Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC

Snow in October!

2011-11-04T15:35:00.000-04:00

Snow on the trail on October 30, 2011!

The whole Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC gang was surprised to see snow at our (dryland) dog sledding program this past weekend. Mother Nature gave us a surprise (very surprised) delivery of snow on Saturday, October 29, 2011. When we arrived at the trail head for Sunday's Girl Scout dog sledding program, approximately two inches of heavy, wet snow greeted us. This is the earliest snow fall we can recall here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures.

The snow made everything sparkle and made for a beautiful one mile hike up the trail to place signs for our re-enactment of the Great Alaskan Serum Run

Some of the scenery along the trail. The sled dogs have gotten quite good at going "on by" this horse farm that is directly on the trail

Looking South down the NCR trail

The view from the trail

It's extremely rare for Maryland to get snow in November, let alone October.

The trees were positively glistening with the all day snow fall from the day and night before

Eric and the mini musher hang out after our Girl Scout dog sledding program enjoying Ethan's first snow

Arriving at the trail head for our Girl Scout dog sledding program we were greeted with about two inches of snow

Snow in Maryland at the Freeland trail head on October 30, 2011

Six dog team giving rides during our Girl Scout dog sledding program. Today's photo is brought to you by epic failure in gee over training

The Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T09:40:00.000-04:00

Ethan was captivated by the curvy stem on this little pumpkin

Ethan and the pumpkin

After our first Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC dryland dog sledding programs of the 2011-12 dog sledding season, Eric, Ethan, Ethan's Grandma Sue (my Mom), and I hit the pumpkin patch to pick out a few pumpkins for the mini musher, Ethan.

Ethan and Grandma Sue

Ethan on the straw horse

Fall Dog Sledding Adventures

2011-10-17T09:26:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, Eric, Ethan, the sled dogs and I started our 2011-12 Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC dog sledding programs. First up, were two Girl Scout dog sledding programs.

Six sled dog team: Acadia and Gypsy, Sammamish and Luke, and Okemo and Sobo

Visiting sled dog, Luke, after our dryland (wheeled) dog sled rides

Looks like all of the Girl Scouts had a good time!

Acadia gets lots of attention from the Girl Scouts


Two Girl Scouts try out dryland (wheeled) dog sledding.

Lead dog, Acadia, loves to give kisses

Sled Dog Training

2011-10-03T12:34:00.010-04:00

The Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs.

Eric, Ethan and I got the sled dogs out this past Sunday for a 4.5 mile training run. Mother Nature was good enough to give us temperatures in the low to mid 40s so, the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs, Eric, Ethan and I headed up to Fair Hill NRMA for a hilly training run.

On this training run were, Acadia and Gypsy in lead, Sammamish and Okemo in team, and Luke and Sobo in wheel. While I would prefer to run Sammi and Sobo in team and Okemo and Luke in wheel, Luke gets extremely excited at hook up as does Okemo. As a result, both dogs can get snarky with each other at hook up and given their personalities, that's just not a good situation. As the season progresses, we'll work with both dogs on this tendency and hopefully will be running Okemo and Luke side by side in no time at all. We'll also be working on Sammi's tendency to bite the lines at hook up. At present, to keep the team safe and hooked, we are running cable gang lines. As soon as possible, we'll be moving Sammamish up to lead where he'll be given a job to do instead of chewing neck lines.

The dogs were VERY excited to be going out to run.

Gypsy and Acadia in lead, Sammi and Okemo in team, and Sobo and Luke in wheel

As we headed into Fair Hill, we bumped into another Maryland musher. We also realized once we arrived at the trail head that a huge field trial with hundreds of off leash dogs was underway. Determining that discretion was the better part of valor, especially this early in the training season, we all headed over to another section of Fair Hill where we could run without disturbing (or being disturbed by) the field trials.

After the run, we headed to a local restaurant for lunch.

Fall Pursuits

2011-09-22T12:21:00.008-04:00

Apples Galore!

The first official day of Fall is tomorrow and fall pursuits are in full swing here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC.

Last weekend the temperatures cooperated and we had our first training run of the season. We ran a four dog team of Acadia, Sobo, Okemo and Sammi approximately 3.5 miles. Since there was plenty of trail traffic we had lots of opportunities for passing bicyclists, joggers, walkers, and leashed dogs. Acadia and Sobo started the run in lead with Sammamish and Okemo in wheel. About a 1/2 mile out from the station, I decided to try Sammi in lead. He was amazing. Very steady and very focused for a yearling. He also LOVES to run. I caught him jumping in the air with all four feet WAY off the ground during several of our brief stops on the trail.

First run of the 2011-12 dog sledding season: Acadia and Sammi in lead with Okemo and Sobo in wheel

Scouting Report: One exciting prospect, Sammamish (aka Sammi)

This weekend, we're heading to Pennsylvania with a few musher friends to pick up our visiting sled dogs, Gypsy and Luke. Gypsy and Luke will be residing with Eric, Ethan, the sled dogs, and I during the running season (approximately through early April). They joined us last season and we are eager to see them again.

In other news of fall pursuits, my sister, Jenny, was in town from Seattle this past weekend and Eric, Ethan, Jenny and I headed up to Pennsylvania to pick apples. Picking apples is pretty much a rite of fall here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC. Already those two huge baskets of apples have generated two apple crisps, one puffy apple pancake, and apple muffins, along with countless lunch time snacks.

Eric, Jenny and Acadia picking apples in Pennsylvania

Stayed tuned as we get underway with more fall training and tons of fun fall pursuits.

Fall Training

2011-09-07T18:00:00.010-04:00

It's Fall: time for pumpkins and sled dog training!

With a little help from mother nature in the form of crisp Fall mornings, Fall training should be just around the corner. Fall training is the time we get the dogs out and remind them of all they knew last season. It's a time spent feeling out the team and figuring out just where we stand.

This year, we are excited to announce that Gypsy and Luke, our visiting sled dogs from the 2010-2011 dog sledding season, will once again be joining the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures team. Kiana's Sammamish (aka Sammi or Sammidoodle) is now a yearling and also will begin training full time with the team. Back for another dog sledding season are five year old team/wheel dog, Okemo, seven year old team/wheel dog, Sobo, and three year old lead dog, Acadia.

Also making his debut this season is our new mini musher, Ethan Oliver. Ethan was born in late April 2011 and will be joining us training the sled dogs and during Fall and Winter programs this coming season.

Plans for this season include a full docket of dog sledding programs. All of our weekends are currently booked for the 2011-2012 dog sledding season. We still have a handful of midweek dates left so email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com if you would like to book your own dog sledding program. We will also be running our very popular women's Maine Winter Cabin Adventure again February 17-February 20, 2012. This very special four day long dog sledding adventure is based out of our cabin in Stark, Maine and is limited to just four participants. Two slots remain in our Maine Winter Cabin Adventure.

Our race plans include the Maine Highlands Katahdin Iron Works (KIW) 30 and/or the fun run held January 28, 2012 in Brownville, Maine.

We also plan on spending some time up north in Maine exploring new trails and reaquainting ourselves with familiar trails. Those trips are presently scheduled for December, January, and February.

Stay tuned for updates on all of the sled dogs' Fall and Winter exploits.

Up North in Maine August Adventures

2011-09-07T12:08:00.021-04:00

Lovely Wilson Lake in Wilton, Maine

Eric, the mini musher, Ethan, all six of the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs, and I enjoyed a fabulous almost four week stay "up ta camp" at our cabin in Starks, Maine. While up in Maine, we visited the Rockland Lobster Festival, the Wilton Blueberry Festival, took a cruise on the Schooner Heron out of Rockport, Maine, shopped in Camden, Maine, and enjoyed many other up north adventures as well.

This was our first month long trip up north with the new mini musher, Ethan, and we could not have scripted better behavior from the little guy. Ethan is a very easy baby who handled the twelve hour drive north quite well, slept through the night the entire time we were up north, and accustomed himself well to visiting Maine's sights and sounds. So without further ado, here are the photos from our wonderful trip up north.

Ethan and Eric in Rockland

Ethan is not the only member of this family who wears a bib

The rigging on the Schooner Heron

Ethan in the Baby Bjorn with Eric ready to explore Rockport.

Ethan's first boat trip

Enjoying the sights and sounds in Rockport, Maine.

Lighthouse in Rockport

Sleepy Ethan with Me in Rockport.

Lead dog, Acadia, decided she could deal with a little rest and relaxation

Ethan enjoys a bird's eye view of Wilton, Maine at the Blueberry Festival

The Blueberry Festival was very exciting for the little guy. Here he is with the giant loon.

Ethan chilling in his swing

Ethan hangs out while lead dog, Acadia, supervises.

Lobster...yum

Just hanging out in the up north nursery

Showing off his strong neck muscles

Mommy and the mini musher

For the duration of the trip, Sobo could be found sleeping in one of two places: (1) the dog bed or (2) the couch.

Eric and Ethan in Rockport

Lobster buoy

Rockport Lighthouse

Eric, Ethan and Maryland musher, Linda Powers at the Rockland Lobster Festival

The first time Ethan road forward facing in the Baby Bjorn.

Post lobster festival exploration of Rockland harbor

Fellow Maryland musher, Linda Powers, Ethan and I in Rockland at the Lobster Festival

Announcing our 2012 Maine Winter Cabin Adventure!

2011-07-18T18:17:00.008-04:00

The sled dogs' enthusiasm shows!

Come on "up ta camp" and play with the sled dogs. Spend four days and three nights learning all about mushing and sled dogs. Explore the gorgeous trails surrounding the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures' cabin in Starks, Maine. Enjoy Maine, the way life should be.

Maryland Sled Dog Adventures' 2012 Maine Winter Cabin Adventure will be held Friday, February 17, 2012 through Monday, February 20, 2012.

Our 2011 Maine Winter Cabin Adventure was four days packed full of dog sledding, skijoring, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, making new friends, and great food. For photos and information from our 2011 Maine Winter Cabin Adventure, click here.

Applying learned dog sledding skills

New for 2012, we are excited to announce that we have one new dog, Kiana's Sammamish, joining the team and a new mini musher, Ethan Oliver Benson, who will assist in hosting our Maine Winter Cabin Adventure.

Running a five dog team on the woods' trail

For details on how to register for this very special four day, three night dog sledding adventure, visit our Maine Winter Cabin Adventure website. This unique adventure is limited to just four participants and slots are filling fast so be sure to register early. For additional information email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com or call (443) 562-5736.

Skijoring with a two dog team of Acadia and Sobo

New Mini Musher

2011-06-09T06:40:00.006-04:00

Party of Three.

On April 30th, Maryland Sled Dog Adventures welcomed a new mini musher aboard. Ethan Oliver was born on April 30, 2011 weighing 6 lbs 7 oz and measuring 19 inches long. He's currently working on getting his sled legs. All of the sled dogs are doing great with Ethan. We're looking forward to a fun and exciting 2011-2012 dog sledding season with all of the sled dogs and Ethan.

Ethan napping in his buggy while wheel dog, Okemo, looks on.

All ready for some happy trails and travels

Napping (do you sense a theme) while Kiana's Sammamish watches over me

Dad feeding me while retired lead dog, Zoe, hangs out.

More Maine Dog Sledding Adventures: Exploring New Trails.

2011-03-01T15:40:00.013-05:00

Eric and the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures team head down the Lemon Stream trail.

Continuing our Maine adventures, on Thursday, Eric headed out to run the newly discovered Lemon Stream trail with the whole sled dog team.

Another twisty, turning trail that the sled dogs LOVE.

Lemon Stream Trail

The first issue we faced was how to cross the plowed road that the cabin sits on since this particular trail picks up on the opposite side of the road from the cabin. One option was to head down the Tie trail directly from the cabin, take a "haw" (left) at the end of the tie trail, make a diagonal road crossing, and pick up the Lemon Stream trail. After discussing it, Eric and I discarded this option in favor of the safer albeit more cumbersome and time consuming option of loading the dogs onto the dog truck and taking the truck the couple of hundred feet or so down the cabin road, and parking it directly adjacent to the trail. Since this was our first run, we decided to play it safe.

After positioning the truck adjacent to the trail, Eric hooked up a five dog team of Acadia and Gypsy in lead, Luke in team, and Okemo and Sobo in wheel and headed out for what was to ultimately end up being a 15 mile run with 1800 feet of elevation gain! Along the way, Eric even drew a rough map of the trails and kept track of distances on the interconnecting trails. No easy feat when driving five raring to go sled dogs.

Hooking up the dogs on the Lemon Stream trail. Luke, as always, is raring to go.

There they go!

On Friday, we picked up approximately a foot of new snow at the cabin followed by 20-30 MPH winds. Remarkably, we did not lose power during any portion of the storm. As a result, most of Friday was spent shoveling, snow blowing (until the snow blower died. Note: never purchase a Troy Bilt (Tecumseh) snow blower), and hanging out with the sled dogs who were all cuddled up nice and warm inside the cabin.

The offending Tecumseh snow blowing machine is only about five years old and has only blown snow about ten times and now appears to have a broken connecting rod (which is apparently quite common on Troy Bilt/Tecumseh snow blowers)

Blazing fire in the wood stove kept the cabin toasty throughout the storm

T-Bone hangs out in the cabin during the storm

Acadia decides a nap is in order.

Saturday morning, dawned clear and very cold with temperatures slightly below zero. After it warmed up a bit, Eric headed out on the newly fallen snow for a four mile run up the Power Line trail and down the other side of the Power Line trail in the deep powder. Along for this run, was puppy monster, Sammi, who Eric reported pulled hard the whole time while breaking trail though the deep snow. Acadia and Gypsy ran lead, Sammi and Okemo ran in team, and Sobo and Luke ran in wheel. The remainder of Saturday was spent cleaning and packing up the cabin so that we could head home early Sunday morning.

Post run, Sammi had plenty of energy left over for mischief. Just look at that face!

We even cleaned the ceiling fan!

More Maine Dog Sledding Adventures: Sammi's first run.

2011-03-01T13:25:00.017-05:00

Sammamish's first dog sled run

After our wonderful Maine Winter Cabin Adventure, Eric and I spent another week in Maine enjoying spending time with our wonderful sled dogs.

Kicking the week off, on Tuesday, Eric headed out with Sobo for a 12 mile skijor and some trail exploration on what we now call the Lemon Stream trail. Last year, due to poor snow conditions, the Lemon Stream trail was unrunnable. This year, however, the snow conditions have been good with consistently low temperatures, and we discovered this awesome new trail with unique challenges (including crossing a frozen Lemon Stream) which the dogs just love.

After discovering the Lemon Stream trail, we decided to head over to Mt. Blue State Park in Weld, Maine on Wednesday, for what we planned as Sammamish's (Kiana's Sammamish) first run in harness. Typically, we start puppies in harness, with very short fun runs at approximately six to eight months of age. It just so happened that the day we headed over to Mt. Blue was Sammi's six month birthday! Happy Birthday, Sammi-doodle.

When we tried on our smallest dogbooties.com harness (our teal harness) on Sammi it was a near perfect fit for the not so little, little guy. As we harnessed all of the dogs and hooked the team up, Sammi became progressively more excited. He wasn't even interested in the loop on the harness back by his tail which is very unusual for most new pups in harness. In fact, as soon as we hooked Sammi to the line, he began is trademark screaming (to go). And as soon as we pulled the snow hook, screamin' Sammi was all business. Nary a look back at Mom or an attempt to mess with any of the other dogs. He was ready to go!

Sammi being a puppy. Now just look where he has chased the cat, Chloe. (yes, that is one of the beams that runs the width of the cabin and is over two stories above the ground).

Screaming Sammamish

Since this was Sammi's first run, the plan was for me to take the team about one mile down the trail, take Sammi off the team, and meet up with Eric who would then continue on with the veteran sled dogs on a 20 mile loop through the scenic western Maine woods. At just a little over one mile on the GPS, I pulled the team over, hooked them down, and set out water bowls for the sled dogs to get a drink. Shortly thereafter, Eric arrived and headed out with the rest of the team on a challenging 20 mile loop while I walked back to the trail head with Sammi.

Here they come: Eric heads out with the veteran dogs for the rest of the 20 miler.

And there they go!

Scenic views right from the trail head parking lot.

Just one of the gorgeous trails at Mt. Blue

Sammi after his very first run in harness

More views right from the parking lot: Snow-capped Maine peaks

Eric and I are both very proud of how Maryland Sled Dog Adventures' newest member did in harness this first time out.

Women's Only Maine Winter Cabin Adventure

2011-02-28T15:48:00.030-05:00

Maine Winter Cabin Adventure 2011

Eric and I are happy to report that we just returned from western Maine and had an awesome Maine Winter Cabin Adventure with three wonderful women. We thoroughly enjoyed this dog sledding program so much we fully intend to offer it again in 2012.

Participating in our grand dog sledding adventure were Deb C. (from Virginia), Leah C. (from Connecticut) and Sharon C. (also from Connecticut).

On Friday, February 18, 2011, the ladies arrived in Starks, Maine to begin their four day, three night dog sledding, skijoring, snowshoeing, and all around winter fun Maine Winter Cabin Adventure.

The day got off to a rough start for Eric and I as we picked up some unusual and unseasonable rain and freezing rain overnight between Thursday and Friday. Early Friday morning, Eric and I headed into town to pick up a few supplies including Maine lobsters (that's "lobstahs" to all you Mainers out there) for Friday evening's dinner along with a couple of other supplies. Our biggest mistake was not checking the road before heading out. As we backed the dog truck out onto the road, the dog truck began sliding sideways down the hill and we quickly discovered that the town maintained dirt road our cabin sits on had not yet been cindered by the town (as a side note: typically the town of Starks is VERY good at treating the road). As we took an accounting of our predicament, we finally got the dog truck pointed down the hill instead of sideways. We quickly deduced that we would not be able to get back up the little incline the cabin sits on, and decided our only real option was to proceed the two miles or so down the ice skating rink that was once our road and continue our trek into town. As we slipped and slid, we managed to put the dog truck into the snowbanks on either side of the road several times. Using a combination of of 4WD low and low gears (brakes were non existent on the ice), we slipped, slid and crawled our way down towards the paved road into town. The scariest incident was when we nearly slid the truck into Lemon Stream. Within sight of the paved road, we began up a slight incline only to begin sliding backwards and sideways. As we slid into yet another snow bank, Eric began shoveling (we always carry a shovel in the truck) dirt from the side of the road onto the ice to provide traction. Progress was slow going, however, as much of the dirt was frozen solid. Just when we began to despair ever getting up the hill, one of our kindly neighbors came along with studded snow tires on her jeep and asked if we needed assistance. Eric and our neighbor hopped in to her jeep and quickly drove back to her house to pick up a bucket full of cinders. In these extreme icy conditions, studded snow tires were the difference between having traction and no traction at all. 4WD was pretty much irrelevant. By shoveling cinders in around the wheels of the truck and up the incline, we were able to get the truck up the hill and out on to the pavement.

Upon reaching the pavement, we found all of the roads into town to have been treated. We ran our errands, picked up our lobsters, and to be on the safe side even picked up a set of tire chains for the dog truck. This was a HUGE concession on my part since I have never used tire chains on a 4WD vehicle in my 15 plus years of driving 4WD vehicles. However, they were "cheap insurance" as we ended up not needing them to get back into the cabin as the town had come through and cindered the road.

As the story goes, all's well that ends well. After the town came through and cindered the road it was much easier to navigate even without 4WD, studded snow tires, and tire chains (one participant even arrived in a tiny little Prius). The ladies all arrived safely at our Maine Winter Cabin Adventure around 1 pm and shortly thereafter the sun came out and the skies cleared to a brilliant blue.

After the morning's rain and freezing rain, crystal clear blue skies were a welcome sight

After donning appropriate snow clothes, we all headed outside to do some basic dog sled "driver's education" within sight of the cabin. The goal of this instruction was to get the women's "sled legs" under them while working on very basic dog sled driving skills while driving a small 2-3 dog team. Skills worked on included: setting a snow hook, pulling the snow hook, braking using the drag, braking and holding the team in place using the bar break, getting a feel for the balance of the dog sled, and pedaling the dog sled. We also used this opportunity to introduce each of the sled dogs and demonstrate how to harness them. Each of the women then harnessed at least one sled dog.

Sharon works on harnessing Acadia

Deb works on sled "driver's ed" with a three dog team of Gypsy and Acadia in lead followed by Luke in wheel

Leah works on getting her "sled legs."

Here comes Sharon learning the art of pedaling the dog sled.

As evening and darkness came to western Maine, we fed the sled dogs and retired indoors for some cocktails, appetizers, crab and corn chowder, an excellent Maine lobster dinner, finishing it off with lemon mousse with blueberries.

Saturday morning dawned clear and colder than Friday with temps in the low to mid 20s. (This is actually unseasonably warm for this part of Maine in February but since we had plans to spend the majority of the day outside, slightly warmer temperatures were welcome!)

Breakfast was a warm and tasty baked apple stuffed french toast with yogurt fruit parfaits, juice, and, of course, lots of hot steaming coffee.

Baked Apple Stuffed French Toast

Hot steaming coffee!

Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits

Leah gets a good morning kiss from puppy Sammamish (Sammi)

After breakfast, we set off down the short Cabin Tie trail (the trail which connects our cabin to the network of trails that criss cross the Maine country side). Today's runs were planned on the Cabin Ridge and the Power Line trail. Given the excellent snow conditions, we were able to use this challenging trail as our first day trail. We began with a four dog team and each woman ran the team approximately two miles up to the ridge where Eric was on site to help them turn the team around and head back (steeply) down the Power Line trail.

Big wheel dog, Okemo, harnessed and on the picket line awaiting his turn to be hooked to the dog sled.

Deb all geared up for the first full day of dog sledding

Leah listens intently while I explain the cardinal rule of mushing: Never let go!

Entering the woods

First full day of dog sledding: Deb drives a four dog team up the power line trail. Team is Acadia and Gypsy in lead followed by Luke and Sobo in wheel

Deb seems happy to have reached the top of the intersection of the power line trail and the ridge trail

Leah works on her sled driving skills with Acadia and Gypsy in lead and Luke and Sobo in wheel

What goes up, must come down. Leah comes flying down the steep hill off the power line trail. Acadia seems to fly with all four feet off the ground!

And here comes Sharon looking perfectly in control with a four dog team made up of: Luke and Acadia in lead followed by Gypsy and Sobo in wheel.

Acadia and Luke pulling hard up the power line trail with Sharon driving.

In the flats on the power line trail, the dogs pick up speed!

Sharon makes it to the top. (Not sure what all of the dogs were looking at)

After a morning of dog sledding in the brisk cold and a warm lunch of turkey chili and corn muffins, the ladies and Eric headed out with cross country skis to explore a trail in Starks that was a potential for skijoring and to practice basic cross country skiing skills prior to skijoring with any of our sled pets. Ultimately, Eric and the ladies discovered the trail in Starks did not go the direction we thought it did and thought that an easier trail in Farmington, Maine would provide a better opportunity for skijoring the following afternoon. After returning from their skiing explorations, Eric and the ladies set off for a brisk snow shoe on the cabin trails.

Snowshoeing with Okemo and Sammi

Maine winter scenery

Saturday evening a communal dinner of swiss cheese fondue and green salad was enjoyed followed by a stellar chocolate fondue with assorted fruit dippers. Everyone agreed the chocolate fondue was even better than the cheese fondue!

Sunday morning again dawned bright and clear albeit a bit colder than Saturday morning. After a scrumptious breakfast of blueberry pancakes and brown sugar glazed bacon with cracked black pepper, we headed out for longer dog sledding runs with each of the women.

Today's run was to follow the path of Saturday's run up to the Power Line trail to the Ridge trail but to then include a "haw" (left) turn of the team on to the twisting and turning Ridge trail for an additional mile. For this run, each of the three women would run the sled dog team approximately four miles through varied terrain. Because the sled dogs LOVE to run on twisty, turning, wooded trails, sled driving skills were challenged especially for the two miles along the ridge.

Sharon gets a morning "pedicure" courtesy of retired lead dog, Zoe, and Sobo

Who me? says Sammi

Entering the Ridge trail.

Sharon drives a five dog team of Acadia and Gypsy in lead, Luke in team, and Sobo and Okemo in wheel on the Ridge trail. As the sign says: this trail is curvy and twisty and turny.

Leah driving a five dog team on the Ridge trail: Gypsy and Luke in lead, Okemo in team, followed by Acadia and Sobo in wheel.

Here they come!

Deb driving a five dog team on the Ridge trail. Check out Acadia's face!

Steering the sled: Working on leaning and weighting the sled runners.

After a full morning of dog sledding, we all retired indoors for a warm lunch of hot panini sandwiches, moxie beans, and Maine whoopie pies for dessert.

After lunch, an afternoon of skijoring in Farmington was planned. While Eric skijored with Leah and Deb, Sharon explored the college town of Farmington and did some shopping. I stayed behind to prepare our dinner. While Eric and I both felt that after running over 12 miles in the morning, the dogs would be a bit more "relaxed" for skijoring, that did not prove to be the case. Instead, Eric and I were both delighted to learn that Gypsy, Luke, Sobo, and Acadia were driving hard an excited to skijor the rail trail in Farmington. After skijoring several miles with the sled dogs, all of the women and Eric returned to the cabin tired and ready for some cocktails, appetizers, and a hearty dinner of roast lemon thyme chicken, mashed potatoes, maple glazed parsnips and carrots, and blueberry pie with ice cream.

Leah skijoring with Acadia and Sobo

Deb skijoring with Acadia and Sobo

Monday morning again dawned bright, clear and sunny albeit cold (mid teens). While a yummy breakfast of smoked salmon eggs benedict with hollandaise was enjoyed, plans were made for the rest of the morning. Sharon decided she had some shopping to do in southern Maine and decided to head out after breakfast. Deb's flight back to Virginia was not until late afternoon so she and Leah decided to go out on a combined snowshoe/dog sled trek. Plans were made for a six mile run on the Cabin Ridge trail. First, Leah and Eric headed out to the rendevous point on snow shoes while I remained behind with Deb to harness the sled dogs and hook them to the sled. Once we received the okay from Eric (via radio), Deb and I began putting dogs on the line. The team was a five dog team composed of Acadia and Gypsy in lead, Okemo in team, and Luke and Sobo in wheel. As Deb pulled the snub line and quickly executed a graceful turn from the Tie trail onto the main Ridge trail. Demonstrating excellent balance, Deb crouched down, kept her center of gravity low, and managed to stay up right as the dogs rocketed through the corner between the Tie trail and the Ridge trail. This was a major accomplishment that had tripped everyone up the morning before.

After Deb got underway on her six mile run out the Ridge trail, I headed back to the cabin to relax for a few moments and grab a quick shower. At the six mile marker, Eric and Leah rendevoused with Deb, turned the team around, and Leah brought the dog team the six miles back to the cabin. Upon returning, both Leah and Deb proclaimed this run the best run of the entire weekend!

After the run, a quick lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches prepared Deb and Leah for their trip back to Portland, Maine and their flight/travel home.

Eric and the ladies at Lemon Stream

Maine Dog Sledding Adventures

2011-02-12T18:00:00.012-05:00

We're making tracks through the 2010-2011 dog sledding season: Coyote tracks on the cabin trail.

The 2010-2011 dog sledding season has been wonderful so far!

What's next? Our Maine Winter Cabin Adventure is February 18, 2011 through February 21, 2011. Four days and three nights of dog sledding just for women.

In anticipation of all the fun we will have at that exciting sled dog centric event, we thought we would share with you a few photos from our recent trip to Maine in January to race in the KIW 30 dog sled race in Brownville, Maine. While it was a very short trip, we managed to pack in lots of fun Maine dog sledding adventures.

Eric cooking up breakfast at the cabin in Maine.

My Mukluks, important musher apparel. If you would like a pair of your own, visit Steger Mukluks.

Eric and the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures team at the KIW 30 in Brownville, Maine: Acadia and Gypsy in lead, Okemo in team, Sobo and Luke in wheel.

And there he goes....

Here is our friend from Delaware, Ruth, and her team at the KIW 30

And there goes Ruth on her brand new Danler dog sled!

And here comes our friend Linda back after her run at the KIW 30.

Eric harnessing Luke for a run on the cabin trail while Gypsy supervises.

One of the rare flat sections of the cabin trail.

Here comes Eric up the cabin trail: Luke and Acadia in lead, Gypsy in team, Okemo and Sobo in wheel.

Scenery along the cabin trail

Snow covered cattails.

Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC on Fox 5 Morning News!

2011-02-12T17:53:00.009-05:00

Eric and I along with the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs were featured in a story Fox 5 did this past Thursday. If you missed it, you can catch all of the excitement on line here. You can also find a link to the footage on our website in our "In the Press" column.

Crazy Busy: Finally Some Photos from Thanksgiving

2010-12-22T17:31:00.011-05:00

Snow nose Sammamish.

Eric and I and the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs have been crazy busy running dog sledding and dryland dog sledding programs this holiday season. As a result, we've not had as much time to update this blog as we would like and that includes posting photos from our last trip with the sled dogs to Maine. Going in six different directions for 15-20 hours per day is never fun and Eric and I are both looking forward to some time off. Tomorrow marks the last dog sledding program of 2010 and then its off to Maine and the cabin for some well earned R&R. Of course the dogs don't really know the meaning of rest and relaxation so there will be plenty of dog sledding up north while we're in Maine. So without further ado, here are some of the photos Eric and I took while up at the cabin for Thanksgiving.

Gypsy and Luke out for a walk on Thanksgiving

T-Bone naps on the couch.

Sammi and Luke play.

Gypsy and Luke line up for breakfast in the kitchen.

Did we finally tire the little guy out?

As you can see, there was lots of napping. Okemo napping near the kitchen.

Zoe's favorite spot is in front of the wood stove.

Despite chilly temperatures, the cabin as nice and toasty warm thanks to the wood stove.

There is nothing more peaceful than a snowy day in Maine

Zoe enjoys a snowy walk on "Black" Friday

Thanksgiving in Maine means lots of blaze orange as it typically coincides with the last weekend of deer hunting.

Even the dogs wear blaze orange vests

Sammamish finds his snow legs.

Sobo doing what Sobo does best: napping.

Eric and Sammi have a nice cuddle on the couch.

Of course since it was Thanksgiving, we had good food. Citrus glazed turkey.

Good drink!

Tow Hill Training Session

2010-11-16T07:53:00.017-05:00

This sign speaks for itself: Lots and lots of sled dogs this past weekend

Eric and I along with the whole Maryland Sled Dog Adventures gang are back from a wonderful three days of training the sled dogs in State College, Pennsylvania. The annual Tow Hill Training Session is one of our favorite events of the season. In addition to great training, there is great food (these guys know the true meaning of a pot luck supper), lots of musher socialization, and plenty of time spent hanging out with the sled dogs.

Future lead dog: Kiana's Sammamish with retired lead dog, Zoe, in the background

Big White Dog, Okemo.

Sobo can both lead and follow. This weekend he ran wheel next to Luke

Kiana's Acadia (lead dog) resting on the line

Luke resting on the picket line after the run. Luke runs in both team and wheel.

Gypsy Queen (aka GQ) catches a nap on the picket line. Gypsy ran lead this weekend.

Wheel dog, Okemo, hangs out post run

While at Tow Hill, the team practiced lots of head on passing and lots of over taking passing. There were also ample opportunities for gee/haw and hill training. Tow Hill is also a great opportunity to run with all types of teams ranging from recreational teams to the Alaska circuit's pro caliber teams. This year there were even two awesome brand new trails that really inspired the dogs to run hard.

Two of Rob Downey's dogs being hooked up

Six dog sprint team coming through the chute and heading out on the trails

Eight dog Siberian team from Xtreme Weather Kennels

One dog team on an Outlaw rig

Tons of opportunities for gee/haw training

The trails at Tow Hill are simply awesome!

A team of Alaskans (hounds) from New York

There were trucks (and teams) of all sizes (Rob Downey's truck)

These guys were moving so fast they were just a blur

Dogs of all types attended

From the Powers Pack: Kodiak

Saturday I ran the team approximately five miles and on Sunday Eric ran the team approximately six miles. Afternoons were spent socializing and hanging out. All of the dogs slept on the truck which was good practice for little puppy monster Sammamish.

Sammi practiced spending time on the picket line

Acadia harnessed and ready to run just as the sun is starting to come up

Eric coming back with our five dog team: Gypsy and Acadia in lead; Okemo in team; Luke and Sobo in wheel

Linda with the four dog Powers Pack team coming back from Sunday's run

Headlamps are great except when you are trying to take a photo. Eric driving our five dog team.

Musher socialization with the Powers Pack.

Dog trucks through the trees

Some folks camped out. Others slept in the lodge or bunkhouse

Wagon full of pumpkins (and no this was not part of the pot luck supper. I was far too busy stuffing my face at dinner to take any photos!)

This Weekend's Dog Sledding Adventures

2010-10-26T07:43:00.010-04:00

Hallloooo in there. Anyone home?

Sammamish is now 9 weeks old. He survived two Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC Girl Scout dog sledding programs this past weekend and received tons of attention. While out on the trail, Sammi also met horses, bicyclists, leashed dogs, tons of new people, and took his first ride in his dog box on the truck. He also screamed like crazy when the big sled dogs got to run and he had to stay behind. Here are a few photos we took this past weekend.

These girl scouts are "lead dogs" and are demonstrating "line out."

Girl Scouts meeting visiting sled dogs, Gypsy and Luke

Wheel dog, Okemo, meets two new Girl Scouts

Of course, Sammamish was a big hit with the Girl Scouts

Sammamish exploring the back yard and the (depleted) wood pile

Introducing: Sammamish

2010-10-22T16:23:00.013-04:00

Kiana's Sammamish!

Introducing the newest member of the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC team: Sammamish!

We'll be calling him Sam or Sammi for short. Technically, he'll be Kiana's Sammamish. Sammi is from Kiana Siberians in Sanbornton, NH. Scott and Corina also bred our little lead dog, Acadia. Sammi is an AKC registered, red and white, blue eyed Siberian Husky. His sire is CH Alkasiber's Tres Pete ("Tres") and his dam is CAN CH Kiana's Khocolate Kiss, CGC, TT, WPD, WLD, RA, SDO ("Valeska"). Sammamish is currently eight weeks old and will be attending many of the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC dog sledding programs, tours, and rides. We are very excited to have Sammi join our family.

Sammi's first Facebook post

I really can't do anything without my morning cup of coffee!

Acadia, Sammamish and Sobo

Sammamish: Look into my eyes...

Where did the name Smmamish come from you might ask? Sammamish is the name of a lake in Washington where I was raised. There are views of Lake Sammaish from nearly all of the windows in my parents' home. Sammamish is a Native American name, but it does not, contrary to some published reports (including Money Magazine), mean “hunter people.” According to the Sammamish Heritage Society, the name Sammamish is derived from samma, meaning “the sound of the blue crane” and mish, meaning “river.” And boy can this pup make some noise! We'll just call him Screamin' Sammi for short right now.

Sammamish tries to help with the laundry

Retired lead dog, Zoe, also helped with the laundry. She ever so helpfully stole socks and hid them.

Sammi somehow got sorted in with the whites even though he is really a dark, red that is.

Aren't I just the cutest?

Stay tuned for lots of updates on little Sammi and his antics as he grows and develops into a wonderful sled dog.

First Dog Sledding Program of the Season

2010-10-16T20:12:00.009-04:00

Running down the trail

The 2010-2011 dog sledding and dryland dog sledding season is officially underway here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC. The season kicked off today with a visit from Girl Scout Troop 994 from Girl Scouts of the Nations Capitol. Seven scouts enjoyed the antics and fun of five happy sled dogs while learning all about dog sledding during our Scout Patch Program.

Stay tuned for updates as the dog sledding season progresses.

Gypsy meets the scouts

Luke gives kisses

Gypsy hangs out on the picket line post run

Who me? says Sobo

Acadia and this little guy had a lot of fun.

Introducing: Gypsy and Luke

2010-10-12T18:06:00.007-04:00

Eric with Gypsy and Luke. Gypsy just refused to face the camera.

The Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs have been joined by two new team members for the 2010-2011 season. Gypsy and Luke are on loan for the 2010-2011 season from a fellow musher and friend.

Gypsy hides behind Luke

Both Gypsy and Luke are nine years old and are looking forward to meeting everyone and getting attention during our tours, girl scout/boy scout programs, and rides. Both will also be joining us for our exciting new four day, three night Maine Winter Cabin Adventure in February 2011.

Gypsy and Luke LOVE to pull and will let you know exactly how much they LOVE to pull at hook up. Gypsy will be primarily running lead with Acadia while Luke follows in team. Sobo and Okemo will round out the team in wheel.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and news as the season progresses.

Coming back into the trail head. In lead (l-r), Gypsy and Acadia, Luke in team, Sobo and Okemo in wheel.

Fall Planting and Training

2010-09-06T10:18:00.007-04:00

Allium planted last fall for spring blooms

Fall has arrived and here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC we are busy doing one of three things: (1) training the sled dogs; (2) planting the Fall vegetables and flowers; (3) talking dogs with other mushers.

Yesterday, marked the first real training run of the season for the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs. We arrived at the trail head early at about 6:30 am. Temps were at 50 degrees according to the new dog truck thermometer. We quickly set about hooking up veteran leader, Zoe, and upcoming leader, Acadia, both in lead with Sobo and Okemo in wheel and set off for a brisk five mile run which took us from Maryland into Pennsylvania and back. The dogs ran awesome. Along the way, we encountered several challenges, two horse farms that needed passing (Zoe was her usual awesome self, Acadia was decent, Sobo was surprisingly good, and Okemo needs work), several bicyclists that also needed head on and over taking passes, and several joggers. The biggest challenge was the 250 plus people who arrived at the trail head about 5 minutes after we did to run a race. While the spandex clad runners complained about the cold, we hooked up the dogs and headed down the trail in the opposite (north) direction towards Pennsylvania. We cruised up the trail for about 2.5 miles with speeds ranging from 18 MPH to 8-10 MPH. Our moving average was approximately 9 MPH. At our turn around point, just south of the Pennsylvania town of New Freedom, we took a brief break and practiced our line out training. As we headed back to the trail head, we encountered the 250 plus joggers and runners walking up the trail to the start of their race. Miraculously, the dogs stayed gee'd over and didn't freak out. Not bad for the first real training run (besides our scooter run last weekend).

Yesterday also included planting our Fall garden crops. In went the lettuces and garlic which will be over wintered. Our spring planting of shallots was so awesome, I really wanted to do another crop of Fall shallots, however, finding shallots in Maryland for Fall planting is apparently impossible.

Our spring plantings of tomatoes and peppers are still going really strong generating about 5-6 tomatoes per day and an unhealthy number of cayenne, jalapeno, Mexi-bell, green bell, and Giant Marconi peppers. We're also still harvesting lots and lots of fresh herbs.

After planting and training, Eric and I headed up to meet up with a retired musher friend of ours for some dinner and dirt track racing at Williams Grove speedway in Pennsylvania. Of course, sled dogs and fall training were a big topic of discussion.

Today, we're hoping to get planted the spring flowers, allium, tulips, daffodils, and irises, that we picked up yesterday at the store.

First Run of the Season

2010-08-30T08:01:00.012-04:00

Dog scootering with a three dog team: Sobo and Acadia in lead, Okemo in wheel

Saturday morning was cool enough for a very light run with the sled dogs and some (heavier) musher socialization. Since here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC we are frequently running dog sledding programs on the weekends later in the season, we took this opportunity to get together with several local mushers we have not seen for quite awhile. This was also a good opportunity to try out the new dog truck.

New dog truck

Close up of the new dog boxes

Run details: About one mile, Patsy's trail, haw (left) at the road and back around to the North Appleton lot; 3 dogs on the Pawtrekker dog scooter. Acadia and Sobo in lead with Okemo in wheel.

Run location: Fair Hill, Maryland

Notes: Warm, sunny and dry conditions (temps were 55 degrees when we arrived); large group of high school students running sprints right out of the parking lot (dogs did excellent at on-bying and were not phased by the announcer with the PA system). The dogs did not want to on by Eric and Zoe who were along the trail taking photos. Three dog scooter team = scary dog scooter run. Thankfully, I did not wipe out but there were some very close calls and the brakes were pretty much locked up for most of the run.

We didn't get many photos but here are a few that Eric did manage to capture. Note: Eric was standing well off the trail since he had Zoe out for a walk which is why the teams appear very small in most of these photos.

Setting up

Setting up

Chris and Jessica Bannister's (Xtreme weather) dog truck

Chris and Jessica coming back with a seven dog team

Chris Jacobs and Sonic bikejoring

Reggie Brown coming back with a four dog team. Note the dog in team has never run in harness before and has only been with Reggie for three days. He's looking for a good home for him if anyone is interested. He's a lovely, one year old, registered red and white, intact (for now at least) male.

New Dog Truck!

2010-08-27T21:00:00.002-04:00

The new dog truck

Fall is just around the corner here in the Mid Atlantic and with the arrival of fall comes the beginning of a new dog sledding season for the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs. This year, we have a great line up of dog sledding programs booked in including lots and lots of Girl Scout Programs, many Yappy Hour dog sled rides, several Run What You Brung training programs, and quite a few dog sledding Birthday Parties. New for 2011, we're offering a four day, three night women's only dog sledding adventure based out of our cabin in western Maine. Our Maine Winter Cabin Adventure is limited to just six participants and has several individuals already registered so don't delay if you are interested in registering for this very special dog-based adventure. For information on all of our programs, visit the Tours page of our website or our special Maine Winter Cabin Adventure website.

With Fall just around the corner, Eric and I are beginning to wrap up the summer's "dog projects." The biggest of these projects concerns the dogs' (and our) new transportation, our new dog truck.

The new dog truck is a 2010 5.7L 4WD Toyota Tundra, extra cab, long box (bed) pick up truck. The types of vehicles that mushers use to carry their dogs varies quite a bit based on the total number of dogs they need to carry and in what types of conditions. Some mushers use vans, some use SUVs, some use box trucks, and some use trailers. By far, however, the vast majority of mushers use pick up trucks, either with or without the bed, with dog boxes built on the back. This is the system we are now using.

The new Toyota Tundra dog truck

Until recently, we were using a Ford Expedition (SUV) to carry our five sled dogs. To transport the dogs, Eric built a system of crates in the back of the Expedition. We knew at the time we purchased it, however, that the Expedition was only a short (less than five year) solution since five dogs, plus gear, plus two people was really the limit the Expedition could carry.

As part of the conversion to the a new dog truck, summer project number one was to purchase the truck and then begin construction on the boxes. In searching for the truck, we test drove, researched and evaluated four trucks and many varieties (engine size) of those trucks including Ford 150, Dodge Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado, and the Toyota Tundra. The Toyota Tundra 5.7L won out with the Chevy Silverado a close second. While we did consider a 6.5 foot bed (the standard sized bed for a double/extended cab pick up) we ultimately decided that a long box (8 foot bed) was required and better served the truck's function as a dog truck. The Tundra was purchased from Russel Toyota in Baltimore, Maryland. The purchase went fairly smoothly.

At the end of June we purchased the Tundra. During the month of July, we built an 8-dog box with boxes large enough to double dogs should we ever need to carry up to 16 dogs! The biggest issue with the construction process was that we were under a very tight time line because we really wanted to make it to Eric's family reunion in Maine. We did miss the reunion this year but did make it to Maine, leaving only two days later than anticipated. Eric estimates that the total time spent building the boxes was approximately 250-300 hours (that's a lot of time on top of a full time job all done between July 1st and July 31st). We spent an additional 50-60 hours researching different dog box configurations, drawing up plans, and sourcing and purchasing materials. Most of the materials were not "off the shelf" components from Home Depot/Lowes. Most were specialty items that had to be ordered, purchased, and delivered. We did make several trips to Grainger and Fastenal for various components. The Southco T-Handle marine polished stainless latches were sourced through ebay and shipped from Florida. The metals and plastics came from several different places in Maryland and Delaware. Let's just say, we visited some very industrial Baltimore and Wilmington locations. We also purchased various specialized grinding wheels, drill bits, rivets, riveters, tips for the plasma cutter, and welding supplies.

Double boxing already!

The boxes Eric designed and built are framed in steel, insulated with one inch foam insulation, lined in HDPE (high density poly ethylene) plastic, outfitted with stainless steel hardware including Southco (marine grade) polished stainless T-handle latches, and finished in polished, aluminum diamond plate. The boxes rest on a frame made of welded steel that is bolted to the frame of the truck.

Day 1: Welding the box frame (this is when welding was still fun)

Grinding

Clamping the frame so it can be welded.

Steel box frame with door frames

Another side of the box frame with door frames

All framed up with cross bracing

The bed frame: the boxes rest on this frame which is bolted to the frame of the truck via the bed bolts

Mounting bracket on the box frame: The bracket connects the boxes to the bed frame

Test fitting the box frame to the back of the truck and the bed frame: A two ton hoist was used to put the frame (and the finished boxes) on the truck.

Insulating the bottom of the boxes and cutting and fitting the HDPE that lines the boxes

Dog box lined on four sides with HDPE. The hole in the bottom allows access to the mounting brackets and bolts. The holes were latter plugged with rubber stoppers.

Test fitting diamond plate for doors

Cutting door holes in the sides of the diamond plate with the plasma cutter

Riveting the sides on the dog box. Over the course of the project we used two full boxes of rivets, several different rivet sizes, and three separate riveters including an air driven riveter and the mechanical one you see Eric using in this photo.

Once holes were cut in the diamond plate for the grate and the latch, the edges were smoothed using a grinder and file.

Four doors hung: As you can see, the hinges were originally hung on the back side of the door. Although this gave a cleaner look, it also allowed the doors to gap at the side closest to the hinge. Stay tuned for how we fixed that little problem.

Another photo of the side of the box

Close up of the back side of a door and the expanded aluminum grate

Close up of the Southco T-Handle latches in polished stainless steel

Rubber Southco latch that holds up the door guards. We later added a second rubber Southco latch to each side for extra security.

Cable that holds the door guards in the down position

Re-mounting the doors with the aluminum ribbon hinges on the outside to minimize the gap. While it's not quite as clean looking, we really did not want the box doors leaking (and they don't). This is how we fixed the problem of doors that gapped on the side closest to the hinges.

Painted bed frame: This is the area where we will install the pull out drawer. It's a huge storage space.

Acadia's new dog box

Interior of one of the new dog boxes--the rubber stopper covers the hole used to access the bolts that mount the boxes to the bed frame.

Looking down the side of the truck with the door guards open: We added a second Southco rubber latch for the door guards to better secure the door guards when traveling.

We will finish off the project with a pull out drawer for the bed of the truck that will ride below the dog boxes. This "drawer" will be used to carry gear, the dogs and ours. Ultimately, should we ever need or want to remove the bed of the truck, we could build another course of dog boxes that would allow us to to have a 16 hole (box) truck. At present, we're in the process of adding outriggers for picketing the dogs and a sled rack for carrying our dog sleds. We'll also be designing and building a ramp for loading some of our heavier dogs. We'll continue to use the hitch mounted carrier that Eric designed and built to carry our Fritz Dyck rigs (dog sleds on wheels). (For information on where we purchase our rigs, please visit the resources page of our website). We were pleased to learn last night that the hitch carrier will fit into the new dog truck's hitch without any modifications.

The new dog truck has now been through its "sea trial" phase and just returned from our Up North Summer Adventures. Along the way, we made a couple of changes, adding additional hinges to the door guards to add additional support and running a protective strip of rubber tubing along the back edge of the door guards. We may also add a locking latch to the door guard on each side so that the dogs don't break curfew! We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the dogs were riding in their boxes and how cool the dogs were during the long ride to and from Maine. All in all, we are just thrilled with our new dog truck. To see additional photos of the new dog truck, check out our Facebook page.

At the cabin up in Maine

Looking down the side of the truck at the cabin up in Maine. The full HDPE plastic slides are used to keep dust, dirt, and rain from entering the boxes when the truck is parked. A second set of vented slides is available for use to "warm" up the boxes when traveling on particularly cold days.

The Garden is Flourishing

2010-08-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

One day's harvest from a 4 ft by 3 ft bed

The dog yard gardens here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures don't seem to have suffered much in our absence.

As you can see in the photos they are productive...almost too productive. We're now keeping busy canning and putting up lots of tomato sauce. We're having a great harvest of Early Girl tomatoes but our Brandywine tomatoes are a bit disappointing. Many have rotted on the vine and also the productivity has been low. Next year, we may look at a different heirloom variety despite the rave reviews that Brandywines seem to get in this area. We're hoping they will kick it up a notch now that it's late August and into early September.

The peppers are making up for any Brandywine tomato disappointment and are literally the largest and most prolific peppers that Eric and I have ever grown. We planted one bell pepper, one cayenne pepper, one jalapeno pepper, one mexi bell pepper, and one Giant Marconi. All are producing in abundance and the Giant Marconi (a sweet pepper) is HUGE. We've also harvested several Ichiban eggplants from our one eggplant plant and tons of herbs. Earlier in the season we had a great shallot harvest. Our gardens may be small but they are productive.

Some of the harvest

Giant Marconi Peppers, Cayennes, Mexi Bell, and Ichiban eggplant

Up North Summer Adventures

2010-08-26T16:19:00.015-04:00

Cabin in the woods

Eric and I along with the whole crew of Maryland Sled Dog Adventures' sled dogs, just returned from a little over three weeks of up north adventures at our cabin in Maine.

Okemo chewing on his nylabone.

Wheel dog, Okemo, shows off his playful side--88 lbs of playing (and pulling) power

Wheel dog and occassional lead dog, Sobo, clearly suffers from "Siberian Sleeping Sickness."

Chloe: These dogs are so undignified!

While in Maine we had a blast white water river rafting at the Forks, picking blackberries, hiking, making blackberry jam, visiting the Wilton Blueberry Festival, near daily swims at Clearwater Pond, camp fires, hosting several of our musher friends at a backyard BBQ, watching the stars, enjoying the silence, and, in general, just relaxing "up to camp." We saw several moose including a mama and two babies, a porcupine, several deer, tons of dragonflies, and many butterflies. We also heard the yips of coyotes in the distance. We also visited several swimming holes including Smalls Falls and Coos Canyon. Of course, we also did quite a bit of work while up at the cabin including work on the trails surrounding the cabin (we built a pallet bridge over a low spot on the trail that ties us into the main trail), split and stacked wood, and cut down several trees.

Fireweed

Fire pit awaiting an evening camp fire

The view down our tie trail

The view from the ridge

Eric working on the chainsaw

Cutting wood

Team mascot, T-Bone, romps on the trail

Veteran lead dog, Zoe, bounds down the trail.

I've found something

Fruits of our Labor

2010-07-16T15:46:00.006-04:00

Garden Harvest

Things are well under way in the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures' garden. So far this season, we've harvested Yellow Pearl shallots, Husky Cherry Red tomatoes, cucumbers, and Early Girl tomatoes, and a Giant Marconi (sweet) pepper. We've also been harvesting lots of herbs.

This year was the first year for shallots and I've been impressed. They were so easy to grow and grew very well in my part sun/part shade raised bed. The cucumbers, on the other hand, have been a bit disappointing. Last year, the cucumber variety we grew produced 15-20 cucumbers on the one plant. This year, we've only gotten two. Some of the reduction in production might be the variety (a compact growing variety) and some might be the extremely hot weather we had early in April and May. I was hoping to make pickles like last year but I'm not sure that is going to happen given our reduced cucumber harvest.

Earlier this week, I canned home made spaghetti sauce to use up some of the tomatoes. Along with the tomatoes, we also included home grown basil and oregano in the sauce. It was easier to make than I expected and I'm hoping to do a few additional batches (or maybe even double batches) with our home grown tomatoes as the season progresses. Last weekend, we picked 8 lbs of blueberries at a nearby blueberry farm and on Monday I put up six jars of blueberry jam. Earlier in the season, I canned my first batch of blueberry jam and a batch of peach jam. Both are delish!

Early Girl Tomatoes

Yellow Pearl shallots, cucumber, and Early Girl tomatoes

Canicross Hikes 2010: First Hike and Swim is July 10, 2010

2010-06-17T09:56:00.017-04:00

Come on Out for Our Canicross Hike and Swim!

It's been a bit delayed in coming but we have finally scheduled two Canicross Club Hikes for the 2010 canicrossing season. We've had numerous inquiries from interested folks so hopefully we will have good groups for each hike.

Our first Canicross Club Hike will be a Hike and Swim held at Gunpowder Falls State Park on July 10, 2010 and our second Canicross Club Hike will be at Sugarloaf Mountain on September 11, 2010.

All abilities are welcome on our hikes. If you would like to hike with your dog on leash instead of canicrossing, that is fine too. Please be aware that park rules require that all dogs must remain leashed at all times.

Visit the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC website for more information on our Canicross Club. For a schedule of upcoming hikes, check out the Upcoming Events section of our website. For specific hike details, see the hike descriptions below. To register email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com.

Eric and Okemo canicross hiking at Gunpowder Falls State Park

The view on the trail

Acadia lines out. For a list of dog sledding (and canicross) commands visit our website.

Acadia practices her doggy paddle after Canicross Hiking at Gunpowder

Sugarloaf Mountain views

What to Bring on all of our Canicross Hikes: To canicross, you will need a properly fit pulling harness for your dog (loaner harnesses can sometimes be arranged, email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com for more details), a canicross (or skijor) belt (belts can be purchased through Nooksack or White Pine Outfitters), and a 1-2 dog line or leash (lines can be purchased from Maryland Sled Dog Adventures for $35 per line with advance notice), plenty of water for you and your dog, a bowl (or some way to give your dog water), comfortable and supportive hiking boots, a lunch for you and snacks for your dog, and weather appropriate hiking clothes. Optional items include sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, and a camera. You will need a small backpack or fanny pack to carry these items along the trail. If you have any questions about what to bring email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com.

Details: Cost of each hike is $10 per person. One dog per person, please. Each hike is limited to eight (8) participants. All participants must sign our waiver and release. Each of these hikes requires a certain level of physical fitness for both dogs and humans.

Okemo on the Gunpowder north trail slides under a log

Okemo and I hike along at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Acadia takes a cooling dip after canicross hiking

Canicross Hike and Dog Swim at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Saturday, July 10, 2010: Our first Canicross Club Hike of the season will be approximately 5 miles of hiking through the woods along the Gunpowder North and South Trail at Gunpowder Falls State Park. Start time for this hike is 10 AM. Bring your swim suits and water shoes and after the hike, we'll go for a swim/wade in the crystal clear waters of the Gunpowder at an area the locals call "Hillbilly Beach." Starting out, we'll follow the Gunpowder South trail as it parallels the Gunpowder River for approximately 2.5 miles. At Big Falls Road, we'll cross the Gunpowder and come back along the river on the Gunpowder North Trail passing a small waterfall, Raven Rock Falls. This hike is a moderate to easy hike. After the hike, we'll lunch, swim and wade with the pups at Hillbilly Beach. In addition to the items above, for this hike, be sure to bring a swim suit (plan on changing in your car or the woods), towels for you and your dog, sunscreen, and a lunch for you and snacks for your dog. You may also wish to bring a camp chair for lounging around and socializing after the hike.

Rating: Easy

Directions:

From Baltimore: Take I-83 North to Mt. Carmel Road. Exit and go east (right). Follow Mt. Carmel Road to York Road (stop light) and turn North (right). Follow York Road north for approximately 2-3 miles. As the road begins to go down steeply and just BEFORE crossing the river you will see two trail head parking areas on the left and right side of York Road. Park in either (be careful crossing the road with your dog).

Canicross Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain Hike (with optional winery stop)
Saturday, September 11, 2010: Our final Canicross Club hike of the 2010 season will take place at Sugarloaf Mountain. This five mile hike offers panoramic views of Frederick and the fields and farms surrounding Frederick. Please plan on packing a lunch which we'll plan to have at the White Rocks Overlook. Also, please be aware that this hike is a popular day hike and as a result we will begin this hike at 9 AM. Please bring only dogs that are friendly with other dogs and people. Also please plan on carpooling. The lots at Sugarloaf Mountain are small and fill up quickly. We will meet at the West View Parking lot. For a map of the hiking trails at Sugarloaf Mountain and site information click here. Post hike join us for an optional excursion to Sugarloaf Mountain Winery for a short wine tasting (please plan on bringing money to cover the cost of this additional excursion).

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

From Baltimore: Take I-70 West towards Frederick for approximately 60 miles. Exit onto I-270 South.

Take Exit 22 for Route 109. From the bottom of the exit ramp, follow Route 109 South for 2.9 miles. Turn Right onto Route 95 (Comus Road) toward Sugarloaf Mountain. Go 2.4 miles to a wide paved area at the Sugarloaf Mountain Entrance. Turn Right into the mountain entrance (the second right) and follow the road steeply uphill. Pass the East View parking lot. Continue along a level stretch of road and then fork right uphill for the west view parking lot.

From DC: From Interstate 495 (Capitol Beltway) take Exit 35 (outer loop) or Exit 38 (Inner Loop) in order to take I-270 North. Once you are on I-270 North follow the directions above.

Three Across: Canicross Hiking Sugarloaf

Anna and Wolfie Canicross Hiking Sugarloaf

Day lilies and Garden Update

2010-06-17T09:28:00.013-04:00

Blooming Day Lily

Last year, Eric and I visited the Free State Day lily bloom show and sale (with Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dog, Sobo) at Cylburn Arboretum and picked up several day lily plants. While we've had many day lilies in the past, we've had a very difficult time keeping them safe from the deer and rabbits. As in year's past, we lost some buds to the deer and rabbits but this year, for the first time, we have blooms! Most of the blooms are on plants we planted last summer from the sale. So before the deer, bunnies or Okemo could eat the buds or flowers, I decided I had better snap a few photos. Of course, I couldn't just take one photo and snapping a few quick photos of the day lilies quickly became a full garden update.

This is the stage they are tastiest for the deer and rabbits

In nearly 8 years, these day lilies near our mail box have only bloomed once. Every other year the deer and rabbits have eaten them before they could bloom. This year was no different.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Lace cap hydrangea

The stepping stone are being over grown by hostas and hydrangeas

The raspberry plants are flourishing

The window boxes on the back terrace are filling in nicely

It Must Be Summer!

2010-06-13T07:06:00.008-04:00

The wall of hydrangeas

The mercury is rising into the 90s. The humidity make it feel positively steamy outside. The Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs are shedding and blowing their coats. The gardens are growing and the harvesting is beginning. Meals are being served alfresco. The BBQ is being fired up almost nightly. Although summer does not officially begin until June 21st, it's summer time in Maryland.

A sure sign of summer: A pile of Sobo fur. Note: For those of you wondering if Siberians shed? Proof Positive. They shed. Like crazy. And with five Siberians and Siberian mixes, they pretty much blow their coats from late March through September. From October to February they shed "lightly".....for Siberians.

Summer is tiring: Maybe I'll just sit here and rest a spell say Chloe (left) and T-Bone (right)

So far this season, the garden has produced six heads of red leaf, green leaf and Romaine lettuce, along with strawberries and raspberries from our new raspberry plants. The tomatoes are still green but are developing nicely (especially the Early Girl and Husky Cherry red) and we even have peppers on two of the pepper plants including the Cayenne and the Giant Marconi (sweet pepper). The shallots are growing tall. The Ichiban eggplant is flourishing despite it's earlier wild ride through the garden courtesy of Acadia. We've been harvesting fresh herbs including rosemary, golden and purple sage, lemon and English thyme, parsley, cilantro, mint, and oregano for the past month or so. Recently, our chives have really sprouted and have been added to omelettes, won tons, and mashed potatoes. The crab apples are still developing but we're hoping to make some nice crab apple butter, crab apple sauce, and crab apple jelly as we have in past seasons.

The Ichiban Eggplant has gorgeous purple flowers

The shallots are growing tall

I know it's early but I hope this Giant Marconi pepper gets a bit more "giant."

Early Girl Tomatoes are getting bigger

The crab apples are developing nicely

On the flower side, the "wall of hydrangeas" is in full bloom. The hostas and day lilies have buds (except for the day lilies in front by the mail box which the deer have, for the sixth straight year in a row, eaten before they could bloom). The window boxes are getting lush with petunias, impatiens, vinca, and others.

Yesterday, Eric and I managed to capture a few summer time photos.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

The Truth About Cats and Dogs: Chloe (left) and Zoe (right) share a nap

Happy Five Year Anniversary

2010-06-11T16:59:00.012-04:00

Happy Anniversary!

Today, Eric and I have been married for five years. Three of the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs (Zoe, T-Bone and Sobo) were participants in our wedding on the Eastern Shore of Maryland five years ago. Since the wedding, we've added Okemo and Acadia. During the past five years we've done a lot both together and individually: I left the practice of law at DLA Piper; we started our own business, Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC; Eric made tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor at the University of Delaware; we almost moved to Minnesota; and we purchased a cabin in Maine. What's next? Who knows, but as long as I have my "sweetie," I know we will make it through it. I love you sweetie.

On the dock right before our wedding

T-Bone was the honorary best man

Sobo thought my bouquet might be tasty

The three dogs that were in the wedding: T-Bone, Zoe and Sobo

Eric with T-Bone, Okemo, Sobo, and Zoe in Lubec, Maine (August 08)

The team in January 2005

Okemo was adopted in February 2006

Okemo hides in the grass after a swim

Acadia joined the family in August 2008

Acadia December 2009

The team in February 2010

The team in Farmington, Maine (February 2010)

Eric in June 2005 at our wedding

Eric (February 2010) traded in his tux for Carhartts and a Trans Alaska parka

The cabin (December 2009)

Maine: Up to Camp!

2010-06-02T11:58:00.013-04:00

Live Maine Lobsters

Eric and I along with the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs just returned from ten days of adventures up north at our cabin (to Mainers it's a "camp") in Maine.

Hanging the new sign we received as a gift

Along the way, we had two nice Maine lobster dinners. All of the lobsters we purchased this time were "hard shells" vs. "shedders." Eric and I both agree that shedders are much easier to eat than hard shells and even have a different (sweeter) taste than the hard shell lobsters we had on this trip.

We also purchased a new gas grill for the cabin to replace the tiny Weber "Smokey Joe" (portable) we were using as our grill up there.

Eric spent several days cutting and splitting firewood for the wood stove come winter. The new log splitter and the electric chain saw sharpener really helped make that task easier. We also managed to score four free pallets while down at the Home Depot in Augusta. One pallet will be used as a small "bridge" through a wet place on our tie trail (the trail that connects our cabin to the surrounding trails) while the other three were used as a base for Eric's wood pile.

New gas grill

Okemo waits for dinner

Chloe (the cat), Eric and T-Bone relax on the couch

For recreation, we hiked up to the top of Mt. Blue (approx. 3000 feet) in Mt. Blue State Park, took a trip up to Rangeley, and went swimming in Lemon Stream and the Sandy River. The hike up Mt. Blue was quite strenuous as it rises a little under 2000 feet in just 1.6 miles. Along the way we saw tons of moose activity but, sadly, no moose. Once at the top, however, the views were spectacular. Along for the hike were Okemo and Acadia.

On Sunday, we decided to take a short drive up to Rangeley. Along the way we stopped and got some Giffords ice cream. Even Acadia and Zoe enjoyed an ice cream treat.

Acadia checks out the view from the top of Mt. Blue

The view from the top of Mt. Blue

Eric at the top of Mt. Blue

Fish eye view

Webb Lake

Rangeley Lake

While up at the cabin, we had temperatures ranging from the mid 90s to the low 40s. As they say in Maine: "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute."

Most of the time the day time highs were in the 70s with very low humidity

The Sled Dogs Are Coming: Martinsburg, WV Library Visit

2010-06-02T11:46:00.006-04:00

Learning all about sled dogs at the Martinsburg, WV Library

On Saturday, May 15th, Eric and I along with sled dogs, Sobo and Acadia, paid a visit to the Martinsburg, West Virginia public library in Martinsburg, WV to give a presentation on dog sledding.

Discussing the parts of the dog sled

The library patrons had lots of great questions and the kids really enjoyed playing with the sled dogs. In fact, we were so busy answering questions that we didn't get too many pictures of this event.

Sobo received lots of attention from the younger library patrons

As you can see, Sobo is non plussed by all of the action around him

This is the second dog sledding presentation that we've done for area libraries and both have been really fun. The first was at the Duncan Library in Alexandria Virginia. Photos from that event along with several of our other on site events are available here.

Sobo models his x-back harness for members of the audience.

Second Salad of the Season

2010-05-14T08:42:00.013-04:00

Last night Eric and I enjoyed our second salad of the season from the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures' dog yard garden. The first salad of the season was enjoyed about a week ago but disappeared so quickly we didn't get any photos. Last night's salad was made from green leaf lettuce fresh from the garden, radishes (purchased not grown; we don't do well with root crops), blue cheese (alas, also purchased), croutons (purchased), and a light honey mustard vinaigrette (homemade).

The Romaine lettuce is still maturing

As you can see in the photos, while not quite ready for harvesting, the rest of the gardens are growing and coming along quite nicely. This seems to be the first season in a long time where we've had flowers and even small developing tomatoes on the tomato plants. This year, we have either flowers and/or small green tomatoes on all of the plants including the heirloom Brandywine, the hybrid Early Girl, and the container planted cherry tomato, Husky Red Cherry.

Allium is a new addition to our garden this season

Cherry tomato (husky red) plant

Brandywine Tomato

Flowering!

It's a pink bush! No, it is Sobo our favorite red and white Siberian Husky

Allium

Garden Update

2010-04-22T09:52:00.011-04:00

Ichiban Eggplant

The dog yard garden here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures has received a couple of new additions in the past week.

Growing garden

Foggy morning with flowering azaleas

Currently growing in the vegetable garden we have: three varieties of lettuce; three pepper plants including a cayenne pepper, a green bell pepper, and a Marconi pepper; shallots; three tomatoes including an Early Girl hybrid, a Brandywine heirloom, a Husky Red Cherry hybrid; a burpee seedless cucumber; and an Ichiban eggplant.

The shallots have finally sprouted

Marconi pepper with lettuces in the background

Husky red cherry tomato

Early Girl (left) and Brandywine tomato (right)

Brandywine tomato

The Ichiban is a new addition to this year's garden that we are excited to try out. Unfortunately, Ichiban had a bit of a rough start. As we were hardening off the Ichiban in preparation of moving it outdoors to its new home, sled dog, Acadia, decided that she would pick up the Ichiban eggplant and run around the back yard with it. What she really wanted was the plastic pot to play with so we were able to locate the uprooted Ichiban plant in the "back 40" and quickly planted it in its large permanent pot.

Who me? I would never steal an eggplant.

(In case you are wondering, the brown stuff on the right side of Acadia's face is pitch from her repeated attempts to stick her head in the wood pile)

We selected the Ichiban variety because it greatly resembles Italian eggplant in taste and size but does well in containers. We selected the cherry tomato we are growing for much the same reason: it grows well in containers.

In addition to the vegetables, we've also planted raspberry bushes and a variety of herbs including mint, rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, oregano, cilantro, and purple basil.

The mint is back!

Gardening is tiring says Chloe, the cat.

Maryland SPCA's Walk for the Animals

2010-04-20T09:47:00.010-04:00

"Come on everyone," says Acadia. "It's time to walk for the animals."

On Sunday morning, Eric and I along with two of the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs, Acadia and Sobo, headed out to Druid Hill Park to the Maryland SPCA's Walk for the Animals. The weather was a nice and cool 40 degrees (perfect walking weather for sled dogs) and sunny. Of course, all of the Chihuahuas were cold but Acadia and Sobo were just fine. Some years it has been so warm for the Walk that it's been too hot for our heavily furred Siberians and Siberian mixes. Acadia got to wear a "purty" purple bandanna and both dogs received lots of attention and free goodies.

Druid Hill Park

Awaiting the start

And we're off (Acadia on the left with Sobo on the right)

Acadia leading the way (as you can see 40 degrees was plenty warm for her)

Walking, walking, walking

After all of the attention at the walk, Sobo returned to the dog yard to "supervise" the squirrels

Little Miss Energy Acadia wanted to play ball after returning home

New Mail Box

2010-04-20T09:28:00.006-04:00

Digging and leveling the new mail box post

Eric and the sled dogs spent this past Saturday installing a new post for our mail box. Actually, Eric did most of the work while the dogs supervised the installation and "christened" the post once it was in place. Anyone with dogs, especially male dogs, will understand completely how a dog "christens" a mail box post. The old post was wiped out when the City plow back into it during the big winter storms in February.

The old mail box post was broken in a couple of different places

Eric dismantling the old post

New raspberry plants that Eric and I planted in the dog yard near the mail box

Sobo "supervises" the installation of the new mail box post

From Dog Sledding to Gardening

2010-04-13T10:18:00.012-04:00

A tulip that Eric and I planted last fall

The time has arrived to put away the dog sleds and wheeled dog sleds and get out the gardening tools. The sled dogs officially ran their last on trail dog sledding program, for a lucky group of girl scouts, last weekend and can now turn their attention to sunning, sleeping, and relaxing.

The lilacs are blooming

Meanwhile, with the warm temperatures, the dog yard gardens have been kicked into high gear. While not all fruits, veggies and flowers have been planted, Eric and I have made headway in planting several of our spring and summer vegetable crops, window boxes, flowers, fruit bushes, and herbs. Spring has sprung here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC.

Three varieties of lettuce, two pepper plants and two strawberry plants

Romaine lettuce

To date, we've planted several herbs including rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, and cilantro. Our mega mint along with our oregano has returned from last year with new vigor. We've also planted shallots from sets (which are just beginning to sprout), three varieties of lettuce, two pepper plants, and two tomato plants including an "Early Girl" and a cherry variety that grows well in containers. The newest addition to the gardens that I am most excited about are the rasberry bushes. Eric and I planted four rasberry bushes including two Boynes and two Lathams. Last summer up at the cabin in Maine, Eric discovered the joys of picking blueberries and blackberries so we've decided to add some berries to the dog yard gardens here in Maryland.

Early Girl tomato

Parsley

The bushes and trees in the dog yard are also in full flower and fill the yard with the most amazing scents from nature. Among the trees are the crab apple, flowering dogwood, and the magnolia. The lilacs and azaleas are also flowering.

The magnolia tree Eric and I got at University of Delaware's Ag Day and planted 3-4 years ago

Some of the dog yard Azaleas are not blooming just yet but....

some are in full bloom

Even though our winter was quite tough with heavy snow fall, we only lost two boxwood bushes at the front of the house and two cedar trees at the rear of the house. All of our other bushes and plants seemed to have survived the long cold winter and even thrived. Eric and I are still discussing what we'll plant to replace the boxwoods.

Okemo enjoys grilling and dining outdoors

Spring is Sprung! Check back for frequent updates on the garden along with updates on all of the sled dogs spring and summer adventures.

Retired sled dog, T-Bone, enjoys the garden

A Day at the Beach!

2010-03-12T07:47:00.009-05:00

Sled dog, Acadia, visits the beach

Lucky sled dogs, Zoe and Acadia and companion dog, T-Bone, got to spend last Sunday at the beach with Eric and I. Sled dog dad, Eric, had suggested a day at the beach earlier in the week since the forecast was calling for warm, 50 plus degree temperatures and sunny skies. And just think: three weeks ago, we were buried under 52 inches of snow.

The beach at Cape Henlopen

Rookie lead dog, Acadia

Zoe's favorite activity at the beach: digging in the sand! She even dug under the legs of my beach chair!

It was hard to get photos of Zoe doing anything else besides DIGGING!

So early in the morning after dog chores were complete, Eric and I packed a picnic and along with veteran Maryland Sled Dog Adventures lead dog, Zoe, and rookie lead dog, Acadia, and T-Bone and headed to Cape Henlopen State Park on the Delaware shore.

T-Bone enjoys the view

Sandy and damp

Look it's Cesar Milan...no, it's Eric with a roast beef sub

Enjoying a picnic at the beach

Acadia was brave enough to test the waters

Got Snow?

2010-02-24T06:21:00.007-05:00

Acadia LOVES the snow

Got Snow?

Here in Maryland, we certainly do and more is on the way according to the National Weather Service.

30 inches of snow blanket the house from the Superbowl Sunday/Monday storm

Today's forecast includes a Winter Storm Watch predicting anywhere from six inches to a foot of new snow. And it's not like it's been a dry year. To date, this year (i.e., since January), we've accumulated 52 plus inches of snow here in Maryland. And that doesn't even include our early December 2009 blizzard which dumped another foot of the white stuff.

It's a good thing that here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC, we LOVE snow. And even with all of the extra chores associated with big snow falls, I have to admit it's been very fun running all of our dog sledding programs using the dog sleds instead of the wheeled dog sleds (called a "rig" or "gig"). For photographs from some of our recent dog sledding programs, check out this blog entry and our Gallery.

Acadia plays in the snow from the December '09 Baltimore blizzard

Happy dog sledding, folks.

Issued by The National Weather Service
Baltimore/Washington, MD
3:18 am EST, Wed., Feb. 24, 2010

... WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE... SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS... POTENTIAL FOR SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 OR MORE INCHES.

* TIMING... A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW THIS EVENING WILL BECOME ALL SNOW BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 3 AM TONIGHT. SNOW WILL LIKELY CONTINUE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT... ESPECIALLY ACROSS NORTHEAST MARYLAND.

* TEMPERATURES... LOWS NEAR 30 TONIGHT. HIGHS IN THE LOWER TO MID 30S THURSDAY. LOWS IN THE MID TO UPPER 20S THURSDAY NIGHT.

* WINDS... NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH TONIGHT... INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH THURSDAY WITH GUSTS AROUND 45 MPH LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND THURSDAY NIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Now if we could just send some of the snow we have accumulated here in Maryland over the past month north to our cabin in Maine and to our New England mushing friends, everything would be perfect.

Here's hoping some new snow falls up at camp

Things (snow that is) are looking up even up at camp as a Winter Weather Advisory has been posted for Maine as well as Maryland. Up at camp, they are forecasting approximately six inches of snow out of the storm that produced rain yesterday here in Maryland with another several feet of snow in the forecast for later in the week.

Snowy cabin

Issued by The National Weather Service
Portland, ME
3:04 am EST, Wed., Feb. 24, 2010

... WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES... AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

More Information

... SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF WESTERN MAINE AND NORTHERN AND WESTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE TODAY...

.LOW PRESSURE LOCATED OFF THE MID ATLANTIC COAST THIS MORNING WILL TRACK NORTH AND WEAKEN AS IT APPROACHES SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND LATER TODAY. AHEAD OF THE LOW... PRECIPITATION WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THIS EVENING.

SNOW WILL CONTINUE... HEAVY AT TIMES... IN THE CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY AND THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE. DURING THE AFTERNOON... THE HEAVY SNOW WILL BEGIN TO AFFECT THE MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS OF WESTERN MAINE. AS THE LOW WEAKENS... THE SNOW WILL TAPER OFF FROM SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST. THE LAST OF THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL EXIT THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN MAINE DURING THE LATE EVENING HOURS.

TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS FROM THIS STORM WILL BE AS MUCH AS 6 TO 12 INCHES ACROSS WESTERN AND NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE.

ANOTHER STORM IS POSSIBLE THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY... AND THIS STORM COULD PRODUCE LOCALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL. IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO TELL JUST HOW MUCH SNOW WILL FALL WITH THE SECOND STORM.

Maryland Dog Sledding: Girl Scouts Go Dog Sledding

2010-02-16T05:40:00.007-05:00

Group Photo: It's been a wonderful day of dog sledding

Here at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC, our motto is "no snow, we can still go!" No snow hasn't been much of a problem given the 50 plus inches of snow that we received out of last week's storms here in Maryland.

Hanging out on the picket line

As a result, several lucky Girl Scout troops have been out to participate in our Girl Scout Patch Program in dog sledding, visit us and the sled dogs, learn all about dogsledding, and go dogsledding on snow.

Meeting Acadia

During our scout program, we teach the girls how to harness the dogs, all about the various parts of the dog sled, how to put booties on the dogs, and, in some instances, how to drive a small 1-2 dog team of sled dogs. At the end of the program, the girl scouts take a pop dog sledding "quiz" and earn their dog sledding patch.

Meeting Sobo

Dog Sledding is so much fun!

Learning all about the dog sled

Driving a 2 dog team (left to right Acadia and Sobo in lead)

The scouts' fearless leader, Carol, driving a three dog team (Acadia and Zoe in lead and Sobo in wheel)

Learning what the sled dogs eat and feeding them

Snow Report!

2010-02-15T16:09:00.012-05:00

Even Sobo is not sure what to do with all of the snow?

As many of you already know, over the course of 72 hours last week, Baltimore received over 50 inches of snow. While the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs love snow as do I, I have to admit that I am a little tired of shoveling the white stuff.

The snow began in earnest, I am told, on Saturday, February 6, 2010 and continued depositing, officially, 28 inches of snow in Baltimore. Eric and I did not experience this first "snow event" firsthand since we were still blissfully ensconced in our cabin up in Maine.

Snow on the patio before the Tuesday storm

On Monday morning bright and early, Eric and I departed Maine for Baltimore. Driving south we encountered few problems and arrived in Baltimore, on time, by about 6:30 pm and then the fun really started.

Climbing up our hill was challenging and required four wheel drive since the City of Baltimore had not yet plowed our street. Thankfully, several of our neighbors had private plow services plow them out so the lower portion of our street was at least passable with 4WD. Past our house, the only access was via snow shoes. Our wonderful neighbor, Ethel, allowed us to park on her plowed driveway until we could shovel out a pad on our driveway for the truck to pull into. So at 6:30 pm, Eric and I began carrying gear from a week's worth of dog sledding adventures from the dog truck (aka the Expedition) into the house through nearly 30 inches of un-tracked snow. Thankfully, we had loaded our snow shoes on top of all of the gear in the truck. After bringing in the sled dogs, the cat, Chloe, and any gear that would freeze overnight, Eric and I shoveled the driveway until nearly 1:00 am just to clear a pad long enough (barely) for the truck to park on. After shoveling for what seemed like an eternity, we moved the truck up to our driveway and fell into bed too exhausted to even speak.

At about 4 am the next morning, the City of Baltimore plow arrived to plow a portion of our street. Having left the steepest section of the street un-plowed during the storm, the City plow (a plow tinier than the private plow of the guy who plows our driveway in Maine) could only clear the lower half of the street. Result: You still needed snow shoes to go up Poplar Hill Road past our house. In the process of plowing Poplar Hill and Terrace Glen, the City plow somehow managed to wipe out our mail box.

Awakening bright and early on Tuesday morning, more shoveling was in store for us as I ran to the grocery store to stock up on necessities before the next big storm while Eric began attempting to shovel a path to the Jetta. At about noon on Tuesday, Eric managed to flag down one of our neighbor's plow services and six guys made short work of shoveling out the Jetta, plowing the driveway, and shoveling out from behind the garage (and area that can't be plowed). After clearing the driveway, we spent some time shoveling snow off the gutters which by this time were hanging onto the house by a precipitous thread. All of this occurred just in time for the next big storm.

The house after the Saturday storm and before the Tuesday storm

Beginning of the Tuesday storm

As blizzard warnings buzzed over the airways and yet another big nor'easter took aim at the mid-atlantic, Eric and I hunkered down to wait out the next big storm. Due to the high (50 MPH) winds that would accompany this storm, we also prepared to be without power.

At about 1 pm on Tuesday it began snowing and did not stop until late Wednesday night. During that time, we picked up another 23 inches of snow. During this time, Eric and I would go outside every 2-3 hours and shovel another four, five or six inches of snow off the driveway. Who thought taking the snow blower up to Maine was a good idea? As the snow tapered off, the winds accelerated. Snow laden trees waved back and forth threateningly. While we lost several branches during the Saturday and Tuesday storms, a couple of small trees, and one 20 foot cedar, thankfully, we did not have any big trees come down in the storm as many of our neighbors did. We also did not lose power during the Tuesday storm and, according to our neighbor, were only without power after the Saturday storm for about three hours.

The giant snow bank at the end of both storms

For those of you who are math challenged: 28 inches + 23 inches = 51 inches of snow....in 72 hours. After the Tuesday blizzard wrapped up, on the year, Baltimore had received more snow than Buffalo, NY, Caribou, ME, Chicago, IL, and a host of other traditionally snowy east coast and midwest cities.

The tunnel of snow we must drive through to go down our driveway

Thursday and Friday, we finally ventured out to check out the trails for our dog sledding programs that were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Arriving at the Monkton station on the NCR trail, we discovered that there were no tracks on the trail. Breaking out the snow shoes once again, Eric and I strapped in and headed up trail. Anyone who has snowshoed, knows that snowshoeing, especially in deep snow, is insanely hard. Up and down the trail we went for about 4 hours, packing the trail. On Friday morning, we returned for another 4 hours of trail packing.

Just in case, 51 inches of snow was not enough, we are presently (as of 5 pm on Monday, February 15th) under a winter weather advisory and are getting hit with an Alberta Clipper. Unlike a nor'easter, however, clippers usually only deliver several inches of snow and this one is forecast to deliver anywhere from 1-3 inches of snow in our area.

On a happier note, the abundance of snow has meant that we have been running our dog sledding tours, rides and programs using our dog sleds and on snow instead of dryland, using our wheeled dog sleds (called "rigs" or "gigs"). Stay tuned for more photos and stories from our recent dog sledding adventures.

Adventures in Maine Dog Sledding: Breaking in the New Dog Sled

2010-02-15T06:30:00.010-05:00

Looking across and down the power line trail

One of the goals of our recent dog sledding adventure up at the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures cabin in Maine was to break in our new Outlaw dog sled and "put it through its paces." This sled was purchased specifically for its exceptional steering abilities and, hopefully, its ability to survive the trails surrounding our Maine camp.

Pulling hard down the trail: (l-r) Acadia and Zoe in lead with Okemo and Sobo in wheel

While gorgeous, these trails are not for the faint of heart, require an adventurous spirit, and are twisty, turny, and sometimes narrow. But they are oh so worth it once you've mushed along them under crystal clear blue skies and taken in the panoramic views.

Curvy trails ahead

Getting ready to head down the power line trail

We are happy to report that despite somewhat less than optimal trail conditions (icy with light snow cover), the Outlaw dog sled survived (as did the mushers) and in some instances even thrived.

Stopped along the trail: Zoe and Acadia in lead with Sobo and Okemo in wheel

Starting down the tie trail from camp

A little further down the tie trail

Killer turn: This is where the exceptional steering comes in handy

Whew, we made it around that tree and through the "killer turn"

Big wheel dogs Okemo (left) and Sobo (right).

After a killer "gee" turn, up the power line trail we go!

Another gorgeous day on the trail. What could be better?

100 Mile Wilderness Sled Dog Race: Greenville, Maine

2010-02-13T15:06:00.014-05:00

The Start: Dog trucks galore

On Saturday, February 6th, Eric and I along with the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs spent an enjoyable day socializing with other mushers at the 100 Mile Wilderness Sled Dog Race in Greenville, Maine. Unfortunately, due to poor trail conditions, the 100 mile race was canceled but the 30 mile mid distance event went off as planned.

Eric waiting for the teams to come back in.

Alaskan Husky team coming back in

Siberian Husky team (one of twins from Kelim Siberians I believe)

Another Siberian Husky team

Alaskan Husky team

Alaskan Husky team

Corina Alexander, Kiana Siberians

Scott Alexander, Kiana Siberians

Dog Sledding in Farmington, Maine

2010-02-04T15:29:00.008-05:00

Crackling Ice

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Eric and I along with our southern musher friends, Ruth, Nick, Linda and Kevin headed over to Farmington, Maine for an 8 mile run on the multi use trail. We've enjoyed running on this trail, the Whistle Stop Rail Trail, in the past.

The "sled dog widowers" Nick and Kevin

Ruth and team followed by the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures team

Running in lead were Zoe and Acadia followed in wheel by Sobo and Okemo. This nice and easy trail is a great place for a low key run. Along the way, we worked on fundamentals with the dogs such as "gee over."

Zoe and Acadia in lead followed by Okemo and Sobo in wheel

Ruth and team

Dog Sledding in Phillips, Maine

2010-02-04T15:26:00.019-05:00

Eric driving a four dog team of Bray Hill Siberians.

Here we come!

On Monday, February 1, 2010 Eric and I along with the whole Maryland Sled Dog Adventures crew hit the RB trail in Phillips, Maine for a 10 mile dog sled excursion. Phillips is approximately a 40 minute drive from our cabin in Starks, ME.

Brr....it was cold

Eric looks toasty warm in his Trans Alaska anorak from Cabelas

For our run on Monday, Acadia and Zoe ran in lead followed by Sobo and Okemo. Also running were Nick Sands and Linda Powers. Linda ran a team of four dogs and Nick ran a team of six dogs.

Zoe and Acadia in lead followed by Sobo and Okemo

Nick and team

Despite a couple of icy patches, we had a wonderful run and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. The RB trail starts off as a gentle up hill grade passing by seasonal hunting and fishing camps. At approximately three miles, the trail splits and we headed haw (left). Having climbed away from the river, the trail once again curves back toward the river passing over the second of two large bridges. After the bridge, the trail climbs steeply up into the mountains through a series of switchbacks. Both mushers and dog teams worked hard climbing these steep hills. In between the ridges and mountains, the wind was gusting and had blown the trail down to bare ice or ground in places making for a tricky descent. High atop the mountain ridges, the views are outstanding. At one point, however, the sled and I caught the wind and were blown sideways across the trail. At the five mile mark, the mushers caucused and decided that it was time to "come haw" and turn the teams around. While the first initial steep descent was tricky due to ice and heavy winds, as the trail continued to descend and level out, we enjoyed a more sedate run back to the dog trucks.

The ice makes the water appear very green

This was also the fourth run with the new Outlaw dog sled and I enjoyed practicing carving the sled through turns using its extremely responsive steering.

While the teams were out dog sledding, Eric, Ruth and Kevin took T-Bone for a very special off leash walky along the trail.

T-Bone goes for a walk

Gorgeous frozen scenery

The following Friday, we returned to the RB trail and ran with Maggie of Bray Hill Siberians. I ran five dogs including Acadia, Sobo, and Okemo and two of Bray Hill Siberians dogs, Hylo and Flare. We ran just under six miles. After returning, Eric and Maggie set off with a three dog (Maggie) team and a four dog team (Eric). Eric's team included Dapp, Bodie, Remax, and Summer.

Maggie and three dog team

Eric and four dog team

New Dog Sled

2010-01-26T09:05:00.009-05:00

Our new Outlaw mid distance dog sled

Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC's new Outlaw mid distance dog sled arrived just in time for our next trip to our cabin in Maine. The Outlaw is a lightweight, high tech sled featuring great steering. In other words, perfect for those twisty trails surrounding our cabin.

Curvy trails ahead

We're looking forward to giving this sled a work out on the trail this coming weekend for the Katahdin Iron Works (KIW) 30 dog sled race in Brownville, Maine and on the trails surrounding the cabin.

Drag mat, bar brake, Critterwoods snow hook

Okemo and Acadia had to be crated to contain their delight at a new dog sled

Studs on the drag mat (and laundry in the back ground)

The sled comes with a special sled bag that snaps on

Snow!

2010-01-19T17:08:00.009-05:00

Cabin in the woods

While we would like to get more snow at our primary residence here in Maryland, we also love to see snow reports for our cabin (Mainers call it a "camp") up in central Maine.

Snow covered trails surround the cabin

Today's snow report is a good one:

Issued by The National Weather Service
Portland, ME
4:45 pm EST, Tue., Jan. 19, 2010

... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST WEDNESDAY.

TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS THROUGH NOONTIME WEDNESDAY WILL BE 5 TO 9 INCHES.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT... FOOD... AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

More Information

... MORE PLOWABLE SNOW ON THE WAY...

.LOW PRESSURE FORMING OVER SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND WILL SLOWLY ENTER THE GULF OF MAINE THIS EVENING. THE SNOW WILL END FROM WEST TO EAST ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE AND ADJACENT AREAS OF WESTERN MAINE THIS EVENING.

THINGS GET A LITTLE MORE COMPLICATED OVER CENTRAL AND MIDCOAST AREAS IN MAINE. THE SYSTEM RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS EVENING'S SNOW WILL ENTER THE GULF OF MAINE TONIGHT. IT WILL INTENSIFY AS IT APPROACHES NOVA SCOTIA WEDNESDAY MORNING. THIS WILL ALLOW FOR ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL IN CENTRAL AND MIDCOAST AREAS.

LOOK FOR 3 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW TO ACCUMULATE OVER NEW HAMPSHIRE... ADJACENT AREAS IN WESTERN MAINE AND THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS OF MAINE. MORE SNOW... 5 TO 9 INCHES... WILL ACCUMULATE OVER CENTRAL AND MIDCOAST AREAS OF MAINE BEFORE IT TAPERS OFF AROUND NOONTIME ON WEDNESDAY.

ALLOW EXTRA TIME IF TRAVELING THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

Clearing skies: The road to camp with the mountains in the distance

Lucky for the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs, we'll be headed back to Maine in less than two weeks for the KIW 30 dog sled race. Until then, we'll just have to keep track of the snow up at camp.

Snow laden trees

Looks like we could be doing some more snowshoeing (and dog sledding)

Dog Sledding in Maine

2010-01-19T16:27:00.011-05:00

Returning to the trail head after 14 miles of hills (Acadia, Lumos in lead, Peeps and Weld in team, and Okemo and Sobo in wheel)

Our second to last day in Maine, we hit the trails with several fellow mushers, Maggie (Bray Hill Siberians), Kasey and Carol (Fort Illio Kennels), and Ray, and Sue (Late Start Kennels) in central Maine, about 30 minutes north of the cabin.

Teams went out ranging in size from 12 dogs to 4 dogs. I ran three Bray Hill Siberians together with three of the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs for approximately 14 miles. With all the hills, we were happy to have the extra dog power.

Below are photos of all of the doggy adventures. (Kasey and Ray were gone so fast with both of their 10-12 dog teams that we didn't get a single photo of them).

Dog trucks all lined up

Maggie and Bray Hill Siberians coming in with the first of two teams

Sue returning to the trail head

Carol returning to the trail head

Relaxing and Dog Sledding in Maine

2010-01-05T12:04:00.007-05:00

Nine mile training run on the Whistle Stop Rail Trail in Farmington, Maine

Yesterday, Eric and I along with the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs enjoyed a nine mile training run on the multi use trail in Farmington, Maine, the Whistle Stop rail trail. Our dog sled trip was followed by a delicious lunch at the Homestead restaurant in Farmington.

The sign says it all: Relax

In lead for this dog sled excursion were Zoe and Acadia with Sobo and Okemo in wheel. Along the way we passed a warming yurt and restrooms provided by Franklin Hospital and made several small road crossings. The dogs ran well with Zoe making several critical on bys at key times. Temperatures were in the upper 20s and the trail was fast and hard packed.

Tuesday, the sled dogs will get a much needed day of rest and on Wednesday, Eric and I along with the sled dogs will head out bright and early to meet up with our friends from Critterwoods for a training run in Brownville.

Chloe, our cat, likes to hang out on the cabinets "relaxing" (relaxing cat style is sleeping 24/7)

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T13:07:00.007-05:00

Exploring new trails

Eric and I along with the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs, Zoe, T-Bone, Sobo, Okemo, and Acadia want to wish everyone a very happy new year!

Retired sled dog, T-Bone, "recovering" from his big New Year's eve shindig

Okemo and Sobo slept in on New Year's day

Over the hills and through the woods

We spent New Year's eve taking the sled dogs for a short five mile run on one of the local trails surrounding the cabin. Running in lead were Zoe and Acadia and following in wheel were Okemo and Sobo. Exploring new trails is always fun for the sled dogs and musher. Frequently, "training opportunities" arise on new trails and this run was no different. Along the trail, we had to practice doing several "come haws" due to musher error and missed trail connections. We also crossed several icy patches and had to dog leg around a not quite finished bridge to cross a frozen stream. Along the trail, there were also many opportunities for the sled dogs to practice their gees and haws. The dogs also practiced running in wide open fields, something the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs rarely get to do. Later in the evening Eric and I headed out in the snow to the Maine Highlands Sled Dog Club's annual New Year's eve potluck at Critterwoods. While at Critterwoods, we picked up a new Critterwoods snow hook for our new Outlaw dog sled which is on order and we hope will be delivered soon.

Running in wide open fields was a training opportunity

Four dog team: Zoe and Acadia in lead with Sobo and Okemo in wheel

Trail signs

New Year's day, Eric and I headed out in the snow (yes, it was still snowing!) with wheel dog, Okemo, to explore a new trail, directly accessible from the cabin on snow shoes. All told, we snow shoed about fifteen miles and saw some gorgeous trails that we are now anxious to explore with the dog team.

The cabin connector trail out to the main trails

Snowshoe Adventure

Eric and Okemo

Usually New Year's Day is spent watching a college football bowl game or two (or three or four). Since the cabin does not have television, the only "bowl game" that Eric and I watched was the Eagle Pack (gotta have a corporate sponsor) Get to the Bottem of the Bowl which Okemo won by a landslide.

Another stretch of gorgeous trail

Today (Saturday's) forecast is calling for approximately a foot of snow and wind so in addition to snow blowing the drive (Eric managed to get the carb on the snowblower repaired), we are planning on taking the sled dogs on a run on the trails surrounding the cabin and then enjoying a quiet afternoon and evening relaxing by the wood stove. This just in: Eric ran the dogs six miles on gorgeous trails surrounding the cabin. Running in lead were Zoe and Acadia with Sobo and Okemo in wheel. Eric reported that all dogs ran well including up the big hill at the beginning of the trail.

This afternoon's activities will include snowblowing the driveway, shoveling the porch and taking a nap (sled dogs and humans).

Our home away from home

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T15:08:00.006-05:00

The sled dogs were dreaming of a white Christmas....and it happened!

The Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs along with Eric and Catherine wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sobo and Acadia relax by the fire

Sled dogs gathered around the Christmas tree

Christmas Eve Skijoring

2009-12-25T14:47:00.009-05:00

Eric skijoring with Sobo and Okemo

Eric and I along with Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs, Acadia, Okemo and Sobo headed out for a seven mile skijor trip on the Northern Central Railroad (NCR) trail in northern Baltimore County. Snow conditions were deep and fairly untracked so the dogs worked hard pulling while the humans worked hard skiing.

Skijoring with Acadia

Acadia loves to make snow angels

This trip marked the sled dogs sixth day in a row that they had worked in harness either pulling the dog sled, giving dog sled rides or skijoring.

Eric wore his new pack since he is in training for our 100 Mile Wilderness ski/dog sled trip in Maine

Fun Days Dog Sledding at Fair Hill NRMA

2009-12-23T17:07:00.014-05:00

Fun days dog sledding at Fair Hill NRMA

Eric and I along with the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs have spent two enjoyable days dog sledding at Fair Hill NRMA near Elkton, Maryland with some of our mushing friends.

Calling all mushers!

Calling all sled dogs!

Getting ready to hook up the teams

Ruth and Eric both modeled their "toques" courtesy of our Canadian musher friend, Gino. Eric's hat has been embellished with a Vancouver Olympics pin.

On Sunday, after the Baltimore area received approximately 21 inches of snow, several mushers met up at Fair Hill for a fun run. After a six mile run with fellow mushers (and musher spouses) Linda and Kevin Powers, Ruth and Nick Sands, Jessica and Chris Bannister, and Reggie Brown, the whole gang headed out for a warm lunch. Following lunch, Eric and I headed back for a short two mile skijor session with Acadia.

Teams coming out of the lot

The Maryland Sled Dog Adventures team

Nick and team under blue skies

Three sled dog teams coming up the "big" hill

Wheel dog, "silly" Sobo, takes a mental break
The Powers Pack (Aura, Chinook, Fenway, Kodiak)

On Monday, Eric and I again headed back up to Fair Hill for another fun run with Linda and Kevin Powers, Nick Sands, Reggie Brown, and Mike Uleau. For this run we ran about 6.5 miles. Along the way, we had several "training opportunities" including many passes of other teams, several passes of pastured horses, and a little stretch of plowed road. There is even a video of us during part of our run courtesy of Kevin Powers. While the team was out dog sledding, retired sled dog, T-Bone, had some fun of his own!

Leaving the trail head is always exciting

Heading home is always so much more sedate...

While the team was out dog sledding, T-Bone had a nice walk in the snow

Nick departing the trail head

Nick whipping around the corner: this is when sled dog driving skills come into play

The Powers Pack working hard up the hill

In lead: Acadia and Zoe. In wheel: Sobo and Okemo

Dog Sledding in Roland Park

2009-12-19T15:52:00.010-05:00

A little afternoon dog sled excursion in the neighborhood

The Maryland Sled Dog Adventures sled dogs and I just returned from a four mile dog sled run straight outta our dog yard courtesy of the Baltimore blizzard of 2009. The dogs worked hard, on byed just about everything we saw including an off leash dog, nailed their gees and haws, and even picked up our mail from our mail carrier at the top of our hill. Now, I know dogs teams were used to deliver mail in Alaska but I'm not sure a dog team has ever been used to carry the mail in Baltimore, Maryland!

Our dog team picking up the mail

Mushing through your own neighborhood certainly gives one a completely different perspective of the neighborhood.

Coming down Poplar Hill Road

The dogs made a perfect "gee" turn onto Bellemore after coming off Winding Way

Dog sledding down Bellemore

Down the steep hill and through the S-curves