SP Kennel - What a team!

Friday, March 4

My Buddy Otter

This is Otter. Although I didn't have the time to spend a little while with each and every dog at Martin Buser's kennel, he was one of my favorites. His brother, Weasel, was right beside him, but a little more rambunctious. Even a man who worked at Martin's kennel commented on what a good dog Otter was. Overall, a pretty darn good day!

Iditarod Head Quarters

These are some of the stuffed animals that were mounted on the wall at the Iditarod Head Quarters.

A moose that we saw

We saw this moose when we were driving to Martin Buser's Kennel. It was really big! We ended up seeing 14 of these!!!

Today was very exciting and I had a lot of fun meeting Martin Buser. One of the dogs on Martin Buser's team I felt very connected to. His name was Roy and he was a very welcoming dog. He was also very mellow and he liked to shake your hand.

Moutains

Today I got to see many Beautiful Mountains. I took many pictures of them. I think its the most Amazing thing in Alaska! I just love seeing all the mountains. Its a very pretty site to see!

Second Day in Alaska

Today was a reall amazing day. We went to Martin Buser's kennel, visited the Iditarod Head Quarters, and saw 14 moose on the way! One of my favorite moments of the day was when I met Vohn, one of Martin's dogs. He was a really sweet dog and he jumped up and licked my face. At the Iditarod Head Quarters, there were stuffed animals all over the wall. There were 3 kinds of bears, a mountain goat, a huge cat, and a dall sheep. When we left the Iditarod head Quarters to go to Martin Buser's kennel, we passed marshes on either side of the road. As we looked out, we began to see many moose. In the end we saw 14 moose!!! It was really cool to see that because in Maine oyu don't see them that often but these ones were like big dogs. The just milled about on the side of the road. And they were BIG. In this picture, Shooting Star is receiving an enthusiastic welcome from Vohn, one of Martin Buser's dogs.

Our Team

No words needed, except wicked awesome! (Martin Buser on left next to Snow Hopper.)

We're actually here!

I can't believe we made it! Today when we went to Happy Trails kennel I was so excited to see all the dogs and meet Martin Buser! I was so happy when he signed my hat because it made the trip seem more real. One of the things that surprised me about Alaska was that it is really similar to Maine. The only thing that reminds me that I'm across the country is the mountains you can see from Anchorage. They are incredible! I can't wait to see more mushers tomorrow!

Happy Trails

Today, we visited Happy Trails Kennel and got to meet Martin Buser and Magnus along with the sled dogs there. Its cool to meet people in the Iditarod.

Millenium Hotel

We visited the Iditarod head quarters in the Millennium Hotel today. There were many stuffed animals there. Dogs that are dropped are sent there first to be checked then sent to where they need to be, either back to there kennel or a vet. There are also a couple of gift shops there.

My fancy hat.

I got my hat signed by Martin Buser and Magnus! By the end of this trip my hat will be coated with signatures. My fingers are crossed that Aliy Zirkle and Dee Dee Jonrowe will sign it! I didn't have the time to steal a puppy from Martin Busers' Kennel.

Martin Buser's Kennel

The best part of Martin Buser's Kennel was being able to pet the puppies. The puppies were really soft and very friendly. They would run up to you and jump on you to get your attention so you would pet them. They absolutely loved all of the attention. That was the best part of Martin Buser's Kennel.

Happy Trails Kennel

Today was a very exciting day. We went to Martin Buser's Kennel and visited the Iditarod Head Quarters. My most exciting part of the day was when we went to Martin Buser's Kennel and met his dogs. They are so sweet! A lot of them tended to jump though! In this picture, Shooting Star is meeting the dogs at Happy Trails Kennel!

On the way to Alaska!

Getting tired of being on the plane. The plane rides were at least two hours long.

Aliy Zirkle!

Today at 5:00 pm we are going to meet Aliy Zirkle! I am really excited!!!!!!!!!!

Different time zones!

Right now in Alaska time it is 5:01 am. In Maine time it is 9:00!!! Our whole room is up because we are all not used to the time change!

5 Hour Flight

This was the airplane that we took from Minneapolis to Anchorage. It was a LONG flight! It was 5-6 hours long and we were all about to go crazy when it finally landed!