Women's Dog Trekking Challenge Offers Chance To Try Something New

Being indoors more often during the winter is motivation for some to get out and try something new. That's just what dog musher Helen Corlew is helping ten women do this weekend at the Red Willow Bible Camp in Binford, North Dakota.

Winter can be a busy time for Corlew and her dogs. She's now challenging women from around the country to try something new this weekend at a Women's Challenge.

Helen Corlew/Dog Musher: "I have 16 dogs, but still I'm the only one that can drive the sled, so that'll be one of our challenges."

Another will be the warm weather. Dogs can get overheated, and people can too, as they try other challenging new activities like cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Even going to bed offers new experiences.

Dennis Goetz/Red Willow Bible Camp Co-Director: "I think they're going to be able to sleep overnight in a quinsy."

A quinsy is a hollowed out snow bank, and two people can actually fit inside and spend the night. During the day they will get to work with dogs like Gavin, Cooper, and Whisper. They will get to ride with them and learn how to take care of them from someone who's been doing it for 11 years.

Helen Corlew: "It's the peacefulness. It can be hectic-you never know what's going to happen. I do like that challenge."

The dogs are freight dogs. They're different than the Alaskan Huskies in that they're bigger and have longer hair.

Not only will the women get to experience new winter activities, for many it will be a totally new part of the country.

Dennis Goetz: "We want them to see a part of North Dakota that a lot of people don't experience."

People are coming from as far as Oklahoma and South Carolina.

The challenge starts tonight and runs all weekend. There are already three people signed up for the it next year.

Tags: reporter stories, renee chmiel, dog sledding, dog trekking, women's challenge, news