A Visit to Bluesky Dogsledding

Brian and I were sent off with the Arctic Skies group for an afternoon at Bluesky Dogsledding! There was a bit of light snow in the air, but the temperature was reasonably warm.

Gerald and Jenafor Azure greeted us warmly, and made everyone feel welcome. After a short review of dogsledding commands, sled safety, and dog training, the sled rides began. Eventually there were two teams up and running with a toboggan type of sled. Gerald and Jenafor switch out the dogs throughout the day so that the dogs never get too used to a particular dog as their partner. Evidently, if they do get too comfortable with one certain partner, they can get cranky when a change needs to be made.

While we waited for our turn, we were entertained by feeding gray jays out of our hands. I also had lots of fun photographing other teams as they took off and then as they came through the last loop of the trail. Jenafor and our program director also took some photos, so I cannot take credit for all of these.

Here is the line-up for sled #2

Gerald told us that they have 30 dogs, as well as some puppies they are raising. All of their dogs are a husky mix, except for two purebred huskies. The very pretty lady with the tan and cream coat is Scarlet. Scarlet and her sister Via are known at the dogyard as the princesses. 

Here are a few irresistible doggie photos. I always get even more excited about our upcoming ride when I hear/see the enthusiasm in the dogyard as the selections are about to begin. Every dog is barking, "Take me, take me!!"

Scarlet

Below is a beautiful pair of new mitts that belong to Gerald and Jenafor. I would imagine this is arctic fox fur, but I forgot to ask. They are a work of art, but also invaluable in the cold weather of the subarctic. Check out Gerald's mitt in the photo above.