There’s one checkpoint that both the Junior and Iditarod share – Yentna Station Roadhouse. The name is a bit strange in that the nearest road is more that 40 miles away! The only way to travel to Yentna in the winter is by plane, snowmachine or dog team. In summer you can add boat because the checkpoint is located on the Yentna River.

Roadhouses are quite significant in Alaskan history. They are like hotels that were built along trails used by miners, mail carriers, loggers and anyone else who had to travel along wilderness trails. They were generally built a “day’s travel” apart. Some were permanent wood structures while others were just temporary tents. Some were quite nice while others just provided shelter and a meal. It seems to me roadhouse should really be called trailhouse.

Today, the Yentna Station Roadhouse is an adventure lodge run by the Gabryszak family. The roadhouse or lodge is a large permanent structure that offers guide services, meals and rooms. On any given day there might be folks who want to fish or hunt, watch Iditarod, Idita-sport participants or travelers at the roadhouse enjoying the comforts of the roadhouse, delicious and plentiful food, and the hospitality of Dan and Jean and their family.

Check tomorrow for another telephoto story. Notice the beauty around you and embrace adventure.

Born to Run,
Sanka