The Yukon Quest may be over, but the Iditarod starts soon .... somewhere in the far, dark north, dog teams and mushers are in training.

If you ever think you might need to know some sled dog type trivia then you'll want to read this book. ;-) Alaska Dog Mushing Guide: Facts, Legends, and Oddities, by Ron Wendt. From what to carry on your sled, to the first women to run the Iditarod to the most dogs in one hitch (and who did it), this is just a fun, quick read.

Another issue from the Alaska Geographic (volume 14, Number 1, 1987) is Dogs of the North. As with issues mentioned in earlier posts, it is well written and illustrated with amazing photos. I especially loved the one showing a large number of dogs sitting on the banks of the Yukon River, hoping for a handout from a passing boat!

Tall Reader went to Alaska once, and brought me a book. I couldn't ask for a better gift! Sled Dogs of Denali National Park, by Karen Fortier was that book, and what a great read it was (and is). Meet the teams that patrol the park, transport supplies, and give rides to tourists. Learn about their breeding and training programs. Lots of history, too.

Alastair Scott long dreamed of dogsledding his way across Alaska, even though he had no dogs, and no experience in driving a team. Tracks Across Alaska: a Dog Sled Journey is the tale of his adventure. It's been a while since I read this, but I do remember that there is much humor, and that I liked the descriptions about the personalities of his dogs (one didn't like to make left turns).

While he did run the Iditarod twice, George Attla preferred the sprint races ... which he did well ... he is the most successful sprint racer of all time (with a record that may never be broken). Spirit of the Wind: The Story of Alaska's George Attla, Legendary Sled Dog Sprint Champ, by Lew Freedman, is the biography of a remarkable man. TB left him with a permanent limp making it hard for him to do much of the traditional men's work in the small town where he was raised. Fortunately, he discovered he had a natural affinity working with dogs. George Attla died February 15, 2015.

Reading Hermit With Dog