When I was little, my family took a trip to Alaska. I remember visiting the North Pole, staying at a bed 'n breakfast (my room had a TV and I could watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer-- I thought that was like the coolest thing ever), we sat in a giant ice chair, and I seem to recall riding in a dog sled but I don't remember much about it.
For about the last three years or so, I have wanted to ride in a dog sled. Earlier this year we booked a dog sledding adventure, but our trip had to be rescheduled because the truck that hauls the dogs broke down.
This past weekend we were finally able to go on that dog sled ride I have been dreaming about.
The morning started off early at 6:00 am. We were in the car by 7:00 am and headed to Bend. We arrived at the mountain shortly before our scheduled ride at 10:30. The first thing I noticed when we got the mountain was the dogs. In my mind I had envisioned being pulled in a sled by big old huskies. The dogs that greeted me however we not big, they were quite small and they were very loud.
Our musher was named Alex, he explained to us that the dogs pulling the sled were Alaskan Huskies but that they are a mutt breed- they have a variety of different dogs in them.
The dogs!
Me!
Love this photo!
Me & Andy- ready to go!
Giddy up!
Before our ride the dogs just kept barking, they were pretty loud. As soon as the sled started to move the dogs went silent. We quickly learned that these dogs have a hidden talent, they run and poop at the same time. Yes you read that right, they run and poop at the same time. The need to go to the bathroom doesn't slow these dogs down. I was really glad that they didn't fling any poop back in our faces that's not to say we didn't smell it- we did.
The dog on the right is pooping- you're welcome!
Poop aside the ride was a lot of fun! I wish it were longer. It was fun to fly down hills and glide around turns. The scenery was beautiful too!
We decided since we had driven along way to get to the mountain, we might as well see if there was a place nearby to go inner tubing. It was our lucky day!
Andy & I.
The rope tow.
I thought the chair lift looked so pretty in contrast with the trees and snow.
Andy!
My Eskimo!
Being a Creature.
We spent two hours tearing up the snow with some inner tubes, it was a blast!
We grabbed a bite to eat and then headed out for some more fun in the snow. We went snow shoeing, made a snow angel, threw a few snowballs, attempted to build a snow cave, and took in the breathtaking scenery.
The forest.
Trail marker.
Andy checking out all the snow on the trees.
Always on the go.
I love my trees!
Andy & Ashlee
We found this and thought it was great.
When we left it looked like this- we dedicate it to Megan!
Making a snowshoe angel.
The final product.
Looking up at the sky!
We live in a beautiful world.
Feeling content.
South Sister decided to come out from behind the clouds.
Andy & I.
Snow cave.
Before we knew it was time to get in the car and head for home. On our way out of town we decided to hit of thrift store. Bend in a ritzy town so we thought we might find some awesome deals, our hunch was right. We were both glad we stopped.
In was an incredibly long day, but we had so much fun! We can't wait to get back out in the snow.
