Travellers' Tales ~ From the r Family Vacations Alaska Cruise 2006.


My dog sledding adventure by Susan

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We depart to take the bus to the helicopter place at about 6:00 Juneau time (10:00pm at home)...last
helicopters out that evening. They show us a safety video about boarding the helicopter and walking
on the ice/snow, etc. We are fitted for our ice boots (worn over our own shoes) and told of the order
we would board the helicopter. Ellen and Emma were in the front with the pilot and Jack and I sat
behind the pilot. He instructed us about the headphones and how to use them and we were OFF! On the
whole, we were a very quiet group. I think we were so overwhelmed with the sights we didn't think to
talk or ask questions. It was amazing. Pretty soon the green hills turned into rocky mountains covered
in snow. We basically flew up the face of the Mendenhall Glacier.

He asked us how many dogs we thought they had at the dog sledding camp and we were guessing like
20, 40....and he said there were 300 dogs!!! Before we knew it we were landing at the dog camp and
being introduced to our 'mushers'. Jack and I rode with Emily while Ellen and Emma rode with
another Emily. We were introduced to each dog and got to spend some time with them. Now Emily
asks Jack if he wants to ride in mom's lap or do I want to stand on my own. HERE is where I think
there should have been some disclaimer saying that one should be somewhat physically fit before
attempting the standing ride BUT as there was no such disclaimer, *I* said I'd stand  Jack sits in the
front sled with Emily standing behind him and another sled is connected to theirs upon which I stand.
Ellen and Emma are doing the same thing with their guide. So without much else to say we take
off...and my arms are nearly yanked out of their sockets. I am instantly thinking...what the HELL have
I gotten myself into. I am holding on for DEAR LIFE and I *know* I cussed out loud S E V E R A L
times. Unbeknownst to me, at the start of Emma and Ellen ride, Ellen's feet were yanked out from
under her and she was drug for a little bit. They yelled for her to let go but she persisted and they
stopped to let her get her feet back under her. Meanwhile, I'm clinging onto the handle like my life
depends on it (and not to mention all the dog poo along the trail...did NOT want to fall into THAT!. We
stop about halfway through and let Emma and Ellen catch up and this is where we here about Ellen's
dragging experience, of which, she is thrilled about. I'm just feeling lucky to be still standing.

So we're coming down the homestretch and the helicopters are looming and my Emily says "let's beat
the helicopters back!!!". I'm like helllllll noooooooooo but she's off and I'm, again, praying to anything
that will listen to please please please not let me get thrown offa this thing. I'm beginning to wonder if
she's TRYING to throw me off. There are moguls, you see, and my sled is going up and SLAMMING
back down. Over and over. But I do not let go  Can't lift my arms over my head for the next two days
due to muscle stiffness but I'm still hanging on. I look back to see that Ellen's team HAS stopped to
wait for the helicopters to land  

I survived!! Jack had forgotten his coat on the shuttle so I gave him my sweatshirt, which had left me
with just a t-shirt and light jacket. I should have been freezing, as the sun was setting during our ride,
but there was a river of sweat running down my back. But I did it!!! Once in a lifetime has never
applied so well  

s.
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Susan & Ellen w/Emma(8) and Jack(5)