2025

After a long Alaskan winter and a busy Iditarod season, our little family packed up and headed to the sunshine for a much-needed break. Travis, Elias, and I met up with some of Travis’ family in beautiful Kauai for a relaxing vacation filled with sun, sand, and quality time together.

This is our second time visiting Kauai, and the island continues to charm us with its laid-back vibe and wild beauty. One of the most amusing and distinctly “Kauai” things? The chickens! They roam everywhere, and it still makes us smile every time we spot them strutting around.

We’re staying in Poipu, just a short walk from the beach, which makes spontaneous swims and sunset walks especially easy and enjoyable. The beaches here are breathtaking, and we’ve even spotted sea turtles while exploring the coastline—such a special treat.

One of our highlights was hiking the Waipoo Falls Trail in Waimea Canyon. The canyon itself is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and it’s easy to see why. The views are stunning, and it was a great way to stretch our legs and soak in the scenery.

Back at our Airbnb, we’ve been savoring the simple pleasures: family dinners, card games, and sunset walks. Elias has especially loved digging in the sand, while Travis has been catching waves boogie boarding. I’ve been enjoying the chance to swim in the ocean and sneak in a few pages of reading between beach time and toddler wrangling.

One of the most unique experiences of the trip was mountain tubing—essentially a laid-back float through old irrigation canals. You drift through jungle scenery and even through dark caves with headlamps. It was both relaxing and just the right amount of adventurous.

This trip has been the perfect way to reset—soaking up the sunshine, spending time with loved ones, and simply being present. As we gear up for the busy summer season, I’m grateful for this little pause and all the memories we’ve made together.

Winter may have never arrived but it certainly isn’t in a hurry to let go either. Despite having no snow for much of the training season, now that it is April and the season for racing is at an end, the snow does not want to disappear. Sometimes we get a dusting, sometime an inch, and sometimes two. It is all gone by mid-afternoon but it has made for a sloppy start to the spring.

For now, are working on organizing the chaos after racing season. We will pick up our Iditarod drop bags and begin unpacking them. Travis’ “spare” sled, along with Ebbe’s, somehow ended up in Fairbanks. It means a roadtrip is in someone’s future. (Here is to hoping they hitch a ride south with someone!)

Sam finished the Kobuk 440 on Tuesday in 9th place. Flying to Kotzebue with 12 dogs, by himself is no small undertaking. The weather supposedly wasn’t great and even in good conditions it is a notoriously difficult race. I look forward to hearing about his race and sharing it.

The dogs who stayed home are happy but growing restless. The cycle of snow and sun making a muddy mess not suitable for running. Plus, this is the start of our brief off season: a time when the dogs can rest and recover after a hard season of racing and training and before tours begin. We are also taking time away: a quick trip to Hawaii is in our future with Travis’ family.

We are lucky to have had such a fun season. Luckier still at the adventures yet to come.