My Adventure....

The whole adventure started last year.  Every year I study the Iditarod with my classes while we read Woodsong by Gary Paulsen. It's kind of a weird fascination with me since I hate being cold and am not much of an outdoorsy girl!! 

Then a couple of years ago another teacher's husband hooked us up with a musher, Tom Roig of Valley Road Outfitters, who had attempted the Iditarod twice. Sadly he was unable to finish both times and finances have kept him from going back! Well now he comes in every year and talks to the kids about the Iditarod and dog sledding in general. Let me tell you he can captivate an entire 6th grade of about 150 students for 1 1/2 hours. It is amazing. 

Last year when he was in to speak, he mentioned that he had started these dog sled trips during the winter. He thought it would be great if I gave it try. Now keep in mind - not a nature girl and hate cold weather.  But...my best friend (who happens to also be named Melissa) and I decided it could be an adventure of a life time so we sent in our deposit.  

As the time came closer and closer, I really questioned my decision. What was I thinking? ME on a dog sled - seriously??? But I knew I had to go especially since the teacher's husband who introduced us to Tom said I would never do it.  Had to prove him wrong, right??

So last weekend, my best friend and I headed up to Newberry, MI on the Upper Peninsula of MI.  It took us about 9 1/2 hours to get there but it was so worth it!! We even drove across the great Mackinac Bridge which I had never done before. It was an absolutely gorgeous drive!!

Now keeping in mind my aversion to the great cold outdoors, I can honestly say I LOVED IT!!! I even wiped out twice - it took me a little to get the whole inertia thing down.  You need to turn into the curves with the sled even though it feels like you are going to fall over.  But both times I fell I got up and back on my sled and kept going!! I even managed to avoid a spill one other time - not bad for a city girl!!

We spent 2 1/2 hours and did 13 miles with 14F on Saturday. On Sunday we went out again for about 2 1/2 hours and this time we did 17 miles!! Temps were a bit higher around 25F!!  The quiet of the trails and the sound of the runners on the snow was AWESOME!! For the first time, in many months my mind was quiet and I was just able to be!!!

My Team and Me - Schwana, Laney, Duke and Danger

My Best Friend and her team -

Our fabulous guide - Tom                           

That's me out in front of my friends team - you can barely see me!!

I fell in love with it which utterly amazed me.  I'm not sure I'll ever get to do it again since it is so far away and a lot of money but I will never forget this adventure!!

As always thanks for stopping by!! Hope you have a wonderful week!!

Blessings and Hugs!

PS - Making Hungry Jack Pancakes with Coke instead of water makes them fabulous!! I do not like pancakes but these were DELICIOUS!!