When we went to Lake Louise for our honeymoon, we hiked canyons and around the lake, we watched ice climbers on a frozen waterfall, we rode on a gondola up a mountain, and more. But dog sledding was the thing we thought was the most fun. It's a unique experience for Texans. Plus, the dogs are just so darn cool.
Ten years later, dog sledding was just as cool. Or, more accurately, it was frigid. I think the temperature was around -5F that morning, but the air is so dry in Banff that it really is not uncomfortable if you wear enough layers. Well, okay, my fingers and toes got pretty darn cold after a while, but they warmed back up nicely. It was worth being a little cold to enjoy such a fun excursion. Nathan and I picked up these mufflers before our trip, and we were really thankful for them on a couple of occasions--I have to tell you, when you get into that sled behind the dogs and start moving at 15mph on a day when it's -5F and there's snow being kicked up in your face, well, although you may not be terribly uncomfortable, you do start to be grateful that the only part of your face that's exposed is your eyes.
The dogs are wonderfully sweet and full of personality. Some of them are shy, some are wild and goofy, and all of them are eager to get on their way.
Definitely, part of the pleasure of dog sledding is getting to hang out with the dogs a little.
The dogs that run the sleds are bred and trained for it, and it is their life's love. While they're waiting, they yip and pull and cry, and when they're being harnessed, the din escalates with their excitement.
Even though they can't go anywhere, they pull and strain, yip and holler.
And then, when the brake is loosed:
silence.
It's so interesting to see them run. They dip their mouths and take bitefuls of snow to stay hydrated and cool off without missing a step. Each member of the team has a clear job, based on their personalities, age & experience, etc. They clearly love to run and are good at it. They're the elite athletes of the dog world, bred for their sport rather than for looks. This particular team of dogs runs long Alaskan races in winter when they're not tugging little tourists back and forth across the Continental Divide.
Speaking of which...
We got out at the Great Divide and wandered a bit, taking some photos. My face looks so cold in this one! Like it was a strain to smile! Ha!
On the way back, we were each allowed to drive alongside the owner for a while. We'd stand on one runner while she stood on the other, agreeing to stomp on the brake if she fell off, and she'd do the same for us. :)
Check out the eyes on that puppy.
It was super fun, y'all, and Nathan and I would recommend it if you ever get the chance!
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