Giveaway winner Sheryl Holden is obviously taking advantage of her time in Anchorage. She and Amanda have been enjoying a whirlwind of sightseeing, meeting Iditarod mushers and of course...shopping for souvenirs!  We caught up with Sheryl and her daughter Amanda in downtown Anchorage this morning before the start of the Iditarod.

This beautiful coat was handmade by Alaska natives. All we can say is Wow! Check out the video and article about Sheryl and Amanda meeting with Jeff King.

Our Alaska Getaway Giveaway winner Sheryl Holden and her daughter met with four time Iditarod Champion Jeff King at the Inlet Tower Hotel just before the start of the 2007 Iditarod.

Congratulations to Sheryl and her daughter Amanda. They arrived in Alaska late Thursday night and kicked off their Anchorage adventures at the Inlet Tower hotel where they met with four time Iditarod champion Jeff King. Video of Sheryl and Amanda talking with Jeff King.

A special thanks to all the sponsors who made their trip possible: Alaska TravelGram, Alaska Airlines, Inlet Tower Hotel, Mixx Grill, and to Sue Kenyon for going the extra mile for Sheryl and Amanda. Thanks to Jeff King for being so gracious and willing to spend time with our winner! 

Letter to our viewers:

For many, the countdown to Iditarod 35 began months ago, but this week the clock seems to move even faster. Mushers, dog teams, media, pilots, volunteers and communities are all scrambling to prepare for the pinnacle dog sledding event held each March in Alaska. This year it seems there is almost an overabundance of media outlets for the Last Great Race including musher family websites such as the Seaveys, Moderows and Busers.

In addition to all the Internet coverage, there appears to be a surge in television/video exposure with the local Anchorage NBC affiliate jumping into the fray alongside Versus (formerly Outdoor Life Network) and several others who hope to capture a little adventure for their viewers. The ITC or Iditarod Trail Committee is even hoping to cash in on all the buzz - they struck a deal with Panasonic to create the "first ever" HD (high-definition) video coverage of the race.

Wired Magazine published a one page article about the changes in dog sledding technology this month. (Issue 15.03)

While it's not an in-depth review of all the technology changes in the sport, it does give a quick view of how the sport and the tools have progressed recently.

Everything from the outerwear, dog food and sled frames have improved dramatically in the last few years.

Pick up a copy of Wired and turn to page 40. 

Mushing USA To Hold Organizing Congress

Stefanie Michaels, known to millions of fans as “Adventure Girl®,” has carved a unique niche for herself in the world of travel and entertainment. Stef's always up to adventure & making her fans wishes come true. This time, Stef's personal wish is about to become reality at this year's 35th anniversary Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska! She will be one of this year's Idita-riders, hooking up with rookie musher Zoya DeNure of Crazy Dog Kennels.

Stefanie and Entertainment Industry Foundation are combining efforts to promote "Idita-Ride for a Cure" in honor of the 4 time Iditarod champ, Susan Butcher, who lost her battle with Leukemia last year.

Read more to listen to a podcast and see the entire press release. 

February 7, 2007 | 9 a.m. AKST

Stay tuned for dogsled.com's fundraiser auction. We are collecting items from "celebrity" mushers, collectors and friends of Lois, if you have something of value that you would like to donate to the auction please contact us.

She had no insurance. Neighbors, friends and strangers are rallying together to donate time, labor and supplies to rebuild her a new home.

Update 02/07/07: An account has been set up for Lois Harter. The account, called the Lois I. Harter Donation Fund, is number 7527360379 at Wells Fargo Bank in Eagle River. Anyone wiring money to the account needs this routing number: 121000248. And anyone sending a check should write in the memo section "Lois I. Harter Donation Fund," and, on the back of the check, write "for deposit only" along with the account number.

Community Classified Ads

All of us at Dogsled.com are continually thinking of ways to grow and help our community.  As a registered user, you now have the ability to browse and post classified ads. You can post your own ads, upload photos and edit the ads immediately...and it's FREE to all registered Dogsled.com users.

Once logged in, look in the User Menu to locate a link to the Classifieds. Before posting, please read the rules and etiquette for using classified ads. Happy selling from all of us here at Dogsled.com!

We have a winner! 

Congratulations to Sheryl in Illinois for being the lucky winner of the 2007 Alaska Getaway Giveaway.  Sheryl and her daughter Amanda will be flown to Anchorage, Alaska from the nearest airport wherever Alaska Airlines flies.

The lucky winner and her guest will be staying at the Inlet Tower Hotel in downtown Anchorage just in time to get involved in a few Fur Rendezvous events and watch the ceremonial start of the Iditarod!

Additional gifts will be provided by Mix Grill and Fur Rondy, including a free sample of the new Fur Rondy Brew by Midnight Sun Brewing Co.

Four year old Daiquiri had 40% of her body, mostly arms and torso, burned while trying to save her brother, Christopher. One of her lungs was not functioning, consequently she had to be moved to Children’s Hospital.  On Sunday, Jan. 13, due to a lack of oxygen, her heart failed and she had to be resuscitated. The costs have been staggering for the family. Any donations would be appreciated.

Donate your Alaska Air Miles to the Wright Family: Log on to Alaskaair.com Click on mileage plan, Click on buy miles, Choose either: Purchase Gift Miles Or Transfer Miles.

The account is under the name: Kevin Wright
Account # 32463060