As a 16-year-old, fifteen years ago, I read Gary Paulsen’s “Hatchet” and immediately became fascinated and borderline obsessed with the outdoors. Eventually, my obsession with the outdoors turned solely to one thing: dog sledding.
I then spent a few years building an online community of mushers worldwide and was lucky enough to interview many of the sport’s professionals. One of those dog sledders, and someone who befriended me from the very beginning of my journey, was one man.
G.B. Jones.
G.B. was born and raised in Utah and moved to Alaska in 1976. His first Iditarod was in 2002, and he moved to a property that borders the Iditarod trail in preparation for his race.
He is also known for writing “Winning the Iditarod,” The GB Jones Story, documenting his adventures, trials, and success in the deep Alaskan bush.
We became distant pen-pals, culminating to a point where Mr. Jones displayed a great token of friendship; he carried a Book of Mormon on his sled through the ceremonial start of the Iditarod and sent it to me as a treasured memento. A boy in my youth and doing my best to connect with others, this gesture of kindness greatly impacted me and still does to this day. G.B. also added my name to his Alaska Wall, which had an equal impact.
Diamond souls who care to inspire those around them exist in this world.
G.B. Jones is one of those souls.
Although many years have passed and life has been full of change and turns, G.B. continues to write prolifically. His latest works include “Lost in the Alaskan Wilderness” and “The Enchanted Forest,” and received them as unexpected gifts in the mail.
Lost in the Alaskan Wilderness
Aafes is a little sled dog who was caught all alone in Alaska’s wilderness for eleven days.
She became trapped in a severe blizzard while crossing the Alaska Range with her teammates during the 2007 Iditarod. Aafes’ story captivated the hearts of those around the world as the dog that survived in the wilds of Alaska and made it to safety due to her incredible rescuers.
The Enchanted Forest
Luke Proctor is a young boy who departs Montana for an Alaskan vacation but becomes lost at sea! He faces storms, lived off walrus meat, and encounters many unusual characters deep in the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness.
His story inspires and reminds us of the tenacity of the soul and that with great focus and determination, anything is possible, and all problems can be successfully faced.
