PUWWA2009

Group shot

The Cheryl and Sandy team followed by Jenn's three dog team

Stacy lead by Klaus with Tukisi and Isis in wheel

Mary on her solo run with a 4 dog team

Watching others being harnessed to run

This year's Points Unknown Women's Winter Adventure was held from February 5th to February 8th at the Points Unknown cabin off the Arrowhead Trail and north of Grand Marais, MN, USA. Six women traveled from central and southeastern Minnesota and Iowa to attend. The adventure was an intense introduction to Dog Mushing.

The adventure began with temps in the 20s during the day, making it up into the 30s on the final two days of the weekend. Overnight temps were in the teens to the 30s. We had an overall mild weather weekend compared with last year's adventure that saw temps in the 20s below zero during the day!

Through a process of fully supported small steps, the participants learn to run a team of sled dogs through the scenic bush trails of northern Minnesota with and without a passenger.

Our mushers-in-training were excited to begin the fun; balance training, dog handling and care, harnessing, etc. Our new mushers proved to be very quick learners and had many successful runs with the dogs.

In addition to dog mushing there were moonlight snowshoe hikes, excellent meals from Scott at Corner Table, rousing card games and lots of fun conversation.

Question of the weekend - "Will there be an advanced Dog Mushing Adventure in the future?" Plans are in the works for such an adventure in 2010. You must have already attended a Points Unknown Adventure to attend. After a quick refresher, we'll spend the next two full days on the trails with the dogs and head back each evening to the cabin. If interested, please reserve your space as soon as you see it posted on the Points Unknown website as this year's adventure filled quickly!

Scott, Chris and Karen..... you all add so much to these adventures! Thanks so much for all of your thoughtful hard work!