Alaska's Bush Planes

© Clark James Mishler / Alaska Stock

Alaska encompasses more than a half million square miles of land which includes glaciers, mountains, and tundra...and a large majority of it is inaccessible by vehicle or boat. To see some of the best parts of Alaska, you must take to the air!

One out of every 64 residents of Alaska has a pilots' license. Whether it is from the need to carry supplies to the far corners of Alaska or simply for the thrill of flying wild over a majestic land, Alaska has garnered six times as many pilots per capita than any other place in the US. The term "Bush Plane" is naturally derived from the phrase "The Bush" usually referring to the remote and most inaccessible areas of Alaska. These small planes are typically Navajos, Otters, Widgeons, Beavers, or Cessnas. Each plane type has its own personality and specialization. For example, the Dehavilland Beaver, often referred to as "The Beaver," is the workhorse of the bush planes. The Dehavilland Otter is known for its capacity and room to haul people and still be able to maneuver and land on small remote landing strips.
Some bush planes sport wheels to land on small airstrips. Others have floats to alight on the state's many small lakes and rivers. In winter, skis can be strapped to the bottom of the plane. Anchorage's Lake Hood is said to be the busiest seaplane base on earth. Similarly, Anchorage's Merrill Field claims to have more takeoffs and landings than any other small aircraft airfield. In many parts of Alaska, seeing or traveling by a small plane is almost as common as traveling by car.

Anchorage is sometimes referred to as the "Air Crossroads of the World." Anchorage's Ted Stevens International Airport sees hundreds of flights a day and has become a major gateway for incoming tourists headed to many of Alaska's destinations and a stopover or re-fueling point for international flights.

The two main jobs of bush planes are typically to act as either a taxi service or to haul supplies and gear to remote regions. Many air taxi's provide services to visitors for flight seeing or simply to get to a promising fishing hole or hunting camp. One of the more popular flight seeing opportunities is to view Mt. Mckinley. Thousands of tourists each year enjoy the majestic view of "The Great One" by taking off from nearby Talkeetna. Air taxis offer trips all around the mountain or even the opportunity to land on glaciers or at the popular "Base Camp" where tourists and climbers alike enjoy a magnificent view.

The bush pilots job to haul gear can range from the mundane to the unusual. During the Iditarod, the "Iditarod Airforce" volunteers haul food, supplies, and even dogs to and from the various villages along the trail.

The job of a bush pilot has often been characterized as dangerous and fool hardy in the ever changing climate and oftentimes dangerous environment of Alaska. However, Alaska has recently adopted the "Medallion Foundation" which aims at reducing crashes and improving overall air safety. The biggest challenge is often fighting the "Bush Pilot Syndrome" which is the image of the adventure seeking, risk taking, flamboyant pilot that seems to always just barely escape catastrophe. Through rigorous training and education, the Medallion Foundation aims to reduce air incidents by 20% over the next four years.

Dall Sheep in Alaska

© Michael Jones / Alaska Stock

Alaska is home to some of the most prized big game wildlife - Grizzly, Caribou, Moose are among the most well known. However, the Dall Sheep is probably one of the most predictably visible animals. At Alaska Stock Images, you will find a wide variety of Alaska photos including Dall Sheep photos. To find more pictures of Alaska or photos of Dall Sheep, visit our search page.

Dall Sheep are found throughout a large portion of Alaska's mountain ranges. Perhaps the most obvious area is along the Turnagain Arm near Anchorage. With green meadows for resting, and ridges and rocky bluffs for "protection," a group of Dall Sheep spend their summer season near the Seward Highway. Tourists and locals alike often enjoy watching (viewing tips) the sheep as they assuredly make their way around the bluffs.

Both the male "rams" and female "ewes" have curling horns. However, at about the age of three, the male's horns begin to take on more of the classic curl and build mass and length while the female horns remain relatively small. The sheep's horns grow significantly in the summer and then cease during the winter months. This start and stop trait causes "annuli" which is the ridges or rings that appear on a sheep's horn. Somewhat like a tree, you count the annuli and determine the age of a sheep. At a glance you can approximate a ram's age by observing the progress of the horn's "curl." At about three years, they have a half a circle, by five they generally have three-quarters of a circle, and by eight years, they have a full circle or a full "curl." Dall sheep have been known to live to 16 years of age, but more typically, 12 years is considered old. Females have a slightly longer lifespan.

Ewes give birth to lambs in May or early June. The ewes then seek the protection of the rockiest cliffs and bluffs for protection against predators. Ewes only produce a single lamb but do so annually. The days following birth, the ewe will remain with the lamb on the cliffs until it is strong enough to travel. The ewe and lamb remain together until about October when the lambs are weaned. Rams form their own clique or "band" during most of the year and only are found with the ewes in November and December during mating season. Rams are famous for their horn clashing battles.

Seen through media as the ultimate in the contest of will, the rams compete for the "pecking order" within the band of males. Surprisingly, the battle can also occur between females. Although these battles can happen at any time throughout the year, they occur more frequently as the rut approaches- not because they compete for the females, but because the rams are on the move and will run into other bands of sheep and compete to establish the order of dominance.

As the Dall Sheep move from range to range and the season change, their diet fluctuates. During summer months and food s abundant, the sheep consume a wide variety of grass and plants. However, as summer fades and winter takes over, the sheep begin feeding on frozen grasses and sedge stems. Lichen and moss are also known consumed during the leanest months. Mineral licks are popular grounds for all sheep and rams, ewes, and different bands will all congregate in these areas to partake of the minerals found in the soil.

The population of Dall Sheep in Alaska is considered abundant and healthy. In fact, the Dall Sheep is one of the more successful animals in Alaska largely due to the habitat of living in the remote cliffs and bluffs of mountain ranges that are generally unsuitable for humans. However as population increases and more people do find their way into the back country alpine areas, conflict is sure arise. As with most wildlife, it will only be with careful education and stewardship that will allow the Dall Sheep to continue to thrive.

Fishing in Alaska

© Thomas C. Kline, Jr. / Alaska Stock

Alaska is a large state but relatively unpopulated compared to other states in the lower 48. However, when it comes to fishing, every true angler wants to come to Alaska. At Alaska Stock Images, you will find a wide variety of Alaska photos including the most pristine beautiful areas for a dream fishing experience. To find more pictures of Alaska fishing photos, visit our search page.
Perhaps the most famous two words in Alaska are “fish on!” It’s not just a call out to warn fellow fishermen that you just hooked a salmon and are going to need some space, but it’s a sort of “bragging right.” In either case, the fight is on to land the big one.

Alaska is home to many types of Salmon including the Sockeye (Red), Chinook (King), Coho (Silver), Chum and Pink (Humpy). In a large state like Alaska, it’s not surprising that the Salmon can range in size from just a few pounds to over 100 lbs for the big King. The King is the State Fish and the largest of the Pacific salmon species. During migration to their spawning home, King Salmon may travel close to 2,000 miles in a 60-day period. Each female can deposit up to 14,000 eggs and the juvenile fish, smolt, will remain in fresh water for most of their first year until they finally make their migration to the ocean.

Commercial Fishing is an important industry for Alaska - the average harvest for the 1990's was about 185 million salmon. However, the state government maintains a tight control on the amount of wild salmon that are allowed to “escape” each year in order to maintain sufficient numbers for future years.

The renowned Kenai Peninsula and its Kenai River and Russian river are some of the richest water for Salmon fishing, but being prepared for some “combat fishing” is mandatory. It’s not about the solitude here - only getting the fish. Stake your spot on the bank and hope you hook one of the thousands of fish that pass by every year.

Some of the most fun (and most profitable) fishing can be experienced during derbies. Many cities throughout Alaska host derbies including Valdez, Seward, Homer, and Anchorage. By purchasing a ticket, the lucky fisherman who bags the biggest fish takes home not only the fish but the derby money as well! “Tagged” fish can also earn the lucky fisherman prizes as well.

But it’s not just Salmon that will get you the big money. Homer’s Halibut Derby hosts the largest purse. The winner in 2003 pocketed over $46,000! Halibut fishing provides the angler the chance to do some real ocean fishing for a fish that can be in excess of 400 pounds. The more typical size is in the 80-100 pounds, but what they lack in size, they certainly make for in taste and tenderness. Halibut are bottom-feeding fish, and the experts say that the trick is to keep your hook on the bottom of the ocean. Just before the tide begins to turn (slack tide), there is minimal current to disturb your hook and bait, so it is by far one of the best times for fishing.

Salmon and Halibut fishing get all of the glory, but for the pristine remote Alaskan fishing experience, many opt to get away from the crowds to remote stream or lake fishing. The fish may be smaller, but no less thrilling. Grayling, Trout, Arctic Char, Dolly Varden, and landlocked Salmon are the varieties commonly found in the lakes and streams. The Rainbow Trout is one of the most sought after fish my anglers. Known for its strong fight, the Rainbow can be a challenge to land. Another highly prized fish is the Dolly Varden…this time for its quality of taste and texture. The Dolly Varden can grow up to 22 inches and up to 4 lbs. Dolly Vardens migrate from lake locations sea locations. However, only about 50% of males survive due to the rough migration pattern and fighting with other males.

There is no doubt the value that Alaska’s fish contribute to a variety of industries in Alaska….tourism and commercial fishing to name a few. However, ask anyone who has hauled in their first King or posed with their Halibut, it’s not the about the dollars and cents of the industry as much as the experience.

Chugach State Park

Photo by © Scott Dickerson / Alaska Stock

Alaska's state park system encompasses over 3.3 million acres of rugged, unspoiled land. Some of these parks include the Caines Head State Recreation Area, Kachemak Bay State Park, Denali State Park, and the Eagle Beach State Recreation Area. Perhaps one of the most used is the Chugach State Park located just minutes from Alaska largest populous of Anchorage. Chugach State Park is the third largest state park in America coming in at just under a half a million acres.

Chugach State Park is part of the Municipality of Anchorage and includes the Chugach Mountains that overlook the Anchorage Bowl. The Chugach Mountains, Chugach State Park, and Chugach National Forest all take their name from the Chugach people, the Alaska Native group of people in the region of the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound. The Chugach people are an Alutiiq (Pacific Eskimo) people who speak the Chugach dialect of the Alutiiq language.

Chugach State Park has 28 recognized trail heads, three public campgrounds and multiple interpretative kiosks and sites. Chugach State Park also has the Eagle River Nature Center, operated by a non-profit organization, and is located within the park approximately12 miles from the town of Eagle River.

Chugach State Park is generally considered to have three main sections: North, Central, and South. North park area is approximately from north of the Eagle River section to its border at Pioneer Peak. This area includes the popular Eklutna Lake area. This large glacier created lake also supplies much of Anchorage with its drinking water. The largest mountains of Chugach State Park are also located in the north part of the park. Central park area includes the southern area of Eagle River to the Canyon Road trailhead on the Anchorage hillside. Some of the more popular destinations in this area include the Crow Creek Mine trail, Glen Alps (Flat Top) area, and the South Fork of Eagle River. South park area is primarily the areas bordering Turnagain Arm along Seward Highway. Popular hiking areas include McHugh Creek, Windy Corner, and Bird Ridge which all give panoramic vistas of Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountains, and the Kenai Mountains. Traveling along the Seward Highway, there are many viewpoints including the most popular Beluga Point (named after large pods of Beluga whales that frequent the area) and Windy Corner which is a common place to view Dall Sheep near or even alongside the highway.

Q&A with Scott Dickerson

Homer-based Photographer Scott Dickerson is passionate about creating new perspectives. Shooting photographs and video from every angle imaginable, he regularly snaps photos while soaring through the clouds and paddling in the ocean. He thrives on new ways to illustrate his subjects’ connection with the Alaskan wilderness. Mollie Foster with Alaska Stock sat down to talk with Scott about his photography and latest projects; read the conversation in our Photographer Q & A, posted the second Monday of each month.

MF: What inspires you to shoot aerial photography?
SD: I love looking at the ground from the air, looking at patterns and seeing things in a new perspective. I can be sitting in my house looking at my yard, and it looks like your typical yard. Then I take off from the field next to my house, and all of a sudden even your own yard becomes interesting. That’s at the core of it, seeing it in a new perspective. As a photographer I like to share that perspective.

MF: What type of aircraft do you use to get off the ground?
SD: For my personal aircrafts, I use a paramotor. It has a paraglider wing and a motor attached to my back. It’s kind of like running with 75 pounds on my back, which…is kind of a problem. Otherwise it’s incredible. My friends joke with me and say I’ve got a weed wacker on my back, and I’m hanging from trash bags. I laugh, because it’s kind of true.

MF: Can you describe the challenges with aerial photography?
SD: Like most things photographic, the biggest challenges are visualizing what you want to do and then putting all the pieces together to get there. Most important thing is overcoming the challenges to getting airborne, looking for creative ways to get up in the air, especially when the light is good. The challenge to making good photos to me isn’t taking the photos, it’s all the stuff that leads up to it. There’s a lot of work that got you to that position, which is very valuable. Things like depth of field and shutter speed are important, but not as much as being in the right place at the right time.

MF: Any stories from the air?
SD: I’ve done a lot of flying above commercial fishing boats, working as a fish spotter. Probably over 200 hours of flying time, an amazing amount of time in the air. Not only was it fun to see commercial fishing from the air after spending time on the water, but visually interesting. I shot a lot of photos during that time and still license those images today.

MF: Most people don’t think of Alaska when you’re talking about surfing, but you shoot a lot of surfing photos. Tell me more about what goes into capturing those photos.
SD: I have a recipe for Alaskan surf photos. Whenever conditions are such, I want to be there. Sometimes Homer, but the waves aren’t here very often. We have to travel to get to waves, which turns out to be very enjoyable. It’s all about chasing waves, they’re hard to find. Except the ones that make you seasick, those...are easy to find.

MF: How often are you shooting while physically in the water?
SD: Shooting in the water is important, but its only 5 percent of what I do. The water shot is so complicated and difficult, that I usually leave it til last and try and get all the logistically simpler shots first. I’ve only lost one camera due to water damage, and that was when a grain of sand compromised the seal of the waterproof housing. I put the camera in the oven shortly afterwards, and it dripped water for a while, and finally came back to life...mostly anyhow.

MF: Where do you take the other 95 percent of your water shots from?
SD: The main thing is trying to find a unique angle. Often times I’ll wade in the water or shoot from low in a small boat, and I can still get what looks like a water shot. Creativity in photography is how you compose your image, how to photograph a subject in a new way. I’m looking at it, and I try to think what would be a different way to look at this. I think everybody could use a bit more of that in their lives.

MF: Do you have any tips for amateur photographers?
SD: Once you have the simplest basics down of exposure and composition, focus on finding interesting angles in good lighting. No amount of fancy equipment and Photoshop wizardry can replace those characteristics of a good photo. Quit thinking about your equipment, and think about shooting from an interesting perspective. For everything from a photo of your Grandma, to an aerial of a glacier. Be in a spot with good lighting, and you can use an iPhone or $25,000 worth of equipment—both turn out fantastic.

MF: What projects are you currently working on?
SD: Lots of exciting things going on, I have an ongoing project with Alaska Brewing to share stories through social media of my adventures across Alaska. Sharing photos of the lifestyles of Alaskans really resonates with me.

Check out Scott’s work at: ScottDickerson.com


—By Mollie Foster

Q&A with Kevin Smith

Anchorage-based photographer Kevin Smith caught up with Alaska Stock’s Mollie Foster this week to chat about his Village Mural School Projects. Smith is a globally recognized architectural photographer, who also specializes in art installations featuring Alaskan themes. Read the conversation in our first Photographer Q & A, posted the second Monday of each month.

MF: How did you get into creating murals?
KS: I shoot a lot of architectural photography. An architecture friend approached me about a “hall of elders” concept, and I came up with the idea for a large format mural. That was back in 2004, and through word of mouth it’s just taken off from there.

MF: Where are the murals you’ve done?
KS: In schools in villages across Alaska: Akiak, Akiachak, Tuluksak, Noatak, Deering, Shungnak, Kalskag, Ruby and Anaktuvuk Pass. In addition to murals for the Anchorage fire station # 4, Machetanz Elementary School in Palmer and the Harry J. MacDonald Center in Eagle River.

MF: What’s the process for creating a mural?
KS: For the murals in remote villages, I go and check out the architectural space of the building. There are different ways to apply graphic images to a space, so I see what works well in each space. I gather information from the community, who the important people are, get a list of the elders. Then I gather images, shooting my own, scanning historical photos or outsourcing stock to get as complete a picture of the village as I can. I try to visit during all four seasons if I can, and show the village activities: subsistence lifestyle, elder portraits, and scenic shots, among others. Then I combine the images in Photoshop, creating one big file with hundreds of layers. Then I take the file to a local print shop Graphic Works, to have it produced.

MF: What message do you hope the mural will convey?
KS: The point is to tell the community story, each village has its unique history, culture and activities that they do. It’s a balance between telling the story and including the right pieces to give an accurate historical report of the village that is artistically pleasing at the same time. My wish is that the artwork makes people proud of where they live and the culture they have.

MF: How does the community react?
KS: Folks love it. It’s all about their culture, the people and the way of life. It’s about making the elders their heroes. Why should Batman or Superman be their hero? It should be Uncle Joe or Grandpa Dick working their fish camps. That’s what the idea is all about. I’ve been told that once the mural is up, the kids behave better. Like, there’s Grandpa Joe and he’s watching me. The mural takes an empty space and gives it personality, which is pretty fun.

MF: How long do they take to create from start to finish?
KS: Between trips to the village during all four seasons, research and the work on the computer, projects can take anywhere between 3-4 months to 2 years.

MF: Who funds the mural projects?
KS: These projects are paid for by State of Alaska Percent for Art program. In urban areas, one percent of building costs has to be spent on art, in rural areas half a percent is spent on art.

MF: Any advice for photographers interested in this type of work?
KS: For doing village work, you have to have an easy-going personality and be able to roll with punches. You can’t get uptight about things that don’t happen like you’d expect them to. That and…get a really comfortable chair (for spending a lot of time in front of the computer).

MF: What’s the next project on your plate?
KS: The Top of the World hotel in Barrow, and the school in Kobuk. They should be done in the next few months.


— By Mollie Foster

Alaska Stock introduces an innovative approach in modern photography

Anchorage, Alaska - Alaska Stock has embraced digital photography and all of the benefits that come with it including quick uploads, online viewing, and e-commerce capabilities. However, Alaska Stock feels that the time is right to introduce an innovative approach in modern photography. Utilizing high end cameras and partnering with some of the leading photography labs across North America and internationally, Alaska Stock will now be exclusively accepting 35mm, medium format and large format film.

With the “popular” move towards digital, we decided to compare the quality against our new film technology. We feel the wide dynamic range offered in film cannot be matched by old style 20MP digital cameras. Film produces the ultimate HDR image far superior to the time wasting HDR manipulations of digital cameras. Additionally, films like Velvia are known for producing deep, rich colors. For example, a well executed Velvia transparency viewed through a quality lupe on a light table produces an unparalleled saturated red. When a digital image is viewed on your computer screen, the color can be any variation of “red” depending on the quality of your monitor, its calibration or the light conditions under which the image is being viewed and will never achieve the undefinable richness of Velvia. Film is always sharp and durable. You can drop a film canister a hundred times without affecting the sharpness of the film. Finally, it has come to our attention that professional film cameras, lenses and accessories are now available on the market for exceedingly low prices which will be a great benefit to our contributing photographers in producing hundreds of new photos to re-build our film archive.

Beginning April 1, 2014, Alaska Stock will now only accept film submissions from our photographers and only submit original transparencies safely packaged in Kimac slide protectors to our clients. We encourage our clients to review their Fed-ex and UPS accounts to make sure they have the correct insurance coverage for receiving and handling film transparencies.

With the recent popularity of digital, we feel we’ve lost our personal connections not only with our clients but with our photographers. It’s time to get re-connected face-to-face with our clients and photographers. We invite our local clients to come by and see our latest in the updated film collection during our office viewing hours from 9am-5pm in our downtown Anchorage office. We will provide a large light table viewing area, 10x lupe, and comfortable seating for our clients as they browse through the stacks of images we are able to provide for their project. Upon selecting an image, we will only need a quick signature accepting liability for the original and you are then free to take the transparency for scanning at your preferred lab.

Photographers are encouraged to embrace the future of film and take note of our revised list of accepted film cameras: Nikon FM2, Hasselblad, Holga, SX-70 Polaroid, and Canon AE-1.

Alaska Stock looks forward to working with you in this new age of film!

We love it when our employees have great experiences and stories to tell. Mollie Foster, our Account Executive, has a great tale (tail?) to tell about her retired sled dog Spur.

Featured in Alaska Magazine's March 2014 issue, Spur has been on the Iditarod trail and finished in Nome twice and she's not slowing down. As a constant companions on the morning commute via ski-jouring and in the office, Spur and Mollie keep living the dream.

Read more in Alaska Magazine or see Mollie's video compilation on Vimeo.

Limited Time Promotion:

Denali in Autumn Canvas Print by Lynn Wegener
Purchase a 20.00" x 16.00" stretched canvas print of Lynn Wegener's Denali in Autumn for the promotional price of: $64.99

Learn more about ordering this canvas print for your Valentine!

Iditarod Facts!

Alaska's history is filled with stories of its colorful past including the Native history, Russian culture, the gold rush era, and the early days of living in the "Last Frontier." However, one of the most unique icons of Alaska is Dog Mushing. Even today, residents still get asked if they mush to work!" The most famous event to result from this mushing history is the Iditarod - a 1,049 mile race from Anchorage to Nome. At Alaska Stock Images, you will find a wide variety of Alaska photos including dramatic Iditarod Photos. To find more pictures of Alaska or photos of the Iditarod, visit our search page.

Before the Iditarod race existed, dog mushing was simply a mode of transportation. In a country that is snow-filled and ice-covered more months out of the year than it is summer, mushing was an efficient mode of travel. Never was this clearer than in 1925 when a case of diphtheria broke out in Nome, Alaska. The only serum available was located in Anchorage. Although airplanes were considered, the only two available had been dismantled for the winter in Fairbanks. The decision was made to send the serum from Anchorage by rail as far as it could go which was Nenana. From their began the famous relay of mushers who brought the serum to Nome in about one weeks time using the already well established route known as the Iditarod. The longest stretch of the run was by Leonard Seppala who left Nome to meet the serum in Shaktoolik. He then turned around and passed in on to Charlie Olsen in Golovin. Having traveled a total of 260 miles in -30 degree temperatures, Seppala earned himself a place in the history books.

The idea of having a sled dog race to commemorate the life-saving serum run was first conceived by Dorothy G. Page in 1964 while working on a committee for the 1967 Alaska Centennial. Dorothy presented the idea to Joe Redington Sr. – a well known musher in the Knik area. With incessant promotion from Page and Redington, the first Iditarod race was held in 1967 with a purse of $25,000 and was a mere 27 miles long. By 1973, with the help from Alaska's National Guard, the entire historic trail had been cleared and the first 1,000 plus mile race was held. In 1983 that the official "start" was moved to Anchorage with a second "re-start" in Wasilla on the following day. The Iditarod race alternates each year between two routes - the northern and southern. This allows both sections of the historic trail to be utilized as well as provide the small villages equal opportunity on both routes to participate in the race. Although the most recognized and famous distance of the race is 1,049 miles, the actual distance varies each year and is in excess of 1,100 miles on odd numbered years using the southern route.


Although the Iditarod Race Committee has an annual budget of nearly two million dollars, the event relies heavily upon volunteers. The volunteers help on everything from sewing the thousands of dog booties to being checkers along the 20 plus checkpoints along the trail. The "Iditarod Airforce" is an all-volunteer fleet of pilots and their planes that shuttle supplies, veterinarians, other volunteers, food and even dogs to various locations along the trail. Volunteer veterinarians from across the nation and sometimes the world volunteer their time to participate. Volunteer trail breakers with their snow-machines keep the trail clear and marked for the mushers. The "logistics" staff in Anchorage is often made up of retired volunteers from the lower 48 who want to experience their little piece of the race and provide much assistance to keeping the most current information available to the public by answering phones and updating the Iditarod website. The "Official Iditarod Photographer," Jeff Schultz, has also volunteered his time for well over 20 years in pursuit of the ultimate documentation of the Last Great Race.

Although the Iditarod is a trek into the wilderness and is often a personal challenge as much as a race, the rules and regulations set forth by the Iditarod Committee are strict and designed to keep the dogs and mushers safe. Each musher and team must adhere to the following: Carry at all times a cold weather sleeping bag of at least 5 lbs, ax, snowshoes, eight booties for each dog (that's about 128 booties per musher and over 8,000 booties used for all teams!!), cooker and cookpot, three bottles of Heet (fuel), and 8 lbs of emergency food beyond the normal amount needed for the dogs. Dogs are examined regularly along the trail for signs of fatigue, illness, or injury. The dogs dine like kings during the race, wolfing down 5,000 calories or more each day. Their food includes lots of protein and fat. Some mushers make their own concoctions from ingredients like fish, hamburger, beef, horse meat, lamb, beaver, moose, caribou, and sometimes even seal meat.

A musher may start with as many as 16 dogs and must finish with at least five - none of which can be "added" to the team after the beginning of the race. Food, hay, and other supplies for dogs and mushers are shipped out to each checkpoint in advance, but it is entirely up to the musher to prepare, cook, and take care of his team. Any outside assistance other than in an emergency will disqualify a musher. An extensive list of rules (download PDF document) designed to provide a fair and safe race for both mushers and dogs are posted each year to the Iditarod website.

Regardless of the weather or trail conditions, the race always goes on. In 2003 when trail conditions were so bad due to an unseasonably warm winter, the race start was simply moved to Fairbanks - a first in the history of the race. This is another example of the long standing spirit of the race...regardless of what mother nature throws at you, the pioneering and adventurous spirit prevails. With vast amounts of unsettled space, treacherous conditions, and extreme temperatures, the Iditarod is a race only possible in Alaska!

As recently as 2009, in celebration of Alaska's 50th Anniversary of Statehood, the Iditarod was featured on the US Postal Service stamp honoring Alaska's Statehood. The photo taken by Jeff Schultz is of alpenglow colors reflecting off the mountains found in the Rainy Pass area with DeeDee Jonrowe mushing her way to Nome.

Recalling the many times she and Jeff Schultz have traveled the Iditarod trail together DeeDee remarked, "It is humbling to be part of the image chosen to represent Alaska as the U.S. Postage Service recognizes our beautiful states 50th birthday. I have been blessed to live my dreams for over a quarter of a century combining my love of my dogs, my passion for this beautiful state, and to experience adventure beyond my wildest imagination. Thanks to Jeff Schultz's god-given talent for capturing that on film, I now have the honor to celebrate this through this stamp."