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WHAT IS CANICROSS? The term canicross is of European origin. "Cani" signifies your canine companion. "Cross" means to move cross country on foot. Thus, moving cross country on foot with your dog is "Canicross". Typically, a skijor belt and line is used and attached to the back of the dog's harness as in skijoring. If this is all new to you, you are welcome to come along on the scheduled hikes with your dogs on leash until you learn the finer points of canicross. |
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| WHAT: Canicross hiking club hikes are anywhere from two to six miles in length and are guided by Linda Newman, an outdoor enthusiast and dog trainer. We meet from May through September. The hikes are designed to enable people with interests in dogs and the outdoors to get together, exercise themselves and their dogs, learn to canicross hike and learn about the notable points of various area parks and trails. You are welcome to join us for all or part of each hike. Beginners welcome! You don't need to know how to Canicross Hike to join us. You and your dog will learn as you go! WHERE: Various Minnesota and Wisconsin parks and trails within a short drive from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Canicross Backpacking trips to be added at a later date. WHEN: We will meet one to two Saturdays each month from May through September. The time we meet at the trail head will be different each time and will be based upon travel distance as well as the consensus of the registered participants. Please see the schedule below, as dates may change. FEE: $10 per hike.Snacks and water for you and your dog are on your own. You must also purchase appropriate park permits on your own. Please print the registration form and mail to: Points Unknown, P.O. Box 311, Watertown, MN 55388. Call 612.327.6965 or email linda@points-unknown.com with any questions. GEAR: Appropriate dress for the season. Comfortable hiking footware. Small backpack or fannypack. Canicross/Skijor belt and towline. X-Back Sled Dog harness. Black Ice Dog Sledding Equipment is one of the places you can go for the proper gear. Click "Skijoring" on the left hand column. You will want to purchase a towline and either a standard hip belt or a deluxe seat belt model. A deluxe seat belt is recommended. This piece of equipment is more ergodynamic. The hip belt fits around your waist and you may end up with a sore back, especially if your dog is a hard puller. Next click on "Harnesses" and you will be shown how to measure your dog for a harness. Don't worry! If you need help just give the folks at Black Ice a call and they will be more than happy to help.If you would like to just give this a try to see if you and your dog like it before investing in gear, we are happy to lend you what you need for a hike or two. Dogs do not need backpacks if on canicross line. They are helping pull the person carrying the backpack for the "team". If having a dog on leash then a dog backpack is more appropriate and they should only be carrying their own supplies. Water for dogs and people. Dog water dish. Treats. Poop bags. Bug spray for people. |
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May 7thMinnewashta Regional Park Please use the link above for information on Minnewashta Regional Park. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike each month. MAY 14thAdopt A Husky Inc's Husky Hike 2011 Please come and show your support! MAY 28thLake Maria State Park Hike Description: It will be a hilly hike through Big Woods with views of marshes and forest ponds. Park Location: The park is just a few miles west of Monticello. Length of Hike: Approximately 3 miles in length. Difficulty: An easy to moderate hike that will follow a wide dirt trail. Special Attractions: Spring flowers and bird watching. Trailhead Location: From Interstate 94 and Monticello, take County Road 39 eight miles to County Road 111. Take County Road 11 to the North(right). The park entrance is .75 Mile once on County Road 111 and is on your left. |
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June 11thMinnewashta Regional Park Please use the link above for information on Minnewashta Regional Park. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike each month. June 25thWillow River State Park, Hudson, Wisconsin Hike Description: Trails are wide and dirt packed and the topography and views are diverse. The hike starts out along the river in a field and goes up into a hardwood forest. There is a field loop with woods along each side and overlooks down to the river gorge and waterfall. The trail down to the waterfall is somewhat steep but wide and goes through the forest. Once at the waterfall there are impressive cliffs and vast views down the river. Continuing past the waterfall in the woods, the trail takes you along the shores of a private lake. Park Location: It is located 5 miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin on County Road A. Please see trailhead location below. It is not located on County Road A. Length of Hike: The hike is approximately 4-6 miles in length,depending upon when we decide to turn back. Difficulty: Moderate. Special Attractions: Large waterfall. Vast views of river gorge at overlooks. Trailhead Location: Take Highway A from Hudson, Wisconsin north to park entrance. Continue past the entrance to Highway I and turn to the northwest(left). Pass the Willowby Parking Lot and continue on to River Road and turn West(left). The parking lot is immediately on your left. |
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July 9thMinnewashta Regional Park Please use the link above for information on Minnewashta Regional Park. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike each month. July 23rdElm Creek Park Reserve Please use the link above for information on Elm Creek Park Reserve. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike. |
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August 7thMinnewashta Regional Park Please use the link above for information on Minnewashta Regional Park. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike each month. |
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September 17thAfton State Park Hike Description: The hike begins at the shores of the St. Croix River and continues up a densely wooded ravine to the bluff tops with views of the prairie and overlooks of the river valley Park Location: South of Afton, along the St. Croix River. Length of Hike: It is about a 4 mile loop. Difficulty: Moderate with steep climbs up and down the bluffs and ravines. Special Attractions: Vast views of the St. Croix. Bird Watching. Swimming Beach. Prairie. Trailhead Location: From Interstate 494 in St. Paul, go east about 5 miles on Interstate 94. Take Highway 95(County Road 15) exit south and go 7 miles to County Road 20(70th Street South). Go East(left) and continue 3 miles and follow the downhill ski signs for Afton Alps. At the three-way intersection, immediately after County Road 21(Saint Croix Trail), take a right turn for the park entrance. The drive into the park follows a steep, winding road that leads to the parking area and interpretive center. |
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Points Unknown, Watertown, Minnesota Canicross Hiking Club End of Season Hike and Potluck! |
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| ________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright 2005-2007 Points Unknown LLC - Watertown, MN 55388 - 612.327.6965 - linda@points-unknown.com |
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