My guess is that there’s not too many places in the United States east of Alaska where you can go dogsledding and enjoy ocean views during your trip. Luckily for me, two old friends from Outward Bound invited me up to the Camden, ME area for a day of dogsledding. (Alright, I invited myself up there… but what are friends for?)
Aimee and Ben are wonderful folks with a family of 14+ “sled pets” (sled dogs) who have lovingly developed an incredible relationship with each of them. If you have never been dogsledding… go… go right now. It’s akin to skiing deep powder, to sailing on an old wooden boat, or catching a perfect glassy wave. It’s quiet, it’s pure and utterly beautiful.
What I loved most about dogsledding was the enthusiasm and unique personalities of each of the dogs. They absolutely adored being out the trail, and while the tuglines and sled are being setup, the dogs are barking, whining, jumping and moaning… as they know they’re getting ready for a team run.
Ben & Aimee built a carrier for their pickup truck… that the dogs try to jump into on their own.
The cedar chip lined nest…
Taking the sled off the top of the truck… with the dogs supervising.
In anticipation… the howling begins.
The barking too (one of the sweetest dogs… looking pretty tough here).
Then the jumping and lunging… to say that they were patiently waiting would be a lie.
Finally… the team is underway. The roar of the barking and whining falls silent immediately… and is replaced by the unified effort of the team. Quietly gliding through the woods is spectacular.
It’s pretty amazing to see animals working together… like a single organism moving through the woods. Quiet, heads down… focused effort.
Coming down a steep hill… Ben’s standing on the brake.
I just love the look of that dog in the back… intense, exhausted and moving.
Climbing up the hills.
A small, beautiful little cabin we passed… the perfect place to get in from the cold and have hot cocoa.
After the run, the dogs are pampered with food… and some “doggie gatorade” to rehydrate them and get some additional calories back into them.
So… if you get a chance this winter, and you’re anywhere near Camden, Maine… take a trip with Aimee and Ben. It’s an incredible way to see our coastal mountains, to stave off cabin fever, and to have a low impact, eco and family friendly adventure you won’t soon forget. Their “Blockhouse Pursuits Sled Dogs” can be reached at 207.763.4105, and they do half day and full day trips that are just incredible. Tell them Brian sent you and you’ll get free extra dog kisses from each of the pups!
BLOCKHOUSE PURSUITS
Aimee Leclerc and Ben Hoops
189 Heal Road
Lincolnville, ME 04849
Phone: (207) 763 4105
ben’s cell (207) 975 2546
aim’s cell (207) 542 0608
Liz Como - And you could have gone with us if you could only get inland!!!! Great photos Brian, you captured some of the crazy intensity of the venture, it’s addictive to say the least. Also lots of metaphorical connections with teamwork. Come up to Fort Kent at the end of Feb for the Can Am of better yet come to Bridgton Jan 24 and 25 for the WInter Carnival, you can stay at our house.
brianwedge - I’m hooked!! (Well, maybe not so hooked that I need 14 more dogs), but I can’t wait to go again! Would love to see you and that beautiful daughter of yours too!
Christa - These are stellar! So much energy and excitement. I want lots more dogs and an adventure with Hoops and Aimee. I passed on this link to a bunch of friends to cheer up a cold day. Thanks for beautiful photos, over and over again. hugs to hoku and christine!
Christine Malia - These are great! SO bummed I had to miss out on all the fun….Damn the 9-5!!
Innkeeper Jason - Wow! Excellent photos. I feel like I just went dog sledding. How invigorating!
Alison - jason, agreed — this took me right out of my climate-controlled office and into the crisp, bright winter weather, rushing along silently through the woods with those incredible dogs leading the way. great post and photos, brian.
stacy t - great work. love your photography. been beating around your blog all morning while it snows in NY. have a camp on beech hill in otis – ever do any one on one mentoring/workshop’y stuff? i come up for the summers. thanks!
brianwedge - Hi Stacy! Thanks for your kind comments… and YES, we hold workshops every year in Maine at our Boathouse Studio (Harpswell, ME). I love teaching and sharing and will add you to our mailing list once we set the dates for the workshop. Would love to have you!
stacy t - will keep tabs on your blog and watch out for workshops. would love something about the photojournalistic approach towards photography and how you can apply it towards weddings and potraits. i’m a life style photographer not a posed, sit here, sit there photographer.
brianwedge - Absolutely! The sled dogs (and most other folks in front of our cameras) don’t tolerate tedious, unnatural, contrived poses… so you’re not alone!