During the summer season we are often asked what we do when all the people leave at the end of the season and we are just left all alone here at the end of the road.   Doesn't it just get cold and boring they often ask.  Well as the years go by and one becomes more at home in the frozen North Country, you find there are actually many things to do in the winter months.  Take for example dog sledding.

In the summer Moose Lake sees its share of canoeists and fishermen,  but in the winter it is ground zero for Minnesota Sled Dogs.  We can often hear the barking dogs in the mornings as their mushers are getting them harnessed and ready to go.  Many of the dog sled trips depart from the public landing just a little north of our lodge.

Today, Sunday, February 27^th, our town of Ely, MN played host to the Wolf Track Classic Sled Dog race.   There are actually two races, a sprint race of 30 miles and a long race of 130 miles.  In the pictures you will see Williams and Hall's own General Manager, Dave Sebesta, hard at work on the crew of Harry and Mary Lambreth, local canoe guides.  Dave obviously knows his way around a dog sledding event as well as he does a canoe trip. His team is getting ready to depart on the long race.

You can see the dogs getting staged at the start line in the 130 mile race.  There are three mandatory stops along the way, and the crew has to beat the mushers to the stops to prepare for the exhausted teams arrival.  They insure food, water, and bedding is available for both musher and team.  The stops have mandatory times to insure that the dogs are adequately rested. 

It is wonderful to be around an event such as this just to see how totally excited the dogs are to race.  They are born to pull and they are very excited to be able to compete in these races.  It is amazing to see how much barking and excitement the teams exhibit before the race, but the minute they get the start signal, it is all business for these dogs.  They are off in a flash.  We hope you will enjoy the pictures.  Maybe we can get Dave to share some of his race stories next week.  Be sure to tell Dave you saw him next summer.  Hope to see you soon.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).  

Quetico Park

Permits are issued on a first come first served basis exactly 5 months to the day before your desired start day.  This year the park will open May 20th, 2011.