3rd Annual Winterfest

Host dog, Rain Mountain Sebecca, greets all of the guests

2001 Winterfest
February 25, 2001

Hickory Hill Farm
Standish, Maine

Hosts: David & Elaine Bradbury

The rider's view from a dog sled basket, travelling down the trails at Hickory Hill Farm.

Despite forecasts of afternoon sleet and freezing rain, 39 hearty New Englanders showed up at Elaine and David Bradbury's for the 3rd Annual Chinooks New England! Winterfest. The scene was beautiful. A steady snowfall framed this lovely setting for the humans and their 34 dogs (28 Chinooks and 8 Other adventurous dogs).

Ann Eakin talks with Karen Fass while WoodsRunner X Sky Spirit hangs out.

Hurricane Kineo awaits his turn on a team while Becca and Trav'ler prepare to head down the trail.

Frontier Chenoa met lots of new friends with Bob Jones.

We began with 5 sled teams hitting the trails. Teams of 2, 4 and 6 dogs ran the trails that the Bradburys have lovingly developed and David has meticulously groomed for winter events. The conditions were great. Though we had 6 teams represented in today's group, many more of our friends had a chance to drive a team around the trails. Others had a chance to get a ride. Two teams skijored around the trails.

GreatMountain X Cedar and WoodsRunner Aspen work on a two-dog team for Judy Bullard. This team had several great runs!

The GreatMountain team with Linda Kraus in the basket - she was thrilled with the ride! The team is Rain Mountain Rangeley Runner, WoodsRunner X Baxter, NorthDown Cheena and WoodsRunner Allagash.

Shirley Jackson comes off the trail after her first experience driving a team - WoodsRunner X Katahdin and GreatMountain X Trav'ler gave her a fast run!

Balsam Ridge X Tucker and his mom, WoodsRunner X Raqui, run in step on a two-dog team driven by Ann Eakin.

Balsam Ridge X Dakota and DeeDee Look had a great time skijoring on the trails.

Karen Fass rests her team, coming off the trail. Three Chinooks are on her team,
Enatai X Molly, Enatai X Trekker and WoodsRunner Rain Shadow.

The lunch break provided all the delicious dishes that we have grown to love and expect. Folks chatted by the fire, enjoying the culinary delights. The silent auction was as lively as ever. With items like a miniature dog sled, a copy of Harness and Pack (by Walden), a handmade basket filled with dogs treat, dog dishes and other Chinook memorabilia, the bidding got a bit competitive. All in all with the auction, t-shirts, Chinook magnets and membership renewals, the club raised a good bit of change. A portion of this will go to Chinook rescue. We also collected 230 lbs. of dog food to donate to the Bangor Humane Society for their willingness to work with us in a recent Chinook rescue. After lunch teams hit the trails again.

WoodsRunner X Erebus awaits his turn to run. He had a great run on a two-dog team driven by junior, Ethan Hyland.

Wren Hill Glory got to work on two teams and showed her strong aptitude for pulling.

Hurricane Tahoe had a little bit of practice pulling, but spent much of his time playing!

Again and again, we thank Elaine and David for their endless hospitality. Their home and property are beautiful. Elaine and David are so generous in their willingness to share both.