8am pick up and after a quick stop at Nenana, which is the 7th check in spot for the famous Iditarod trail sled dog race. We were soon heading off to the North Pole & a visit to Santa Claus house a magical hour was spent looking at Christmas display's, shopping & visiting reindeer which were having their summer nap.

Onto the Steamboat landing where we boarded the Paddle steamer Discovery III for a trip up the Chena river, we were treated to a wonderful display of a sea plane landing and taking off very skilled routines, and as the plane is the most widely used method of transport in Alaska pilots are very good at handling their machines.

Along the way we passed many beautiful homes built right along side the majestic winding river.

Further on we stopped at Susan Butcher Dog Sled home & kennels at Eureka, there were some really cute puppies who are just beginning their training as dog sledders and the mature adults were put through their summer training by pulling a 4 wheeler around the track they certainly deserved their cool off in the river, after that run. Susan who sadly now has passed away but during her sledding career won the Iditarod 4 times and 2nd twice along with her lead dog Granite it certainly was an amazing test of stamina and endurance, her husband continues on with her passion with a team of willing helpers who not only help train but also participate in this amazing race.

The Iditarod trail sled dog race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March from Anchorage to Nome, entirely within Alaska. Musher and a team of dog over 1,100 miles or 1,770km in 8 - 15 days. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but today has evolved into a highly competitive race.

Sadly, we had to leave the puppies, but we will see some of the sled dogs again when we visit the Chena Indian Village further down river.

We were traditionally greeted to the Chena Village by a group of very enthusiastic young Chinook members who were passionate about sharing the background and history of their people and a wonderful insight into their day to day lives. We spent some time wandering around the village and had an opportunity to again see the sled dogs, who really are big fun-loving puppies who when challenged love to work.

Fantastic visit and was a great end to a wonderful day.