I arrived at Wintergreen Lodge in time for dinner and sat down with my fellow mushers and guides who were warm and friendly. I'd missed a day because of a snow storm and the next morning was eager to get out to the dogs.

The guides not only guided you on the trail, took care of anyone who had a problem with the dogs and then cooked you dinner! The accommodations are basic with shared bathrooms but the trails are lovely.

There are annoyances along the way -- besides the missed day, there was also one frustrating day due due to a family with sullen teenagers, but on my last day I was with a small group and it was magical sledding through the woods while snow was falling.

The dogs are incredibly smelly and rambunctious, but you cannot help but love them and will want to come back.

So you don't miss anything like I did -- plan to arrive a day early, stay in Ely and visit the wolf sanctuary. Also it is a lot of work, be ready to push and move. more