Staying overnight in Talkeetna, we had time to enjoy this mecca for climbers aspiring to ascend nearby Denali, the native name for Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak. This mountain is respected and feared mostly for its fierce weather conditions rather than its elevation, which is just under 21,000 feet or less than 7,000 metres. Everyone here knows of Denali, especially during this time of year when the climbing season brings in people from all over the world. Denali National Park, with over six million square miles of incredible landscapes and wildlife, also draws nature lovers and hikers who may not be inclined to serious climbing.

Karen Mannix is a physical education teacher at some of the schools here including Talkeetna Elementary School where we visited this morning. She was also an avid climber and guide and now spends most of her time teaching, hiking and skiing. She was inspired to get about 50 children together for us in the school gym for a very inspiring ceremony.

By the end of the ceremony, after singing the World Harmony Run song with us, the children were ready to run around the gym with the Torch, led by Karen.

It is always exciting for both the children and for us as well to actually get a taste of the energy one feels from running with the Torch. We are very grateful to Karen and all the children and staff who made this event possible.

Spending a little more time in the main part of town in Talkeetna, we had some time to enjoy the Roadside Cafe once again. We also spent a few minutes with Dottie and Louise, two beautiful wagon pulling mules, and their driver Harvey Phillips. They offer 30 minute rides around town in a rustic 19th century style covered wagon. Although we did not take a ride around the town, we did get to chat with Harvery and his wife and swap some stories with them.

As one walks around the town seeing some of the sites such as the historical museum and Park Service building where all climbers must register before ascending Denali, one realises just how much influence the surrounding mountains and cold, snowy winters have on this small influential community. Even though we could see only the frontal mountains of the Alaskan Range, or the mountains that only sit at the feet of Denali which was still covered by clouds, the sense of vastness and granduer was evident and quite powerful.

Driving back to Anchorage, over 100 miles south of us now, we stopped in Big Lake to visit the Happy Trails Kennels of Martin Buser. Martin, originally from Zurich, Switzerland, is a four time winner of the 1,049 mile famous dog sled race called the Iditarod, held annually since 1973 across the rugged Alaskan terrain.

Even though our visit was a last minute thing, Martin and his wife were very hospitable and friendly. Martin showed us his trophy room and answered many of our questions about this fascinating sport and some of his amazing experiences with mushing over 30 years.

He takes pride in his achievements, especially when it comes to the prize winning care of over 80 very athletic and well-trained sled dogs, his beautiful Alaskan Huskies. Even though dinner was waiting for him on the table as we were visiting, Martin was patient and courteous in spending time with us. We are very grateful to this great champion with his winning attitude and big heart.

His love for his sport and his love and respect for his dogs which he treats like part of his family radiated the harmony and energy of such a highly specialized sport.

– Arpan DeAngelo

Distance: 5 miles

Team Members:
Salil Wilson (Australia), Arpan DeAngelo (USA), Palyati Susie Fouse (Alaska, USA)

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