Archive for February 7th, 2008

We showed up at Rust’s Flying Service for a quick 50-minute flight from Anchorage’s Lake Hood to Winterlake Lodge at the Finger Lake checkpoint of the Iditarod Trail.

Our hosts, Carl and Kirsten Dixon, operate the lodge year-round. In the summer, they have a host of fishing, hiking, heli-skiing and adventure activities. In the winter, folks come out for some of Kirsten’s famously fabulous cuisine.

Over the course of the winter, Kirsten hosts a series of culinary weekends. Guests hang out in the kitchen and learn some tricks on putting together some great dishes–and pairing them with some yummy wines.

During the day, though, get out and go for a dogsled ride. Carl has a couple of dog teams for guests to go for a 5k or 10k loop. The folks at the lodge groom miles of trails to get out and explore some incredible places. Yesterday, Carl took us to several vistas for fabulous views of nearby Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker.

We traveled by snowmachine. Today, we’ll be traveling by snowshoe! If it gets a little warmer, we may get the skis out.

Whether you’re here for a culinary weekend or just for an escape from the big city, take advantage of the wellness program–including stretching classes and full-on massages! Lauren is the licensed massage therapist on staff. And she’s also really into Yoga–so get ready to get limber!

More details to follow!