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Denali Guided Dog Mushing Trip |
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Denali West Lodge is nestled in a white birch forest overlooking Lake Minchumina and on the wilderness western border of Denali National Park, with a spectacular view of Mt. McKinley, the most massive mountain on earth. With over 100 miles from the nearest highway it is a true wilderness lodge! The Alaskan bush lifestyle resonates with adventure, relaxation, discovery and wonder. Ease back and settle in beneath the awesome presence of Mt. McKinley, respectfully and affectionately known here by its Athabascan name of "Denali" - The High One. The owner and hosts Jack and Sherri Hayden have lived in the Alaskan interior all of their lives. The Haydens are warm and fascinating people and over time they've gotten the place just about perfect, mastering the delicate balance of authenticity and comfort so that you can sit at the bar and munch on the sublime food while feeling like a real adventurer.
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The lodge was built in 1980 with logs that were cut and hauled from the surrounding forest. The limit is ten guests, allowing an exceptional, authentic Alaskan outdoor experience without the crowds. Your personal accommodations are private log cabins with quilts and wood stoves that the staff lights when they bring you coffee in the morning. Each cabin has its own outhouse and shared bathhouse, set near our birch and cedar sauna, affording you the intimacy of the Alaskan wilderness in first class comfort. Alaskan meals featuring fresh baked breads and pastries, hearty main dishes and garden fresh vegetables are served family style in the lodge.
On our six day lodge-based mushing trips, we'll take daily scenic runs along historic trapline, mail and gold mining trails. We'll stop often for photo opportunities and to read animal tracks in the snow. We'll have a campfire lunch and return to the lodge in the evening for a hot sauna and a hearty dinner. One night, you'll have the option to camp away from the lodge in a log cabin or heated winter tent. |
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LODGE BASED ITINERARY  |
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Day 01
Arrive by bush plane from Fairbanks or Anchorage to meet your mushing guide and team of huskies at the airport. After a lesson on how to handle and control your sled, and a chance to change into warmer clothes, you'll follow the guide to our lodge. After a hot lunch, follow up with more lessons on harnessing your team, getting to know them and another practice run. |
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TOUR INCLUDING:
- Cabin Accommodation
- All Meals
- Sauna
- Mushing Equipment
- Winter Clothing & Supplies
- Experienced Guide
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight from/to the lodge
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TOUR DEPARTURES:
Feb 04 - Feb 23
April 01 - April 15
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Day 02
Hook up the teams for a run, taking time out for snow shoeing and identifying animal tracks. Legnth of trip customized to your comfort level.
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Day 03
A longer, more challenging trail with more hills and curves. A picnic luncheon on the trail.
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Day 04
According to participants desires, some can stay and enjoy close by mushing trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ski-jourring with one dog. The hardy ones can mush to camp overnight in warm tents and sleep in the peaceful solitude to hear owns or wolves houl under a blanket of stars and the Northern Lights.
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Day 05
Break camp and head back to the lodge, stopping for great photos. Bring your video camera!
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Day 06-07
This morning you meet at the airport to fly out to Finger Lakes Checkpoint. From the air look out for mushers and their dog teams. In Finger Lakes observe the busy scene as mushers are coming in, taking care of their dogs and later on gearing up for the difficult stretch over Rainy Pass. Return to Anchorage in the late afternoon.
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RATES PER PERSON IN US$
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Adult
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6 Day Lodge Based Dog Mushing Tour
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$3250.00
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