11 Day Cochrane to Moosonee Dog Sled Expedition: Please Call
Mush your own sled and dog team 225 miles (366 KM) along the voyageur route from Cochrane to James Bay on a remote northern dog sled expedition. Very demanding physically. All equipment included.
Return from Moosonee to Cochrane via the Polar Bear Express. Please call for details.
Expedition now going on Jan 18-28, 2010
Candidates must have previous multi day dog sled trip experience and be in good physical shape since this will be a demanding remote winter wilderness experience. Interested parties without previous experience will be required to do a multi day dog sled trip with us in Algonquin Park prior to booking the Moosonee trip.
We'll be covering approx. 25 miles a day driving your own sled with 6-8 dogs per team carrying food and supplies including tents, portable wood stoves and camping equipment. Once the trip has started out from the Moosonee area the will be no opportunity to bail out. You must finish the entire trip to Moosonee on Jmes Bay.
On trail accommodations will be wood stove heated tents with the possibility of a few cabins on route.
We plan to travel up to the staging point near Cochrane on the morning of Jan 18, spend in the night and then start out to Moosonee the next morning spending appox. 9-10 days on trail and a day or 2 in Moosonee before returning to Cochrane via the Polarbear Express on Jan 28 or 29th.
There will be a maximum of 7 participants plus 2 guides for this expedition.
Included in the trip fee:
8-9 days on trail driving your own sled and dog team.
Hotel in Moosonee
Return train Fare to Cochrane via Polar Bear Express
Food and accommodations on expeditionon.
Trip Fee: $TBA plus HST sales tax
Clothing Requirements
When considering your clothing for any winter trekking experience remember to layer loosely to stay warm. Your layers should be easy to remove as you warm up from exercise and conversely to add layers as you begin to cool. This is not the time to make a fashion statement or to bring everything you own. Remember the more you bring the more it will affect your progress. Most people can come up with practical layers without spending a fortune, if anything at all. Think of organizing your clothing into three different layers.
First Layer
This layer is next to your skin. It is important to wear something that will "wick" any moisture away from your skins surface. A synthetic material such as "polyester" works best but wool, silk and thermal underwear can provide adequate protection. Different material blends such as polypro/wool or polyester/wool blends provide an excellent compromise and sometimes are preferred.
Second Layer
This is your insulation layer. Any materials that will provide warmth will work in this layer. Synthetic materials such as polar fleece are ideal but not essential. Quite often sweaters of all kinds are used along with any warm loose fitting pants. Blue jeans or any cotton material are not recommended or acceptable for this activity. Wool is fine.
Third Layer
This layer is your protective outer layer and the key element to block out the wind and wetness of the snow. A loose fitting overcoat should provide the necessary protection. A ski jacket and pants can also be a good choice, but remember the water proof factor. If this layer is not waterproof there are safe products on the market to add protection, such as Scotch Guard sprays and Dubbins.
Extremities
Your hands and feet are the first appendages that will become cold. Protecting your feet will require wool socks and warm boots with removable liners. Hiking boots or ski boots are not adequate. Warm mitts with pull out liners for general use and thin gloves for handling and harnessing the dogs are both essential. Do not forget that a warm wool hat will keep 60% of your body heat from escaping.
| Check List | ||
| Boots (removable Liners) | Extra Boot Liners | Socks (3 pair) |
| Pants (1 outer, 1 inner) | No Denim | Long Underwear |
| Sweaters (2) | Jacket | Neck/Face Protection |
| Hat (wool) | Mittens (2 pairs) | Gloves (1 pair) |
| Winter Coat/Parka | Sleeping Bag (-20 degrees celsius) | Small Flashlight |
Remember your Toiletries
Pack in plastic bags to waterproof clothing. Use duffle bags. Please, no packs with frames.
Optional
Personal items such as sunscreen,
lip balm, camera, a light pair of boots and a change of clothing for camp could
be included at your discretion. We also recommend that you bring a supply of
disposable hand and foot warmers.
Rental Sleeping Bags
The following clothing is available for rent. Advanced reservation is required for any rental clothing.
| Sleeping Bag | $10.00 per trip |
Rates do not include applicable taxes
Clients wanting increased comfort may wish to bring their own thermarests.