From Alaska

The Sleeping Lady

While in Anchorage, a trip to watch grizzlies at Lake Clark was canceled due to the weather. With extra time, we eventually walked down the coastal trail. I stopped for geocaching at a Seat With a View – Rebooted and read the cache description about Mount Susitna. It is 4,396 feet high, with an outline that appears to be that of a sleeping lady. I was especially intrigued because Tamalpais, the mountain near where I live, is also described as a sleeping lady.

The cache description linked to a site that explained the legend of the mountain. One of the stories told of a Giant People who lived in peace and harmony. There, a young couple lived, Susitna and Nekatla, who had a love like no other, their love lit up the sky with great dancing lights. One day the People learned of a warlike tribe to the north who threatened them. The people decided to send every man to convince them to live in peace.

The couple knew that they would be separated for a long time. They walked hand in hand to their favorite plateau, overlooking the inlet. Nekatla gazed into Susitna’s eyes and promised he would return. He asked that she wait at this spot.

The warlike tribe attacked the Giant People. Nekatla was among those who fell. With his last breathe he spoke the name of Susitna. The women wanted to protect her from sorrow. As she slept they wove a blanket of grass and wildflowers to place over her. The Gods heard their prayers and placed Susitna in a deep, unwakening sleep. The air turned cold and snow began to fall.

The Giant People left and the smaller people came in their place to watch over the Sleeping Susitna. As the seasons change, she still has a bedding of wildflowers and a covering of snow.

“There are some who say that when all the warring people of the world disappear and peace and harmony return, Nekatla will awaken his sleeping Susitna. But today few remember the Giant People. Many call the great mountain Susitna but the wise, who believe the legend, gaze at her from a distance and respectfully address her as the ‘Lady’.”

This story inspired the log I wrote.

My Log
The sleeping lady was shrouded by clouds. She did not emerge, but sometimes a lady needs quiet, especially when she’s mourns for her lover who left to help find peace. She stirs in her sleep and knows what we have become. She still waits for the day when peace and justice will return and the warlike people repent — she sees us wearing MAGA hats and war still rages. Her tears fill the area with clouds and rain. Then she is ready to continue her search, her wait, her sleep.

At my home we have our own sleeping lady – Mount Tamalpais in Northern California – with its own legends. In our story a woman is betrayed by her lover, and as she lay down the mountain took on her shape and became the sleeping maiden we see today. This is a much more recent story, but is the archetype remains, of a lady who sleeps and is transformed.

I wonder how many such tales can be found throughout the world. It is a story from the depths of our consciousness, inspired by the mountains and the cycles of life. The lady sleeps and time passes. Mountains rise and fall. As the prophet said, “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Those who were here first believed that all the warring people of the world will disappear. Peace and harmony will return. As Pete Seeger wrote when he put the prophet’s words to music, it is not too late for there to be a time of peace.

When that comes, the mountain’s lover, Nekatla, will awaken his sleeping lady, Susitna. Is this the same hope that brought the Ghost Dance, that would roll away our world for the traditional ways to return? Is this what Julian of Norwich saw when she stated, all will be well again? Is this what inspires prayers today?

We know that the mountain is the Lady, no matter where she might be found. Perhaps that knowledge is the first step towards Wisdom.

Sled Dogs

I started to write a much different log for a cache that focused on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. I had seen the sled dogs of Denali who patrol the mountain there and knew a little about the sled races. The dogs heroics are genuine but I discovered another side to the race.

My Log

Generally I consider professional darts to be the apex of the sporting experience but there has to be an asterisk for the dogs of the Iditarod. While in Denali we met someone whose neighbor won four races. However, considering Rule 42 (“All dog deaths are regrettable, but there are some that may be considered unpreventable.”) it is the dogs who are the true heroes here.

Among the legendary dogs, Balto comes to mind even though his run was not for sport, but to deliver medicine to Nome. Granite was recognized for his strength. Nugget led his team to victory at the age of 10, and helped secure a second win going on 13. He even remembered where he stayed in previous races. Rambo was trusted to guide 100 miles at night. Each dog is remarkable.

Yet, at least 136 dogs have died — now 150 — during the race. Other dogs have been bludgeoned and “culled” when they were eliminated from a team. In 2025 a pregnant dog died in the race after her musher forced her to run 300 miles. During that race, than 180 dogs were pulled off the trail due to exhaustion, illness, injury, or other causes, forcing the remaining ones to work even harder to pull the mushers. In light of these issues, a number of corporate sponsors, including Alaska Air, have dropped their support.

It has been asked what would happen if humans ran the race.

In some states, including my own, the race might be considered criminal. In my career I defended murderers, but I drew the line at animal abuse. Unless the race can be run without death it should not be held. At the very least, there should be a lifetime ban for mistreatment, before and after a race. Heroes deserve more than they are given.