Hearts race and pulses quicken as the teams head into the starting chute, the breath of the anxious dogs filling the air with steamy blasts. Then, as the sun rises over the frozen heaves of Lake Superior, the signal is given and they’re off in a blurred fury of brilliant colors and snow, charging ahead into the raw wilderness to the encouraging calls of their mushers.
–Bayfield Chamber of Commerce
Last weekend marked our third year in attendance of the Apostle Island Sled Dog Race. The mild weather paved the way for quite a turn out of spectators. We arrive a little past the start time and were directed to park along highway 13 instead of the inside the gavel pit trailhead. We missed the 10 & 6 dog races, but did get down the trail a bit in time to catch the remaining Sportsmens’, Family/Rec, and Youth races.
The sights and sounds never disappoint. The excited chatter of dogs along with the cheer of the spectators could no doubt be heard quite a ways off. My absolute favorite, though, is the piercing look in the dogs eyes as they do what they love.
Here are a few shots from the 2016 Apostle Island Sled Dog Race event.
Race Photo
Scott Edgett, Babbit, MN
Scott Edgett, Babbit, MN
Scott Edgett, Babbit, MN
Julie Schmelzer, Kimbal, MN
Julie Schmelzer, Kimbal, MN
Talia Martens, Brule, WI
Talia Martens, Brule, WI
Talia Martens, Brule, WI
Talia Martens, Brule, WI
Bill Wehsler, Tofte, MN
Bill Wehsler, Tofte, MN
Niina Baum, Kennan, WI
Niina Baum, Kennan, WI
Neal Seeger, Detroit Lakes, MN
Neal Seeger, Detroit Lakes, MN
Neal Seeger, Detroit Lakes, MN
Linus Meyer, Melrose, MN
Linus Meyer, Melrose, MN
Linus Meyer, Melrose, MN
Dan Brock, Phillips, WI
Dan Brock, Phillips, WI
Dan Brock, Phillips, WI
Erin Becker, Wait Park, MN
Erin Becker, Wait Park, MN
Erin Becker, Wait Park, MN
Terri Grout, Chatham, MI
Terri Grout, Chatham, MI
Terri Grout, Chatham, MI
Caroline Ray, Washburn, WI
Caroline Ray, Washburn, WI
Caroline Ray, Washburn, WI
Caroline Ray, Washburn, WI
Alyssa King, Sarona, WI
Alyssa King, Sarona, WI
Alyssa King, Sarona, WI
Ruth M. King, Sarona, WI
Ruth M. King, Sarona, WI
Ruth M. King, Sarona, WI
Ruth M. King, Sarona, WI
Greta Thiel, Bayfield, WI
Greta Thiel, Bayfield, WI
Greta Thiel, Bayfield, WI
Greta Thiel, Bayfield, WI
Nevaeh Johnson, Ogdensburg, WI
Nevaeh Johnson, Ogdensburg, WI
Nevaeh Johnson, Ogdensburg, WI
Morgan Martens, Brule, WI
Morgan Martens, Brule, WI
Morgan Martens, Brule, WI
Morgan Martens, Brule, WI
Janet Martens, Brule, WI
Janet Martens, Brule, WI
Janet Martens, Brule, WI
Jim Lynch, Bayfield, WI
Jim Lynch, Bayfield, WI
Jim Lynch, Bayfield, WI
Jim Lynch, Bayfield, WI
George Newago, Bayfield, WI
George Newago, Bayfield, WI
George Newago, Bayfield, WI
Kelsey Beaber, Mountain, WI
Kelsey Beaber, Mountain, WI
Kelsey Beaber, Mountain, WI
Kelsey Beaber, Mountain, WI
Pre/Post Race Photos
Nevaeh Johnson
Nevaeh Johnson
Kelsey Beaber
Kelsey Beaber
Kelsey Beaber
Kelsey Beaber
Related
Really nice. I never knew before this year how hard it is to get a good picture of a team in action – stopping the movement and keeping the dogs and the musher in focus! Congrats on your lovely shots. Looks like a fun race.
Thank you
Great photos! Until next year…
You’re right about the dog’s eyes. These are great images, Dan, that capture the energy, the spirit, the essence of the race. If you’re not already selling your photos to the Bayfield Chamber, you need to contact them.