"Book Sled"

Thought you might get a kick outta my mini-display sled. It's about the right size for the Sheltie to pull if she wanted, but, trust me, Foxy has no interest in becoming a tough sled dog. In any case, a perfect size for any book signings or craft/gift bazaars I might take a notion to do.

Iditarod Headquarter's Fall Look

Video Book Trailer!!!

Turn on your sound!

Rainy Day Book Update

Mother Nature must have decided it was time for me to catch up on my email and blog, cos we have definitely hit Alaska's monsoon season. As a result, I'm sitting here watching my lawn turn yellow with a covering of birch leaves. We've already spied some Termination Dust on Pioneer Peak, so winter can't be far away.

As for the book, it continues to do well. I won't say that I didn't think it'd sell, I did, but even I am astonished at the wonderful response I've gotten. Even more so, I guess, cos I really haven't kicked myself into gear to do much promotion other than via this blog and my email lists. It's a good thing I write well, cos I'm a rotten salesman. But, in any case.....

As of right now, with very little effort on my part, the book is in two bookstores. Alaskana Books in Palmer got it first, she's always a wonderful help when I'm in search of info, and Annabelle's Books here in Wasilla. They even asked if I'd do a booksigning, so somewhere around race time, how cool is this, I'll be there signing books. I've even heard from a couple Lower 48 bookstore sounding places, so the word is definitely out. And, to think, I only bought 25 mailing envelopes to begin with, but am already considering doing another order at the end of this month.

In a weird way, tho', it still doesn't seem real to me. It's as if I'm playing the role of an author in a play and following some script, not as if it's really me. Okay, yeah, I'm weird, but there's just such an air of unreality to being on the same page as authors like Gary Paulsen and even, hee-hee, briefly outselling him. Oh, yeah, Gary's going to hear about this one, that's for sure! Of course, even weirder than being a "real author" now, is the realization that someone like Gary Paulsen is a friend, not just a name on a book. How cool is that? The guy I blame for inspiring my interest in all things Alaska is a friend.

On the "what's next?" front, I'm toying with two ideas. One will be sorta a kids' guide to the race, maybe in two versions, elem. and higher level, and the other will be a more detailed look at the people that make the race happen. Iditarod Classics looked at the mushers, but in addition to that, I want to include in the handlers, volunteers, fans, and even the media that write, photograph and illustrate the race. I think I have my work cut out for me, but it'll be a fun ride.

A Letter From David Monson

Dear Friends,

It is hard for me to believe that it has been a year since Susan died. This August would have been our 22nd wedding anniversary. I cannot help but reflect on all the memories she left me with along with our two beautiful girls Tekla and Chisana. I was truly blessed to have shared a life with her. Even though Susan is gone, the awful disease that took her from all of us is still inciting its pain on others.

Last year when Susan was sick, I ran a marathon in honor of her on-going fight to survive. She was very supportive of my effort to raise money to help find a cure the disease she was valiantly fighting. I ran as part of the Team in Training program to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society(LLS). The LLS raises precious research money used to find a cure for all blood cancers as well as providing support to families who are affected and displaced by the illness of a loved family member.

This year I am running again. This year, I must run in Susan's memory and the memory of all the brave people we met in the hospital who lost their fight. I am running to raise awareness so that a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma can be found. I ask you to join me again by supporting the work of the LLS by making a donation through my race to help others.

Should you like to support my efforts, please make a donation on line at:http://www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/godave or by sending me a check made out to the LLS at: P.O. Box 60249, Fairbanks, AK 99706.

Thank you from all who will benefit by your generous gift.
With love and appreciation for your support of my family and this important cause.

David Monson, Fairbanks, Alaska

Book Signing Tour of My Kitchen Table

Everything was neat and tidy and semi-organized when I started.




















Those are the envelopes for some of the books in a bag that's sitting in the chair for the photo. There's a note on the piece of paper reminding me that Helen gets five copies and a card with Marlene's order under the front and center book.












Spreading out a bit...

Order "Backstage Iditarod"

BACKSTAGE IDITAROD is for the fan who wants more than to just watch a team take off from the start line. A collection of stories both new and old, it's a guide for those who yearn to know what it's really like on 4th Avenue; what they would see, hear and touch. It's for those who want to volunteer at Race Headquarters or maybe bid to be an Idita-Rider. It's for the dreamers who wonder what goes on at the musher banquets, both in Anchorage and in Nome. It's for arm chair mushers who simply want to immerse themselves in everything Iditarod.

Iditarod literature tends to fall into three categories: “Joe Musher’s Story” books, “A Collection of Musher Stories,” and the exquisite photo books that the likes of Jeff Schultz, the Iditarod’s Official Photographer, create.

“All (Iditarod books) are interesting, but none focus on an overall view of the activities that go on before, during and after the race to make it happen. None break down the cost of running this race for you. None take you to Iditarod HQ to watch organized chaos as race preparations evolve. None follow the logistics involved in preparing checkpoint drop bags. None agonize over vet checks and deciding a final team. And none put you in the middle of the action at the start line in Anchorage and the restart, wherever it may be.”
---Donna Quante, producer of video “Pretty Sled Dogs”

“You're in for a real treat with this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and by the time I was finished proofing the pages I had a lump in my throat and was practically wishing for snow on the ground! I'll be going into the '08 race with a whole new understanding of how things work, because June's book truly is the equivalent of a backstage pass to the whole awesome show!”

---Helen Hegener, author/publisher/editor and present
at some of the initial organizational meetings for the
Iditarod when it was still known as “Joe’s race”.

TO ORDER: Email me at sunhusky@mtaonline.net for information.
Cost: $16.95, plus $5 shipping/handling

Paypal available via this email address.

Books should be available for mailing by Labor Day. Please let me know if you'd like them autographed and, if so, with anything in particular.

"Backstage Iditarod," the book

It's taken me far longer than planned, but Backstage Iditarod, the book, is finally near completion. I actually started this blog way back when thinking it'd be the accompanying blog, so that tells you how long its taken me. It's been a long, winding road, but more on that story later. For now, here's the cover. $16.95 plus $5 shipping/handling.

Please use the comment link for now, but I expect to have the website for the book up and running in the next few days.

Iditarod's Summer Volunteer and Sign-Up Picnic

Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin was on hand for the volunteer and musher sign-up picnic for Iditarod 2008. She's shown here with 2007 Champion Lance Mackey who, of course, bungled her name moments after finishing in Nome, but seems to be traveling in the same circles nowadays.

For more photos and quick glimpses of the picnic, visit: http://www.sunhusky.com/Idita2008/picnic/

Lance Watches Valley Premiere of "As Tough As They Come"

Both Martin Buser and Lance Mackey were on hand at the Valley Performing Center tonight for the premiere showing of the Iditarod's "As Tough As They Come."

"The $10 ticket price will help furnish the Animal Adoption Center, what will become the heart of the newly restored shelter, where residents will get to know a potential life-long pet in attractive surroundings."

"The animal shelter project is in the Borough's proposed 2008 budget. The budget is expected to be adopted Wed. night. A certificate of participation, similar to a revenue bond, will pay for the construction. If approved, user fees will pay for a third of the project, and the non-areawide mill levy will fund the other two thirds. Residents of an average home would pay $15.60 the first year only, and progressively less each year. Mat-Su Mayor Curt Menard is a strong supporter of the project. "

Lance models the #1 bib that was auctioned off during an intermission in the video. Cheryl Metiva, from the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, watches as Lance adds "three" to the equation, symbolizing his own #13 bib that he wore in the race.

Tonya and Lance Mackey relax a few moments before the airing of the video. Lance hadn't seen it, either, so he watched it for the first time with those of us in the audience.
Martin Buser was also there, lending his support to the need for the shelter and joking that tho' not one of his sled dogs have wound up in the local shelter, one of their pet dogs did. Bad, Spot, bad.

Lance Mackey at Wasilla Chamber of Commerce

Lance Mackey, the back-to-back champion of both the 2007 Yukon Quest and Iditarod, spoke to the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce this Tuesday. These photos were supplied by Ed Sundeen.

See my story and photos at http://www.dogsled.com/latest/lance-mackey-speaks-to-the-wasilla-chamber-of-commerce.html

Ellen Halverston takes Red Lantern

Lance Mackey Wins Iditarod 2007

Congratulations to Lance Mackey, shown here at the Ceremonial Start, for winning Iditarod 2007. He contined the Mackey family tradition, winning on his sixth try, wearing bib #13, just as his father and step-brother had.

A Visit From Musher Perry Solmonson

Perry dropped by today with his local hostess, Donna Quante, and I snagged a few photos. He's taking the ol' toboggan sled that was sitting in my garage and will be refurbishing it.

Turns out it's probably a Tim White sled, circa the 80's, so cool to see it "rehomed" with Perry, who'll have a blast refinishing it and getting it back to its original purpose.

He had the dogs with him, too, since he was itching to get out on the trails again. I was glad to see him, give him a hug, and see that he was his usual upbeat self after having to scratch. While he's obviously bummed to not still be out on the Iditarod Trail, he knows he did the right thing for his dogs, which is the important thing for me. I admire Perry, in fact, for being able to put his ego and wants aside for the benefit of some dogs that just weren't liking what they were doing. This is what being an Iditarod musher is really about, doing the right thing for the dogs.

Blasts from the Past, Idita-03 shots

Media Meeting for Iditarod 2007

Today was vet check day and media meeting day for the Iditarod. While we were still at Iditarod Headquarters for the vet check, Dick Mackey wandered inside while we were there. He's shown here flanked by Mary Dillingham, left, and Helen Hegener. Helen was one of those who were involved in the early organization of the Iditarod, so it was a bit of 'ol home week for them.

Pre-Iditarod Fun!

So, do you think Betty's having fun? That's Perry tucking her into the sled for a spin behind his Iditarod team.








And, they're off!












Perry demo's the "I'm king of the world" (or at least Willow's lake) or "Look, Mom, no hands" mushing technique. That's Doris in the basket this time, I think.

Photos by Donna Quante

Lois Harter Suffers House Fire

Lois Harter, right, is shown with Iditarod Race Director Joanne Potts, left, and the race's head vet, Dr. Stu Nelson. Joanne, a long time friend, took her shopping the next day and Stu, who'd just walked into Headquarters after arriving in Alaska for his race duties and catching some sleep, vows to do whatever he can to help out in recovery, a sentiment shared by the entire "Iditarod Family."

Read Jon Little's story at http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/index.html

More photos available at www.myspace.com/iditagal

DeeDee Jonrowe defends title in Don Bowers Memorial Race

Running a team sporting hot pink harnesses, Willow musher DeeDee Jonrowe headed out on the trails not far from her Willow home to defend her title in the 2007 Don Bowers Memorial 200. As I type, she's doing her lay-over at Joe May's cabin at the mid-point of the race. Melissa Owens is second.

Lance Mackey Wins the First-Ever Cantwell Classic

Lance Mackey, right, won the inaugural run of the Cantwell Classic. Mitch Seavey, left, was third. Hugh Neff took third.

In the Jr. race, Megan Hedgecoke edged Ellen King by one second to win. Charlie Allison was third.

Jeff King Wins the 2007 Knik 200

Jeff King, shown here leaving the starting line, won the 2007 Knik 200, barely nudging out Jon Little. For more details, see http://www.dogsled.com/knik-200/index.html

How to Enjoy the Iditarod

I own and moderate an email list for Iditarod fans. Just as the list mentored me in 2000 when I was plotting my first trip, it's been my pleasure to do the same for others, a sort of "pass it forward."

Here's an email I/the list recently received and my response.

---- Original Message ----- >
I'm going to Alaska for the Iditarod start!!!!!!!! I am thrilled, this is something I have wanted to do for years and thought I would never get there -- this year everything has come together and I am GOING!!!!!

OMG!!! I am so gassed! And reality is starting to hit....What do I need for clothing? I have lived in south Texas for over 30 years and any cold> weather gear Ihad in Michigan is long gone or grown out of.

Any and all suggestions are welome.
-----END OF EMAIL-----

By the time I got a chance to answer, the clothing issues had been dealt with, mostly a la "layer, layer, layer," so I focused on the experiences she could expect to have. My response is below....

It sounds like you're getting lots of good advice, Bilinda, but don't hesitate to ask questions as they occur to you, even if they might seem silly to you. Trust me, I was the queen of dumb questions back when I was alternately elated that I was coming to my first race and terrified I'd somehow freeze into an ice-cube.

Man, thinking back to my "rookie run" as an Iditarod fan, who'd have ever guessed I'd be living here in Alaska now. Well, okay, Lois. She knew I was hooked on Alaska before I did, as did the likes of Rosemary and Dillingham's, I'm sure, not to mention many still living ini the Lower 48.

You'll have a blast, but, as I said earlier, beware. While the race is addictive, it's Alaska that has called to me and so many others. No lie, I'd give up ever seeing the Iditarod again before I'd give up Alaska.

As far as the usual first gathering of Idita-support folks (members of our list), that seem to tend to be on the Wed. at the vet check out here in Wasilla at Iditarod Headquarters. You've got to be careful not to be a nuisance or get in the way of the vets doing their jobs, but can be fun. We never seem to have a specific spot to meet, but do manage to stumble into each other pretty quickly. Do you think that could have anything to do with the visibility of Betty in her subdued orange outfit? We've done lunch after a few times, tho' I was so sick last year that I pretty much bailed on everything, I'm afraid.

Thursday's the musher banquet, which I swear every year I'm never going to again, but somehow manage to wind up attending. It's a good day for musher viewing, too, as the hotel will be hosting the final pre-race musher meeting. You're likely to find several Idita-supporters hanging out in the Fancy Moose, so keep your eyes open.

There's a book fair with Idita-authors and several presentations on Friday at the hotel, too, that while geared to the teachers are open to the public. I know Paulsen is speaking, but kinda think you'll want to hear Gay Salisbury, who was speaking this year again, too, at least the last time I looked at the schedule. I know, I know, I need to catch up on my Idita-homework. So sue me, Diane (Johnson, ITC's Education Director), I'm woefully behind on all things Iditarod, even the teaching stuff.

Haven't confirmed this yet, so don't quote me, but Jeff King and his artist wife Donna Gates usually can be found at the Aurora Art Gallery late Friday afternoon, too. If you're not familiar with Donna's artwork, you're missing a treat. My walls are adorned with several of her works. Jeff's there with musher cards and the like and willingly poses for pix and signs endless autographs. Wouldn't be too surprised to see one of his girls or a dog or two somewhere in the vicinity, either, tho' am kinda inclined to think Salem's toes might be too vital to risk Salem possibly getting stepped on for it to be him, alas.

Saturday is, of course, the start. Go early (a shuttle runs from the Millennium) cos you can get onto the street in the early hours for some upclose viewing and photos til they herd everyone without the proper credentials thru the gates and off the street. Given how tough walking in the snow on the street has been some years, you may not regret being herded off as much as you might think, trust me. Afterward, lots of places to shop afterward and it's always kinda fun to hang around long enough to watch the snow being removed, too.

Sunday is the restart in, uh, well, out here in the Valley somewhere. Whereas mushers are pretty approachable on Saturday, let's face it, that's not for real, you'll find the mood is much more serious on Sunday and for the most part you shouldn't expect to be getting upclose and personal with even the friendliest at the restart. Saturday's for the fans, but Sunday is where the clock starts ticking, so the mushers' focus tends to be more inward, if that makes sense.

Then...then we all tend to go somewhere and take a nap, marveling at the fact that while we're exhausted, it's just beginning for the mushers and their wonderful, wonderful dogs.And that's it in a nutshell. Okay, I'm already exhausted just typing about it. I think I'll go to bed now. June

Sheep Mountain 150

Karen Ramstead team leaving Eureka for last

leg of the Sheep Mountain 150. Photo by Donna Quante

The Sheep Mountain 150 essentially marks the beginning of race season in Alaska. While few mushers approach it competitively given how early it is in the season, it's a mushers race put on by mushers, so some top teams enter every year. This year Lance Mackey, who'd go on to win the race, was even a late entry. His brother Jason had planned to run the race, but when he was injured in a truck wreck (see story below), Lance replaced him on the musher list. Doing his brother this favor allowed Lance to add not just another victory to his resume, but he won a brand-new Hans Gatt sled in the process. According to Lance, this is his first new, genuinely new sled ever, so this is one favor that paid off!

The Shishmaref Cannonball Passes

Herbie Nayokpuk, known to Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race fans all over the world as "The Shishmaref Cannonball,'' died Saturday afternoon at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, surrounded by family members. He was 77.

Read the full story at:
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/hall/story/8465291p-8359194c.html

Happy Trails Kennels and the Idita-Rookie Meeting

The forty rookies signed up to run Iditarod 2007 gathered at Martin Buser's Big Lake kennel this morning for the second in a series of meetings. They'd spent much of the day before in Anchorage in a meeting at the Millennium Hotel. Today, however, they were getting what was for many their first look at a genuine Iditarod musher's kennel. Even better, of course, a four-time champion Iditarod musher's kennel. Even tho' they'd heard Jeff King speak on Saturday, that was in a bare hotel meeting room, not in the context of mountain vistas, snowflakes falling, and singing dogs.

The day began early, most arriving before the sun was even up, and would continue throughout the day. His living and dining room crammed with chairs for the morning season, Martin fielded questions on everything from booties to health concerns, as well as how best to handle the inevitable impulse to scratch from the race. "Make a list of three people," Martin instructed, "that you HAVE to talk to before you scratch. Make sure I'm on it. Since I won't be returning calls, that pretty well handles that." Everyone laughed, of course, but Martin's caution that feelings of failure, fatigue and frustration could lead to scratching from the race needlessly was just one of the many bits of info he shared.

Before the day was over, he'd even share his packing list, the vital list of items he packed for the race and drop bags. While emphasizing that this list was his and would have to be tinkered with the meet individual needs, it was a start. For many rookies, today was the start of the race becoming very, very real to them, a time when the sheer magnitude of making such a list seems overwhelming, so all the advice they could soak up from Martin and the others that spoke the day before in Anchorage was much appreciated.

More photos at http://sunhusky.com/2006/December/rookiemeetingmartins/

Happy-Sad Memories

While browsing through some old photos today, I came across this one. It's a reproduction of the wedding announcment for the wedding of Susan Butcher and Dave Monson. I'd won it in an Ebay auction and took it to Alaska with me with the sole purpose of getting Susan to sign it for me.

You have to understand. I'm the world's worst autograph seeker, so this was rare for me. Sadly, I never once pondered that it might become simply a memory and that Susan would leave us only a few years later. No, I won't even go there. I want to focus on the memory of that moment, a moment that Susan shared a side of herself to which few fans had access.

Susan was at Anchorage's Millennium Alaska Hotel to give a presentation to the teachers there attending the Iditarod's annual teacher workshop. She was relaxed and funny, then at moments reflective, but open and approachable to one and all. After her presentation, after the room was cleared and I was helping organizers clean up, I sat down with Susan and Lois Harter, then the race's Education Director and simply talked. Susan and Lois go way back. In fact, it was Lois who coined the "Alaska, where men and men and women win the Iditarod" saying that adorned so many tee shirts during Susan's reign as champion.

I finally pulled out the ol' copy of the Iditarod Runner shown here. Susan burst out in laughter. "Now this is a blast from the past!" she laughed. She laughed again and began to name off the dogs shown.

"Wait!" I pleaded, digging for a Sharpie. "Write them down for me!" Oh, jeez, I was giving orders to Susan Butcher?

Susan just laughed again, giving quick tidbits about each and every one of the dogs pictured as she wrote their name for me. As she finally signed her own name, she hesitated next to the puppy in her arms. As it turned out, this one went to a then up and coming musher named Jeff King . Susan hesitated to put a name to it since she wasn't sure what Jeff had called it. Thus, the puppy in her arms remains a mystery to me, at least until I remember to ask Jeff King someday.

Jason Mackey-Bruce Linton Dog Truck Wreck

Yikes!

All I could think when I saw this photo, provided by rookie musher Bruce Linton, was how lucky not only Jason Mackey and he were to walk away from this wreck relatively injury free, but that the dogs also emerged in good shape.

Bruce will be a rookie in Idiarod 2007, so he already had a tough trail to travel, so this is just one more hurdle, made easier by the offer of a dog trailer by Georgia musher Bill Borden. Bill ( www.cooldreams.net ) hasn't been able to swing a run since '02, so he's just happy to see his Cool Dreams rig being useful to someone else sharing his Iditarod dreams.

Check out Bruce's website at: www.dogsledvt.com

The Silent Waiting

I have a friend who lives in Willow, Alaska, a mecca for mushers. She's become used to and even enjoys the constant songs of the dogs, but she noted something unusual the night of the first significant snowfall.

Silence. It was as if these dogs, finely tuned athletes that they are, were also somehow tuned into Mother Nature's whims and knew that soon, tantalizingly soon, it would be time to don their harnesses and run once again with sleds. They slept silently, awaiting the next morning and the glistening snow that awaited them.

Happy Anniversary, Hazy

I wish sled dogs could talk. Two years ago, Hazel, shown front left in a photo taken by Brenda Borden of Hazy in her husband Bill's Iditarod team, came to live with me. I'd love to hear her stories, hear what it was like to race across the snow and ice in Alaska. Looking at her here, so focused, tug line tight, eyes straight ahead, I'll glance at her sprawled out on the floor here and try to somehow mesh the dog I see with the one in the photos.

Now, two years later, she's a not quite sedate, but more restrained retiree, living out her life here with me in Wasilla, not all that far from where she began her trips to Nome. Yes, trips. While Hazy didn't make it to Nome with Bill, coming into heat at the wrong time, she has crossed under the burled arch in Nome. She was a member of Trisha Kolegar's 2000 team. Ironically, that was my first Iditarod, tho' I have to admit, I haven't gone thru the photo stash yet to see if I have photos of Hazy on her way to Nome for the first time. Trish was running Lynda Plettner's puppy team, of which Hazel was a member.

What fun it was to talk to both Lynda and Trish about "my" sled dog. Hey, I may never go to Nome via the runners, but it's a kick to have this living part of the Iditarod as a part of the family. At last, I can claim a tough family member, even if that family member happens to be a tough sled dog. Lynda remembers Hazy as the runt of her litter, a surprise given her solid build and incredible strength. Both recall this shy puppy being picked on by litter mates, so they moved her into another pen with some slightly younger puppies. That's when the sweetness in her eyes began to shine forth as she immediately began to mother the youngsters. From those uncertain beginnings came an Iditarod finisher. I wish she could talk.