Dogsled Tour Trip Preparation Guidelines |
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Following these guidelines will help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip under nearly all conditions. Briar's Patch Sled Dog Tour Rides operate under a wide variety of trail and weather conditions, and no refunds are given for weather unless we cancel the trip for safety reasons …please, come prepared to have a great time! |
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Getting to your adventure: Winter conditions prevail during most of our sledding season in the Oregon Cascades, which means often driving on snowy or icy roads. The departure point for most tour rides will be either Annie Creek Sno Park (on Highway 62), Crystalwood Lodge (on Westside Road ) or Cold Springs Sno Park (on Hwy 140). Each of these are state or county highways, well maintained year-round. Sno Parks are plowed as well, however in all cases spots of ice, slush or snow may exist due to current weather conditions. You are traveling in the mountains where the weather changes rapidly and that must be taken into account. Plan on traveling with traction tires and/or carrying chains should they be needed. You should also carry a shovel, again in case you need it should conditions change. Check road conditions at http://www.odot.state.or.us/home/01highways.htm
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| Enjoying your adventure: Proper clothing is key. DO NOT WEAR COTTON! Once it's wet, either from perspiration or external water like snow, it stays wet – and you get cold! Your driver reserves the right to cancel your ride if you are improperly prepared and doing the ride would possibly jeopardize your health or safety. Please note that tennis shoes or not acceptable footwear (see below).
Synthetic fabrics are best. It's also best to LAYER your clothing, so that you can put on/take off layers as needed. Keeping warm outdoors in the winter is pretty simple and easy. It requires paying attention to what you're wearing and if your body is becoming too warm or too cool. You don't want to get to the point of actually being hot or cold, since then it is much harder to get back into a comfortable equilibrium. So you need to pay attention to how you feel and anticipate adjusting your clothing – if the wind is picking up, put on a windproof layer before you get chilled, or if the sun is bright, take off a layer before you start to sweat.
Suggested clothing: Synthetic long underwear, top and bottom Liner socks under thick insulating socks Insulating layer top and bottom (fleece, wool, etc.) Windproof layer top and bottom (Nylon or Goretex, windbreaker, shell pants, etc.) Gloves/mittens (2 pair if possible, as they can get wet) Winter hat, which also should be synthetic and warm Winter boots (pac boots or waterproof boots) TENNIS SHOES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE or ALLOWED!
Optional clothing: Gaiters Additional headwear: scarf, neck gaiter, balaclava, ear band, facemask, etc. Hand, pocket or toe warmers (your driver will also have some available for purchase if needed) Liner gloves (for keeping warm when taking pictures or petting the dogs)
It's important to note that although it may be a calm day, you will actually be riding in a breeze on the sled as the dogs pull you forward, so plan on bringing windproof layers so that you can stay toasty while riding.
Hydration Your driver will provide hot refreshments either during or after your ride, depending on the length of the ride. It's important to begin your trip well hydrated. That means ensuring you had enough water, juice or drinks like Gatorade prior to your trip so that the dry mountain air will not dehydrate you. The longer you plan to be out, the more important this is. Annie Creek Sno Park and Crystalwood Lodge both have restroom facilities, and Cold Springs has some just up the road at the Great Meadows Sno Park . Each trip participant must drink enough not to be thirsty, which also will have the added benefit of keeping you warmer as being properly hydrated improves circulation. Please stay away from alcohol prior to your trip, and minimize the amount of caffeinated beverages as they act as diuretics and will dehydrate you. If you must drink caffeinated coffee or sodas, try to drink an equivalent amount of non-caffeinated beverage to counteract the diuretic affects. |
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