For two years now, our kennel has been invaded by dog sledding enthusiasts from West Bloomfield, MI.
Each year, a different group of women sign up for the adventure and make the trek north. Last Saturday was the day for 2009.
Led by Laurel Zoet, Naturalist/Programmer for WB Parks and Recreation, the group comes up and spends the weekend at Cedar Bend Farm, and then heads over to our place for a day of dog sledding. (click on CB Farm)
This particular morning, in temps hovering around zero, the hardy group of new participants decided they would walk to our kennel property, approximately 2 miles from Cedar Bend Farm.
Armed with directions (and a compass) from Laurel, the group headed out early, giving Laurel and assistant, Molly, time to tidy up their accommodations before heading over for the day.
Later, upon driving the passenger van to our place, Laurel and Molly noticed the road was absent of any footprints. Hmmm…time to get out the tracking dogs?
A quick sweep of the radius and Laurel and the girls were back in business.
To coin a phrase from one of the participants, “…we Gee’d and we should have Haw’d”.
The group, in their zest to reach our kennel, took the wrong road. The road less traveled.
Had they kept walking they may have come upon a favorite spot down the road from us. Cedar River.
Not a bad outcome, had they made it that far.
The dogs always enjoy the new visitors. This day was no exception.
Rustic Russ is the only male in the bunch. It’s o.k., he grew up with 3 sisters.
Laurel reacquaints herself with LCK dogs.
Friend Amy was also on hand to answer questions, harness and even chase after a runaway sled or two.
Harness time turns into lovin’ time.
The feeling is mutual and reciprocated.
The gals knew how to have a good time, even when demonstrating their skills on (and off) the sled.
What is amazing is…these gals were all perfect strangers until meeting up for this adventure. I’m sure friends were made for life. It’s just that special.
Until next year girls. Thanks for a great day!
Until tomorrow ~ God willing,
Woodswoman
In case you don’t remember which West Bloomie I was, I wore a dark blue, down coat that used to be my husbands and slightly long purple snow pants – you took the time to show me your beautiful cow family before we left. Thank you once again for such beautiful pictures and memories. The dog sled ride was an experience I will never forget and hope to do again. I never made it to the wee wee house or warming hut because I just wanted to stay out there with the dogs. I love being outdoors and in the woods especially. I can’t tell you how touched I was by the whole thing: your way of life, the way you obviously care for all the dogs, offering a part of yourselves for others to experience and enjoy. Thank you so much. I feel priviledged to have been a part of it. I will treasure the pin you dropped off at Cedar Bend Farm as a remembrance of that day. We all enjoyed the movies you kindly left too.
Monique
Comment by Monique — January 31, 2009 @ 7:48 pm