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Adventure Snow Sports

Raising 2 Kids (and 60 Dogs) in Rural America

Photographer and filmmaker Jonathan Chapman spent time this winter chronicling a family of veteran mushers in Minnesota who have devoted their lives to the sport and their dogs

Text by
Jonathan Chapman
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Although the Frekings don’t have favorites when it comes to their beloved huskies, Blake Freking considers Eagle to be his “hero” as Eagle has been instrumental in helping Blake cross the finish line in many races.
(Jonathan Chapman)

Blake and Jennifer Freking, a musher family in Finland, Minnesota, are the subject of my short film, Lure of the North. The film explores the challenges of living and raising a family off-grid in the snowiest region of the state and captures their devotion to the sport of dog sledding, their spirit of adventure, and commitment to the well-being of their Siberian Huskies. Those things are also reflected in these photographs I took during my time with the Frekings.

Although the Frekings don't have favorites when it comes to their beloved dogs, Blake considers Eagle, pictured above, to be his “hero.” Eagle has been instrumental in helping him across the finish line in many races.

The Frekings own and operate Manitou Crossing Kennels, where they house and care for more than 60 purebred Siberian Huskies.
(Jonathan Chapman)

In addition to mushing, the Frekings also own and operate Manitou Crossing Kennels, which sits next to their home, where they house and care for more than 60 purebred Siberian Huskies.

The Frekings are dedicated preserving the Siberian Husky breed and spend time traveling and educating fellow mushers on the topic. Here, a team of six dogs takes a practice run.
(Jonathan Chapman)

A team of six dogs on a practice run.

Focused and ready, Blake Freking prepares for a practice run.
(Jonathan Chapman)

Both Blake and Jennifer have competed in numerous long-distance dog sled races such as the Yukon Quest, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, and the Iditarod. Aside from racing and running the kennels, they have full time jobs (Blake as an engineer for the US Forest Services and Jennifer as a veterinarian). They're also raising two daughters. 

Beauty at every turn is accented with snow and ice.
(Jonathan Chapman)

The Frekings’ home in Finland is located in the “snow belt” of Minnesota which gets twice as much snow on average as the rest of the state, but the winter can also reveal beauty at every turn, accented with snow and ice.

Siberian Silhouette - a lone husky greets the day.
(Jonathan Chapman)

The Frekings both began working with Siberian Huskies two decades ago with the goal of establishing a line of working dogs capable of competing in the most prestigious dog-sled races. 

Blake and Jennifer both recently competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon where they took first and second place. Aside from pursuing their passion and raising two little girls, they both have full time jobs (Blake as an engineer for the US Forest Services and Jennifer as a veterinarian in Ely, MN).
(Jonathan Chapman)

Blake and Jennifer both competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in January where they took first and second place, respectively. 

Blake Freking takes time to interact and engage with all the huskies. It is incredible to witness the connection the Frekings have with each dog.
(Jonathan Chapman)

It was incredible to witness the connection the Frekings have with each dog. I saw both taking time to interact and engage with all of the huskies.  

A frosty, serene landscape frames an iconic moment during the Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race.
(Jonathan Chapman)

Blake in the middle of a frosty, serene landscape during January's Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race in Grand Marais, Minnesota.  

Eagle and Agex leading the pack.
(Jonathan Chapman)

Eagle and Agex led the pack during a practice run. Agex was originally named Alex, but one of their little girls tried to pronounce his name it came out as Agex. The name stuck. 

Filed to:
  • Dogsledding
  • Events
  • Snow Sports

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