We would be happy to supply a list of satisfied customers.
Fred & Jennifer:
Thank you for the great photos! We really liked the photo with Jaime
looking back on the sled - I plan to get that one framed. We had a fantastic
time and fully anticipate coming up next year. Hopefully we can bring a
friend or two.
See you next year!
Joe, Diane and Jaime
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Dear Jennifer & Fred:
I wanted to write you a letter to let you both know how much Greg and I enjoyed ourselves on Saturday. We both have traveled quite a bit and have experienced a lot of things, but never have we experienced what we did dog sledding. At first I have to admit, I was nervous having never been before, but within a few minutes of steering the team, I became very comfortable and loved every second of it. The dogs are so amazing and are so energetic! I’m glad I was able to get my camera to work; I was able to take some really great pictures of the dogs and the beautiful scenery. We are telling everyone we know what a great time we had and what an amazing job you all do at WTO! We can’t wait to come back and go again.
Again, thank you so much.
Alison Passino
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Being a winter
sports enthusiast, x-country ski, ice climbing, ice fishing etc. I sought out a
new winterland experience at Wilderness Trail Outfitters in the age old travel
of dogsledding. Fred Powers and partner Jennifer Lackie provide an
exhilarating, transcending, tour of the Hiawatha National Forest. On a recent
Saturday morning in January, I became familiar with my dogsled, the drive bow
(never let go of the drive bow) snub line, drag brake, and foot brake. As Fred
and Jennifer and dog handler Rick, prepare the sleds with various ropes and
harnesses, I made friends with a number of Alaskan Huskies. Once Fred and
company have the dog teams in place with their individual sleds; the
anticipation by the dogs is similar to being in a concert hall when the lights
dim and the band hits the stage. The roar of those chosen, versus the roar of
those left behind. !
Fred mounts his sled, and then looks
over his shoulder to see if I have my snub line in hand. Fred nods to dog
handler Rick, and he is gone. Rick tells me to go ahead and release my snub
line, and now I am off and running. Running is an understatement. Rocketing
through the woods behind 5 Alaskan Huskies. For myself, I thought I was awake,
but having released my snub line I have never been as wide awake and alert and
aware of the present moment, than any other time of my waking life. Truly, the
power of these dogs, the chill of winter, the isolation of the Hiawatha National
Forest, some 1600 square miles, sets Wilderness Trail Outfitters apart from the
rest of ! other dogsledding adventures. One needs
to remember all of their childhood sledding skills. Earlier in the day, I had
taken a hard right turn and flipped my sled and myself onto my left side
(remember, never let go of the drive bow) as instructed I yelled "Stop and Stay"
as the party carried on and the team stopped immediately. Its one thing to
sled down a hill, but, sledding down a hill with 5 Alaskan Huskies running as
fast as they can, brings one close to touching the astral plane. We stopped for
lunch, were we had a campfire and Fred cooked some hot chocolate and a pasty( a
local pastry loaded with beef, carrots, potatoes) and breath in the great
outdoors.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan located between Lake
Superior and Lake Michigan containing thousands of miles of wilderness,
marshlands, and lakes. Simply put "Gods Country." Having completed lunch, the
campfire extinguished, we traveled onward to the close of the day. I survived,
smiling, and thrilled because, I was coming back for one more day. I can't
thank Fred and Jennifer enough, I'm already planning a trip for next year.
Jim H 2008
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We had an absolutely wonderful experience dog sledding at the Wilderness Trail Outfitters. We started out in a bit of a panic as the take off pace is FAST! But our very relaxed leader, Fred Powers, was driving the team in front of us and set a more manageable pace. Jennifer Lackie had given us thorough instructions before our “takeoff” and Fred continued to answer our questions throughout the day.
Our critical learning curve was just that – stay to the outside going into the curve and get inside as you turn! We were not, perhaps, the quickest studies and it took several curves and flips into the soft soft snow, but at the end of the day we ached more from laughing that from anything else.
The experience was “real.” The dogs are beautiful, extremely well taken care of and very well behaved. They were so QUIET – except for getting started! What a great way to take in the beautiful winter wonderland of the Hiawatha National Forest. We never heard or saw another person all day!
We are not in the greatest shape and are not spring chickens either but the fact is that all ages would enjoy this trip.
We want to go again! And we will – unless someone puts a limit on fun!
Ron & Sara Basso, Mushers Extraordinaire!
2008
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Terrific pictures Fred. Wilderness Outfitters is pretty popular right
now. Our friends and the boys' friends now want to try it out. If I
can help out the business, that's good too. That was a great day for
us, thanks to you and the crew for a fabulous time.
Les
Fred,
My first very much anticipated dog sledding experience was
sensational! You are a likable person with various experiences and
interesting stories which you were willing to share. You are
personable and are easy to communicate with. Your dogs are well
disciplined, healthy, and eager to please.....and that is good.
Fortunately for me we had plenty of snow (except it was a little
warm) and the dog sledding experience was awesome. You made sure that
either I had control of the dog team or that you did....and that too
was a good thing. You were always close by to monitor both my
pleasant experience and/or to monitor the dogs. I felt privileged to
have had the individual attention and the opportunity to have had a
safe and pleasant, but yet an exciting experience. There should be no
reason for anyone to have reservations or fears about having a joyful
time dog sledding.
Finally, perhaps the best part, is all of the memories that I will
forever have because you continuously took pictures and then emailed
them all to me, at least 50-60 well photographed
digital pictures, and I thank you again.
Respectfully yours,
Ken Richards
April, 2007
Fred,
Thanks for the pictures.
Our dogsledding trip with you was better than we could have imagined.
The dogs were amazing - very well behaved and ready to go. You were a
great teacher and guide and the sledding was exciting. The entire
experience was a real adventure - learning to drive the sled
(especially around corners!), interacting with the dogs, taking in the
scenery, and enjoying the ride. We recommend this to anyone who is
looking for a unique adventure. And definitely have this on our list
of things to do again!
Regards,
Ken, Sue, Lauren, and Emily
We had a great time with Fred, Jennifer and the "kids" this week.! We were novices at this and felt at home with this entire experience. Try it! Dave Gelwicks
Fred and Jennifer: Carl, Eric and I enjoyed the rides last Saturday and Sunday. It was a wonderful and fun experience. Being able to interact with all the dogs made all the difference in the world; it was a very rewarding bonding experience. You both are great hosts and have lots of patience with newcomers like us. We can't wait to come back next winter. When Carl and I come back to the UP camping during the summer we will call you. Thanks again! Carl Hendricksen, Leonor Hendricksen and Eric Clough, D.V.M.
Dear Fred and Jennifer,
I've had many highlights in my life of 77 years, yet having gone on a training run with you, Jennifer, in a golf cart with eleven Alaskan Huskies was certainly the highlight of 2007.
Normally, I'm viewing the scenery while riding with anyone in any type of vehicle. Not this time. I am still fascinated with how well you managed your team and how well they responded to your commands in directing them "over hill and over dale," around corners, and running on flat land during the 14 miles we traveled through the forest. The mutual love and respect demonstrated was amazing.
Then, Jennifer, in response to my compliment over your handling the dogs, you said "You have to watch Fred with his 14 dog team."
I got a small chance when you returned from your 21 mile training run, Fred.
While you both provide water for them during the run, the first thing upon return is to water and feed the dogs. The dogs again quietly drink and eat. The next thing is to release the dogs from their harnesses and the line. Fred, you don't need to hold onto any team member to return them to their houses ... they are loose singly or in pairs while releasing others. They stay in the immediate area, some 'marking' their spots, others simply returning to their house. One, who you said likes to dance, stuck by you and you danced with him. It was obvious, each one loved and respected you.
I took my four year old Alaskan Husky with me to your kennel as I bought her from you last summer. I wanted to see how she would react to being back ... no problems whatsoever.
Fred, you told me in one of our first discussions that Sweetheart was an excellent lead dog on a team yet she preferred to lay on the couch in your house. That is true. And it's true that she is a Sweetheart, although her name is now Sweetie. I was losing some unneeded weight as I'd leash and exercise her ... she is a puller. Now, using the commands you taught me, she's loose while we walk. Sweetie enjoys sniffing the area where the deer, turkeys, and any other wildlife could have been. Sometimes she's behind me, sometimes she's in front of me, sometimes she's by my side ... always responding to my 'come.'
Having always had Golden or Labrador Retrievers or Samoyeds, this is my first experience with an Alaskan Husky. It will not be my last.
You will see me again this winter as I now need to experience a two hour dogsled tour on the snow with a dogsled.
In gratitude for a memorable time, Marie, fall of 2008
