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Note the wind on the tops A white christmas in the making sled and load. There is no cracking of the whip as all commands are given by voice, which is why it is important for you to spend time talking, patting and getting to know your dogs before you start. These are smart critters, as they soon latch on to your voices, which is great, as there would be up to eight teams on the trail at a time. In relating to these traditional huskies, we soon developed a new- found perspective for the meaning of honest teamwork and respect for the dogs as they took us on an exciting journey. "Hike!" got them moving. "Mush!" or "Good puppies!" gave them encouragement. An Inuit word means "Crack on the pace!" but we did not need to use this and mush works as well. "Easy puppies!" slowed them down and on the command "Whoa!" they knew the brakes were about to come on and the sled would stop. The sleds are strong, lightweight and slippery. There is a weatherproof load bag and rugs for passengers to protect their legs and bum from the chills. The sleds are tethered and anchored while the dogs are hitched up. I was allowed to be the sled driver, and once everything was loaded and we were ready to move off I mounted the rear skids or rails and put one foot hard on the brake. It was like driving two large spikes into the snow. By this time the dogs were becoming excited as they could see the sled tether being released from a handy tree in preparation for action. At this stage they could pull the twin claw anchor out if they gave a premature heave, with dangerous results. Once we were ready, I leant down and lifted the claw hooking on the inside of the handrail as we waited for our guide to lead off. "Hike!" I said and we were away in a bound, as the amazing power of six dogs was unleashed and I had to concentrate on the trail. It was all quite surreal as it was still snowing as we headed off in the twilight. The chatter started as each driver encouraged the dogs, who were not ashamed to look back at us as we started to climb a hill to remind us that the driver has got to help by getting off and pushing. If the speed is up we pushed with a one-legged skating motion and it was amazing just how much this assisted the dogs. I soon learnt it was all about timing. As I gave a good thrust with my leg and took the load off the sled the dogs were able to leap into the next step ahead as the load came on again. The dogs appreciated the help and responded in kind as we kept up with the professional guide and his team of eight ahead. Over the hill and down we went and it was time to apply the brakes so we didn't overtake the dogs and drove by, leaning into the turns to control the sled. Man, this was some fun as we faced another climb. The names of the dogs are remembered and called to encourage them. "Left, Gregor" or "Right, Shearer", "Go Hilo and Donally", "Good puppies, Gator and Mutt!" I yelled as the power dogs added grunt to the ride. Pooh! What was that smell? A dog's fart was an early warning that the next thing down the track would be the goods! "Easy puppies" The Snowy Owl dog team was the command as we slowed and then "Whoa" brought us to a stop to allow one of our team to have a comfort stop. If it's number ones the dogs can cope on the run, but if it's number twos it was best to be the nice guy and stop the team or we could have ended up in a tangled mess. Luckily, the dogs knew to wait for the easy going and not to pull a comfort stop on the climb. Our journey was some 20km over a snow-covered timberland trail around the frozen Spray Lake, part of the local hydro scheme. As darkness closed in we returned to the base camp to a campfire and hot cider and a chocolate cookie with smiles and grins all- round. It would be fair to say I am a convert and I would love to return, even if only to do one of the overnight Ghost of Fortune Mountain tours or longer. It is said that if you spend a few hours on these alluring trails, becoming one with the dogs and in touch with the wilderness, you'll be a changed person. You can only experience it to believe it. For a pump to suit every possible fluid handling task, available in a range of voltages. Contact us for an obligation-free quote or advice for supply and installation. GENERAL MARINE SERVICES LIMITED Part of the Gianneschi international support network. 196 Pakenham Street West Westhaven Auckland New Zealand Phone: + 64 9 309 6317 Facsimile: + 64 9 309 6897 Email: sales@generalmarine.co.nz www.generalmarine.co.nz March/April 2012 Professional Skipper 33 GMS_NZPS_QPV_giann.indd 1 21/09/2009 7:28:58 p.m. V