The Iditarod

Eskimos, igloos, and the Iditarod... that's about all most of us know about Alaska. It's certainly all or most of all I knew about Alaska when I first moved here. Needless to say I haven't seen igloos, but I've seen lots of Eskimos (which is an acceptable name--though Canadians don't care for it--and "Alaska Native" is broader), and NOW I've seen the ceremonial start of the Iditarod.

On March 5th, when Mom and Kerry were here, we were able to see the ceremonial start to the Iditarod. Just like with the World Championship Sled Dog Races, one of the coolest parts is before the race. During this time, you can walk the streets and see the dogs and their handlers getting ready.

After we parked the car, we started seeing teams before we'd even left the block. The first team was Dallas Seavey's (they'd won the Yukon Quest this year). One of his assistants was feeding the dog and answered lots of our questions. For example, he was dolling out steaming hot scoops of dried dog food soaking in water. He clarified that, actually, this wasn't a feeding, but a watering. Since the dogs don't feel much like drinking water in the cold, they put the food in warm water to entice them.

As we made our way down the block, we saw Newton Marshall's team. Because of my 80's love of Cool Runnings, I was thrilled to see "the Jamaica Dogsled Team."

Here are pictures from our time at the ceremonial start. It's very cool to have been able to see the famous Iditarod.

Since then, the Iditarod has finished. Dallas Seavey finished fourth. Newton Marshall scratched--apparently several of his dogs were ill. And, John Baker won the race in record time.