Shortly after moving to Willow, we literally ended up on the door step of a stranger who was a musher, Lance Best. Quickly, he became my mushing mentor. I remember vividly the exhilaration I felt the first time I ran a team---from that point forward I felt like I was home. (I just had to convince the husband it was a good idea --- this took some time). I started out with 1.5 sled dogs. The 1 being Tenzing who was born to pull, and the .5 being Luna the reluctant sled dog (she’s the mascot and matriarch of our kennel). Originally, the husband said someday I might be able to have a total of 4 dogs---I, of course, felt otherwise. Now, we have a 24 dog kennel in Willow, and the husband has become a great mushing partner.

I find it almost impossible to explain to people why I love dog sledding so much. There is something about being on the runners of a sled, having a lead dog be spot on with commands, and seeing a yearling progress up the team. In the end, for me it is all about the dogs.

I graduated from the University of Utah and received a post graduate certificate in alternative dispute resolution and mediation. I currently support my dog habit by working for a growing company in Anchorage overseeing Human Resources and Training.

When Lynda Barcome called this fall and asked if the husband or I would consider being her snow machining partner for the 2007 Serum Run, I knew instantly the answer was yes. Of course, I did not lead the husband to believe it was up for consideration…

I have always been in awe of the dogs, mushers and the history of the original serum rum. I am truly honored to participate in my first Serum Run and look forward to the journey.