Billy McCarty: Ruby’s Master Sled Maker

Thu, March 11, 2010
Posted in Alaska News, Iditarod

The wood sled has all but disappeared from the Iditarod trail. Mushers now prefer to use sleds made from aluminum or composite materials, which are lighter and more flexible. But in the villages, locally-made wood sleds are still common, and a few dedicated craftsmen still make them in the traditional style.

Billy McCarty is one such craftsman.

Photos and Story by Tim Bodony, APRN

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Comments

neileklund

Good to see you Billy. I was just thinking about rafting down the Melozi back about '75. Thanks for picking me up when I got across the Yukon. I remember Diamond, a dog I got from you. A good dog, she drowned when we went through the canyon. Keep building those sleds! I see you still have some noya on the boards! Hope the young guys keep up the traditons.-Neil Eklund
tim & meghan gervais

Great story Billy. Ruby is proud of you and your sleds.
Claude Keogh

I have watched him build his birch sleds for some years and they are functional and beautiful to look at.
Brenda Ambrose

Beautiful Sleds! Keep up the tradition.