Seward #2

Brr! It was a cold day here in Seward, but it seemed kind of appropriate for dog sledding. After breakfast, the tour company came to pick us up at the hotel and took us back to the airport to check in. While they issued snowsuits and boots to the kids, I made a call to Dr. Riscilie’s office and asked if they could call in something different for Justin to the local pharmacy. Soon, it was time for the first group to depart. They were using a Robinson R44 helicopter to transport us up to the glacier and could only take three of us at a time. Michele, Cameron, and I went first.

We took off in to chilly, overcast skies and started heading up to the glacier. We did a little sightseeing on the way and spotted some mountain goats jumping around on the hills. It’s amazing how they get around up there! About 15 minutes later, we touched down just outside the dog sledding camp.

As we walked away from the chopper, we say hello/goodbye to the folks waiting for a ride back down and then met our guides. They introduced us to the dogs and Cameron was very excited. He ran right over to pet one. The dog was excited, too, and jumped up on him, hitting him in the cheek with its snout and almost knocking him down. We finally got Cameron settled back down and the guides picked a more calm dog to bring over to him. Cameron was happy again in no time.

Next, we received a few tips on mushing and then it was time to climb onboard for a ride around the glacier. Michele and Cameron sat up front with the guide behind them. I was standing on my own sled tethered behind the first sled. I thought maybe I’d have to get off and help them get things going, but, boy, was I wrong! When he told them to go, they took off dragging us smartly away from camp. By then it was raining and we were going into the wind. My face was SO cold!

We did a big loop around the area, stopping to rest the dogs several times. Finally, we made the turn back toward camp. The wind was at our backs and we were headed downhill, so we picked up some real speed. This was more fun than I expected! At our next break, I traded places with Michele for the rest of the trip. Soon, we could see the helicopter coming in with Sandy and Justin –they were waiting for us as we mushed back into camp.

We waited while the pilot make a quick flight back down to pick up Roland and Brandon. After they arrived, we took a few group pictures and then it was time for Michele, Cameron and I to fly back to the airiport. We chatted with the staff and other tourists for a while as we waited for the rest of our family to finish up on the glacier and join us.

After we were all reunited, they gave us a ride to the pharmacy to pick up Justin’s new antibiotic and then dropped us of in town. We had lunch and then went to see the Alaska Sea Life Center (aquarium), which was very nice. Then, we did some shopping and Roland finally found the good luck charm he has been searching for (Bilikin).

We caught the shuttle back to the hotel and I some flight planning for tomorrow. My plan was to take on about 70 gallons of fuel here in Seward before departing, but some folks at the airport cautioned me about their jet fuel. He said it has been sitting in the tank unused for at least a year and he was worried that it might contain water or other contaminants. No way I’m putting that in my tank!

So, I had to rethink the plan based on how much fuel we already have in our tanks (about 180 gallons, enough for 2 ½ hours + 1 hour reserve). Originally, we were planning to cross the mountains northeast of Anchorage and take the inland route down to Smithers, but because of our present fuel state, we would have needed two fuel stops. After looking at the charts, I decided instead to fly back down the coast to Yakutat (again), refuel, continue down the coast to Ketchikan, then head East and cross the mountains into Smithers.

We’re planning to spend just one night in Smithers and then we’ll continue on to Lake Louise, where we’ll spend two nights. After that, we’ll be back in the lower 48 and getting closer to home. I’m happy to report that both Cameron and Justin are feeling lots better. Brandon is stuffed up, but so far it’s nothing serious. Will any of us make it back without a visit to the doctor?!?