It's something that I never imagined I would get the opportunity to do, but I've wanted to go Husky sledding for years. I've always liked the fact that Huskies are working dogs and I'm fascinated by their hierarchy system that they use to decide who is Alpha and who isn't.
A few years ago I watched a video (it was something along the lines of National Geographic) about a lady who runs a team of sledding dogs and how the dogs keep each other in check. There are occasionally fights but generally not over food or attention, they're normally because a pack member isn't pulling their weight (literally) in terms of their contribution to the team. She didn't mince words with them and she more or less let the pack deal with the problem dog. I think these dogs have extremely high standards when it comes to their work and I would really love to be able to spend a few days with a team like this getting to know the dogs and how they work together. I would imagine that being a pack mom must be quite challenging at times.
Huskies are able to reach a speed of 40kms/h and they can pull about 30kgs each so a combined weight of 130kgs (excluding the sled) for an average pack of dogs. This is generally only a guide and the owner of the sledding pack would be able to give a better idea of his/her team.
How could I ever give up the offer of going out into the snow and being pulled along by these gorgeous creatures?
Now what I would think the coolest option for this trip would be is to combine it with hunting either moose or elk and being able to take away some meat from the trekking trip. Hey G-Dog, you keen on hunting in the snow instead of in New Zealand?
I'm not a huge fan of cold weather so I would have to fit myself out with some really good snow gear beforehand. In fact, I've only been in snow a couple of times before so I can't really say just how cold it would be in the Arctic circle, but probably a lot colder than I'd be happy with. Polar fleece got it's name for a reason.
Starting a wolf howl with the huskies while staring at the northern lights would be a nice addition while out there and having a night camping in the snow would make this trip an absolute delight. I'm looking forward to it already.
Mush Mush
Sources:
Dog Sled Photo
Speed and weight limits
Second picture is my own
Husky face picture