Dog Sledding in Alaska v.80

What a rush!!  We were blessed with a late season snow and lower than normal temperatures- not usually a blessing in our world, but this was the mushing world!  

Here is a little taste of the trail:

Our hosts at Sirius Sled Dogs, Nita and Josh (with help from Garrett), answered our nearly endless questions and guided us through everything from care and feeding of the dogs, the solar panels that provide their electricity, their future business plan, and 

the differences between types of huskies, to hooking them to the sled and driving it. It is so obvious that they love their dogs, in the way that they protect and care for them. 

Becca was right at home- she learned quickly and after "mushing school", and Nita's approval, ended up driving her own sled.

Becca couldn't get enough of the dogs.  Maybe it was the cold or the breed, but happily, she was able to snuggle and play with them without sneezing :).


We spent some time with the author of "Alaskan Tales of the Trail", and the first woman to complete the Iditarod- Mary Shields.  Part of our tour was an overnight at Mary's cabin in the woods.  Bob and Becca found an old sled and put it to good use.

We slept in a small cabin that was once a workshop.  There was a fascinating array of tools- my favorite was "self powered": 

Josh proved to be a great cook- an expert with the wood fueled stove.  We had two great dinners that featured main dishes caught, prepped, and prepared without grocery store involvement.

Our wood stove provided warmth all night, but running to the bathroom took some determination.  Who would have guessed that a piece of foam insulation as a "seat" would provide such comfort in the outdoor "facilities"? 

Burl wants to share Becca's lunch!

As I understand it, Mary was Nita's sled dog mentor and inspiration.  My favorite "take-away" story is that Nita would have sled dogs, but only if they were also pets.  The prevailing wisdom, and Mary's admonition was that working dogs could not be treated as pets.  Nita stuck to her guns, and created a new reality. I am not known as a "dog person".  In fact, I am usually a little skittish around them.  Much to my surprise and delight, even though they loved to bark and howl, and they jumped around like crazy, I don't know what it was, but I never felt at any risk around these dogs.  They were the sweetest, most willing workers and pets.  It was like they were saying "pick me! pick me!" every time we were around them, for any reason or job.

Without a doubt, this was a truly unforgettable experience.  Thank you Nita, Josh, Mary, and Garrett, for your warm hospitality.  Thanks to the dogs for some fun rides!  I don't even hold it against the dogs that they left me in the road for the last half mile or so......  The snow machine ride was kind of fun.