The date was December 26, and the morning was cold, 25 degrees below zero with some wind to amplify the chill.

My husband, Gary, our two sons, Justin and Cory, and I were in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to visit with family. Born in Fort William, Ontario, I moved with my family when I was 4 years old to Minneapolis for my father’s work. Now with a family of my own, I find we frequently travel north for get-togethers.

Our family always tries a new activity whenever we go someplace. It allows us to gather for some quality family time. This trip we chose an outdoor activity … dog sledding. But the freezing temperatures on that morning after Christmas threatened to cool our enthusiasm.

The bitingly low temps turned out to be no threat at all. A morning call came from our guide about the future adventure. Did we want to cancel because of the weather?

We didn’t even have to think about it. “No way!” came the spirited response.

To plan this excursion into the domain of dogs and sleds, we started with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. The chamber sent information on dog sledding along with contacts for dog-sled organizations in the area. At the time, there were two from which to choose and both sounded wonderful. Norwest Sled Dog Adventures, operated by Jennifer and William Evans, was the closest to town. The family-run business also proved to be accommodating and flexible about the kids, times and weather. Norwest offers a variety of trips. They have simple few-hour excursions up to over-night camping or custom-created trips. We selected the one-day journey, starting at about 10 a.m. and finishing up about 4 p.m.

We arrived early. Pulling into the Evans’ driveway, we saw nothing but doghouses and dogs. The Evans say the most frequent first impression for visitors is: “These sure don’t look like sled dogs.” Bred for speed and endurance, the Alaskan huskies are a mix of husky and hound. The dogs come in whites and tans as well as those sporting the familiar black and white mask of the husky.

“It’s a smaller dog than they would expect,” explained Jennifer. “They’re the husky dog, but they’re a lot sleeker. They’re the athletes of the canine world.”

We prepared for the cold by outfitting ourselves in everything from face masks to ski pants and snowmobile boots before getting out of the car. Our hosts greeted us, and we exchanged introductions. The main topic, though, was the dogs: how they would respond to us, what they eat and what we should expect. The Evans call their dogs “user friendly,” all raised by the Norwest owners. The dogs dine on regular commercially produced food and a high energy mixture of rice formula augmented with meat and fish scraps from the restaurant where William works as a chef.

Justin Peltzer cuddles up to a pup.

He said the dogs need the proper diet for the best performance. Our guides into the world of dog sledding knew their profession well. Both Will and Jennifer have raced in the Beargrease Dog Sled Marathon held in January along Minnesota’s north shore. They usually take turns participating.

As much as Jennifer and Will love sledding, the dogs seem to love it more. The dogs live to run; it’s their life. 

When the sleds come out, all the dogs start frantically barking and yipping as if to say, “Pick me! Pick me!” Some first-timers to dog sledding may find the canines smaller than they expect, but there’s no question they do their job well and with enthusiasm.

The day trip we chose was more than just a sled ride. We learned how to prepare the dogs, hook them to the sleds and, at the end, to unhook the teams and put things away. We requested a sled for each of us. So with four in our family, plus our hosts, the trip required five sleds with an average of five dogs per sled. We would eventually prepare about 25 dogs, putting harnesses on them and attaching them to the sleds.

In the morning, we equipped only two sleds - harnessing 10 dogs - and rode down to the instruction area; where we spent the first couple of hours learning the keys to dog sledding.

After preparing the sleds, we headed out through the woods, down a hill into a large open space in a hollow below the Evans’ log cabin. 

The hosts operated the sleds at first to show us what to do. Each sled provides an area for cargo or passengers, so we had one of the boys with an adult on each sled. In the open area, the Evans took us out one at a time, letting us operate the sleds while they stood on the back to help. 

The most important thing we learned was how to stop the dogs. The Evans’ dogs respond to “whoa!” for stopping and a foot-brake helps enforce the command. Each sled has a large hook that you drape over its handle. When you want to stop for a break, you halt your team and anchor the hook into the ground as far from the sled as you can. It was made very clear that you never let go of your sled because the dogs do not circle around to pick you up if you fall off. They just keep on running. 

After everyone took a turn and felt somewhat comfortable at the controls, we headed back up to the log cabin for a warm-up and some homemade chili. It tasted great and gave us a needed break. We were cold.

The Peltzer boys, Cory in front and Justin in back, learn the basics of dog sled control.

After lunch, we went back out and readied three more sleds with 15 more dogs. The journey was about to begin. 

The trip started down a large hill onto some great trails overlooking Lake Superior. The scenery was breathtaking with the sleds high above the lake. How do you describe beauty? All you can see is pine trees and lake. 

We must have had some really good instruction because we all handled the dogs well. This is no free ride; you have to earn it. You work with the dogs. Sometimes you push with one foot, like on a scooter or skateboard. Sometimes you run behind. And there are those times when you can just hop on and enjoy the ride.

While the dogs like their work, they’re just like everyone else. Jennifer described it: “You’ve got your tried and trues and you’ve got your loafers.” 

Into the first hour, we all started to peel off clothing. The cool weather suddenly felt refreshing. We probably went 20 miles in three to four hours. The dogs move!

The experience is exhilarating. Everything flows together if you do it right. It’s almost kind of a sense of satisfaction, of achievement. There’s so much going on. You’re totally in charge. 

Most memorable, the kids had such a good time. At this age, when they’re not having fun, they wear it. That day, they were all smiles. I think they could have gone another 20 miles. They still talk about it today. 

The memory of mushing our own team of dogs remains powerful. Would we try a trip again, perhaps an overnighter? For my family, there’s just one response: In a heartbeat!

Dawn Peltzer works as a trainer for Burlington Northern-Sante Fe railroad in Minneapolis. Her family enjoys all four seasons and counts biking, hiking, boating, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowmobiling among its activities.

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