Alaska Icefield Expeditions » Blog

Susan Butcher: Sled Dog Racing Legend

2011-10-14T02:35:23Z

1985 was both a tragic and triumphant year for women mushers- it was the year Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the great race- but in that same year, long-time racing hopeful Susan Butcher was forced to withdraw from the race when several of her dogs were attacked and injured by a pregnant moose and two were killed. Despite that tragedy, Susan and her team bounced back in a big way- she would win the very next year! Indeed after Libby broke the barrier to become the first female to win the Iditarod, the flood gates were flung wide open and for the next three years Susan Butcher would cross the finish in first place! Proving the ladies’ reign was anything but a fluke, Susan continued to place in the top 10 the next 6 years after that! Susan Butcher won the Iditarod a total of 4 times and took home over $370,000 in prize money.

Butcher had also married David Monson, a fellow musher in 1985 and they set out traveling the world together to compete in nearly every major sled-dog race. They would also have two daughters, Tekla and Chisana.

Her success earned her media attention and numerous awards, including the “National Women’s Sports Foundation Amateur Athlete of The Year Award.” She was recognized in the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame as one of the five initial inductees. Susan also wrote a children’s book, Granite, named after the amazing lead dog whose story the book tells.

After a battle with leukemia, Susan passed away in 2006 at the age of 51. She will never be forgotten as she left a indelible legacy- her contribution to sled dog racing history, amazing character, strength throughout her racing career, her love of her dogs and her sport… it will all live in the hearts of those who love her forever!

Alaska Reading List

2011-10-14T02:35:34Z

Before my first trip to Alaska I definitely hit the bookstore for some extra excitement and information and I still love to savor the spirit and lore of the North. Whether you’ve experienced Alaska before, are planning a trip for next summer or have it on your bucket list far off in the future, we think you’ll really enjoy these reads. They will also give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of all the amazing people, places and animals that make up Alaska’s past and present.

Some of these books you have probably heard of and some, perhaps not. This list was compiled from multiple top titles lists and then pared down to the highest rated of those, so they are just the cream of the crop. What is your favorite book on Alaska, or even your favorite travel book in general? I’m still working my way through the list myself, but I definitely enjoyed Into the Wild (and I thought they did a fine job with the movie as well.) Christopher McCandless lived his life with such abandon and yet with such presence and appreciation. I love how it teaches that you have to reconcile your romantic notions of a place with the reality of it, especially when it comes to a place like Alaska. It’s hard not to develop a great respect for the lore, the spirits that still live here, the impenetrable forests and fog. It’s sometimes a dark place, but it has a beauty all it’s own. Often it is the vastness and harshness, the danger and wild nature of the terrain that attracts people. Of all the people I’ve met in Alaska, only a few were born here- some came here running from something; some came to visit and never left. This place has a draw that pulls you in and sometimes it never lets go.

If you’re a book lover, please share your opinions with us below in the comments- maybe your suggestion will show up on our next list! This also gives you locals something to do over the long, cold winter- grab your favorite mug, fill it with hot coffee, and curl up in a warm spot to enjoy a few of these amazing stories.

Coming into the Country by John McPhee
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Alaska by James Michener
Highliners by William McCloskey
How Heavy is the Mountain by Tim Rundquist
Klondike: The Last Great Gold Rush by Pierre Burton
Looking For Alaska by Peter Jenkins
Call of the Wild, White Fang by Jack London
Collected Poems of Robert Service
Shopping for Porcupine by Seth Kantner
Fifty Miles from Tomorrow by William L. Iggiagruk Hensley
Waltz with me, Alaska by Donna Blasor-Bernhardt
Wager with the Wind by James Greiner
Ada Blackjack by Jennifer Niven
Two in the Far North by Margaret E. Murie
The Reader’s Companion to Alaska by Alan Ryan

Libby Riddles: First Woman to Win the Iditarod

2011-09-15T22:17:42Z

Libby Riddles grew up around a lot of animals and always planned on having a lot of her own when she got older. When she moved to Alaska she naturally took an interest in sled dogs and began buying dogs though she never intended to race them. She trained and ran the dogs for fun, and after a rough couple first years of trial and error as an introduction to mushing, a friend talked her into entering a 5 dog race in 1978- she took first place. Maybe there was something to this racing thing…. Fast forward several years later and she is pulling into the second-to-last Iditarod checkpoint five hours ahead of the nearest competition! A woman running the Iditarod always surprises people in the first place, but a woman winning the Iditarod?

“LIBBY DID IT!” was the headline across the local newspaper the next morning. It was slow-going and dangerously stormy in parts, but she and her dogs had the patience and perseverance to see it through. She made history as the first woman to win the Iditarod March 20th, 1985. According to the Iditarod website, the race is “1150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer.”

Libby still keeps a kennel of about fifty dogs and usually has one pet sled dog, the one who gets to ride around with her in her Dodge and enjoy “full house privileges.” She views herself as a coach of the dogs. She enjoys the challenge and the rewards of helping each dog overcome it’s individual personality quirks and obstacles to reach it’s full potential. She has been recognized time and time again for her dog care and the quality management of her kennel. Libby is also the author of three books: Race Across Alaska, Danger the Dog Yard Cat and Storm Run.

Most of my dogs tend to be very enthusiastic screamers, and like a lot of affection. With my training methods, I have very few dogs getting sour, or wanting to quit… Dog mushing is [a] wonderful sport, mainly because the dogs are such wonderful creatures. We owe it to the dogs to treat them as well as possible.

2011 Princess Tour Guides of the Year

2012-01-07T23:00:49Z

Three AIE Guides Receive Prestigious Recognition in 2011.

The Princess Cruises Adventures Ashore C.R.U.I.S.E. Program was designed to recognize and reward

Outstanding Customer Service.

The word C.R. U.LS.E. is an acronym for Courtesy, Respect; Unfailing In Service Excellence, and is the foundation for the company’s strong customer service ethic.

2011 Tour Guide of the Season for Juneau and Skagway, Alaska - Princess Cruises.

Matt Hall from the Skagway Sled Dog Glacier Camp, Matt Hayashida from the Skagway Dog Sled Demonstration, and Joe Pawelek from our Juneau Gold Rush Dog Cart Tour have all been named tour guides of the season. Congratulations to these mushers and their Alaskan huskies. A big thank you to Alaskan visitors who made Alaska Icefield Expeditions and Gold Rush Dog Tours part of their summer vacation!

Matt Hall – Skagway – Alaska Icefield Expeditions Glacier Dog Sledding

Matt Hayashida – Gold Rush Dogs – Skagway Dog Demonstration

Joe Pawelek – Juneau- Gold Rush Dogs Cart Tour

Thanks to everyone that filled out Princess Cruises comment cards for our mushers!

Princess Tour Guide of the Season

For Skagway:

Matt Hall, Alaska Icefield Expeditions / TEMSCO Helicopters
Matt Hayashida, Gold Rush Sled Dogs / Klondike Gold Fields

For Juneau:

Joe Pawelek, Gold Rush Sled Dogs / TEMSCO Helicopters

10 Tips for a Healthy Cruise Vacation

2011-09-03T23:57:31Z

You’ve planned this for months and with a little know-how and preparation, you can be sure that you will have the time of your life without worrying about a thing! Here’s how to avoid spending your vacation in the ship’s infirmary or stuck in your cabin by knowing all the defenses you can use to keep your family safe from sickness. We have even recommended some highly-rated items here for easy shopping as you prepare and pack.

Visit your doctor. Prior to setting sail, ask about vaccines and preventative medications that may be necessary for your destination. If you are prone to seasickness your doctor may be able to prescribe something to help. Remember to refill any of your family’s regular prescriptions to be sure you won’t run out while you’re out of town.
Stay Hydrated. Even though you’ve been told “Don’t drink the water” you still need to be sure to get enough fluids. Bring a refillable water container to use on board so you can avoid water and ice in foreign ports that seem iffy. Drinks that have been boiled, carbonated or filtered are generally regarded as safe such as tea, coffee, soda, and sealed bottled water. You might consider bringing some electrolyte packets,- they even make some special for kids. They might be a real lifesaver, not to mention they pack much lighter than Gatorade and Pedialyte.
Eat Smart. Avoid raw and handled foods in ports where you wouldn’t drink the water. This is one time where you might be better off getting something straight from a street vendor’s boiling pot than a restaurant’s salad bar.
Don’t Overdo It. Yes, you’re on vacation, so indulge yourself a bit! However do stay aware of how you feel- you don’t want to eat so much at the buffet that you’re ready to burst and end up filled with regret and indigestion. By the same token, even though you don’t have to drive yourself home, be careful not to have two too many drinks and spend what might have been a romantic evening bloated and nauseous, or worse.
Avoid Seasickness. In addition to what you can get from your doctor or the drugstore, often the ships can provide a little Transderm patch that delivers medicine to help with motion sickness. Spend time out on deck or looking out a porthole where you can keep your eyes on the horizon. Being out in the fresh air will help as well. Fresh green apples, ginger candies, and ginger ale or 7-Up and crackers are all popular cures for nausea.
Make a Mini-Medicine Cabinet. You don’t need to bring the kitchen sink, but you might want to pack a few extra remedies just in case. Aspirin, Excedrine, or ibuprofen, Immodium, Dramamine, Tums… whatever you have in your box of go-tos at home, maybe grab a couple of each for the trip and keep it in a little make-up bag or first aid kit.
Don’t Let the Bugs Bite. Mosquitos and biting flies are no fun and can also carry nasty diseases. Make sure you are armed with a strong insect repellent or a natural alternative. Pants and long sleeves as well as good socks and a hat are good ideas whenever possible, especially when hiking through grasslands and near water.
Don’t Get Burned. Fun in the sun lasts a few hours, but the pain can last a lot longer if you neglect to slather on the sunscreen. All sorts of great options are now available including cream and stick, towelettes and spray formulas, and you can even get little foil packets now that fit anywhere so you don’t have to pack a big bottle.
Use Protection. Yes, that kind. Doctors and nurses see it all the time- totally responsible people in any other situation come home from a travel fling with an STD. Just a little something to consider when shopping and packing.
And Kill Those Germs! Bacteria and viruses must be shown no mercy on your cruise. People who are sick are to be avoided. Wash your hands even more than normal and carry anti-bacterial gel, spray, wipes or soap. You could even treat yourself to a little upgrade from the norm with this option from Frais- (after reading the rave reviews I bought some for my anti-bac-addicted mom!) Whenever you are provided with soap or automatic gel dispensers, take advantage. Take the opportunity to teach little ones to form the same good habits.

Now that you are in the know, you can relax, prepare and then enjoy your travels! Here’s a handy rundown of all the things we just covered so you can use it to build your family’s checklist.

Shopping List

water bottle
electrolytes
first aid kit
headache medicine
indigestion medicine
seasickness/nausea medicine
insect repellent
sunblock
condoms
antibacterial/antiviral gel, wipes

Tour Guides of the Month – Princess Cruises July 2011

2011-08-16T21:42:59Z

Congratulations to the July Princess Cruises Tour Guides of the Month! Thank you to all the guests who have turned in comment cards and helping our guides achieve this honor.

Tour Guides of the Month

Juneau:

Dustin Schmidt – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Joel Kersting – Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO
Joe Pawelek – Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO
Tonya Schlentner – Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO
Austin Barr – Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO
David Cannamore – Alaska Galore Tours
Chelsea Momany – Alaska Zipline Adventures
Gin Williams – Alaska Zipline Adventures
Ian MacDougall – Alaska Zipline Adventures
Audrey Guzowski – Gastineau Guiding
Rachel Bishop – Gastineau Guiding
Stacy La Mascus – Gastineau Guiding

Skagway:

Therese Bartlett – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Matt Hall – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Alyssa Komac – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Megan Perry – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Mattie Schmidt – Gold Rush Sled Dogs/Klondike Gold Fields
Matt Hayashida – Gold Rush Sled Dogs/ Klondike Gold Fields
Deborah Morse – Klondike Gold Fields
Angie Goddwin – Takshanuk Mountain Trail
Ben Palmer – Alaska Mountain Guides
Brady Williams – Chilkat Guides
Chessie May – Alaska Nature Tours
Dave Paradise – Alaska Mountain Guides
Jesse Guilliams – Chilkat Guides
Jesse Stein – Chilkat Guides
Lilly Ratliff – Alaska Mountain Guides
Mario Benassi – Chilkat River Adventures
Paul Nicastro – Chilkat Guides
Rachel Landon – Red Onion Saloon
Shawn Daniels – Chilkat Guides
Steve Kroschel – Chilkat River Adventures
Steve Merrow – Chilkat Guides
Tyler Geist – Alaska Mountain Guides

Dock Representative Recognition

Juneau:

Hannah Findlay – TEMSCO Helicopters
Dyllon Judkins – Gastineau Guiding Co.
Jackie Schulz – Juneau Jeep Adventure
Mikaela Rodriguez – Gastineau Guiding Co.
Nate Barzee – Allen Marine Tours

Skagway:

Nicky Hunter – TEMSCO Helicopters
Ben Palmer – Alaska Mountain Guides
Julie Martin – White Pass & Yukon Route
Megan McGill – Chilkat Guides
Rebecca Hylton – White Pass & Yukon Route
Tyler Geist – Alaska Mountain Guides

Shore Excursion Recognition

Juneau:

TEMSCO Helicopters for Pilot’s Choice Ice Age Exploration, Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour, and Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier
Alaska Canopy Adventures for Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition
Allen Marine Tours for Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer, Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest, Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest, and Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Quest & Lodge Salmon Meal
Alaska Zipline Adventures for Alpine Zip & Mendenhall Glacier Adventure
ERA Helicopters for Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter and Glacier Adventure by Helicopter
Gastineau Guiding Co for Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari, Alaska’s Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail, and Whales & Glaciers Citizen Science Adventure
Juneau Jeep Adventures for Juneau by Jeep
NorthStar Trekking for Helicopter Glacier Walkabout and Helicopter Glacier Trek
Wings Airways for Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast and Glacier Flightseeing Adventure

Skagway:

TEMSCO Helicopters for Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing and Glacier Discovery by Helicopter
Alaska Excursions for Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Experience
Alaska Mountain Guides for Adventure Park & Ziplines
Chilkat Guides for Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Adventure
Chilkat River Adventures for Alaska Wildlife Park
Jewell Gardens for Golden Glassblowing Experience at Jewell Gardens
Packer Expeditions for Heli-Hike & Rail Adventure

Dog Sled Camp and Puppy Bieber

2011-08-14T17:32:31Z

Dog sledding on a glacier is such a unique bucket list adventure. Not too many people can say they got in a helicopter, flew around amazing, endless scenery and landed on a slow flowing glacier. Just one of these things would be amazing to do. Then dog sledding on the vast glacier is thrown on top! It’s almost overwhelming and surreal to imagine the intense sensory overload. Luckily our friendly crew will help you stay somewhat grounded.

A recent adventure blogger from Holland America has written about her fun excursion to our Juneau glacier camp. Pamela Baade, Holland America Line’s manager of corporate giving, landed at camp and was met by Kym Schmidt, Assistant Camp Manager. She was then taken to ride with Kym’s husband, Dustin Schmidt who is a recent Tour Guide of the Month. After they had run the trail they got to meet the puppies and one puppy, in particular, Bieber – as in Justin Bieber. Who would have thought that you could meet Bieber on a glacier in Alaska?

You can follow Pamela and her adventures on the Holland America blog.

Image source: Holland America – Pamela

Princess Cruises Guides of the Month

2011-07-15T17:28:21Z

The June 2011 C.R.U.I.S.E. Tour Guide Recognition report has just been released and Alaska Icefield Expeditions and Gold Rush Sled Dog Tours have done very well. Thank you to everyone that has helped recognize these folks!

Tour Guides of the Month

Juneau:

Dustin Schmidt – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Gus Guenther – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Joe Pawelek – Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO
Joel Kersting – Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO
Tonya Schlentner – Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO
David Cannamore – Alaska Galore Tours
Fred Vollmer – Alaska Travel Adventures
Gin Williams – Alaska Zipline Adventures
Rachelle Sloss – Alaska Zipline Adventures
Stacy La Mascus – Gastineau Guiding

Skagway:

Alyssa Komac – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Matt Hall – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Therese Bartlett – Alaska Icefield Expeditions/TEMSCO
Mattie Schmidt – Gold Rush Sled Dogs/Klondike Gold Fields
Matt Hayashida – Gold Rush Sled Dogs/ Klondike Gold Fields
Alisa Beske – Chilkat Guides
Angie Goddwin – Takshanuk Mountain Trail
Daniel Johnston – Chilkat Guides
Dillon Keate – Alaska Mountain Guides
Jerry Gentile – Takshanuk Mountain Trail
Kevin Richards – Alaska Nature Tours
Kurt Bivins – Alaska Mountain Guides
Lilly Ratliff – Alaska Mountain Guides
Lindy Jones – Alaska Nature Tours
Mario Benassi – Chilkat River Adventures
Marissa Taborag-Byrne – Jewell Gardens
Rachel Landon – Red Onion Saloon
Ronnie Hauser – Takshanuk Mountain Trail
Steve Kroschel – Chilkat River Adventures
Steve Merrow – Chilkat Guides
Tyler Geist – Alaska Mountain Guides

Top Excursions of the Month

Juneau

TEMSCO Helicopters for Pilot’s Choice Ice Age Exploration, Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour, Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier, and Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Salmon Bake Combo
Alaska Canopy Adventures for Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition
Alaska Zipline Adventures for Alpine Zip & Mendenhall Glacier Adventure
Allen Marine Tours for Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer, Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest, Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest, and Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Quest & Lodge Salmon Meal
Alaska Travel Adventures for Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Salmon Bake Combo
Alaska Zipline Adventures for Alpine Zip & Mendenhall Glacier Adventure
ERA Helicopters for Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter and Glacier Adventure by Helicopter
Gastineau Guiding Co for Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari, Alaska’s Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail, and Whales & Glaciers Citizen Science Adventure
Juneau Jeep Adventures for Juneau by Jeep
NorthStar Trekking for Helicopter Glacier Walkabout and Helicopter Glacier Trek
Wings Airways for Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast and Glacier Flightseeing Adventure

Skagway

TEMSCO Helicopters for Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing and Glacier Discovery by Helicopter
Alaska Excursions for Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Experience
Alaska Mountain Guides for Adventure Park & Ziplines and Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling
Chilkat River Adventures for Alaska Wildlife Park
Jewell Gardens for Golden Glassblowing Experience at Jewell Gardens
Packer Expeditions for Heli-Hike & Rail Adventure and Glacier Lake Kayak, Scenic Railway & Klondike Summit
Takshanuk Mountain Trail for Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4×4
White Pass & Yukon Route for White Pass Bennett Lake Adventure

Skagway Rhubarb History

2011-07-06T05:46:55Z

The July 2011 National Geographic magazine has a nice little blurb on the last page about the history of Henry Clark and his rhubarb in Alaska and the Klondike. The article mentions how well rhubarb grows in Alaska because of the amazing amount of sunlight in the growing season. Our friends over at Jewell Gardens in Skagway have a piece of Henry Clarks’ garden. Skagway is still famous for it’s rhubarb and it all started with Henry Clark.

Source: National Geographic Magazine – July 2011

Moving a Glacier Dog Sled Camp

2011-06-24T23:06:10Z

One of the inevitable things about living on a snowy glacier in the summer is that the snow melts. Since we run out of snow to run on, we have to move our camp up higher on the glacier, meaning more chances of foggy weather. Luckily, this year was nice weather during the move. A little bit of grit and muscle was all we needed to have a quick and successful move.

Loading Dog Houses

When moving 240 dog houses 2 miles up a hill it’s nice to have a little mechanical assistance. Ours came in the form of an LMC hauling a large platform. The LMC is an amazing piece of equipment that can haul a lot of weight at quite an incline. The platform that we haul behind it can hold about 45 dog houses on it. With the whole camp working on it we were able to get each yard transported in about 45 minutes.

After we pull the platform into place everyone starts grabbing houses and stacking them up.

On the Open Glacier Road

The road up to the new site is beautiful smooth road. It’s about two miles in between the sites and has some of the best views of any commute in the world.