Biking Garden District.

On our pedal powered excursion, we were soon to experience everything varied city of New Orleans had to offer up close and personal. We saw historic Creole plantations and heard their history. While under majestic oak trees, we learned what shotgun shacks are and why. Everywhere we rode, it seemed that sweet scent of many blooming magnolia trees followed us. Veda led us on a personal tour through and explained mysteries of St. Louis Cemetery.

We meandered like Mississippi River through outdoor hub of city, massive City Park, and learned of its many treasures. Of course, we cruised through crowded French Quarter, as we were bound for two separate ferry rides across mighty and murky Mississippi River. To end a gorgeous day, we rode down side streets and neutral ground in grandiose Garden District and took note of numerous porches and patios for outdoor relaxing and entertaining. Foodies need not worry, as we also had an outstanding lunch fit for a Mardi Gras king.

Of course, when in N’awlins, it is almost mandatory that you eat, and eat, and then eat some more. With this in mind, for this adventurous biking trip we were taking a pre-emptive strike at burning off calories that we were bound to eat or drink at some time during our week long visit to this charming Creole city that one of our lifestyle mentors, Jimmy Buffett, affectionately calls, “the northernmost city in Caribbean.”

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By Kim and Don Tatera, Southern California Jetsetters Magazine Correspondents at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

I was awed by expansive three-story lobby. The hearth's surroundings was elegant spaciousness, yet intimate and cozy. The double-sided gas fireplace was grand and majestical, draped in garland and decorations. Above was an elaborate wrought iron chandelier, glowing ambient. The warm tones of burnt red and forest green couches invited me with comfort and I sunk deeply into stacked, patterned pillows. Huge stony pillers, large area rugs on a slate floor, and a reindeer motif, were perfect combinations, capturing natural outdoors setting — indoors. I listened to voices hum, ringing phones, and soft music and clinking glasses from nearby lounge — what a great spot to relax after dinner, I thought.

What was I waiting for?

The most interesting sport I experienced at Deerhurst was pleasure of dogsledding — and learning about ski-joring! My boyfriend, Stephan, and I, were greeted at stables by program director, Sean Ardis, and his assistant. Tara. We played with friendly huskies, getting to know them before "mushing" lessons. Unfortunately, due to stormy weather conditions we were unable to ski-jor. I was a little relieved; I am not best skier! Sean, however, demonstrated this unique man and dog winter sport. With two beautiful huskies pulling him, he harnessed himself up, gliding along on cross-country skis three times faster than normal skiing, all with powerful assistance of his dogs. We were told not to be entirely fooled by slight man-power that is used in sport. When pulling up hill dogs turn around, looking, questioning your lack of help, wondering why you are not doing your part (and rightfully so!). Ski-joring can be enjoyed by everyone who is comfortable on a pair of skis. The orientation takes about an hour. The cost is CND$50 per person.

Ski-joring originated in Scandinavia and became popular in North America. Sean first discovered sport at his home in B.C. years ago when picking up his mail. The snow was too much to tackle so he harnessed up his dogs and skied out. The rest, as they say, is history. Sean practiced sport on a recreational level and then went professional. He has raised three generations of ski-joring dogs. There are presently 16 huskies in his fleet (with a mix of Irish Wolfhound and Malamute). Each dog has a chance to run every two to three days and then gets two days off. I watched as dogs were fed chicken and soup as a reward for their hard day at work. The rest of their diet consists of beef fat and premium performance kibble.

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By Joanna Neibler - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent - at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

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