Vistas of Evolution

 Human existence against overwhelming odds is extreme and spectacular as no where else, other than in the Arctic region. The people who live there against all odds face immense challenges that they have to cope by negotiating with elements of the nature.

One important factor they have is the sled dog as a friend and Partner. Without those dogs, without their co-existence there can never be human life. The place where no plant life can be sustained, leaves no possibility for human life. Hence human is relegated to forage, hunt and find food by going far off into barren Ice. No Snowmobile, no Aircraft, no Automotive – all usual human implements of convenience – can work for men engaged in moving long distances across the Arctic region. By this, the human is going back in time, where he was not even a hunter gatherer, but as a scavenger following predators. Dogs who have a sense of things that humans are not normally gifted with, are the natural companions that help human reach his objective by taking him far off into the Ice scape and also getting him back to home and safety.

For one to appreciate the enormity I would encourage you to watch the a short PBS video that shows how even in the present times, the human life is sustained by Dogs. For those who cry this is Animal Cruelty, those in the likes of PeTa are either clueless about what they are talking or outright scoundrels who ignore the reality and mislead people.

In fact, in 1925, The Great Race of Mercy gained notoriety for its critical role in delivering medicine via sled dog during the Nome diphtheria epidemic. Sled dogs were brought out of near retirement when all other transportation routes failed to deliver the much-needed serum to Nome’s sick and dying children, including air transport and railway. To this day this is a legend that inspires and motivates most.

In 1975 the race was started in the name of Iditarod (Meaning land of far, far away in the Native language) starting from Anchorage to Nome on the other side of Yukon Valley, roughly a distance of about 1,150 Miles.

Since then, it has captured imagination of so many people across the globe to be part of this amazing race. The Mushers – People who drive the Dog Sled – come from all over the world to be part of it. Yet in the end only handful of them complete it without scratching themselves (dropping out) in the midway.

Garry Paulsen, who is a well known fiction writer and has written 100s of books that kept the Children and grown up awake is also a great animal and dog lover.

Gary participated in the race first time in 1983 as a rookie and later in 1985 again. Sadly, his third try was never to be because of his health. This book is about his effort to get into the race. Having been raised in Minnesota, on the north of the United States and adjoining Canada, he would have had fair share of Winter and snow. However, as he began his preparation, he realized that he was woefully lacking in the skill and resources to go all the way to Alaska.

This book starts off with the germination of the thought to attempt Iditarod and his efforts to secure dogs, sled and other resources besides the knowledge of how to run a Large team of dogs. Up until that time, his experience was with just few dogs which helped him move around the dismal snow in the woods. The experience which he recounts very candidly in his book “Winterdance” is hilarious and pitiful.

The way he built the team, especially with do many unknown wolf dogs coming into his pack, the dynamics not only between the Dog team but also with him and dogs are quite interesting. That would interest and scare a dog lover at the same time.

The best part is when he starts on the race, where everyone expected him to fail, is a thing of legend, a bit comical one at that. Despite all odds, Paulsen finished the race and was placed 41st out of 54 finishers, completing the race in just over 17 days.

For uninitiated the Alaskan Landscape is just Plain Ice, Ice and more Ice. We really have no idea of the cold, the Varied Landscapes, the Human perseverance required and the Seductive danger. Paulsen takes us all there. The dogs, the humans and the Teams, how they cope, how they build trust on each other and how they evolve is a sight to behold. His team, in particular the female Dog Cookie, Max, Wilson and the indomitable Devil are stuff straight out of legend.

For all of us who have almost no chance of sighting these landscapes, let alone experiencing this journey, this is a must read and a keeper.