Letting dogs lead across Nevada back country

Penny Fleming

I have a “must do before I die” list of things I want to do. Dog

sledding was high on this list.

I searched the Internet for dog sledding and decided to go to a

place that was easy to get to and offered other fun adventures for my

family. Husky Express in Nevada was just perfect.

We flew to Reno and then to Tahoe, rented a car and drove an hour

south to Hope Valley. Husky Express had a permit to use the 500 acres

of pristine back country. Our ride was not interrupted by any other

sound other than the sound of the sled blades gliding across the

snow.

We arrived at this massive valley and were immediately greeted by

Dottie, the owner of the teams. After a brief introduction to the dog

team of Alaskan huskies that were attached to the sleds with brightly

colored harnesses to a central wire, we learned that dogs are not

driven with reins, but spoken words.

My husband and I each had one child and eight dogs (and a guide)

to take us on the tour of a lifetime. After the introduction, we were

tucked into a comfy, warm sled to enjoy the ride.

“Hike!” And the dogs were off. The strength of the dogs running

kicked up bits of snow. When we took off, I hugged my daughter Annie

and said, “I cannot believe I am finally doing this.” I started to

cry.

I really liked dog sledding. I asked Dottie about the word mush,

and she said, “Only in the movies.” I didn’t have the heart to tell

her that we had watched “Snow Dogs” to get ready.

“Gee!” she yelled, and the dogs made a right turn. “Haw!” and they

went left.

We traversed the valley with amazing speed. Our guide told us

stories about the mountains. Once near the lake, it was time for us

to drive the team. Annie, 8, and Michael, 9, were ready.

“Hike,” and we were off with Iditarod speed. My husband and I were

cuddled under the wool blankets as we watched as the kids handled the

dogs. I knew that I wanted to do this again, so it went back on my

list of must dos.

But this time, I want to go for much longer, and maybe do it in

Alaska.

* PENNY FLEMING is a Newport Beach resident.

* TRAVEL TALES runs on Sundays. Have you, or someone you know,

gone on an interesting vacation? Tell us about your adventures in

about 400 words, accompanied by a couple of photos to choose from

that do not have the Daily Pilot in them, and send them to Travel

Tales, 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or e-mail

coral.wilson@latimes.com; or fax to (949) 646-4170.