photos by Stephen Eginoire

The Colorado Mountain Mushers and Good Dog Outfitters brought the 3rd annual La Plata Paw to the San Juans last weekend. The dog sled races drew in mushers, spectators and dog lovers to the La Plata Mountain foothills. Racers competed in various events including freight racing, skijoring, cani-cross and, of course, dog sled racing. With a 16-foot wide course, groomed through miles of ponderosa, it was, to say the least, a good day to be in the out-of-doors. Heres a look:

Justin Yates and his four dog team kick off at the starting line. An Alaskan Huskie pup ponders the lens. Sled Team leader, Tomahawk, takes er easy after an 18-mile romp through the woods. Steve Bethka and friends cruise toward the finishline in the skijoring race. At 3-years old, Carmen Odegaard shows off her extremely large paws.