Skagway, Alaska in July

We had lovely weather in Skagway.... July of 2018. 

The first thing was the Dog Sledding... or should I really say Dog Carting/with wheels since there was no snow.

Most people think of the Sled dogs as fluffy Siberian Huskeys like portrayed in Hollywood movies

 ... but Alaskan Huskeys are a mix breed. They are called by their owners, the Mushers, as mongrels. They weigh an average of 55 pounds and are usually a mix of Hound, Setter, Border Collie, Greyhound, Whippet and some times Wolf. They are Lean Strong Running Machines. They run the Iditarod Race of 1,150 miles in an average of 11 to 15 days across the Alaskan Wilderness.
......click on pictures to enlarge.....

Teams of 16 dogs go to summer camp to get ready for the race in the winter.  Also the the retired Sled Dogs of about the age of 12 are there at the camp to train the young sled dogs.

 This was our team...the owner has bred these dogs to all be white.

 The dog closest to you is only a pup, 11 months old, and is in training.

If you look at her feet she is also learning to get use to the booties she will wear in the

snow. Without the booties their feet get snow packed.

Half way down the mountain we stopped for a break. The temp was

about 58 degrees and this was very warm for the dogs. They run 

their best in sub zero weather. 

 In Skagway the temp is an average in the winter of 18 degrees and winds 

up to 90 miles per hour.

 This guy was hot!

 After a short break ....

 and a drink of water, down the mountain we went.

 We got up the mountain in a Unimog. 

What's a Unimog you say?

 That,s the huge vehicle that can apparently climb any hill no matter how steep! 

And get you down said hill safely.  

At the bottom of the mountain was a unique little

shopping area.