<DIV><I>Whoosh!</I> We take off, our sled nearly flying off the ground. Skookum and Hawk and Bamboo strain and huff, and we're running, racing over the soft white snow.<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">My sled dogs have been waiting for this day since they were puppies, and I have, too. Only the <I>shusshh</I> of the runners and the jingling of the collars and snaps disturb the quiet-- until we meet a moose. I have to steer my dogs away from the danger, and their instincts have to lead me when I can't see. Mushing can be dangerous, but there is nothing like the freedom and speed and peace that come from joining my sled dogs on a run.</P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jonathan London's lyrical text and Jon Van Zyle's gorgeous landscapes portray the magic and beauty of a young girl's first solo run as a musher.</P></DIV>