点评:I will start with why I choose Snow Forest. Dog sledding is a bucket list item and I have always wanted to do it. As I am not getting any younger, I decided it was time to book my adventure. And I am the type of person who is looking for a true experience; and not just a day trip on a sled ride. After reviewing their website and reading some reviews, I knew that Snow Forest was what I was looking for.
We booked our trip a few months in advance and we were immediately provided with a helpful guide. The guide included: what to expect on the trip, itinerary, meals and drinks, what to pack, what can be rented, accommodations, sledding commands etc. The guide was so detailed and helpful. I have never winter camped and the one night was -20; and no complaints here. We were all so well prepared thanks to the guide.
The drive into the park was beautiful and the parking location was easy to find. Upon arrival we were greeted by Craig and many barking dogs. The site of that many dogs just made it very real; and the anticipation grew. We were given a lesson and a lunch break, provided with some trail mix and a water bottle to keep. And have to mention, that the trail mix was not the standard, chocolate almonds get a big thumbs up. After lunch, we were given instructions on how to gear up our dogs and we were assigned to a team. Being responsible for my assigned dog team, caring for them, tending to them and gearing them up, a big part of the experience.
The afternoon was action packed with dog sledding into the deeps of Algonquin Park. I was amazed with so much beauty! As we approached camp, the only word that comes to mind 'surreal'. The camp was situated in the woods with a small clearing; and a small path at the back that takes you to a small lake. The entrance to camp was lined with several green dog houses where we transferred each dog to their own little house. And the silence…we were so remote that the dead silence was incredible and truly a rare experience.
My favourite memory, dead silence and then a sudden bark that turns to a howl and within seconds, all 27 dogs were howling. They called it the happy howls. It was such a beautiful thing.
Day 2 started with a hearty breakfast, some time for yourself which I spent with the dogs. Then we geared up our dogs for another run…and more Mother Nature beauty to witness! We arrived back at camp exhausted but excited to help with some chores and help feed the dogs. We made an outdoor fire and enjoyed some good times sharing stories with our fellow dog sledders.
Day 3 was a little disheartening because I knew I only had a few hours left with my pack. I spent all my free time with the dogs. I walked the line and greeted and thanked each dog for their hard work. And I can't tell you enough how amazing the Snow Forest dogs are. Each dog has a personality of their own, they are friendly and they love your attention. Some dogs loved butt scratches, others loved chest rubs, and some loved giving kisses. If I could, I would take each and every single dog home….they clearly left their mark on me.
In summary:
- Guides – Friendly, knowledgeable, great conversations and really enjoyed their company
- Accommodations – I have never winter camped so I have nothing to compare it to but it provided everything that we needed and it was very nice set up
- Lake – absolutely stunning. Its not every day that you see a lake with no shoreline lights. And seeing it at night under a full moon light and a sky filled with stars…words can not describe.
- Food – Considering there is no gourmet kitchen and your in the middle of the wilderness, the food was really good and hearty, snacks and appetizers were delish and cider, hot chocolate, juice and teas to hit the spot…happy camper here
- Adventure – coming from a city folk, the adventure blew my mind
- Physical abilities – you definitely need to be somewhat active to dog sled as it is not a simple sled ride; and the teamwork you experience with your dogs is just incredible
- Dogs – hands down the highlight of the trip
For those of you reading this, I hope you find it helpful to decide if you are right for this adventure. And if you do decide to book with Snow Forest, you will not be disappointed.
翻译:我将从为什么选择雪林开始。狗拉雪橇是我的遗愿清单项目,我一直想做。由于我不再年轻,我决定是时候预订我的冒险了。我是那种寻求真实体验的人;而不仅仅是乘坐雪橇的一日游。在查看了他们的网站并阅读了一些评论之后,我知道 Snow Forest 就是我要找的。
我们提前几个月预订了行程,并立即获得了有用的指南。该指南包括:旅途中的期望、行程、餐饮、打包物品、可以租用的物品、住宿、雪橇命令等。该指南非常详细且很有帮助。我从来没有冬令营,那一晚是-20;这里没有抱怨。多亏了向导,我们都做好了充分的准备。
开车进入公园很漂亮,停车位置很容易找到。抵达后,克雷格和许多狂吠的狗迎接了我们。这么多狗的所在地使它变得非常真实;期望值越来越高。我们得到了一堂课和午休时间,并提供了一些混合干果和一瓶水。不得不提的是,混合混合不是标准的,巧克力杏仁得到了很大的赞许。午餐后,我们得到了如何装备我们的狗的说明,我们被分配到一个团队。负责我指定的狗队,照顾他们,照顾他们并为他们做好准备,这是体验的重要组成部分。
下午充满了狗拉雪橇进入阿尔冈昆公园深处的活动。我被这么多的美丽惊呆了!当我们接近营地时,脑海中浮现的唯一词是“超现实”。营地位于树林中,有一小块空地。后面有一条小路,可以带你到一个小湖。营地的入口处排列着几个绿色的狗屋,我们将每只狗转移到他们自己的小房子里。还有寂静……我们是如此遥远,以至于死一般的寂静令人难以置信,而且确实是一种难得的体验。
我最喜欢的记忆,一片死寂,然后是突然的吠声,然后变成嚎叫,几秒钟之内,所有 27 只狗都在嚎叫。他们称之为快乐的嚎叫。这是一件多么美好的事情。
第 2 天以丰盛的早餐开始,我和狗一起度过了一些属于自己的时间。然后我们让我们的狗准备好再次奔跑……还有更多大自然的美丽可以见证!我们回到营地时筋疲力尽,但很高兴能帮忙做些家务和喂狗。我们在户外生了火,并享受了与我们的狗拉雪橇伙伴分享故事的美好时光。
第 3 天有点令人沮丧,因为我知道我的背包只剩下几个小时了。我把所有的空闲时间都花在了狗身上。我走上队伍,向每只狗致意并感谢他们的辛勤工作。我无法告诉你雪林犬有多么神奇。每只狗都有自己的个性,它们很友善,喜欢您的关注。有些狗喜欢抓屁股,有些喜欢抚摸胸部,还有一些喜欢亲吻。如果可以的话,我会把每只狗都带回家……它们显然在我身上留下了印记。
总之:
- 导游——友善、知识渊博、交谈愉快,非常喜欢他们的陪伴
- 住宿——我从来没有参加过冬令营,所以我没有什么可以比较的,但它提供了我们需要的一切,而且布置得非常好
- 湖 - 绝对令人惊叹。不是每天都能看到没有海岸线灯的湖。晚上在满月和满天繁星下看到它……无法用言语形容。
- 食物——考虑到这里没有美食厨房,而且你在荒野中,食物真的很好吃,很丰盛,小吃和开胃菜很美味,苹果酒、热巧克力、果汁和茶都很适合……这里是快乐的露营者
- 冒险——来自一个城市人,冒险让我大吃一惊
- 身体能力——狗拉雪橇不是简单的雪橇活动,你肯定需要稍微活跃一点;你和你的狗一起经历的团队合作真是不可思议
- 狗 - 无疑是这次旅行的亮点
对于阅读本文的人,我希望它有助于您决定自己是否适合这次冒险。如果您决定预订 Snow Forest,您一定不会失望。