Well, I'll Be Dog-Gone!

Dog-Gone on a "Wild Forest Adventure"  

If you know me, you also know how nervous I am with dogs that I don't know.   So when a friend called and asked if I wanted to go for a ride on a dog sled, I hesitated for a split second and then remembered that the only way to overcome a fear is to "be there" so I said YES!  And a plan was made.

Shari hooks up one of the lead dogs.  The dogs were super excited to be going for a run.  It was fun to see them as they donned their specific harness and were placed with a team mate with similar traits, skills and qualities.  Cinderella, the blonde, seen jumping sky high near the back of this image got her own space in the line up, due to her enthusiasm. 

 

 

Shari & Remi discuss loading us passengers.  The air was filled with howls and yowls of excitement and anticipation... and the dogs made a ton of noise as well.

And we are off!  Into the Trail of Dreams!  The air became immediately silent as the dogs began their duties and they focused on pulling the sled under the perfectly titled sign. 

We were advised to dress warm and I was super happy to have worn all my layers and heaviest parka.  The trip begins with a race along the highway where passersby can glimpse and dream into the wonder of dog sleds.  *note: the majority of Canadians have NEVER ridden on a dog sled although with exposure and availability that percentage may improve. 

As my "Bogs" and I bounced gently along the super quiet snow-covered forest trail I decided to slow my shutter speed to try to expose a bit of the speed of the dogs.  These are racing dogs who are bred and trained to run - all seasons, weather and conditions. 

Lots of time for breaks to enjoy nature, walk about and explore while the dogs take a wee break.  

Notice the snow machine along for support if required - lots of attention to safety and comfort.

The snow machine also allowed for photographers to switch up positions and enjoy various viewpoints and angles, taking turns chasing and following. 

My crazy friend enjoying her turn on the front of the sled!  I love the smiles the dogs give to the camera!

Say Cheese! 

Our drivers and hosts humoured us with this shot!  What good sports and really nice interesting people.  We need more souls like these.  Thank you.. Shari & Remi.  You guys are the best! 

Another capture of our amazing hosts as they round the bend in a huge natural area frequented by lynx, great grey owls, moose, and howling wolves.. can you even imagine?? 

Toasty warm, my Bogs, their dogs. 

Rounding a curve in the magical winter woods where the ground is covered with Labrador Tea and walls are formed by hugs from the boughs of the Boreal forest. 

One more closeup of those smiley dogs faces! 

All my fears were gone!

The dogs were amazing!

The sleigh didn't tip (not even close)

The seat was comfy.

When I first saw the standup option I thought it was just for people like my crazy friend; then I tried it.

OMG.. It was super fun and safe and solid and the view.. well you'll just have to look at the back of me leaving this story and the snow machine behind in the snow dust :) 

Go. Give it a try.  Say yes. 

A bit of background on  "Wild Forest Adventures"  provided by Shari: 

"Wild Forest Adventures is owned by Don Cousins, also known as Cousin Don, a sprint dog musher with over 40 years of experience in the sport. He has raced the most competitive races all across North America including the Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage and the Open North American Championship in Fairbanks. During the winter, many mushers get helpers from all around the world who want to experience dog mushing. Shari Berner, originally from the Black Forest in Germany, came to work with Don in 2014. "As a former biathlete, I fell in love with the sport immediately. The excitement of the dogs before the run is just as amazing as how quiet it is once you’re on the sled. Still, there is more to dog mushing than being on the sled. We take care of these dogs every day, we water, feed, clean, pet and massage them. We get to know every single personality out in our dog yard and these great animals teach us more all the time." Over their passion for dog mushing, Don and Shari became friends and raced together many seasons. Rémi, originally from France, worked as a hiking guide before going on an adventure of a lifetime. With his dog Mata, he hiked, skied, canoed, biked and snowshoed across Canada. During this epic journey, Rémi met Shari at another dog musher’s kennel. The couple is now working for Don, offering dog sledding rides on beautiful forest trails." 

Contact Wild Forest Adventures at: https://www.wildforestadventures.ca/ 

 

Momma Says!

Grizzly Bear spotting was on our wish list when we headed off searching for wildlife, however the encounter this Momma Grizzly and her curious cub allowed us was so so cool.  Here they are seeing us arrive - we are grateful they saw us as meaning no harm and gave us this story. 

Momma Grizzly grazes away on her berry filled salad pausing
 from time to time to see if we were still watching.

Super cute and curious the grizzly cub explored the world around
him walking on fallen trees, sniffing the berries and checking
in with his Momma from time to time... and then.

..and climbed

He climbed... 

he took a wee break - perching precariously

a less zoomed in view of the action.. he was about 2/3 of the way up at this point
Can you see him?  And Momma? 

A natural born "Tree Hugger" 

And then... Momma walked closer to us... put her front paws up on the 
stump she used as her podium and gave this slight nod of her head.  It 
was barely discernible (enhanced in this gif) however we saw it and got
the message.  She said "I am going to get my baby to come down now;
and I need you to stay where you are for your safety and ours"

Coming down Bum first.. 

She made sure that we understood her message and then turned,
huffed and called her baby back to the forest floor.

Reunited safe and sound on the ground and a few seconds later they 
vanished into the privacy of the wild wild woods.