Exploring the Spirit of Sled Dog Mushing

A seasoned writer, public speaker and avid lover of libraries, Karen Land is embarking on an adventure with her faithful companions, Noggin and Chloe, to the Granite State this month. The dynamic trio is set to visit the halls of the Jaffrey Library on March 9th at 11 am—bringing with them tales of sled dog mushing and the captivating allure of the great outdoors. For the last 24 years, Land has traversed the country with her string of dogs, sharing their journey with audiences far and wide—leaving footprints on several hiking and mushing trails and even competing in prestigious races like the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. When asked how she fell into this in the first place, Land explained, "Growing up in Indiana, I didn't know much about mushing at all, but I was really into dogs and horses. At one point I had a dog that I got into hiking and backpacking with." She mentioned that together, they traversed several mountains, including hiking the Appalachian trail in '97. Continuing she said, "I ended up stumbling across Gary Paulsen's [book] 'Winter Dance' and thought it would be cool to have 16 dogs and be out exploring with them." This drove her to search for more information about sledding, leading to a writing course in Portland, Maine. "The course required me to pick a subject and collaborate with photographers to make a documentary on it." Land's chosen subject? The Can-am Crown 250—the prominent mushing race that takes place in upper Maine. After following prominent musher Steven Kennedy through that race, Land then moved to Alaska to work with other mushers before ultimately returning to Montana where the presentations came about. "A teacher came to me during a fundraiser. She had been teaching a class on sled dogs and such, and so she asked me to do a talk for her kids and that got the ball rolling. Once I did that presentation, other people started asking me to present." When asked how she felt about continuing to cross the country, Land said, "I love traveling with my dogs! Just as much as I love talking to others about them and traveling through nature with them." And while most of her dogs have been retired, she still appreciates having Noggin, the Alaskan husky, and Chloe, the spirited Corgi-Springer mix, by her side. That being said, Land's connection to mushing extends beyond the pooches and the thrill of the trail; it's also about fostering a deeper understanding of nature and educating the next generation. "Much of my presentation involves getting in front of the kids with the dogs and trying to get them thinking. While I share stories and experiences, I also ask questions in the hopes of a good back-and-forth. Especially without some form of screen or media. It just feels like we're hanging out and talking." In recent years, however, Land's talks have evolved to include discussing the effects climate change has had on the mushing world. With over a quarter century of time on the snow, Land has witnessed firsthand the effects of warming temperatures on the mushing community, with races being canceled due to a lack of snow and changing trail conditions. "Twenty years ago, the conditions were a certain way and they are completely different than they are now. I talk about how the warming weather has impacted trails like sections of open water, et cetera. A good portion of these races cover frozen water and if it isn't frozen, you can't go over it." Despite these challenges, Land remains optimistic, as she explains many in the mushing world are beginning to embrace new forms of dryland mushing and finding innovative ways to adapt to a changing environment. For Land, the presentations at schools and libraries are more than just a chance to share her adventures; they're an opportunity to connect with audiences on a personal level. As she reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the profound impact that mushing has had on her life—from the exhilaration of racing across frozen landscapes to the quiet moments spent bonding with her dogs, each experience has shaped her in profound ways. Including writing lyrics and creating music around the topic! And while the road ahead may be uncertain, one thing remains constant: the enduring bond between a musher and her dogs.