I was born in Germany 50 years ago.
My father was a career soldier. I graduated high school in Winona
Minnesota, which I call home after having lived there for four
years, which was the longest I lived in any one place. In the
1970’s I spent six years in the army as a combat medical
specialist, and respiratory specialist. After my military service
I returned to Minnesota. Being an avid outdoorsman, and having
a long-standing interest in experiencing Alaska, in 1983 I accepted
a position at Providence Hospital in Anchorage. After a few years
I transferred to the Alaska Native Medical Center, where I am
currently employed as a Respiratory Therapist, and administer
a computerized charting system for the department. I am also a
freelance photographer specializing in outdoor travel and adventures
sports, and created and maintain my own web site www.kakphoto.com.
I rely on my computer for a variety of tasks including GPS/Map
navigation.
You could say that I’m one
of those life long thrill junkies and have vast experiences
in the outdoors. As I’ve grown older, I now attempt to
avoid excess injury or abuse to the old body, yet I continue
to enjoy new adventures. In 1998 I purchased my first modern
snowmobile. Since then I have logged over 9,000 miles exploring
Alaska and photographing dogsledding.
I had the pleasure of being on
the 2002 Serum Run as a snowmachiner, which has earned a place
in my memories as a trip of a lifetime. Having gotten the dog
hair off my gear, and the fragrance of high-powered dog exhaust
faded from my memory, I refreshed my experience by being the
Trail Boss for the 2005, 2006 & 2007 Serum Run. This year,
I again have the privilege of being the Trail Boss. (I’ve
discovered being the Trail Boss or Musher Coordinator requires
spending much more time on the computer and phone than on the
trail.)
There are many reasons why I am
excited about being a part of the Serum Run Expedition; it would
be too hard to list them here. Let me simply say, it is a privilege
to be a part of Col. Vaughan’s expedition, and I am looking
forward to once again traveling the trial and visiting the villages
and people along the trial!
