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As I grow older, it has become important to me that what I do each day
contributes in a positive manner to the people I encounter and the world
around me. In case you ever think about this or wonder if all the work you
put into these trips is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes! Your trips
ground people who may often find themselves caught up in the material world.
Your trips are relaxing because they bring people closer to the earth. And,
your trips are therapeutic, simply because it feels good to be in the
company of animals who give so much and are happy to receive affection in
return. It is easy for me to see why you and Kevin have built your life
around guiding and these magnificent dogs. Lynn Macfarlane - New Hampshire
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It was a terrific trip. The unexpected parts and how you chose to deal with
them showed us your versatility. That certainly comes from your combined
years of experience. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. Your
clients will enjoy being your guests. Gordon Gillies - Maine
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Our trip was not just a "trip", it was an unexpected exposure to the
traditional craft of canoe building and classical canoeing. While others
pursue the "uncertainty" of high technology, we reacquainted ourselves with
the simple joy and satification of "proven" low technology. Larry Cilley -
Maine
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I like the way you treat your dogs and how your dogs in turn treat your
clients. It's such a joy to be around them. Although the trips that you
organize take us into winter wilderness, Ičve always felt completely safe,
recognizing the preparation and foresight you put into every trip. Your
knowledgeable and friendly guides with their guiding, cooking and
companionship greatly contribute to the experience. Guenter Wehrmann -
Germany
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There is no material object that I could find or create to explain my
gratitude. You brought me into your life and world with such acceptance.
Thank you for caring in so many ways. The knowledge, skills, dreams,
friendships and memories I developed with you will be cherished forever.
Apprentice - Jenny Mugrace - New York
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I really wanted to express my appreciation for the way that you guide - of
learning about Inuit and Cree and northern people's lifestyles, of canvas
wall tents, of goodies cooked by a local lady and her daughter. You go
beyond the "how to" and into the why and in a quiet way support that with
your actions. Nini Christensen - Maine
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I never thought I would become so attached to a team of dogs in such a short
period of time. As I walked away from the pen and headed towards the barn I
felt lonely. I rarely feel lonely - I felt as if I was being left alone and
some part of me was afraid of being left alone for the first time in my
life. As I entered the barn the valley filled with their singing. I turned
and stood in the doorway smiling with a few tears falling from my eyes.
Jhan Graether - Wisconsin
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My deepest thanks for a dream come true. Words are inadequate, but your
consideration, patience, skill and knowledge made the Baffin Island trip
exceed the dreams I've had for it my whole life. You two are a great team
and two great individuals. Garth Ziege - Michigan
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I am still back in the moment when the only sounds are the soft shush of the
sleds on the lake and the rhythmic pacing of the dogs pulling us. Everything
in the world is focused in their effort. Everything is beautiful and in
harmnony. I am very grateful and filled with joy. Barbara Zecher -
Massachusetts
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Your patience with our inexperience and our efforts to assist was
magnificent. And we thank you for that because you helped us to feel a part
of a larger team - people, dogs, nature. Pamelia Adams - Maine
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I can't describe how much I enjoyed last weekend with you and the dogs. It's
rare that I try something new and come away feeling so enriched. Ann Grace
- Massachusetts
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One is never too old to go mushing with Polly and Kevin who are so kind to
their dogs and their clients. I was 65 when I first discovered the thrill of
standing on the runner of a sled being pulled along a snow covered lake.
Each year the experience gets better and better and at 70 (on my 5th visit)
the best trip yet has been running my own team through the woods over lakes
and the muskeg in northern Quebec with the Cree. Evelyn McNichol -
Scotland (She has continued to do trips every year and did the latest in
2006 with the Inuit in Ungava Bay at 79 years old!) |
Finally, having grown up in the United Kingdom, I was able to live a life-long ambition and move to the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Of course this ambition included having sled dogs, so immediately I bought my first one. My passion for freighting dogs grew quickly. Having done many miles with one Malamute and a sled, I knew that I could go farther with more dogs, but desperately needed to know how to put together a team so that we could enjoy many miles of wilderness adventure together. That was when I came across Mahoosuc Guide Service. I experienced the trip of a life time in the company of Kevin Slater and Polly Mahoney and of course, their incredible dogs. My desire to learn more meant more trips with Mahoosuc.. Little did I know that my adventures with Kevin and Polly would lead to us becoming the best of friends. Many years later, many dogs later
.. I still return as often as I can to visit with Kevin and Polly and the dogs as I always come away with one more valuable piece of instruction and endless memories. Whether your motivation is to one day have a team of your own or to enjoy a very unique experience, you will be touched by the dedication of the dogs, the scenery around you and of course, the skill and friendship of your Guides.
Lidia Dale-Mesaros, New Hampshire USA formerly UK |