After my visit to the Iditarod Museum the other day I mentioned what a thrill it would be to ride a dog sled. However, with my back issues, there's no way I could sit in the sled and go for a ride, even if that were possible. Enter John M of the Wasilla Post. He has more contacts than Bausch & Lomb! Next thing I know, I'm headed just outside of Wasilla to the famed Redington Kennels.
Ray Redington, Jr. has raced and finished in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race 17 times and has always been in the Top 20 or higher. In 2018, he finished fourth. He is no slouch in this field! He's also the grandson of the "Father of the Iditarod", Joe Redington. This was mushing royalty I was going to meet!!
The kennel sits just off the starting marker of the Historic Iditarod Trail. Not just the 1,049 mile trekking contest, but the actual trail that took mail and supplies up to the North and brought the gold down south....all by dog sled. See my post "Thursday in Alaska" to read about Togo the famous dog. We arrived and Ray was setting up the sled with some of the dogs. I got dressed into all of the gear I needed to withstand the Minus 25 temp and 30 MPH wind. I felt like Ralphie's little brother in "A Christmas Story." Ray offered me his hand made wolf skin mittens and we were ready. As an aside, those were some awesome mittens!
Standing on the sled and ready to go, Ray advised that the dogs were really ready...and yes they were! The anchor came out of the ground we rapidly gained speed and started down a steep hill. No amusement park ride compares to the thrill of that descent. As we turned we came to a sign proclaiming this to be the original Trail and I knew I was reliving a great part of our American history. We clipped along the narrow trail, through open fields, hills, valleys, and forest alike, at about 15 MPH. The trees lined our path and at times the snow laden Birches made a natural canopy as they bent to provide us cover. We zoomed along and it was clear the dogs were having fun.
Ray told me stories about the history of the original trail and of his racing experience. I found myself wondering what it must have been like so long ago when a sled team reaching a camp could mean life or death to those awaiting food or medicines. All too soon we were coming back into the kennel area. I got to play and interact with the dogs and their joy was so apparent. The team leaders, Guten and Orville wanted to climb all over me...Mama Cass would probably have disapproved! HA!
Please enjoy some of the pictures Todd took while we were there. When the colors fade from my mind, these pictures will remind me of a joyous occasion one day in Alaska.
First Rule: Don't fall off! And check out the mittens!
A safe return from an amazing experience
Leader Guten was pretty happy to say hello
Second string team were satisfied with rubs and snuggles
Sign marking the original trail, which is the one we took
