Running with the dogs
What do you do when you are in Alaska in winter? Dog mushing of course! While ‘dog sledding’ is a more common name for this activity, mushing is the general term for a transport method powered by dogs. In Alaska, dog sledding or dog mushing is deeply related to the culture and the people.
As I’m in Alaska in winter, you can pretty much go anywhere for dog mushing. There are several popular areas open to the public around Anchorage, and you will see quite a lot of groups of people practicing for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the annual dog mushing race that runs 1,049 miles. We went to Birchwood Camp in the woods, nearby the Chugach Mountains, to get a feel for dog mushing.
Alaskan Husky
The most popular breed for the dog mushing race, the Alaskan Husky, is different from what you’d correlate with the name ‘husky’. Alaskan Huskies are moderate in size, weigh about 35 – 60 pounds, and are smaller and leaner than other types of a husky breed. They are born to run a marathon, not a sprint. Think of the different between marathoner and sprinters in the Olympics. Despite their size, they consume one pound of meat daily.
Born to run
Dog mushing can be seen as a cruel sport, to make dogs run in the freezing cold climate for days and days. But it’s a different story when you get to know these dogs. When we pulled over to the parking lot, some of the dogs were chained to the truck, and some of them were already tied to the sled. As soon as we got out of the car, they were starting to barking and jumping up and down non-stop. I felt bad and freighted a little, but that was their expression of excitement. They just couldn’t wait to run.
We got on the sled, two passengers and one musher in the back, with five dogs. The leader in the front is the one who can follow the direction. We were running through the snowy forest, and in that moment, I could feel that the dogs were content. No noise except the breathing and running; they were quiet, focused, and happy. They occasionally stop for a pee break, but they were back in line as soon as they were done. They looked back at us, āWhy aren’t we going?ā
These guys are born to run.
#This year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will begin in Anchorage, 10am, March 1, 2014.
#Special thanks to Brent and Salmonberry Tours , and Visit Anchorage to arrange an awesome trip.
Sounds like you had a great experience. I still feel like it’s cruel to the dogs and I doubt they really enjoy this. But true, can’t judge until I see it in front of me.
Looks like fun! I’d love to do that!
Fabulous story. Really exciting. You must be having a wonderful time- in ALASKA- in the WINTER!
bOB
Love the photos as usual, Juno! I’m not much of a cold-weather-sports person, but I am an animal person… you’ve tempted me!
Brilliant photos! Looks like an awesome experience.
What adorable puppies! Looks like you’re having fun in Alaska this winter! š
Funny enough, I did this on sleds with wheels in Spitsbergen but never with actual snow!
Maybe it’s the intense eyes, or maybe it’s the string of drool, but I LOVE that first photo. Looks like a brilliant tour.
Gorgeous photos!!
This has always been something I would love to do. *swoon* I LOVE PUPPIES!
Me too! I was so happy to meet the dogs, and see them working. They are amazing dogs!
The dogs look adorable š
I should try this in the future! It looks fun! š
Dogs are really energetic. They just make me so happy. š
What a stunning set of photographs! š
That looks like a lot of fun! Definitely on my bucket list!! Although not sure when ill ever get to it with the way we keep travelling ā haha! Thanks for sharing
I normally hate the cold, but for this I might trade in my flipflops and head north for a few days!