Dog sledding (vintage)

[boneaddict]

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[Idabooner]

This is a better look at the biggest load ever, 432 lbs., 1st pic.   They are in Azurite pass, taking a break before going over.  Usually the wind blows the snow hard on top. Dad said a few times they couldn't git across the pass because of wind.  L to R is Dad ( ED Kikendall) his brother in law (Bud Hough) and a mine worker. The lead dog is setting on the far right, (King) a Siberian Husky.

[jackelope]

keep it coming plz...one of the greatest threads ever...

[Wea300mag]

I don't see any Goretex or Thinsulate on any of those guys, how did they survive?

[huntingnut]

Those are some awesome pics and great stories. It's great to hear about peoples heritage, especially when it comes from the family and it's right here is Washington.

[boneaddict]

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[boneaddict]

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[boneaddict]

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[Slenk]

I don't see any Goretex or Thinsulate on any of those guys, how did they survive?

Wool and Smarts . And ways we don't see anymore .

[Idabooner]

Reply #20   Lucky this time, it's an easier snow slide to get across, must have been a heavier load or expected a tough trail, there's 9 dogs, the usual team for Dad was 7 dogs and 5 for his brother. They would put the two teams together for big loads as in Reply #15 or for a short distance of real tough trail, then double back and pick up the other sled.  They did have a few spare dogs back at the kennels they could add to the teams or change off for sore feet, over worked, injuries, lameness etc.

Reply #21 Damn, probable have to lay out on the trail tonight, it's going to eat up the day just getting across this one.  It looks like a long ways across ( right side of pic.) Those ice balls are tough to break up (notice the loaded sled runners with a lot of air under them).  Dad had showed me trees with the limbs trimmed and sled runner rub marks on them 20 feet high. (after the snow melted).

Reply #22 Making time now, clear trail for a ways.  ( can you see the trail?)

[Wea300mag]

Slenk,

My post was just a jab at how weak todays outdoorsmen/women are compared to back then. I hunted back when wool was king, in fact, I still use wool pants, but those guys are quantum leaps tougher than me.

Idabooner,

Would your dad or other sled driver break the load up and haul it across the slide (reply #21) by hand a piece at a time, then get the empty sled across? or clear the path?

[boneaddict]

Not to speak for him, but I bet heunderstood what you were saying.  I know I did.  I have folks all the time harass me because I won't own a cell phone.  Well, what do you do if.......  I just smile.   My favorite hunting gear in real foul weather is still wool. 

[Hunting Cowboy]

I love the historic pictures and the information behind each. Thanks for posting these. It must be nice knowing so much first hand information about your family roots!

I also understood what you were saying Wea300mag, I worked in the woods many years ago and I still believe in wool for foul weather. (Oliver Hammer in Sedro still supplies some of the best clothing for outdoors/work)

[Idabooner]

Wea300mag,

I never heard of them breaking down a load, but it's sure an option. I think they would clear a path because it probably wouldn't slide again in that place for a while, and they were contracted to make 4 trips a month, that's 8 crossings.

[boneaddict]

I bet he was pretty handy with a snowshovel.  Thats a long trip in.  I sure wish you still had those snowshoes.  Now you know why I confiscated yours and won't let you have them back.  Do you have any dog harnesses hanging int eh garage that I need to pilfer?