Monday's Memory-Sled Dogs

I took my first winter trip to Alaska in 1996. I had been to AK several times during the summer, with the endless daylight and relentless mosquitoes, but the winter offered the Alaska I had always imagined. My "must do" list included a trip to a sled dog kennel and a ride on a sled. I made arrangements to visit Iditarod veteran, Lynda Plettner and her amazing dogs at Plettner Kennels in Houston.

As luck would have it, I spent the 2 days prior to my kennel visit sick as a dog with the flu. To make matters worse, I also experienced my first and thus far, only, earthquake. I honestly thought I was hallucinating from high fever until I called the front desk of the hotel and they confirmed it was, indeed, a mild earthquake.

Meeting the dogs

The dogs were very affectionate until they heard the harnesses and went crazy with excitement.

"Pick me, pick me!"

I secured the sled while Lynda hooked up the team.

Getting final instructions from Lynda:
"Keep your arms in the sled and your mouth shut!"

I thought she was being rude, telling me not to talk, but as I quickly realized, when the dogs started running, snow wasn't the only thing flying. They don't stop to do their "business", if you know what I mean.

The ride through the winter wonderland was magical and the rhythmic patter of paws on the snow was hypnotic.

This will always be one of my most memorable Alaska experiences.

I'll be returning to Alaska in March for my 2nd Iditarod (as a spectator and volunteer).

I have many exciting adventures planned (will give details in a future post), including the opportunity to drive a dog sled.

Mush On!!!

Happy Trails,