Aviemore - British Dog Sled Racing Championship - Sunday, 22 January 2012

http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/aviemore/2012-rally-details/#atop

Plenty of snow for skiers, but not enough to be able to use sleds with runners rather than wheels

The canine competitors were not limited to huskies, however.

Fascinated

Is that our tea?

One blue-eyed beauty

Sunday was cold and grey but mostly dry for day 2 of the British dog sled racing championships in Aviemore.  We arrived near the end of the morning's heats, but there was plenty of time to look around and to photograph some of the teams as they finished their races.  There was a good crowd in attendance, including many canine spectators.

Where's all the snow?

It was a beautiful thing to see so many obviously well-loved and well-cared-for dogs doing what they love and what they are quite literally born to do:  run with all their might.  And, as with many hobbies or avocations that one knows little about, it was also fascinating to see all of the specialized equipment and preparation that goes into the sport.  It was also another workout for the wellies.  Afterwards, we had a lovely meal in Aviemore and then headed back to Inverness.