Dog Mushing in General
Dog mushing is one of my
favorite activities because it incorporates so many aspects of other
favorite activities. It allows me to be in the company of my dogs
while exploring the Alaskan wilderness in a manner that has deep
historical and cultural roots.
Mushing is the use of of dogs to pull
a sled over snow. For centuries dog sleds were used to move people
and materials throughout regions of North America that are covered in
snow during most of the winter. Today mushing is primarily a sport
or hobby. While racing is the most visible aspect of dog mushing,
it is only a small part of much bigger picture. Many Alaskans
drive dogsleds for recreation and to access remote wilderness areas that
are closed to motor vehicle traffic. In the bush, where gasoline
may cost up to $7.00 or more per gallon, dogs represent a relatively
inexpensive means of transportation. Many hunters and trappers
prefer to use dog teams as dogs are more reliable than machines and much
less likely to disturb the natural movement and behavior of wild
animals. Dog mushing
was officially proclaimed the Alaska State Sport in 1972.
Dog mushing is a very low-impact
method of traveling through the wilderness. While running the dogs
rarely bark or make noise, so the only 'artificial' sounds one hears is
the breathing of the dogs, the patter of their feet against the snow and
the gentle 'swoosh' of the sled runners sliding along. Mushing
provides a unique opportunity to explore otherwise inaccessible areas
while experiencing nature in its most elemental form.
Although a small and unincorporated
community, my home town of Two Rivers is home to more dog mushers per capita than
anyplace else I can think of. It is quite possible that one could
drive a dog team out of my yard all the way north to the Arctic Ocean
crossing only one gravel road, and never encountering a single human
being.
To learn more about dog mushing and
my own involvement in the sport just click on the links to your left.
  
|
