Today’s photos come to us from Judy Byykkonen, of her newest passion, Skijoring with her four-legged partner Zelda. I asked Judy for some background information, since I don’t know anything about her new sport. Here is some of what she told me: Skijoring is a Norwegian word that translates as “ski driving”. It’s a cross between mushing dog teams and skiing, combining the principles of both. She said it’s much cheaper than mushing and you can use downhill, cross country or skate skis, a dog harness, rope and the belt for the skier. Your dog needs to be over 30 lbs, energetic and have a love of running. Judy said that both the dog and skier work, sometimes the skier is striding, particularly on hills. Sometimes you coast a bit and let the dog pull. Judy said it’s a good workout, as you are on skies, using poles and holding the rope at times to help control the dog and she added that good balance helps. Judy is enthusiastic, saying it is a wonderful dog/human sport, working together with your dog and having a fun time together.

Judy added that you should train your dog before skiing behind them, but she was anxious to get started and rushed into it. Zelda would take off suddenly after a squirrel or another dog, but she did learn fast. She signed up for a Beginner’s Clinic at the MTU trails and found out the other clinic attendees were not real beginners like her and Zelda and they all knew the commands and took off when it was their turn. When the Judy/Zelda team turn came, Judy yelled the “hike” command and started to ski, hoping to get her running. Zelda went up the hill, but then stopped to smell every poop and pee spot and even ran off the trail, so it was a frustrating start. But Judy and another friend went out more times by themselves and before you know it their dogs were pulling and there was improvement with each outing. She added that there is such joy when your dog is running and you’re skiing, you’re a Team and you know all the hard work has paid off. Go, Judy and Zelda!!

Our video today, again comes from Ann Gasperich, with “Seconds of Solitude” at Hebard Park. Sit back and enjoy the calming, peace and quiet.

Nice!

How gorgeous is that Big Lake, eh!!

Looks like very little recent snowfall (hope I didn't jinx that), but still enough on the ground for great “ski driving”. I attempted to translate to Finnish and Google came up with "hiihtoajo".

I see that one of the big Covid19 data maps now shows one active case reported in Houghton County. Stay safe everyone. My son won't let me leave my house (a good thing I think). We've got spring temperatures blooming here in northern Illinois so cabin fever can become an issue. I very much appreciate the friendship shown at Pasty Central. I've got 8 pasties in the freezer waiting for the right moment to relish them (or maybe just one). Again, everyone stay safe.

Beautiful pic's & Pup and absolutely fantastic video!! Thanks for the trip, almost like being there right on the shoreline!!

D. A. (Midwested)
… Looks like very little recent snowfall (hope I didn't I attempted to translate to Finnish and Google came up with "hiihtoajo".

How about: "koirahiihtoon"?, literally= "dog skiiing",
vs. "hiihtoajo" = "dog driving".

c.f. "Maasto Hiihto" = Cross Country (Terrain) skiing"!