When I turned 50, I listed 50 things to do while 50. I decided that each year of my 50s, I would make a list corresponding to my age. In theory, if I completed everything on each list, I will have complete 545 things.
That might sound ambitious, but these lists are a mix of serious and fun things. While 50, I didn’t complete everything on my list. However, I found lots of unexpected opportunities that I was able to add to my list of 50 things I did while 50.
Dogsledding was one of the things on my list for 50 that I didn’t get to cross off. As I crafted my list for 51, it was added once again.
So, I was thrilled earlier this year that I could enjoy a dogsledding experience. Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures partnered with Campbell’s Racing Sled Dogs to offer a sauna and sledding experience at Blackstrap Provincial Park.
Though I had been battling viruses through most of January, on the day of the event, I wasn’t feeling too bad. I journeyed up to the park despite the -30 temperatures. My husband had been helpful, digging out all of his work gear to give me lots of options to layer up and stay warm.
Once at the park, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. I met up with a friend, and we were able to do a meet-and-greet with some of the dogs before our adventure. Our guide explained that the dogs were Alaskan huskies, aka mutts and were smaller than I had anticipated.
As we settled on the sled, my friend took the front seated position and was covered with lots of blankets. I took a standing position behind the musher with my feet on either side of the sled. I confess I was a little worried about my balance, but I fared okay and didn’t fall on my butt.
On the trail, it was exhilarating. The dogs yapped as they showed off their skills. The Saskatchewan temperatures soon chilled me to the bone despite my layers of clothes. Thankfully, the trees and bushes on the trail shielded us from any wind.
As we reached the end of the trail, we got off so the dogs could turn around. This allowed us time to take some photos and videos of the dogs. As we got back on the sled for the return journey, my friend and I switched spots. I was grateful for all those warm blankets for the return trip.
The overall trip was short, approximately 30 minutes, but on a -30 day, that was enough.
As we disembarked from the sleds, thanked the dogs and got some photos with them, our musher gave us a business card and shared that if we were interested in longer trips, they were offered near their farm. Maybe that will be something for 52.