However, when I cracked my eyes open reality began to swing.
The first sign that things were different was the sky. The sliver of a crescent moon was hanging low and heavy, but the stars were not the ones I'm familiar with and call 'friends' on long winter nights. Except Orion he's almost always to be found.
As dawn creeped in it became apparent that the terrain was drastically different then the locations I normally hang out with sled dogs. Dust and karoo bushes were the most obvious features - and if I had sat still in the same place long enough, springbok and meerkats would have likely made an appearance!! Much different then moose and coyotes.
There were strange looking dogs trailers, scooters, rigs and bikes - but as harnesses came out and countdowns began the familiarity again took hold.
This is my sport - whether it be on snow in Canada or Alaska or wheeled rigs in South Africa - the spirit and passion is the same. It is about the dogs - honoring their drive and spirit. I feel privileged to have witnessed it 'South African' style!!
3 comments:
Those dogs are beautiful even with no snow on the ground!
How wonderful for you to be able to experience the beauty of the dogs...anywhere. What a great trip...can't wait to hear more.
Tammy
Hey there Karen..
That's my beautiful country you are talking about!
I'm not sure where you were (Because the 'Karoo' is a vast area) , but soon some of that dusty landscape will be transformed into a mass of flowers of different kinds. The place I am talking about is Namaqualand!
Each year, after the first Spring rains, the countryside is transformed - as if someone has taken a paintbrush and passed it over the vast landscape - to produce a wash of exquisite colour. For miles and miles, all you see is flowers!
Can you imagine the dogs in that setting too?!
Thank you for sharing this adventure of yours!
Sending lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
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