A Pioneer

Mary Shields was the first woman to complete the grueling 1064 mile Iditarod sled dog race across Alaska. She broke that glass ceiling in 1974 and finished 22nd in a field of 46 mushers.

I asked her how the men felt about her entering the race.  She told me she was not taken seriously and even mocked by some, told there was no way a woman would even make it halfway!

She told us some great stories about her experiences about life in the wilderness and many funny ones about mushers throughout the years. It was such an enjoyable visit.  She even had cake and coffee for us when we we arrived. We didn't have much time to spend with her dogs in her kennel because it was drizzling outside, but that didn't matter.  

This was a fabulous end to our trip.  We headed straight for the airport from here.  

Goodbye Alaska!!  It was wonderful meeting you!!