Getting after new dreams! Here I approach the finish line at last weeks 18km White Bear Arm Sled Dog Race in Charlottetown, Labrador. What an experience! It was my first crack at mushing and I'm hooked.
The conditions were lovely but also came with a degree of challenge. Drifting snow and windchills of -33°C kept everyone sharp, alert and fighting frostbite.
I placed 7th out of seven teams but it was all about getting my feet wet! Some near tangles with other teams (which is common) was barely avoided but not without quick reaction. As we passed two tangled teams early, one of my dogs turned back to investigate. He snagged in my komatik (Inuit sled) which I then jumped off as my other 5 dogs kept in brisk motion. Then I was running the lake like the huskies with my only link to the komatik being the short rope handle wrapped tightly around my wrist! In what seemed like a blur, I unsnarled him, gave a shout to get him on track and lept back onto the komatik like a surfboard which was now speeding away from me as the pups found their stride. What a thrill! After this I settled in nicely and took in the fine scenery as we glided peacefully down the lake.
I admired the skill of those who finished before me and the athleticism that is required by both human and dog to compete in such an event! Congrats to all racers and shoutout to everyone who helped make the race a success. Huskies for working and racing are an important part of Labrador's Indigenous history and it was great to witness the passion of the people (and dogs) who keep tradition alive. These animals were meant to run. In the picture there's one of my huskies in the background - he wanted to keep running that bad he bit the traces off with his razor-sharp teeth and took off like a bullet!
A huge thanks to the legend Dennis Burden for showing me the ropes and allowing me to race his beautiful team. Den has 35 years of experience mushing and has completed and won/placed well in many races - including winning the 1995 Labrador Winter Games sled race. His buddy William Russell (who finished 4th in last weeks race) also passed along valuable advice. Also grateful for Den and his wife Paulette's superb hospitality while I camped near the picturesque wilderness community of Port Hope Simspon. They treated me to some fine meals from the land!
This is just the beginning of my mushing journey...
Capital Subaru (got me 1200 road km to Labrador) Lure of the North Outfitters (kept me warm and well outfitted) Happy Yak (kept me nourished at the tent)
Consider www.patreon.com/justinbarbour for behind-the-scenes updates and exclusive content you can't beat.
Justin Barbour
Getting after new dreams! Here I approach the finish line at last weeks 18km White Bear Arm Sled Dog Race in Charlottetown, Labrador. What an experience! It was my first crack at mushing and I'm hooked.
The conditions were lovely but also came with a degree of challenge. Drifting snow and windchills of -33°C kept everyone sharp, alert and fighting frostbite.
I placed 7th out of seven teams but it was all about getting my feet wet! Some near tangles with other teams (which is common) was barely avoided but not without quick reaction. As we passed two tangled teams early, one of my dogs turned back to investigate. He snagged in my komatik (Inuit sled) which I then jumped off as my other 5 dogs kept in brisk motion. Then I was running the lake like the huskies with my only link to the komatik being the short rope handle wrapped tightly around my wrist! In what seemed like a blur, I unsnarled him, gave a shout to get him on track and lept back onto the komatik like a surfboard which was now speeding away from me as the pups found their stride. What a thrill! After this I settled in nicely and took in the fine scenery as we glided peacefully down the lake.
I admired the skill of those who finished before me and the athleticism that is required by both human and dog to compete in such an event! Congrats to all racers and shoutout to everyone who helped make the race a success. Huskies for working and racing are an important part of Labrador's Indigenous history and it was great to witness the passion of the people (and dogs) who keep tradition alive. These animals were meant to run. In the picture there's one of my huskies in the background - he wanted to keep running that bad he bit the traces off with his razor-sharp teeth and took off like a bullet!
A huge thanks to the legend Dennis Burden for showing me the ropes and allowing me to race his beautiful team. Den has 35 years of experience mushing and has completed and won/placed well in many races - including winning the 1995 Labrador Winter Games sled race. His buddy William Russell (who finished 4th in last weeks race) also passed along valuable advice. Also grateful for Den and his wife Paulette's superb hospitality while I camped near the picturesque wilderness community of Port Hope Simspon. They treated me to some fine meals from the land!
This is just the beginning of my mushing journey...
More pictures to come, plus a film to YouTube (youtube.com/justinbarbournlexplorer).
#lifeisbetteroutdoors #anythingispossible #sleddogs #SledDogRace #mushing #adventure
Capital Subaru (got me 1200 road km to Labrador)
Lure of the North Outfitters (kept me warm and well outfitted)
Happy Yak (kept me nourished at the tent)
Consider www.patreon.com/justinbarbour for behind-the-scenes updates and exclusive content you can't beat.
6 months ago | [YT] | 395