Up North in Maine August Adventures

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

What do sled dogs do during the Summer?

Dogs that swim are dogs that shake!

If you happen to be one of the lucky sled dogs at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC, you go swimming during the summer. Swimming is a great way to keep your dog in shape during the warm summer months with far less risk of over heating.

So while the sled dogs at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures spend their winters dog sledding, they spend their summers swimming and relaxing at the beach since in Maryland it is simply too warm to safely run the dogs in harness in the late spring, summer and early fall.

In general, mushers use what is called the Rule of 100 to determine whether it is too warm on any given day to run their dogs: add the temperature and the humidity together and if the sum is 100-120 or more it is probably too warm to safely run your dog in harness. Thus, with the advent of warm weather, mushers are always looking for creative ways to exercise their ever energetic sled dogs. Sled pet, Acadia's new favorite way to blow off steam and cool down a bit is swimming.

Trying to hitch a ride

"I'm not so sure about this swimming business," thinks this pup.

Swimming Siberian Husky, Acadia

Where's my boogie board?

Acadia showing her focus

A couple of weeks ago, Eric and I learned that Siberian Husky sled dog, Acadia, our lead dog in training, LOVES to swim. So with the onset of warm temperatures, we've been taking Acadia swimming at various swimming holes and beaches throughout central Maryland and exploring some of nature's best swimming "pools."

Swim Spa: Acadia swims against the current

Sled dog, Acadia, splashing in the Gunpowder River

If all of this swimming looks like fun, why not join us for our upcoming Canicross hike on June 20th which includes a 5.1 mile hike and then some post hike relaxation and swimming for you and your dog splish splashing in the Gunpowder River. For more information on our canicross hikes visit our canicross hike schedule and for more information on what is involved in canicrossing visit our website. If you are new to canicross and just want to hike along with your dog, that's fine too! To see photos from our most recent canicross hike at Catoctin Mountain Park visit our blog. Email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com to register for an Upcoming Canicross Hike.

Acadia prepares to dive in

I wonder what is over here?

Is it time to get out already?

Summer Splendor: The First Day of Summer

Our Oak Leaf hydrangea is in full bloom.

With unseasonably cool temperatures for the middle of June (which in Maryland means highs in the mid to upper 70s and no humidity), it's hard to believe the first day of summer has arrived. But it has and the signs are everywhere that Summer officially begins after seven this evening. Before you know, it will be early fall and we will begin our sled dogs' training regime to get them ready to run dog sledding tours and rides this coming fall, winter and spring. To check out our Summer dog sledding opportunities and upcoming Fall and Winter dog sledding opportunities visit our website.

One of our Lace Cap Hydrangeas just beginning to bloom.

Our second Lace Cap hydrangea with buds but no blooms

Bright and showy petunias enliven the dog yard

A vibrant orange Day Lily begins to open near the mailbox.

This edible flower (an herb) is Blue Hyssop

Look hard, there is a tomato in this photo...

Bright pink Impatiens grace the edge of our flagstone patio

Not quite "Red Hot Chili Peppers"

Summer sunlight filters over Sobo

Zoe alertly watches the summer "action" (i.e., her brothers)

Summer blueberries grace Eric's breakfast cereal