Our first Alaskan winter wouldn't be complete without viewing the Iditarod restart in Willow. I was a little concerned about Grayson and the cold. It turned out to be in the midtwenties today so he lasted maybe 30 minutes. Layne played with the boys while I wandered around and took a few hundred shots (translation---so glad I live in the digital age!). It was fun to watch the dogs and the mushers. I learned a lot about the importance of a packed trail. Keep in mind the large open areas that look like snow covered fields are actually lakes! Stepping off the trails means being at least knee deep in snow and not touching the ice to the lake. The race like most everything else we have experienced since arriving in Alaska, has reaffirmed our love of the hardworking and friendly folk that call themselves Alaskans. The trail volunteers were very nice and helpful. The mushers seems to be very relaxed and thanked/high fived the volunteers as they went by. Only 1080 more miles for them to go. I have posted a short video that Layne took as well as a host of pictures including last year's winner Lance Mackey (#47), Mitch Seavey (#21), local sweetheart Dee Dee Jonrowe (#31), and five time winner and personal favorite Martin Buser (#33). My goal next year will to be to try to find a location with less people and signs in the background to get some better shots. We have agreed that we will be blocking our schedules for Iditarod days next year so we can spend some time watching these true athletes! Layne claims he wants to race when he retires. (and thus the expense of Alaska now includes a dog sled and team!)
Ok...so there will be multiple posts to get in all the pics.....best of luck to the mushers!
No comments:
Post a Comment