I like to think I’ve done some pretty adventurous things in my life time. In 1994, I drove across the country with my friend Emily to attend the 25th Woodstock Reunion. For whatever reason, spending hundreds of dollars on a concert ticket, driving across the country to sleep in a tent surrounded by thousands of other people sounded like fun. I can’t remember if we told our parents what we were doing but even if we did, there was no way they could stop two twenty-year olds from taking in the concert of a lifetime. We thought we were going to experience three days of peace, love and happiness only to encounter three days of rain, mud and commercialism. You would think after that experience I would be hesitant when Emily suggested another adventure, dog sledding in Northern Minnesota, but instead I signed up as quickly as she could say snow dog.
Before I mailed off my check, I should have read the fine print. Or maybe it’s intentional that they don’t give you ALL the details of the trip until you pay your non-refundable deposit. In my glee of getting to “play with puppies” I missed the part about modern outhouses. What exactly is a modern outhouse you ask? Well, I had the same question. I started to research the subject and then stopped. After seeing a few pictures, I didn’t want to know anymore.
I also failed to read some other minor details. You know the ones that tell you that there is no cell or Internet service! Learning to deal with a modern outhouse is one thing (I can hold it like the best of them) but no Internet service? How will I survive without checking Twitter, Instagram and Facebook every day? I can’t remember the last time I didn’t check my emails while waiting in line at the grocery store or hop on Facebook in the evening to chat with my friends.
After several weeks of making snarky remarks about the “living” conditions, I decided tonight to quit complaining and start enjoying. After it, this trip covers almost of my resolutions for 2013. I’m going unplugged (though a LOT more unplugged than I ever imagined), I’m experiencing more (who else can say they’ve mushed their own team of sled dogs), and I’m spending more time with family and friends and hopefully, will make some new ones. I’ll get to snow shoe for the first time, eat home-cooked meals and connect with nature. And best of all (not to take away from spending time with family and friends), I get to hang out with these guys from Wintermoon Summersun:
All images courtesy of Wintermoon SummerSun
Life is about living, going on new adventures and enjoying the moment, even if that moment is sitting in a modern outhouse. 
What adventures are you taking this year?
About Sarah
Oh, cute dogs)) haha, well, sorry, I’m a dog fan) but anyway the post is cool) Snow, here in Hawai we can have only plastic snow)) Thanks for a lovely blog) Will read you regulary!)))
I think you are pretty lucky to have a friend that drags you around on crazy adventures!
They may be few and far between these days, but we still manage to have a memorably fun time!
Yeah, I haven’t even written about our trip to Italy and the mosquito fiasco! Can’t wait to see what Ireland, Spain or where ever we end up going brings us.
I didn’t know you were doing the dog sledding in MN! I am from MN! More southern than where you are going, but I have traveled quite a bit in the northern region! Have fun and be sure to bring the camera! Northern MN is gorgeous!
This looks like all kinds of awesome! I agree with Emily – I think you’re lucky to have a friend to drag you on crazy adventures!
Oh that sounds like such a fun adventure! A Dog sled team! So cool! I don’t mind the outhouses or the no internet. I think it is worth it for the experience you will have.
I have a friend who makes me do crazy fun things, like your Emily. It’s a little harder since I have a child (and soon to be 2 of them), but she still keeps me young and I totally live vicariously through her.
love the pics!
Oh girl! You deserve a steaming cup of joe after a day of dog sledding. And the modern outhouse… so brave!
However it does sound as though you had a wonderful experience.
I’m planning a vacation for next winter.
Twitter: prettynameless
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Wow, you are way more adventurous than I am! Those dogs are gorgeous!
Twitter: Elleberra
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That sounds like it will be quite an adventure! I’m sure it will be worth it. That will be something to remember and tell your grandkids (and everyone else) about. You will have something to talk about for years!
Just make sure you take a heavy coat. Those dogs are not gonna share :p
Twitter: headant
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Talk about an adventure! That last do is sooo cute.
Twitter: twitter.com/parentpalace
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I’ve always been curious about dog sledding. We don’t get much snow where I live, but I’ve seen some movies. Sounds like n awesome adventure!