are amazing! When we get ready to setup for the day, all the dogs are barking, yelping & howling - they all want to be picked to be hooked up to the sled. We would first have to hitch up the back 4 dogs before getting ready to hook up the most active 2 lead dogs. As soon as the main brake is released, the dogs are off! The speeds that can be reached are astounding. We usually set off at about 10am & got back about 3pm before it got dark.
We have done several other dog sled tours since in Finland. All inspired by our red Husky that sadly passed away 2 years ago.
That's my favorite moment, when all the harnessing is done and the brake is released and the cacophony of howling and barking is over in an instant as the dogs put all they have into just going. the transition from loudly being on the ground to suddenly, silently flying over the snow is so amazing! And boy - if you think 6 dogs is fast, try 16! managing corners with a string that long can be harrowing, though, especially since they have enough power to cause serious damage if the wheel dogs, the sled, or you get caught on anything. We had over 30 dogs in our kennel so in the lead-up to the season we would train strings of 16 with a big ATV.
glad I could stir some fond memories! I think everyone should get a chance to experience it, it's magical.