A JOURNEY BY DOGSLED

Approaching the large, heavy-duty truck, I realize that each wooden cubicle mounted on the back of it is holding one precious athlete. As my guide takes me in a circle tour around the truck to meet each one, they relax in silence, patiently observing everything we do……no, observing everything he does! It is as if they are waiting for a secret signal or code word from him, and even in their silence, their intensity is apparent.

Climbing easily onto the roof of the dog boxes, the guide quickly unties the dogsleds and slides them gently off the back. I am starting to wonder if I will be able to learn how to control one of these things — ropes and hooks and flaps and snaps — I wonder if dogs really can sense fear? And as if reading my mind, or maybe the expression on my face, my guide reassures me that it is simpler than it looks, and he will be with me every step of the way. “Don’t worry,” he says, “the dogs are the professionals here. You follow a few simple rules, and the dogs will respect you. Not to mention, they will do most of the work!”

As the metal door slides open, it becomes clear that these dogs are not known for their patience. The first dog in line leaps from the top shelf, right into the arms of her leader. Then, one by one, each husky takes its turn jumping from the safety of the truck, knowing full well that their leader has an adventurous day planned for them. The silence is now broken by their cries of anticipation. I decide that sliding open the doors of their boxes was the secret signal they had been waiting for!

I watch as my guide ‘dresses’ the first few dogs. Slipping each one into their harness seemed to build the excitement even more, and the ones last in line were not impressed with having to wait their turn. I thought I might be able to help with the process, but after wrestling in the snow for 10 minutes with one surprisingly energetic little dog, there came further reassurance from my guide. “There are a couple of tricks to this part, let me show you…” Again, I’m left wondering how he makes it all look so easy! Once all the dogs on my team are harnessed, I am asked to take hold of the handle bar of the sled, and attempt to recall my driving lesson. “Don’t forget to keep your feet on the brake ‘til we’re ready to go!” my guide reminds me.

Suddenly I couldn’t remember a thing that he had taught me. As he began hooking each dogs harness into the main line, these friendly, gentle natured dogs I had just cuddled, and wrestled with, began launching themselves into the air, and screaming for all they were worth. It was an intensity rivaled by nothing I had seen before! All 10 of them were completely and utterly engrossed in the moment, like this was what they had been born to do. My guide jumped into my sled, getting comfy in a pile of blankets, and warned me to keep a firm grip on the handle bar — realizing what that could mean, I did exactly what I was told. Hearing the intensity of the huskies hit a new level, it was time to give them what they wanted. The brake and safety hook were released at the verbal command of “READY!” My guides voice boomed over the noise of the dogs, and upon hearing his command these amazing animals hunkered down, digging their paws into the trail, sending snow flying as they gave it their all! Then the silence returned - a peaceful silence, broken only by the rhythmic sounds of their breathing. The power and speed impressed me, and the rush of the feeling of freedom replaced every fear I had conjured up in my mind. Free from the business of my city life. Free from the noise of traffic and buzzing computers. Free from every ounce of stress that had tried to follow me to this quiet, rural community.

The scenery was breathtaking, and when we stopped briefly for a snack and warm drinks, I felt privileged in the company of my guide as he told stories of his past as a professional racer. These dogs were from racing bloodlines of some of the best sled dogs in the world — the Alaskan racing husky is in a class of its own in the dogsledding world. And as our adventure came to a close, I saw the quiet, gentle side reemerge in each one. They were content, I knew then that this truly was what they were born to do!

This unforgettable journey has been etched in my memory, and the dogs won my heart, leaving me wanting more. I am already making plans for next season to spend three full days in the backcountry with these wonderful dogs. Clearwater has a way of calming my soul with its casual pace and endless wilderness. There is much to discover here, and I hope to see most of it from the back of a dogsled!

British Columbia Dog Sled Adventure

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Dog Sledding Tours and More!
Prince George
Come discover the "Spirit of the Sled Dog", with a team of our friendly Siberian Huskies. Tours from 2 Hours to 2 Weeks, Birthday Parties, Training ... [more]

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