In 2004, Gary Paulsen was following the Iditarod Sled Dog Racers across Alaska by hopping from Eskimo and Athabascan village to village check-points along the trail. Mr. Stathis's School was in one of these check-points, and hearing that the famous author was around, Mr. Stathis invited him in to speak with the Students. It was an honor to receive this kind and adventurous man and hear some of his personal stories of his life, and his experiences as a well-known author. He twice actually entered the 1100 mile Dog-Sled Race across the Alaskan wilderness, but that year was just following the lead mushers by small airplane. He signed Mr. Stathis's personal copy of the Author's famous book, Dogsong, a story about a boy who sets-out an a journey of discovery by dogsled in the frozen Alaskan north.
Photos by Mr. Stathis
Gary Paulsen in Shageluk, Alaska 1
Gary Paulsen in Shageluk, Alaska 2
Gary Paulsen in Shageluk, Alaska 3
Gary Paulsen in Shageluk, Alaska 4
