Mush!

…But only in March.

The Iditarod, Alaska’s annual sled dog race, is one of the world’s most arduous and exciting sporting events. This year, on Saturday, March 3, 2012, the ceremonial start takes place in Anchorage marking the 40th anniversary of the race.  Over 70 tough mushers and their dogsleds race along the 1000-mile powdery trade path from Anchorage to Nome — a peak lifetime thrill.  But instead of packing your pooch and taking off by yourself, contact the highly-experienced Sky Trekking Alaska Company and join one of their small groups.

“On you huskies!! On King!” Dash along in the sled tracks of the childhood radio hero, Sergeant William Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police, and his top dog “Yukon King,” back in the days when they fought evildoers in the Northern wilderness.

Chief Pilot and Guide, Ms. Lori Egge, founded the company over 15 years ago. “Fly” low over the snow on the Alaskan tundra with a team of lovable, incredibly powerful huskies for three, four or twelve days. And the weather?  Cold but dry and often sunny, the temperatures range from -10 F to a toasty +25 F and prices start at $4,725. pp (plus air).

For the 12 hours of daylight sunshine in Alaska in March, sunglasses are heartily recommended. For the other 12 hours, gape in awe at the Aurora Borealis, the great Northern Lights show.

For the big picture click: www.iditarod.com.

Click: www.skytrekkingalaska.com (includes a great 1-1/2 minute video with marvelous music by “Pumya,” Inupiat Eskimo group. Or call 907-315-6098.

Another option: Alaska Sled Dog Tours, set on the fringes of Chugach State Park, is a new company is run by old hands: the Seavey family who know mushing inside and out. Three generations of Seaveys have competed in the Iditarod. www.aksleddogtours.com.