Caribou bones and arrowheads scattered around its feet hint at a larger significance. You marvel at the perfect balance of well-chosen stones, laid with care for ultimate durability. Looks like the builders left a small gap though. You peer through an opening in the torso – and find centred in your sights, another stony figure in the distance. The Arctic has many secrets, you just have to take the time to look.

You give one last preparatory sigh, your breath a white puff in the frosty air. You release the snub line and feel a tremendous forward thrust. A cacophony of yelps and howls stream back towards you – the dogs are excited to finally strike out on the trail.

Their strong Husky legs charge forward into the snow-covered landscape as your own wobble, struggling to keep balance. Slowly you gain your rhythm and the dogs settle into an easy pace. You can finally loosen your grip and explore the scenic expanse with the limitless curiosity of a true pioneer