MUSH, MUSH! Off to Our Wild Winter Camp

Ranger Rick, Jan, 2002 by Elizabeth Schleichert

Michael can't wait! He's off for a weekend of dogsledding and camping in the wilds of New Hampshire. Never mind that it's the middle of winter--and freezing-cold outside. All the better! Along for the ride are his dad and some friends.

Before setting off, Michael gets a "pooch smooch" from Nelly (see photo 1). She's one of the huskies that'll be pulling the sleds.

Nelly and the other dogs aren't Michael's, but they might as well be. He often helps the real owners, Polly and Kevin, care for the dogs. This trip, he and Polly load the eager huskies into a truck (2). When they all get to the trail, Michael will help hitch the dogs to the sleds.

And they're off! (3) Kevin drives the dog team, Michael rides the runners, and two friends hold on tight! "On turns, I have to lean way out to keep the sled from tipping," Michael says.

CHILLY CHORES

BREAKING the ICE

After racing across frozen lakes and through snowy woods, the dogsledders finally arrive at camp. Now it's time to get busy!

Michael and his friend Amadea head to the nearby lake. After breaking through the ice with a big chisel (seen on the right), they scoop out the water they'll need for cooking (1). Back at camp, the kids will give the tired and thirsty dogs a big drink.

EASY, BOY

Michael watches as Kevin puts some drops of medicine into the eye of one of the dogs, named Ossian (2). The husky's eye had been poked by a twig along the trail.

"I learn a lot from Kevin," says Michael. "He and Polly take really good care of the dogs."

GOOD DOG!

"Ootek is taking it easy after working hard," (3) Michael says. "He's what's called a lead dog. He runs at the head of the dog team."

All the dogs love to run and pull. But, by the time they reach the campsite, they're ready to rest.

"See Ootek's bed?" asks Michael. "I put that straw down for him. We try to make the dogs comfy and give them lots of attention."

SETTLING IN

COZY CAMPING

Night falls early in the winter, so that's when the campers kick back and grab the cards for a game of Go Fish (1). Here Amadea and Michael, on the right, take on Amadea's mom, Cornelia, at far left, and Polly.

What, no parkas or mittens? No problem! The tents are heated with wood stoves, so everyone is toasty-warm inside!

ROASTING & SNOOZING

Campfires and roasted marshmallows go together--just ask Michael and Amadea! (2)

"I love how peaceful it is in the woods," Michael notes. "All you hear are the crackling fire, owls calling, and coyotes howling."

"Come bedtime, we put our sleeping bags down on soft fir branches," (3) he says. "Their smell helps me fall asleep."

Good night--sleep tight! Tomorrow, the adventure continues!