Greetings to you from Alaska!
Farewell Gabe, and happy trails to you, young man!
The Iditarod Trail Kennel bids farewell to our friend Gabe as he departs Alaska with his family and moves to Oklahoma. His schoolmates and teachers at Palmer Junior Middle School and his many friends will miss him, and we wish him all the best for a happy and bright future!
Greetings to Our Alaskan Visitors!
For the past three summers, I’ve had the privilege of hosting book signings for visitors either heading to or returning from the Denali Wilderness.
I get to meet an extraordinary mix of people—friendly, positive, and nearly all equipped with a cell phone and a great attitude!
Every encounter feels personal and meaningful. Visitors come from every corner of the United States and from countries far beyond. Some are retired professionals; others are still deeply engaged in their careers. Most are adults, but I always enjoy seeing children tagging along with their parents or grandparents. Newlyweds are easy to spot—their joy practically radiates. Each person brings a story worth hearing.
Some encounters stand out vividly in my memory. I once met Sean Swarner, who, despite having only one lung and surviving two terminal cancers, climbed Mount Everest. Another time, a determined young woman told me she had run marathons in forty-nine states and had come to Alaska to complete her goal of 50 marathons in all 50 states, and was here to run the Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage.
There was also Bob Hopkins, the nationally recognized philanthropist and entrepreneur. After meeting him, I found myself inspired to embrace the idea that perhaps, in my own small way, I, too, am a philanthropist.
And then came Dr. Loren W. Acton, an astronaut from the Spacelab 2 mission—what an honor to shake his hand and visit with him and his wife Evelyn!
On another occasion, I met an actress from the popular series The Chosen. Add to that the many retired first responders, nurses, teachers, professors, doctors, fellow authors, and military veterans I’ve spoken with. Conversations with Vietnam veterans, in particular, left me deeply moved and appreciative of their service.
Each visitor brings a light, a positive energy that enriches the day. Many tell me this journey to Alaska is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and I feel privileged to be a small part of that dream.
It feels as though every person I met left behind a gift, and I would like to think that I left them with something too.
Perhaps, just perhaps, our paths will cross again someday, and if not, the great memories will suffice.
Cheers!
G.B. Jones
September 9, 2025
The Alaskan summer of 2025 fades, and the birch leaves turn into shades of gold and brown, heralding the arrival of fall in the Great Land. This summer has been a joy-filled season for me, meeting and greeting hundreds of visitors who dined at the spectacular Settlers Bay Lodge in Knik, Alaska, on their journeys to and from the mighty Mt. Denali. Pictured here on a crisp autumn day is Monica Piaquadio with me, G.B. Jones—one of the many wonderful travelers whose paths have crossed mine. Truly, it has been the experience of a lifetime to welcome so many kind and adventurous souls from around the world. Wherever you may be now, I send my warmest wishes and gratitude for sharing a moment of your journey here.
—G.B. Jones, September 8, 2025
Pictured is Gary B. Jones and Gary B. Jones
A recent visitor to Alaska was Gary B. Jones from Coal Valley, Illinois who met his namesake here in Alaska: Gary B. Jones! Gary and his wife Mary were recent visitors to the Denali Park and Wilderness! It was fun meeting my namesake! -Gary B. Jones
August 17, 2025
Alaska Welcomes Astronaut Loren Acton!
