Easter Mushing

Yesterday I returned from my first dog mushing trip. We were out for 4 days and stayed at historic cabins along the way. There were 5 humans and 37 dogs (4 teams) in total. I was the 5th wheel, so my time was divided between riding in the sled, riding side-by-side with another musher on the runners, being pulled behind the sled on skis, and I even got to do some mushing myself!

This was a "work trip" because we visited a sound station along the way so I could swap out some equipment and retrieve data.

It was HOT. 45 degrees and sunny most days, and you can see by the pictures that the snow was melting fast. No doubt the last trip of the year for the kennels crew unless it snows again.

The experience was great, and there was lots of excitement along the way. Like watching the ice bridge collapse under Bridget just as she made it across the Savage River, seeing a big tree come crashing down next to the cabin while I was standing in the doorway brushing my teeth, watching the dog team (with sled attached) unexpectedly run away and chasing them on foot for 2 miles before we caught up, and mushing through knee-deep water on some of the rivers.

All-in-all it was a successful trip and a fun learning experience. The pictures help tell the story:

Shortly after departing the road and just before the dogs took off on their own.

A bunch of tired dogs after the first of four 30-mile runs.
At the sound station.

Carlo and Coho resting while I work on the equipment.

Me trying my hand at mushing on the East Fork Toklat river.

Alex (and his protective eyewear) splitting firewood at the Toklat cabin.

The trip home with much less snow.

As you can see, the snow is on its way out around here and we are starting to see hints of the busy summer season coming. They are reopening the park road, seasonal employees are starting to arrive, my down parka is retired to the closet, and the tourists are trickling in. I'm sure there will be more excitement to come. Hope everyone is well.

-Jared