LODGING UPDATE:
As of 12/4/19 I have gathered contacts for 12 of the checkpoints. Nenana to Old Woman Cabin. A matrix is being developed with the new contacts and new notes regarding accommodations as I’m able to gather this information. Although I have gathered phone numbers and sent emails, I only have GOOD TO COME info from about 8 of the locations at this point.

AT THIS TIME, I AM REQUESTING THAT ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING LODGING BE ATTACHED HERE TO PUPPORTAL instead of email correspondence.

Kathleen, thank you for your assistance and gathering other contacts for some of the Villages in particular Galena and Ruby. When I called the city offices for both Galena and Ruby I was given different contacts then what you have shared. Once I get definitive information I will update the matrix and all of you on PupPortal.

Calling the checkpoints to nail down the lodging is very involved, I am updating old outdated spreadsheets, I am asking for information from old contacts and new that hasn’t been asked for before; GPS coordinates for example. Several locations are under the Tanana Chiefs but each location has its own Chief heading it up. I believe First Chief Joseph Alexander at Old Minto will be a great resource for us. He and I have developed correspondence today.

I understand the urgency and the not knowing making everyone edgy. Itineraries, logistics, calendaring, and gathering pertinent information is what I do for a living. I have been a Paralegal since 2003. This is a slow process that is being treated with urgency and I am not only making first contacts in the past 3 days but I am also doing follow ups every other day until I get the information I require for you guys to have the safest most comfortable trip possible. Allow me to do the task I have volunteered for and understand that although I am a very busy person managing a business, working for the State of Alaska and a full time student, I am very capable of getting this task completed for you guys. Otherwise, Robert wouldn’t have entrusted me with it.

Thank you for your help – keep posting here on PupPortal and I will be checking for updates and information that I can use to make the contacts necessary to secure the checkpoints, lodging, drop contacts, straw babysitters etc are all part of the lodging task duties.

~Michele