Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Fast Forward 15 Years


Fifteen years ago, as the world descended on Atlanta for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Hubby and I decided it was a good time to get the Heck out of Dodge!



We spent 3 weeks wandering aimlessly camping in Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories, with no real destination, except Eagle, AK.



We had traveled the Taylor Highway to Eagle a couple years earlier and developed a friendship with Wayne (Yukon Quest Veteran) and Scarlett Hall, owners of Bush Alaska Expeditions.


Matt Hall, their son, was just a little fellow back then, growing up on the Yukon River with 20+ sled dogs as his playmates.

Matt's love and respect for these special dogs was evident at an early age.

Wayne Hall, Paleface, Me, Tim, Matt Hall
Cabin on Yukon River, near Eagle, AK
~1996



(Photo from Smokin' Ace Kennels)

Today, Matt is carrying on the family tradition with his own team of sled dogs at Smokin' Ace Kennels.

Happy Trails, Matt!!!

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23 comments:

  1. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥September 27, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    How fun - Mom would love to make that trip too. Will you be headed back to Alaska soon? Can we all pull your sled?

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

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  2. Country Gal September 27, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    WOW ! We here live in Ontario Canada and I have never heard of them, could be cause they are wayy up there lol all though I have a friend that was born and raised in the Yukon he is a biker and thats his nick name YUKON ! Great post and photos. Have a wonderful day !

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  3. FinnSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    Wow, very nice! Looks like a fun time was had by all! Great that's he's keeping the tradition alive today.

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  4. TexWisGirlSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    a very unique life, for sure. and such an adventurous one!

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  5. Two French BulldogsSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    What a cool trip and story
    Benny & Lily

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  6. My Mind's EyeSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    What wonderful memories and pictures. Good luck to Matt and his dogs they are in good capable hands with him.
    Beautiful post you know if it is about Alaska I love it.
    Hugs Madi and Mom

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  7. UnknownSeptember 27, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    What an awesome memory to have. That trip would be amazing!!

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  8. SharonSeptember 27, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Interesting post! Very cool digs!

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Wonderful Memories!!!

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  10. UnknownSeptember 27, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Awesome story! What a cool way to live too!

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  11. GigaSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Jakie to przyjemne, jak wspomnienia są wspaniałe. Chciałoby się to przeżyć jeszcze raz. Pozdrawiam cieplutko

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  12. Frankie Furter and ErnieSeptember 27, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    What a grrrreat trip that must have been. Love the Cabin picture... butt you can just KEEP THE SNOW.

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  13. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Your trip sounds like it was so much fun! I love Alaska and would go back in a heart beat, but the Hub prefers warmer vacation climes. That picture of you on the porch of the cabin looks like it could have come straight from the movie, "Deliverance!" Ha! Adventuresome and hardy people.

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  14. The Adventures of the LLB GangSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    What great fun!! We wish Matt tons of Lhasa luck!!

    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey and Bilbo

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  15. Ina in AlaskaSeptember 28, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    Come on back!!!!

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  16. JacksDadSeptember 28, 2011 at 2:52 AM

    You look exactly the same as you did fifteen years ago!

    I meant the cabin. :)

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  17. Rock ChefSeptember 28, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    That sounds like a great trip - my wife always wanted to go to Alaska. Maybe we will make it one day!

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  18. SusanSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    A little too rustic for me! Looks like it was a fun trip, though! Way to go, Matt!

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  19. animal lover, quilt loverSeptember 28, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Great post Kit!! I couldn't see your pictures. The old puter is being lazy today it hasn't wanted to load hardly anything today!!!!!!
    Thrilled to be here.
    xx, Tinker & Fern
    PS, I have had 6 dogs in the last 38 years and Tinker is the only one who has ever dig out!!!!!!

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  20. Tammy@Simple Southern HappinessSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    hello to you there in north ga, we are here near the big granite rock.
    Looks like an awesome trip. I always have wanted to go to Alaska and see some dog sledding. I can only imagine how exhilarating it can be with the cold crisp wind in ones face and the power being pulled by some talented team members.

    Looks like you have a loving fun place and many warm noses to kiss.

    God bless and keep you all safe.

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  21. Ms. ~KSeptember 29, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    Hello Kit,
    Thank you for the contribution to my new kennel. Your right I don't remember you but it would be fun to meet up again. I will be living in Fairbanks next winter with mu girlfriend and plan to do lots of racing over the next few years so we might meet then if you keep coming up to the starts of the Iditarod.
    Glad you liked the site and hope you keep following my blogs. Thanks again, Matt Hall

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  22. BobbySeptember 29, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    So good, such great memories and photos you have.
    We are so pleased for Onyx she looks a little sweetie, and she has landed on all four paws just great.
    Licks Bobby

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  23. tubby3pugSeptember 30, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    What an amazing trip. You have a really nice blog here. Im a teacher too after my retirement Id love to move to the country

    www.urbanhounds-tubby5dog.blogspot.com

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I love your comments! Thank you, ~K