Fans, Sponsors, and even a few folks that aren’t in favor of Dog Sled Mushing saw a near perfect Ceremonial Start this morning. Temperatures in the 20’s and nicely packed snow put a festive mood, an almost carnival atmosphere to the 67 Teams and hundreds of dogs on 4th Avenue in Anchorage.
Pete was up early getting the dogs out of bed and readying for the event way before sunrise. Barking and ready, it didn’t take long for the Team to get loaded into the trailer and the 30 minute drive into downtown Anchorage. The Team really likes their Hillside Chalet of Sterling Reardon. The trees and snow are a pleasant place to be.
The most famous race in the world also brings out the famous people as well as we saw Governor Bill Walker, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and others line the “Trail” to send off Teams on the 10 mile run up to the Campbell Creek airstrip.
Our Iditarider, Monika Aldrich, an Alaskan transplanted from Germany was ready and excited as she was set into the sled for her Matson sponsored ride. She has been a joy to be around as she and her husband joined us as well at the Drawing banquet on Thursday.
Tonight mushers are gathering the last minutes of shuteye before the real race for Nome begins. Pete is savoring just a few last moments with his two kids and wife Bethany as well as Mom and Dad in host Sterling Reardon’s home in Anchorage.
Join us tomorrow in Willow for the excitement of the re-start! It’s a great deal of fun and we would love to see you!!
