Helicopter to Glacier and Dog Sled Ride

Today is my day to take a Helicopter up to Punchbowl Glacier for a sled dog ride.  Time to boot up.

All suited up and ready to go!

The crew gets us on board

Looks like I'm the co-pilot

Oh Yeah, I can fly this thing if I have to - no sweat 😥

Take off!

What a ride!

It you think Alaska is beautiful from the ground it is amazing from above.

We approach the Glacier

Houston we have landed

 The lead dogs are hooked up

Soon all 12 dogs are hitched up to the sleds

Sorry for the sideways video - The dogs get very excited when they are hitched to the sled the noise level increases and watch one of the dogs up front jump up and down in anticipation

Can't forget the booties to protect their paws

and we're off!  I was on a 2nd sled tethered to the back of the main sled.  I had to step on a brake if there was too much slack in the line.

One of the other teams ahead of us

They are a fine team of dogs.  Someone in the Seavey family has won the race the past six years. Mitch Seavey and his team won his 3rd Iditarod finishing the 979 mile course in a record time of 8 days, 3 hours, 40 minutes and 15 seconds this past March

A quick stop to give some praise and encouragement

A video of part of the ride

Back to the beginning

 Lead dogs - one looks dog tired

We get to give them a little loving

 I'm ready to this on my own with Tucson now!

Time to play with the puppies!

 and they call it puppy love

I want to take one home!  Guess someone tried to sneak one out in a camera bag once but got caught

All good things must come to an end

 My ride is here.

This time I'm a backseat driver

 The welcoming committee is waiting

And the always cheerful and helpful staff see us safely off the Helicopter.

A great time!  Thanks!