Shoulder Season? I think NOT!

Wow people! Alaska is still here! And it's magnificent! OK Anchorage looks slightly drab, but don't let that fool you!! Get up in the morning and come see what these pups are so excited about! OK I've used a lot of explanation points so far, but can't you see how excited I am?? This morning on my way to work I could see Mt. McKinley and I was reminded of one guest that is going flight seeing today. She's gonna get the experience of a lifetime! What a beautiful day!

The gray whales are in too - yay! You can take a day trip out of Seward and see these great beasts... quickly while they're still here. Maybe you'll even see some other awesome marine life while you're at it - like sea lions, seals, Otters (I just saw one a few days ago), and lots of sea birds. On the way to Seward you can see moose, sheep, eagles... and I'm betting we're days from tiny baby moose walking around everywhere! I'm so excited!!

A Word on Dog Abuse

Unbelievable! You wouldn't believe the crazy stuff that people are posting on the internet about Iditarod dog abuse. It's complete crazy talk! I grew up in Alaska and have seen many, many different kennels. I've spent significant amounts of time at many of these kennels and I can personally attest to the happiness of the dogs. The Iditarod mushers, although not created equal, have a general sense of well-being and treat their dogs in the best possible manner.

One site states "dogs are forced to pull heavy weight". REALLY?? For one, no one forces these dogs to do anything. They WANT to run. And if they don't, then they don't have to! Yeesh! What about the tiny sweaters on your stupid terrier?? That's forced if you ask me!

This particular site also said that they are forced to swim... oh yes. Dogs hate to swim. Especially if you toss a stick in the lake. They really hate that. Oh man these people are morons.

So guess what folks? Dogs smile. We all know this. And when it's time to hook up to the sled, they are smiling, barking, and ready to roll! They LOVE it!! Woo hoo doggies!

Iditarod IS Amazing!

OK I have a new favorite sport. Wait a minute... does it count if I don't really keep up with any sports to begin with?

Well anyway - MUSHING! I've known for a while that this is one of my favorite things to do... and for several years, Salmon Berry has done dog sledding/mushing tours as well as an annual tour to the starting line of the Iditarod. However, THIS year has been even more fun and incredible than years past. I officially signed up to get the GPS tracker and watched the race hourly on my cell phone. We here at Salmon Berry have been occasionally using Dallas Seavey for dog sledding tours with our guests, and he was running the race, so we even had someone to officially cheer for - with some meaning to us.

Dallas was the youngest person to ever run the race 5 years ago when he turned 18. He is now 23. Last year, at 22 years old, he placed 6th. This year he placed 8th and it was a heck of a race! He was up there with the leaders the entire time and it was great to watch his little tag on my cell phone go blazing by Hugh Neff (sorry Hugh).

For those who are not familiar with the race, this sport is truly The Last Great Race. It's a wilderness challenge for man and his beast (several women have won this race - I was speaking poetically only) that so few can handle. It's a lifetime committment for those who want to be where Dallas and his friends and foes are now.

This race impresses me again and again and I think I am forever hooked. My favorite sport: dog mushing. My favorite annual event: The Iditarod.