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Posted: Friday 2/14/03 1:30 AM The Pas, Manitoba
| The Pas' Northern Manitoba Trapper's Festival has been
great. We've learned so much about the lives of modern-day pioneers
as well as gotten glimpses of activities from the past. The whole
community supports the festival by coming out and watching the King
Trapper Events and the World Championship Dog Sled Race. It's a really
wonderful tradition to have. Does your town have any annual festivals?
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This morning we got witness the start of the 35-mile
dog sled race. Even though racing is the most common form of dog sledding
today, neither of us have ever been to a dog sledding race. It was
a cold morning, and most of the short-haired racing dogs were shivering
in the -15°F weather. Many of the dogs were only half as big as
Lichen. Just before the race got underway, the mushers were frantically
preparing their sleds, putting booties onto the dogs' paws, and making
sure that their tug lines were ready for the dog teams. All of the
dogs were howling in anticipation for their chance to do what they
love best: pull, pull, pull. |
| With the crack of the gun and the loosening of the sleds'
snub-line, the teams sprang forward and were out of sight before we
barely had the chance to blink. |
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We then headed off to the Saskatchewan River for the
excitement of the ice-fishing competition. The contestants had one
hour to catch as many fish of any species as they could. The winner
was able to haul out three fish. Pretty exciting, eh?
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| After we took Saylix and Lichen for a walk, we headed down to the
center of town to see the rest of the day's King Trapper Events. 17
of Central Canada's top trappers competed in log throwing, pole climbing,
trap setting, and ax-throwing. We were amazed at the accuracy and
skill needed to perform these feats of strength. Plus, when else are
you going to have a chance to sit out in subzero temperatures and
watch someone shimmy up a pole? |
| The King Trapper Events might seem a little strange
by today's standards. While they might not be Olympic sports anytime
soon, all of the events today were daily skills of years past. Trappers,
loggers, and fur traders would regularly get together to show off
their strength and competency as bushmen. A dance was usually held
following the competition. And from what the older folks of The Pas
tell us, they were pretty raucous and rowdy. |
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| As we sadly came to the realization that our time in The Pas had
come and gone. Though I must admit I am anxious to start skiing through
the wilderness again, we've met so many great people, and everyone
has been so kind and enthusiastic about our adventure that it's going
to be hard to say good-bye. |
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Click on photo to enlarge
Students getting ready to compete in the snowshoe race
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We took Saylix and Lichen out for another walk around town as we
were getting ready to leave. Many people came up to us and remarked
about how their families used to keep dogs like ours. They all said
it was wonderful to see some larger sled dogs around town again,
because it reminded them of their childhood. Many people wanted
their picture taken with the dogs. Saylix and Lichen got lots of
attention and loved every minute of it.
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The Wilderness Classroom Organization
4605 Grand Ave.
Western Springs, IL 60558
(630) 204-0420
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