The 2010 Meet the Mushers has been canceled due to low attendance.

We would like to thank everyone involved, currently and in previous years, for the wonderful friendships, generosity and grace shown to us. Here’s a short list of the folks who donated their time, resources, and talent to provide the attendee with an amazing experience.

Wiggy’s, Becky Bristow (Wild Soul Creations), Fog Tech, Ah-Regah, Alice Yax, Brad and Sharon Love, Louise Russell/Dog Booties.com, Cadillac Custom Tack, Donna Quante (Husky Productions), Dr. Tim’s Pet Food Company, Jay’s Sporting Goods, Lee and Claudia Nowak, Jeff King/Carrie Skinner, Ken Anderson, Jim Warren, June Price, Karla and Danny Dann, Mandy Palmer, Mackinaw Mush, Michelle Martin-Germinder, Amy at Mountain Ridge, Ellen Southern, Mushing Magazine, Helen and Mark Hegener of Northern Light Media, Jim @ Northern Outfitters, Pastor Bruce, The Fink Family (John/Kim/Aly/Justin/Andrea/Josh), Clyde and Pat Risdon, Mancelona Do-It-Best Hardware, Into Focus Communications, Judy and Steve at Sled Dog Central, The Tim & Gena Dewey Family, Joe Gutowski, Linda Lange, Derrer Oil, Joann and Larry Fortier, "Uncle Jeff" and Robin, Billie Sherriff, Pat & Deb Crouch (w/ Bit and Blaze), Sue Bernecker (Russ’ Mom), Amy (the cook) Breakey/Jordan/LuLu and Ryan, Francie Dorman, Pastor Andrew, Singers ~ Ann and Will Rowland, Canada Goose, Mountain Ridge, Critterwoods, Redpaw, Winterdance Dogsled Tours, Michigan Dog Driver’s Association (MiDD), M.U.S.H., Sportmix, Kelsey Drew, Ryan Harcourt, Avery’s Restaurant, Nature’s Kennel, Colton Drew, The Black Dog, Michelle Phillips, Nancy Sanchez, Bobbi Riley, Hobby Horse Riding Stable, Kathy and Stu Stirrett, Andie Westrick, Joy Cowles, and so on…

We would also like to thank those of you, many who were strangers, (Laura the Teacher, Linda and Cristin…the list is long…) who attended our premiere event and stepped out in faith, right along with us, to see this dream for northern Michigan come true.

And finally, the mushers and adventurers. Lance and Tonya Mackey, rookie hopeful ~ Tim Riley, Dee Dee Jonrowe, Ryan Redington, Jason Barron, Aaron Burmeister, and Dr. Jerry Vanek. I assume it wasn’t as big a stretch on your part, as you are always excited to see what’s around the next corner.

Since they won’t be coming this year, please continue to support these amazing mushers/fathers/husbands/healers ~ Ryan, Jason, Aaron, and Dr. Vanek in their endeavors, in the coming months and years.

Thank you for embracing our vision...and God Bless ~

Sherry and Russ

Meet the Musher's Rustic Retreat

**First weekend in August**

August 6,7,8,9 ~ 2010 

(Friday through Monday)

Ryan Redington, Jason Barron and Aaron Burmeister!

And...special guest speaker, Jerry Vanek, DVM

Check out our BLOG

Aaron Burmeister

Jason Barron (Photo by Jeff Schultz)

 Ryan Redington

Here's what you can expect!

• Children under 16 years of age free if accompanied by adult.
• 1:30 p.m. Saturday - Jerry Vanek, DVM "Hands On" Dog Rehab Training Demo featuring your favorite LCK canines~!
• Event T-Shirts for sale and autographs.
• 3-5:00 p.m. Saturday - Iditarod Musher CHAT(including local Iditarod Veteran, Jim Warren)
• Book signings and autographs from your favorite Iditarod musher!
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday - Speaker Panel discussing all things Jr. Iditarod, including Jr. Race to the Sky 2010 Champion, Justin Fink
• Mushing DVD's available for sale.

• Horse-drawn wagon rides  
• Sunday morning Church Service at the "Reflection Tree".  (New)
• Door Prizes GALORE!
• Dr. Jerry Vanek will be giving a very special talk about the Serum Run '25 during his Sunday presentation.  (The Serum '25 Run is a long distance dog mushing expedition that commemorates the courageous effort and success of the original Serum runners, who were responsible for bringing the life saving diphtheria serum to Nome in 1925.)
• 50-50 tickets
• Raffle items
• New feature!  "Bid on a Bunk" ~ Spend 3 nights bunking "Checkpoint Style" in the privacy of The Bunk House!  Join speakers (and host Justin Fink - Jr. Race to the Sky 2010 Champion)  Watch for more information...
• "Bid on a Basket" and have a gourmet dinner with the Iditarod musher of your choice!!  Prepared by Chef Amy.
• Special 10:00 p.m. Saturday reading of "Ballad of the Northland" by author, Jason Barron , at the campfire.
• Food available for sale on site! (Donuts, breakfast platter, coffee, hotdogs, Brats, pop, water, etc.)  You are responsible for all your own culinary needs other than food sold on site.
• Sorry, NO PETS allowed on property or in vehicle, due to our free-range farm setting.  No puppies/no retirees/no exceptions!!  (Service dogs are the only exception.)
• Campsite choice is first-come/first-serve.  Open or wooded available, with firepit.  Some have picnic tables.
• Please bring your favorite lawn chair.
• This event will be held "rain or shine". 
• Saturday night Potluck!  Please bring your favorite dish to dazzle the mushers!
• Cold water available.
• Firewood for sale, $3 per bundle ~ please come wood-less, as we don't wish to have the Emerald Ash Borer beetle find a new home.
• As with all retreats, entrance to event will be limited ~ please be sure and note Gate entry times.  (Special travel situations may be authorized in advance.)

Third Year Sponsors:

Sponsors TBA...

FAQ's: 

Should I bring my own food?  There will be food available for sale at the Snack Shack (Amy's famous cookies...etc.)  But if you grow tired of Brats, pack a cooler and come prepared. 

Why can't I bring my dog(s)?  Due to the nature of this event, and the level of foot traffic through our rabbit patches (you'll see...), it's imperative that Zip is the only dog hanging out at MtM.  Zip will be happy to fill in if you feel the urge to pet or snack a canine. 

Can I just drop in for an hour Saturday night to say hello?  As with any retreat setting, our goal is to provide a relaxing environment that fosters friendships and camaraderie.  Although dropping in for a quick chat isn't an option, please check out which format above best suits your needs and join us! 

What should I bring for the Potluck?  Your favorite eats.  It was wonderful the first year when the Mackey's were with us.  Last year was even more delicious.  I'm sure whatever you provide will be appreciated and consumed!  See Sherry for plug-in options if electricity is needed. 

What about your weekly Farm Market?  Will that be going on? Yes, our weekly Russ-Stick Farm Market will go on as usual on Saturday from 9 - 1:00 p.m. during MtM.  (It will be located in a temporary, different location.)  If you wish to partake as a vendor, let us know.   

More to follow...stay tuned...