Dogsledding
Adventure story by Onward
Tours
Dog
Sledding Adventures
- By Alex Irwin
Eight
huskies strained against the break and anchor of our 40-pound,
hand-made wooden sled. They scraped ruts in the snow and
leaped wildly in enthusiastic anticipation of our takeoff.
With my sledding partner in the front, and me standing behind
on the runners, I pulled the anchor from the snow where
I had earlier stamped it in.
"Hike!"
With that single command, the team jumped as one against
their harnesses and the sled almost became airborne. A rooster
tail of snow streamed behind us as I braked heavily to control
our launch. We moved from dead halt to full run in only
a few seconds.
Looking behind me, I could see the other three teams taking
off, one at a time, in quick succession - the faces of their
drivers mixes of exhilaration and concentration; the faces
of their dogs uniformly wild-eyed and intensely focused
on the trail ahead. Another Onward Tours dog sledding adventure
roared into the wilderness.
Ex-racing dogs comprise many of the teams used by Onward
Tours. They have a combination of speed and strength that
allows them to pound down a trail at an amazing clip, yet
they have the experience, training and friendly dispositions
necessary for easy handling by first-time drivers.
Whether you're seeking a full-blown wilderness challenge,
or a short change of pace from your ski holiday, Onward
Tours lets you share the exhilaration of working with a
team of huskies doing what they love best - running along
winding trails with something new to see past every turn.
You'll view some great scenery, and perhaps encounter some
of Newfoundland's abundant wildlife, as you "mush"
steadily along, hearing only your own breathing, the breathing
of your dogs and the whoosh of sled runners gliding along
snow-packed trails.
Named by America's Outside Magazine as one of North America's
top nine outfitted adventures, Onward offers 5-day, 2-day,
1-day and customized wilderness dog sledding treks with
experienced guides. Guests learn to drive their own teams.
For information and reservations, call (709) 686-5333 or
check out www.onwardtours.nf.ca
