Reference to picture below of DICK NEWTON---he had a dorm like situation, in TAKOTNA, where many Norwegian students/young people lived. They were in this area to experience for ex. climbing many of the spectacular mountains,  winter camping, ice fishing etc etc. all that Alaska offers. They were so interesting and such fun. We stayed with them for almost a week. That is why you see a big banner flying, welcoming the many Norwegian mushers coming into the TOKOTNA checkpoint and many of those Norwegians were volunteering with the dogs--I noticed in many of the pictures. I don't believe I met NINA KRISTIN NILSEN, from Norway, in TAKOTNA but in the small MCGRATH airport. We were all there for quite some time and got to know each other. Nina and I just "clicked" and we have corresponded since. She and her partner sail (I mean for real--cross oceans!!) They live in Norway but on one of their trips they were coming down the Hudson. We planned to meet and a dreadful storm came up and they had to pass by and continue on. Next time!! She has such an interesting life and shares it with all of us. Check out the first picture below--Norwegian oil that the Norwegian mushers use on their dogs. Wonder if its better?  Better than what??

When JEFF KING came in 1st to the Yukon he got gold nuggets and a scrumptious dinner brought in
from The Millennium Hotel in Anchorage. The checkpoint is RUBY--545 miles from Anchorage. He has 16 dogs and is taking his 24 hour layover here. He said he would have stopped in TAKOTNA, as most do, but his dogs were not tired and didn't need the rest yet so he went on. Also, so many of the mushers stop in TAKOTNA he thought it was just too busy, noisy to sleep and didn't want the hassle.
Lets get some sleep and continue on tomorrow. Good nite mushers and dogs.

 This is NOT a checkpoint and also NOT on House Hunters--just someones "thoughtfully" recycled abode!!