Palmer to Denali, AK

We've Gone to the Dogs. Our first day in Denali was a Free Day until late afternoon when our group went to Husky Homestead, the kennel of four[time Iditarod winner Jeff King and his wife, well known wildlife artist, Donna Gates King. We met champion sled dogs, held puppies (as you can see from the picture) and saw summer training in action during our 1-1/2 hour narrated kennel tour. We were able to see the wonderful enthusiasm of the Alaskan Huskies and the relationship between musher and dog. We were shown Artic survival gear, sleds and racing equipment. We heard 30 years of mushing stories from freight hauling on Denali to crossing the finish line in Nome with a champion Iditarod team. Jeff King is recognized as the "Winningest Musher in the World". His victories include not only the 1160 mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race in 1993, 1996, 1998 and 2006, but also two-dozen first place finishes in races all across Alaska. His wife, Donna, is a well known artist whose art portrays her intimate involvement with mushing and her love and respect of nature. Their kennel houses over 60 friendly, energetic, Alaskan Huskies. For more information go to, "www.huskeyhomestesd.com"

7/14/10 Wednesday: Cloudy, overcast and drizzle was the weather for our drive from Palmer to Denali. The first half of the drive was pretty boring, but the views improved significantly as we neared Denali. In the evening, the group boarded a bus for transport to McKinley Chalet Resort for an evening of rip-roaring entertainment and a family-style, all-you-can-eat dinner of Alaska salmon...barbecue ribs...salad...baked beans...corn...sourdough rolls...and homemake blueberry cobbler. Following dinner, Fannie Quigley and her crew of unforgettable characters showed us old Alaska in its early days with great songs, tall tales and foot-stomping music.

7/15/10 Thursday: A Free Day until 3:00 p.m. The drizzle and showers continued, so all we did in the morning was visit the many shops in town. Lunch in the rig followed by a nap, a we were ready to head out to the Husky Homestead, covered above.