Jerry Purser Memorial Run

Jerry and Carolyn Purser have been active members of the mushing community in Alaska for many years.  When Jerry passed in 2007, Carolyn asked that in lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Willow Dog Mushers Association. A fund was created in Jerry's name. The question became, what to do with the money. With Carolyn's donation of a piece of land, it was decided to build a small mushers' safety cabin on the Yentna River.  Dean Davidson, Steve Charles and Vic Stanculescu were the primary builders hauling materials to the site by boat in summer and snowmachine in winter. It took several seasons to complete.
On March 27, 2011, eight members of the WDMA snowmachined out to the cabin for a memorial run. It was a gorgeous day on the Yentna River with Mt Susitna shining on the horizon. We had a fun and memorable time visiting the cabin and then heading further up river to Luce's for a late lunch. We told stories of each other's mushing adventures and laughed a lot. For some of us, it was out first time this far out from Willow. We each made plans on when and how to return by dog team. Below are some of the photos from our fun day. (Post and photos by Donna Quante---click any photo to enlarge it.)

Eight of us met at the West Gateway Trailhead. Four
snowmachines, two riders, two on dog sleds pulled by
the snowmachines.

Kari and her niece, Åsne prepared to be towed. They would
find the ride to be rough through all the moguls and
hard packed trail.

Along the way, we stopped to help two fellows who lost
their load.

What was a local landmark, a huge Cottonwood tree, is
gone. But a sign still marks the spot.

You just can't get lost on the river. :)

The gang doing their best scary tree imitation. Either that
or someone is remaking the "Thriller" video.

Dog teams on the Yentna.

One of the teams is Ray Redington.

A sign points the way to the Purser property. Mushers should
not take this entrance. It is not team friendly. There is another
entrance a little further along.

The safety cabin for mushers. Everything was built 8x8. The
only cuts were made with a chain saw.

How many mushers can fit in a small cabin?

There is even a bunk bed inside. We were talking
about what else we need to add.

The cabin is well insulated with 6 inch thick walls. 

Snacking and talking. L-R: Scott Brown, Steve Charles,
Dean Davidson, Janet Sweeney

Dean, Janet, Sue Morgan, Kari Skogen

It just seemed right to store Kari's sled on the deck while
 we went for lunch.

Luce's looking towards the river. 

Unique bird feeder!

Lots of stories and laughter.

Luce's is an amazing place to eat in the middle of nowhere.

Loved the table and chairs.

There was even a pool table!

Mt Susitna, the sleeping lady.

I think this guy wanted a hamburger too.

Luce's from the river. 

Kari waits for the outhouse.

A fancy outhouse too. Heat lamps!

The gang posing with the lady.
Steve, Dean, Janet, Scott, Kari, Åsne, Sue