Okay.....so I have to say a few words.....
It was a two hour 'trip'.....literally.... These dogs are incredible.....beautiful,but hard working. They reminded us all of our sheepdogs, keen to do what they were bred for! At the start... they were all chained ready to be chosen for the run & boy...did they want to be picked! Straining at there chains, "talking"...pick me!, looking at their handlers, twirling in their excitement (so were we !!). Once in the harness they calmed a little while the "tourists" got their talk on how to drive...... main rule....DON'T LET GO!..... the dogs will know & they will take off!!! A team usually has at least 8 dogs; 2 lead, two follow, two on the wing & two at the rear. This would be far too much power for us "greenies" to handle, so .....solo drivers had a six dog team. Josie & I were with a seven dog team, so had a driver with us....quite happy about that! Vin & Till were at the rear, they also had a driver with them because they had an 8 dog team......you can't fathom how fast these darlings can run pulling us lard butts!!! General rule is ...one person in the sled.....one or two in the back. Run (!!!!!) uphill to lighten the load....and yep ...I ran ?! The rear dogs look back to see if you are helping.....clever! You have to watch the dogs the whole time because if one stops to poop.....unless you put the brake on....the other dogs will keep running.......harsh! We "mushed" for an hour (seemed like 5mins) before arriving on the lake , where we swapped "mushers". I very reluctantly gave up my spot......but then....travelling in the sled gave me a whole other perspective! It was superbly decadent!!!! Two hours ........time felt suspended.........magic..... |