mahoosuc guide service

My family was able to book a last minute dog sledding trip. The evening before the trip Kevin gave the participants a bit of a history lesson on dog sledding. Afterwards we were issued any special gear we'd need for the trip: boots, backpacks, gaiters, parkas, etc. The next morning we met the dogs and drove to the lake. It was obvious that Kevin and Polly cherish their dogs and the dogs in turn love them. My family was all excited to mush the dogs on the trail and across the frozen lake into the campsite. The dogs were friendly, strong, and seem to love to pull the sleds. Because there was not any snow on the frozen lake we didn't dog sled once at camp (which would have been the normal itinerary), but we were able to pet the dogs and spend time with them, go on a hike, and learn how to start a fire. Speaking of fire, the wood stoves in the canvas tents provided warmth for sleeping. While the fires naturally went out during the night the sleeping bags that they'd provided us with were toasty. Kevin and Polly actually started the stoves in the morning for everyone so we could wake up to the warmth. And the meals provided were tasty and filling. We rung in the New Year with sparkling juice and a bon fire on the frozen lake. We mushed the dogs back across the frozen lake and along the trail ending a fun adventure for my family.

I have traveled with Polly on many trips and spent time at the Mahoosuc Lodge in Maine, with the dogs and getting to know the assistants and other clients. Last April I went on the Inuit dogsledding trip to the Nunavik Territory, in the far northern area of Quebec.Although dogsledding was the major purpose of the journey there were several "themes" that developed during our trip: a close look at the Inuit culture emerging from the ancient nomadic life of hunting and surviving in extreme conditions; the opportunity to meet many residents of Kuujjuak who were as interested in us as we were in them, the exposure to the beautiful art of the people and their unique skills in carving, printmaking, sewing and storytelling; and finally the very special bond our group of travelers formed that was so supportive, interesting, and fun. The Mahoosuc Guide Service has found a delicate balance between providing a safe, professional and high quality experience in such remote places as Ungava Bay, with the sense of true expeditioning where each day evolves according to the weather and the opportunities that present themselves (viewing musk ox, visiting Inuit elders, meeting young throat singers, ice fishing and eating freshly caught ptarmigan, exploring ancient sites). There was not a firm schedule that we had to fit ourselves into, we felt we were part of forming the experience and participating in the adventure of the journey. I think the defining word for this trip is unique. Our particular experience was so special, it will stay alive in my memory forever and it has stimulated my interest in the Inuit culture that makes me want to return again. Suggestion: Read about the Inuit culture before the trip, specifically James Houston' books ("Confessions of an Igloo Dweller" and "The White Dawn") and his son's films ("Songs in Stone" and "Diet of Souls.")

In January 2014, Polly guided me and nine Harvard undergraduates on a three-day introductory mushing, skiing and camping experiences. It happened that our trip fell during the time of one of the "polar vortex" dips in temperature, and i was frankly nervous about whether we would all be able to cope. I remember I sent an email to Polly the night before the students were due to arrive, asking whether she was concerned about the predicted cold weather (-20 F or more where we were due to camp), and she cheerfully agreed that, yes, it was going to be "chilly" but with good equipment and lots of good food, we should all be fine.We were more than fine. The expected cold arrived (on the first night, we bottomed out the thermometer hanging on the tree at the campsite, but Polly estimated the night low at -25 F). At the same time, we were exposed to stunning canopies of stars by night and brilliant blue skies by day. And the wilderness, dog care, and survival learning for these students (and me) was unlike anything they had been exposed to before. It was not a vacation experience in the conventional sense: that is to say, everyone had to work pretty hard each day to ensure the group could eat, sleep, and be well -- including chopping down firewood, gathering fir boughs, and fetching water from a hole we had chopped in the ice of the frozen lake on whose edge we were camping, but it was all done with good cheer. Everyone learned backwoods cross-country skiing, and everyone had the chance to handle the dogs and the sleds. A lucky subset of students were entrusted by Polly with responsibility for being the primary driver of one of the several dog teams we had brought out there. In the evenings, we all huddled inside the cook tent together, where it was reasonably warm, talked, played silly camp games, and told stories. Polly in particular regaled us with tales of her experiences with the Inuits in the Canadian huskies, and read poetry to us out loud.The experience only lasted three days, but no one left untouched. One student later told me that the three days winter camping and dog sledding with Mahoosuc may well have been the best experience he had had as a college student. Parents who I met months after the experience talked about how wonderful it had been for their son or daughter. We look forward to more trips to come!

I have always wanted to go dog-sledding, so about six years ago I did some research and decided to take a women's dog-sledding trip. This first trip was all it took and I was hooked on Mahoosuc. I have been on many other dog sledding trips which I have been going on annually.In addition to dog-sledding on have been on Wellness Weekends, which is truly a spiritual experience.I have been on a couple of canoe trips which are awesome. Before going on these canoe trips I have never canoed before. So I had the experience of learning how to canoe and experience seeing all kinds of wild-life. My last trip that I went on for canoeing we actually followed a moose swimming. That was awesome.In November they have a blue-grass band perform a concert/dance in which I have attended the two years. Last year I brought my grandson with me and he had a wonderful time. I can't wait for him to get a little older so that I can have him go dog-sledding and canoeing with me.Every time I go to Mahoosuc, Polly and Kevin have been gracious hosts and the apprentices are wonderful. I have met so many wonderful people from all the different trips I have taken. I have made some great friendships while at Mahoosuc. The food is always delicious and plentiful. My favorite part of Mahoosuc is their beautiful, friendly dogs. I would recommend for any person who is adventurous to go to Mahoosuc Guide Service. Mahoosuc is a magical place to go to. I can' wait to be at my favorite place (Mahoosuc Guide Service) again.Pamela Wheeler

This past winter I took a group of middle schoolers on a trip with Kevin and Polly. We were camping, dogsledding and cross country skiing. The experience was truly one of a kind. I cannot imagine another winter camping/nature experience quite like this one. Dogsledding requires such a unique set of skills and then being able to share that with all sorts of groups of people means that this is truly singular experience. The guides were helpful and really knew the terrain and the potential difficulties. They prepared the middle schoolers well for the cold, so that no one was uncomfortable. And the food and tents were great. But maybe one of the best things for the middle schoolers was to see was how much the guides cared for their dogs. They really learned about kindness to and love for animals from Kevin and Polly.

This wonderful outfit is unlike anything else I've ever done/experienced...and it's all good!We have done 5 mushing trips (including one day trip and 4 3-day trips), and 1 7-day Allagash canoe trip with Kevin and/or Polly. All have been special life/family experiences. Running your own sled dog team is so exhilarating...and occasionally humbling when you make a mistake and realize a very intelligent dog has covered/compensated for you!Our first trip was the year after I was widowed, and my sons were 8 and 3 (a couple weeks away from his 4th birthday). I wanted to get away with the boys where I couldn't be called off leave back into work (again)! After a few warm (40-50's) days, it was about 37 in driving rain the day we left :(, and I was worried I'd done something crazy, and that the warm temps would effect ice safety. And all of a sudden, off we went. That night got cold, and we awoke to a sub-zero day - everything had gone from wet to frozen...tough for Kevin and the guides to work with. At night, after tending to the animals, Kevin tended to my sons and their frozen feet, gloves and boots, ensuring all were thoroughly dried and warmed (and one boy even got a foot massage). A wonderful assistant guide, Nandi, took the boys (one on his shoulders) to collect birch bark for fire starter, and fir for tea. They talked about him for years! And my boys loved the dogs...especially my oldest, who grew up with a large husky hybrid who also died the year before our first trip. As rough as it started out, and as unlikely a crew as we were...we had such a great experience! The next couple of times we went Kevin worked to route us to new territories...when the weather would cooperate. Polly always checked to ensure I had sufficient clothing/gear for the boys before we left. Nights could get to 20-30 below, but we were toasty in our sleeping bags. Kevin always ensured my boys' hands/feet were okay, and that their equipment was set for the next day. (They went through multiple pairs of gloves/mittens daily, and we dried them all at night in the cooking tent.) The boys loved working around the camp site - sawing wood, fetching water, helping with the dogs, etc.On our 4th trip, we finally got to travel with Polly as well. Two very different styles and personalities, but both know their dogs and their equipment and their trade amazingly well. This is a real deal - a real outdoors experience. There are things Kevin and Polly insist on having done a certain way based on many years of experience...and we've learned to respect those things. These are not luxury adventures where you are catered to, but unique opportunities to observe, experience, and learn real skills that too few people are exposed to nowadays. Loaned gear may not be new, but it is clean and functional and absolutely appropriate for the adventure. Every dog is well taken care of, and known for their individual skills and personalities. Two years ago we did a summer Allagash trip we had wanted to do for years...and it also was wonderful! As always, I needed to escape craziness of frantic work days/pace...and this was just what we needed. We loved being on the water, and in the water - everything was so beautiful! My boys even got to help cut down a tree (a dead tree) for firewood...with an experienced guide with ropes and an axe! Also, I once attended a "healing weekend" at Mahoosuc, which was also great.The past couple of summers, one or both boys have been able to stay at Mahoosuc and work/apprentice for a few days. Such an invaluable experience for them to learn real skills - life skills, practical skills, outdoors skills...experiences that are hard to come by nowadays! The boys also get to work with new pups, working dogs, and the retiree dogs. My boys are now 12 and 16 (almost 17), and each will get some work time at Mahoosuc this summer, and we hope to travel to Canada with Kevin and Polly in December!

I have been going on dog sled trips with Polly and Kevin for many years. My first experience was more than I could have asked for. Being away from the stress of work and phones was just what I needed. Dog sledding into the winter camp site and getting to know the dogs as they were settled down to rest after taking me for the ride of my life. Feeling the wind as we glided through the snow only stopping to untangle a dog or two. So much to say and how to put into words how these trips have changed me. Breaking through the ice on the lake for our water and sitting in the cook's tent with so many wonderful people sharing the same experience. The food was awesome and I didn't came back hungry. The stories we all shared with one another. On my first trip what I remembered most was the dogs. In the evening they would howl to the distant coyotes and it would sound just like a symphony. Then all at once the dogs would stop. Silence! We were all dressed in warm clothing provided by Polly and Kevin. Our tents had stoves in them and they were lite before we turned in and upon arising. I felt like I was home and will continue to enjoy the trips.

As the Director of a University Outing Club I highly recommend Mahoosuc Guide Service. Polly was incredibly easy to work with and always quick to respond to my many e-mails. She organized a great trip and was accommodating to our needs. I was not able to participate on the trip because of my newborn baby, but when I asked the participants about their experience they all said it was "AMAZING", despite some tough dogsledding conditions. They said the guides were friendly and did a great job instructing them on the ways of dogsledding. I will most definitely be planning another trip for our Outing Club with Mahoosuc Guide Service.

Wonderful dog sledding experiences with this outfitter! We have been taking school groups in grades 7-12 to Mahoosuc Guides for the past 8 years straight. Every one of those trips has been a positive experience. Kevin and Polly are great folks who love what they do. When Kevin tells stories in the cook tent after dinner, about folklore or inuit history, the kids are absolutely enthralled. It’s pretty great. One of the best things to happen with our school groups up there is connecting with each other. No cell phones, no electronic trappings - it is purely experiential - and that is the entire point of our visits. We bring our students there year after year to learn experientially. Everybody pitches in on gathering wood and helping in the cook tent. Everybody learns how to mush a sled, get water from a frozen lake, and care for the dogs on trail. We love giving our students that experience, and Mahoosuc Guides are the best at it. It is important to note, too, that ensuring everyone’s safety is high on their list. Our groups are very well cared for. We look forward to our next trip with another group of kids next year!

This trip was incredibly challenging but well worth it! Polly and her crew really know their stuff. I felt very physically and mentally challenged on this trip! I did come well prepared with more warm clothes, gear and snacks then I knew what to do with but I'm glad I did. The dog sledding was incredibly breathtaking and a once in a lifetime experience. Polly is tough but it's more like tough love than anything else! Those dogs and her campsite are her love and she wants to protect it and share it with the world! Also the rabbi was wonderful and took care of me while cross country skiing after I fell backwards and almost broke my shoulder! I would recommend this trip but only if you are ready for a serious adventure!!! I pushed myself and did things that I didn't think I could do! I loved getting to know the dogs and being one with nature if only for a few days! Thanks again for everything!

EXTREMELY INACCURATE REVIEWWe take very good care of our dogs; we are one of the few tour operators that has raised every dog from a pup and keep them after retirement until they pass on. We will discipline a dog if it is being aggressive to another dog (i.e. to prevent a dog fight). We stand by our record of over 20 years of guiding, 6 dog teams at a time, and have never had a dog fight, a claim few other tour operators can make.This review is full of inaccuracies; for example, we have never asked guests to tie off the dogsleds. We use special knots that need to be taught so that a team doesn't get loose by mistake or a knot jams when released if not tied properly.

DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIORThe students on this trip were briefed as to what type of behavior would scare the dogs (yelling, screaming, snowball fights, etc.). The students were asked to "horse around" away from where the dogs were staked. After scaring the dogs several times, we had to repeatedly remind several students not to engage in this type of behavior near the dogs. If horrible hospitality is asking students not to scare our dogs, we are fine with that.

I recently went on a long weekend trip of dog sledding and cross-country skiing with Mahoosuc Guide Service. I thought they did an excellent job.We stayed one night in their lodge, then cross-country skied to the campsite and spent two nights there. Before we headed out, we spent the prior evening getting to know each other and getting outiftted for the excursion - it was great that they provided all of the specialized (and even not so specialized) gear - mukluks, boots, skis, mittens - so I didn't have to pack it - it was my lightest suitcase ever - almost all fleece! On the morning we headed out of camp, we first went to meet the dogs, which I think was an important and fun part - this way, we could see how they live, introduce ourselves to them, and see their personalities before we asked them to go work pulling us on sleds! We also got to meet the five four-month-old puppies that joined us on our trip.I thought the campsite was in great condition - compared to other camping I've done, this was definitely a step up. The tents were heated with wood-burning stoves and the ground in the tents was covered with fir boughs to provide added insulation. The cook tent was also continuously heated so it provided relief from the cold if necessary. That being said, this is definitely a wilderness adventure trip, not a luxury vacation, so it's probably not the best choice if you're looking for the latter.The staff prepared all our meals, which was absolutely great. The food tended to be simple, but tasty and filling, and there were always several different components of the meal in case someone didn't like a particular component. We did perform a few camp tasks, like collecting and sawing wood for the fires, collecting fir boughs for the tent floors, and digging a hole in the ice for water, as well as leading the dogs to the sled when it was sledding time, and I think those tasks added to the experience without being overly burdensome.I thought the dog sledding instruction given was appropriate. I appreciated how I got to first ride in the sled, then steer it with a guide, and then steer it with another guest - that was a good gradual increase in responsibility for me. I also got to ride on the sled when the puppies learned to run for the first time, which was a highlight of the trip.I also really appreciated that on my trip, all the staff was female, so it wasn't like there was a gendered division of labor, and all of the guests were encouraged to help on all the variety of tasks. I also found all the staff to be friendly and helpful.In sum, I would highly recommend the trip and Mahoosuc Guide Service.

I joined a 3-night, 4-day group excursion, organized by Mahoosuc Guide Service, to Lake Umbagog on the Maine/New Hampshire border in early March, 2014. I was excited to be part of the group (which numbered 9 people) as I had never been skiing, dog-sledding or camping in the snow, nor had I ever seen a frozen lake. I got to have all of these experiences and more, in a memorable winter adventure led by Mahoosuc's well-organized, friendly and conscientious staff.Before leaving my home in Washington DC for the flight to Portland, Maine, I prepared for the trip by buying and packing several items of winter apparel and camping gear on a Mahoosuc-recommended list, which also detailed additional winter items that would be provided to us in Maine.     The excursion began with a one-night stay at Mahoosuc’s lodge in the small community of Newry. My group had arrived at the lodge at about 8pm, after a shuttle van drove us from the Portland jetport (a roughly 2-hour journey). Polly and her staff, including Emily, Cate and Zach, along with Howard Cohen of Burning Bush Adventures, greeted all of us warmly. They also patiently and helpfully ensured that each of us had the gear that we needed for the journey, supplying us with sleeping bags, winter parkas, boots with gaiters to slide over them, and mukluks with booties to wear around the camp. We also were provided with large backpacks to bring our personal belongings and other supplies with us. I then had a good night’s sleep in the lodge, which offers comfortable bunk beds and clean bathrooms with showers. The next morning, we sat down to a delicious breakfast - one of many great meals prepared by Emily during the trip. We also were introduced to the delightful Yukon Huskies who would accompany us on the journey. As we soon learned, the huskies love to be petted, apart from a few who are shy. Next, the Mahoosuc team drove us from Newry to the New Hampshire side of Lake Umbagog, where our group split in two. Some of us volunteered to ski across the lake to the camp several miles away, while the others boarded the dog sleds to mush their way to the site. I chose to don the skis - a new experience for me - and was given some useful tips by Howard about how to maneuver over the snow. We skied along at a reasonable pace, considering that most of were novices, and took a time-out for a picnic on the snow-covered lake. Mahoosuc provided plentiful snacks for us to eat between meals, ensuring that we were well-fed and energized for our physical activities.Our camp was in a forested area on the edge of the scenic lake. The site had three large tepee-style tents, one of which served as a food preparation and meal hub. An outhouse with a padded toilet seat and toilet paper was located a short walk from there.All of the tents were neatly padded with fir branches and rubber sheets at the base, and heated with wood-fired ovens. Mahoosuc staff did a good job of supplying the ovens with wood as we went to sleep, and then re-supplying them as we woke up. In between, the ovens did not burn, and the tents cooled down significantly. But Mahoosuc staff provided us each with two sleeping bags and offered tips on how to insulate ourselves through the night, which helped me to stay warm. The huskies were positioned around the tents and were mostly quiet after dark, although they did have a few barking spells!  On the second and third days of the trip, I had my opportunity to mush with the huskies - easily the highlight of my adventure. Before we set off, Polly and Cate gave us instructions on how to stand at the back of the sled, how to communicate with the dogs to start and stop, how to brake, and how to lean forward or backward to keep the sled upright while going around a bend. As we glided along the frozen lake, I savored the stunning landscape as well as the chance to learn how to handle a dog sled. By the end of the excursion, I had gained a new appreciation for the ways that dogs can enrich our lives, as well as how we can give back to them. Overall, I would say the trip had physically demanding aspects, including the cross-country skiing, mushing, and coping with cold temperatures. But, as someone who is in physically good shape, I was confident that I could handle these challenges. And Mahoosuc Guide Service worked hard to ensure that I was comfortable, safe and having fun!

Through a small outdoor education program that I run I estimate that I've brought over a hundred completely inexperienced people ranging in age from 11 to 60 on the the 3 day / 2 night winter Umbago Lake trip offered by the Mahoosuc Guide Service. I've never seen anyone go home unhappy. Sad to say goodbye to their beautiful, incredibly well cared for dogs, yes. Sad to say goodbye to the very caring and capable support staff, yes. But sad or unhappy because the trip did not live up to their expectations, no.I bring people to MGS because in no uncertain terms Kevin and Polly are the best in the business at what they do. They maintain the highest levels of training as Maine Guides and in wilderness first-aid. All of their field support staff also are extremely well trained in all aspects of guiding, from wilderness winter camping skills to first-aid to people skills.It is really quite extraordinary how they take people with no camping experience and guide them into the winter wilderness of western Maine. It takes tremendous technical skill to lead three teams of dogs and great interpersonal skills to work with so many different kinds of people and to do all of this in challenging winter weather.Polly and Kevin run a truly great operation!