By 1994, I had the urge to move a little faster, so I moved on to the Alaskan Husky, a dog genetically engineered to RUN!   
In 1994 & 95 I began racing in Ontario & Michigan, and competed on the Ontario Federation of Sled Dog Sports
mid-distance race circuit.  Mid-Distance races average twenty to sixty miles in length, and are run straight
through without stopping.  After a very successful racing career, I retired from racing,
and in 2000 began outfitting for the public, by dogteam and on horseback.

I've aged (and spread) a bit, but back then, I was the 1997 OFSS Gold Medalist
in the 60 mile race division.   And although I still grin when I think about it,
back in my race days my peers jokingly called me 'The First Lady of Mushing',
& 'Queen of the Trail'   It was quite the time for me, AND I LOVED IT! 
 I was very proud of how my dogs always pulled through for me, and learned
a tremendous amount about the sport of mushing.  I still have some
of those dogs here at the farm - Happy & Cooper are here to stay, and at
eleven years old, they're going strong! We love our alaskans, & so will you!

The 1997 Marmora Sled Dog Championships - our team placed third in a huge field!

When I run our dogsledding tours from the farm, I always keep in mind that very first run
that I had with my new team of Alaskans - it was THRILLING to say the least!  We have a nice
mixture of dog talent here in our dogyard, and I am very good at judging the size and strength
of team for each individual.  I teach the driving lesson not just in the yard, but throughout
the tour.  We take frequent breaks, and while stopped along the trail I will give you the techniques
you need to handle everything you'll encounter on our trails. My goal is to thrill you & give you a
great run without scaring you, and I put my experience to good use in order to encourage newcomers
to our fantastic sport.  The welfare of our sled dogs is of paramount importance, and the care they
receive is obvious to newcomers to our yard.  From their well bedded, 2" thick wooden doghouses
raised over well drained sand,  to their picturesque view of the wilderness right from the yard
  - our dogs are our best buddies, and we take great pride in caring for them every day.

READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FACILITIES

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

Our dogsledding trip package means
*more quality time on the sleds/with the dogs 
* a chance to try 'more power in the tank'
* a nice place to warm up between runs!
All of the fun, none of the frigid!

COMFORTABLE and FLEXIBLE - OUR TWO HOUR
"HIT THE TRAILS DOGSLEDDING TOUR"
(learn to sled 'GENTLY' ~ take a break ~ then turn it up a notch!)

(FOR THOSE WANTING A RELAXING RIDE, TEAM SIZE NEED NOT CHANGE!)

This tour introduces you gently to dogsledding - THE FIRST half teaches you to drive a small team. 
It's very important to get a chance to try dogsledding without having to worry about thrills and spills! 
Getting a face washing in the first half hour isn't much fun.  So two or three dogs is perfect
(team sized based on snow conditions) for your 'maiden voyage'.  

Then, after a short break to grab a hot drink, if you've found your sea legs and
want a bit more power, we can turn it up a notch!  Perhaps you enjoy speed, and are a thrill seeker?  
This tour allows for plenty of flexibility in team sizes, so there's something for everyone.

Now that you know the ropes, most people feel comfortable enough to experience
of the power of a larger team, and learning a bit more about what it takes to drive some really great dogs.
There is no greater joy than flying down a fast trail, powering around corners and scooting down
straightaways, with the wind in your face and the snow flying from sixteen galloping paws! This package is
geared for everyone - one hour wasn't enough, so we've made our dogsledding tour even better!

Our business prides itself on providing a program
that TEACHES the ART of being a good musher. 
There is so much more to dogsledding than sightseeing.
Our friendly and talented dogs are chosen for their ability,
so they are no slouches - they have some real 'zoom' and
LOVE their SPORT - so they love to put their energy to good use! 
Our groomed forest trails have plenty of curves and
thrills and 'interesting' corners to keep you on your toes! 

You'll be amazed at the speed, strength and stamina of  the Alaskan Husky - born and bred to run!  When you've completed
this adventure, you'll have a much better understanding of what it takes to be a musher, and you will have a new respect for the
awesome Alaskan Sled dog!   Dogsledding here means friendly, one on one instruction ~ you and your group will be treated to an
exhilarating dogsledding adventure without a lineup of people behind you, waiting to try it!  This was a very popular package last year,
and our clients thought it was a great thrill!  Many of them have already been back to do it again this year!   Best of all, you stay
outdoors for a comfortable amount of time, for an exciting adventure ~ yet you're working in your comfort zone. 
There's no danger of getting stuck on a trip too long for you to enjoy, too far from your car, and too far from comfort! 
All the winter fun, without the frigid!

Our trail system is a fantastic set of groomed loops through the forest surrounding our wilderness farm property near Algonquin.

Safety is very important, so your package
starts with a fairly 'gentle' introductory tour. 
This is mandatory, because learning to control
a four dog team of Alaskans is more difficult
than you think, and starting small is the safe
sensible stepping stone.  This is how ALL
dogsledders started  (myself included)
- to be a good musher, you have to learn
to drive properly.   Good sled dogs deserve
a good driver who isn't going to make their
job too difficult!  So don't worry - you'll
have plenty of time to learn how to drive,
and then you have the choice of increasing
your speed, or continuing on to enjoy a nice
relaxing jaunt through our wilderness trails.

*if you have some dogsledding experience already, let me know,
and we can work out a modified package for you*

Of course, the best part about this dogsledding tour is getting to know the dogs.  Our dogs are happy, very
enthusiastic love sponges, that lap up the excitement and will prove to you once and for all, the Alaskan Husky was
born and bred to run!  Friendly characters, you'll have the time to enjoy visiting with them
- learning how to harness them up for their run - and experiencing the fun of working
with and caring for man's best friend while you enjoy this winter season.

Best of all, this package is great for kids!   All kids love dogs! 
(and the dogs love kids!)  Children excel at the sport of dogsledding - the key
is giving them lots of encouragement, and giving them a team size they can handle
with ease.  For some reason, good balance comes naturally to the young,
and the kids usually put us adults to shame! With youngsters, we start with one
dog or two dogs, but I bring along some extras, and they quickly graduate to
driving a two dog team (once they've learned the ropes)   Dogsledding here in
Ontario is a great way to get out and enjoy the day with your children, your partner
or spouse, or with your whole darn family.  While children ten and up can usually
manage their own team, children from 4-9 will enjoy a ride in my basket, learning
what 'gee' and 'haw' mean, and watching firsthand how the leaders work.
It's a great experience you won't find just anywhere!

(Here, twelve year old Nicole hams it up for the camera
- her six year old sister was actually a passenger in MY basket!)