2 Georgia tourists try to recover Alaskan mushing trip losses

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Two Georgia tourists are frustrated in their efforts to recoup losses incurred when a guided mushing trip in the White Mountains in Alaska turned out badly.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says criminal charges have been filed against the two guides. But Todd Surloff and his wife, Chontica Tanapornsakul, from Atlanta say it's been more than nine months since criminal charges were filed and the case has yet to go to trial.

The two say they barely survived the trip into the White Mountains National Recreation Area and are trying only to recoup $3,500 in medical costs to treat frostbite and severe hypothermia.

Forty-nine-year-old Peggy Billingsley and 48-year-old Darrell Harpham of Fairbanks have been charged with reckless endangerment. They say problems were brought on by the inexperience of the tourists.