The Seattle airport on Saturday morning was a 180 degree difference than Friday at 6 pm. Security line was nuts, a huge line. I skipped the line signing up for a trial with a company called Clear. They move you to the front of the line, for annual fee of course. But you still go through regular security protocols, remove shoes, take devices out of the carry on bag, set quart sized liquids on the conveyer belt. Well it got me fast but I'll most likely cancel soon. I think a TSA pre-check would be the better option and for a similar price. Keep your shoes on! The gates and terminals were all super busy too. Maybe Friday was just an anomaly. A breakfast sandwich of eggs, bacon, and cod at the Lucky Louis Fish Shack sounded pretty weird but was pretty tasty! I didn't try this though.
In Fairbanks, I tried a B&B for the first time ever. I didn't know what to expect. I arrived early and used the code they sent via email to enter the house. I didn't see the host, and wouldn't until I left 2 days later. But I was renting the "Maids" room, literally a small room with a small single bed only. But it suited my needs. I only needed a bed, literally.
None of this is really that interesting. The real stars of this post are the dogs.
One of the highlights of this trip is the dog sledding fun!
In Fairbanks, I recommend Trail Breaker Kennels.
In winter, these dogs are essential as perhaps the most reliable transportation around. These Alaskan huskies are need for sledding. Mushing. The "musher" rides the sleigh and gives a few select commands to the dogs. But they are also trained for running in classic races like the Iditarod. 14 dogs pulling the sleigh for a stage race. And these dogs absolutely love running. Love. It.
These dogs are mostly Alaskan Huskies
But in summer, the dogs still need to keep active even though there is no snow on the ground. Here, we get to see the dogs in action, meet them, cuddle with them, and meet some new pups. By seeing them in action, I mean having them tow us in an ATV. That's right! We were the "mushers". Look how excited they get just getting ready!
This was so great. The dogs, fronted by pack leader Jibe, pulled us about 10 miles per hour through some trails on the property. A couple of water stops where they excitedly jumped into pools and petting and butt scratching and off we go again! Look how excited they are just getting ready to be strapped in! And then we're off!
Mid ride water drinking, cooling, and playing. They're all so friendly and love getting loving.
Then their reward is a Cooling off for a swim in the Chena River.
We got to meet 3 newborn pups. They were very sleepy but so young they had just opened their eyes days before. So freaking cute. She would fit in my suitcase, right? This one is named Kaltag, after one of the checkpoints in the Iditarod race. I'll have to watch it more closely next time. Maybe Kaltag will be the leader some day.
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