BULLIES come in all ages

BULLIES come in all ages
(click to see movie trailer)

Surround yourself with positive people,
energy, and situations;
always avoid negativity.

~~~~~~~~~~

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So, love the people who treat you right.

Forgive, and then forget about the ones who don't.


Monday, January 25, 2010

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,

33 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

I am soooo furry jealous...

And so is my mom!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Life With Dogs said...

I've never been, but have an aunt there who continues to urge me to visit. I'll look forward to the pics you bring back - it really does seem like my kind of place!

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

What a wonderful memory. Thank you for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

Amazing! I can't believe you have done all that! SH

kks said...

wow, i never thought of the "business" end of it! sounds like a wonderful experience! i have a couple friends that have a sled dog pack and who volunteer for different races in northern wisconsin....i know i've talked about going to AK, but won't be making it this year unfortunately....look forward to hearing all about your adventures!
xo

Dexter said...

What a curious thing about sled dogs and their business. Who knew?

Earthquakes are weird. Momma said they have had a couple of little ones here in Master Chew Sits and both times by the time she figured it out, they were over.

Slobbers,
Mango

My Mind's Eye said...

Oh my word I'm speechless and that doesn't happen!!! What a lifetime experience. LOL at keeping your mouth shut I guess that is what they mean by peeing on the fly. HA!!
Hugs Madi and Mom

Anonymous said...

After your sledding experienice and previous trips to Alaska and the Iditarod, you must be as those dogs are!

Liz

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Sounds like fun!
I've wanted to visit their before, our Aunt lives in Alaska, maybe one day we will take a trip!

Bobby said...

How wonderful, what a great experience. Have a great time when you go again.

Cocorue said...

that sounds so fun...TQ for sharing as i'd never get the chance to do that

i trust you did keep your mouth shut as i can imagine anything but snow that MAY get into your mouth bol....

chikisses

Andrea said...

WOW!!
WOOFS and WAGS,
Sitka

Ina in Alaska said...

You are a wonderful ambassador for a winter visit to Alaska during this exciting event! I look forward to meeting you and showing you my little corner of Anchorage (and of course meeting the Poodle Pack!) during our planned get together!! xoxo

♥I am Holly♥ said...

That sounds like so much fun! I'm looking forward to your next trip and hope you have a great time!

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Mom is furry furry jealous! That's quite an experience!!!
Very funny on the "keep your mouth shut" statement. LOL!

Sam & June

Kari in Alaska said...

Alaska is a great place :) I enjoy all my trips there. Especially the one I just got back from

Anonymous said...

I'm volunteering to work with the dropped dogs.....maybe I'll see you there. I'm also going to be a trail guard but don't know exactly what part of the trail I'll be working. LOL:)

D.K. Wall said...

Love the pictures (and do know what you mean - lol). So jealous you are at the Iditarod - a lifetime dream of mine.

Remington said...

Wow! Double WOW!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

What a wonderful experience your sled ride must have been!!! Good luck with your trip. One of our vets took a year's leave from his practice to go and work with all the dogs running in the race. He said it was just fantastic.

Woos, Phantom and Thunder

Smushie Ranch said...

LOL! Good thing you were told to keep your mouth shut. HA! I would have asked for a towel or baby wipe as well...

What a fun and exhilarating experience that must have been. Can't wait to see the pictures and hear about your adventures from your upcoming trip.

Smushface hugs!
Shannon

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Awwwwwwwwwww....
what a wonderful memories....
we're soooooooooooooo jealous!!!!!!
Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee......can we come over there and leaving with you in March?????
You could drive Sled-dogs????!!!!
OMDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!
HAve a great time when you'll go there again!!!!!
Have a great weekend!!!
WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!
Sweet kisses and licks

Kapitein Haakje said...

hi
where El'bow & Hauwii
we found your bloggy on Mango's blog

that sound like funn :D

kissslobbers
El'bow & Hauwii

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Oh what fun.. Mom wants to do that..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Unknown said...

"Keep your mouth shut!" BOL Who would have thought of this if they hadn't experienced it, once. Wow, back in March, huh? Will you shaaaare? Pretty please. Just think about it. You've got two months. Kk?
Twink!

Golden Samantha said...

OMDness! I am so excited for you! Again! I so love AK now and would love to experience it in winter - know you will have the time of your life. Can't wait to hear all about it.
Hugs xo
Sammie and mom

animal lover, quilt lover said...

Always the teacher!! I learned from you again. I almost always do.
They do their business on the run!!
Who knew!!!
Bless their hearts!!!
Kiss the kids, Fern

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

What a great post and memory--It brought back some for me and made me miss Alaska...

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! WOW! Looking forward for more FUN photos. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Betsy Banks Adams said...

You are so lucky to get to go back to Alaska... I've never been there yet---but it's on my LIST (along with millions of other things)...

Hugs,
Betsy

Taffy said...

What a great memory! I can't wait to see/hear about your trip this year. Thanks for sharing those photos with us.
Snuggles,
Twix

LoveTailWags said...

Mush on indeed! Can't wait to read your posts about THIS coming adventure.

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