What are your first dog sled tour expectations at Wayfinder Kennel? Here are some highlights from a few of our reviews:
“We received a 10-mile mush experience from our family while visiting Alaska this holiday season and what a great experience! We had the best time! We learned a lot about the dogs, dog sledding, and the whole experience. Linwood and his wife were such gracious hosts and Jace did a fantastic job as our driver/guide. He was super knowledgeable about all things dog sledding! Highly recommend this experience! We didn’t feel much cold at all – they made sure we had the right gear and were well prepared for the outdoors. Thank you to Wayfinder Kennel, for a great experience! “
Linwood responds:
BASE LAYERS-SORRY COTTON
Yes, we have great outer layer clothing to augment your winter clothing to be sure to keep you toasty warm. A base layer with polypropylene or wool is so important for success. Our favorite stores are Cabela’s (it is like a museum for Alaskan Wildlife) or the Hoarding Marmot, for reliable second-hand gear.
Another guest writes:
“Our overnight adventure with Wayfinder Kennel was truly an exceptional experience I will never forget. Linwood and Kathi invited us into their beautiful home, shared stories from the trail, fed us gourmet meals and set us up a cozy camp. The guides Gabe and Sierra were fantastic! We were allowed to help care for the dogs and get a taste of what a day in the life of a musher is like. The Wayfinder team’s positive approach is evident in their happy dogs. I would highly recommend this tour!!”
Linwood responds:
LIFE OF A MUSHER
Taking care of dogs! Most of being a true musher is spending a great deal of time taking care of your dogs. It starts when they are puppies.
As they are born, they are not able to see, or hear but they are able to smell. We hold them in our palms and share our breath with them. There are few things like their puppy breath.
But good or bad, they seem to like ours too.
We spend time with them and carry them around when possible. We teach younger dogs to run with good-natured mature dogs and keep everything positive and fun. They all love pets and look forward to it especially after a run.
Feeding enough nutrients is always a challenge and takes a great deal of expense, knowledge, teamwork with local veterinarians like our folks at All Creatures in Wasilla. Meat, supplements and performance dog food are needed. Our favorite stop is Underdog Feeds in Wasilla.
This guest writes:
“Just WOW!!! What an absolutely unforgettable experience!!! My boyfriend and I did the half day afternoon dog mushing tour and there are not enough words to say how much we absolutely loved this adventure!!! Linwood was super responsive, personable, easy to talk to and his family and guides were just as awesome! After a quick run down and layering up for the ride, we were able to help harness the dogs and choose our pack leaders. We learned so much about the dogs and the area from our guide. It was negative temps, but with the extra layers they provided we were pretty comfortable. The landscape was breathtaking! Snow covered trees and wide open state land really made us feel like we were in a Christmas wonderland or something hahaha. There were options along the way to continue or cut the trip short based on how we were feeling, but we couldn’t get enough! Once we got back, we helped get the dogs back to their homes and give them treats for a job well done. Then off to Linwood’s home for hot chocolate and cookies made by his lovely wife. What a humble and absolutely lovely group of hard- working humans. I cannot thank you all enough for making our short visit to Alaska so special. I hope we can visit again in the future and I highly recommend it to anyone!
Linwood responds:
BREATHTAKING VIEWS
Sunrise and Sunsets can last in the winter well into the day. On our evening runs, we try to leave the kennel while Denali Mountain is surrounded by orange, yellows and pinks, just as sunset strikes, creating an Alpenglow. We are surrounded by the Alaska Range and the Talkeetna Mountains. Denali, Foraker and Hunter tower above our trails. Breathtaking views that remind us how small we are in the world and to thank those that have taken care of our lands before us.
Many of our guests ask about other adventures we recommend nearby:
Try a small plane adventure with K2 Aviation and great pizza at Mountain High Pizza Pie in Talkeetna for excellent choices.
Come see us soon at Wayfinder Kennel!
Happy Trails,
Linwood