While B was dialing in his float plane studies….. I headed to Seward for errands and laundry.
Laundry completed in Seward and purchasing a decent swimsuit at a local thrift shop, I set out for Exit Glacier. I got easily distracted by a large sign: Turning Heads Kennel. I turned the car in hoping to get a tour.
Alaskan Huskies generally don’t weigh as much as you’d think, only 40 to 60~ish pounds. During the racing months, meals and treats total around 12,000 calories per dog, per day. Race meals are all protein, no carbs during races.
The dogs ‘weight train’ during the summer months pulling tourists. No more than 500(ish) pounds for them to pull at 2~ish miles for the demo. Endurance training beginning in fall involves a quick ramp up of 10 to 20, then 50 miles and so on in order to be in shape for the racing season starting in January. The 1000 mile Iditarod Race from Anchorage to Nome usually takes place in March.
Alaskan Huskies are unique, they don’t run great distances for food, mating or weather. The trainers believe that no other animals willingly run such a great distance, all the time, every day if possible. Although their coats seem thin, their comfortable temperatures range from 10 below to 10 above freezing.
I couldn’t sneak a little wiggle in my pocket so I drove further on Herman Leirer Rd ending at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. It’s an easy walking loop that most of it is wheelchair accessible. Several little wild flowers were in bloom, along with a massive attack from mosquitoes.
More photos to come.
SquirrelyGrl Tales 