Dear Readers,

The racing season is off to a start for mushers in Alaska. Though I have no inclination towards racing – for me, the rigors of training would subtract too much from the pleasure of being out on the trail with my “kids” – I have a great deal of respect and admiration for those who do. This weekend the Copper Basin 300 comes through here. It’s billed as “the toughest 300 miles in Alaska” and attracts a variety of veterans and rookies. It’s also one of the few distance races that is very accessible for spectators. Checkpoints are on the road system and much of the trail runs parallel to roads. I’ll be helping out at the checkpoint here in Chistochina (the trail runs right by my house!). It’s a lot of fun to see the variety of equipment, dogs, and musher gear.

Here's the latest article from the Alaska site at BellaOnline.com.

The Short-tailed Weasel, Alaska's little predator
You are more likely to see a moose or a bear than a short-tailed weasel or ermine when you visit Alaska. But these little predators are just as engaging to observe if you are lucky enough to spot one.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art25631.asp

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http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=433


Kimi Ross, Alaska Editor
http://alaska.bellaonline.com

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