Norman Vaughan Serum Run

Born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota I was introduced to the outdoors at an early age. North Dakota and Minnesota provided many opportunities for hunting and fishing, which our father made sure the boys in the family enjoyed. My interest varied as I grew older, and included Alpine and Nordic skiing, sailing, biking, hiking and camping.

Before becoming self-employed as an advanced certified Rolf® practitioner I arrived in Alaska April of 1997 as a travel nurse, with plans of staying the summer. That same summer while boarding a plane in Minneapolis to fly back to Alaska, after a short visit home, I was struck with the feeling that I was flying home and have made Alaska my home ever since.

I had done some snowmachining in North Dakota and Minnesota but had never been exposed to sled dogs, not until that first winter in Alaska. I immediately felt the attraction and was able to resist involving myself with the sport for several years, then my wife and I found a great pair of Alaskan huskies for skijoring and that was the beginning of the end. My wife Brenda and I are recreational musher’s with several Mackenzie River Huskies as well as Alaska Huskies in our small kennel. While most of my experience has been with dogs I could not turn down the invite to be a snowmachine support person.

I first learned of the serum run from the late Melen Shea who shared with me some of her many experiences of the trail. I have hoped for the chance to travel the trail ever since. My thanks to Kurt and Val Jokela for being my mentors from my mushing beginning and their continued guidance over the years. Their generosity to others and continued examples of excellence in dog care have inspired me to try to do the same. I am also thankful for the support of my wife Brenda who is helping to make this dream trip possible. I am looking forward to meeting all the people along the route and villages as well as the stories they will have to share.

INFORMATION

2007 HONORARY
MUSHERS
Howard Lincoln from White Mountain, Alaska

SOURDOUGH
PETE - AUDIO TRAIL STORIES