Iditarod 2023 is underway!

What started a bit cold, was heated up by the brilliant sun and the fans, supporters, and Teams that met this morning on 4th avenue in Anchorage.

Missing, like the old 4th avenue theatre, were several avenues of Teams as this shortest field ever left the Starting Line to meet thousands of fans lining the trail towards Campbell Creek airstrip.

Team Kaiser, as bib 33, was parked just across from the empty lot once occupied by the old Theatre that was a landmark in so many Iditarod photos. Fans seemed not to notice and many remarked that there were quite a few more folks joining Team Kaiser this morning. Lined up on the 4th avenue isn’t something Team Kaiser has done very often and being so close to the Start line gave us a front row seat to the 32 Teams headed towards the festivities.

As we all grow older, so do the little ones that charmed everyone and got their own front row seat as Ari, Aylee, Ava, and Annabelle rode the tag sled behind Pete and this year’s Iditarider, Ricki Nicoli, in the main sled. Ricki is the grand-daughter of the first winner of the Iditarod, Dick Wilmarth. Interesting bit of trivia, Dick’s bib number that year, was 33- Same as Pete this year…

Pete and Bethany’s son Ari, now 10 years old, took to the tag sled for his first run through the streets of Anchorage. I asked him if he was ready and, in total Ari Kaiser style announced, “I’ve been on sleds before.” I was nervous for him as I had face-planted twice on my run several years ago, but Ari was confident and so was Pete. (In the end, he had no problem at all! No crashes for the veteran!)

With the kids on the tag sled, Bethany grabbed a leash and was part of our excellent handler crew showing each year. As I’ve said before, at this point in Pete’s mushing career, we all know our jobs and everyone just does what needs to be done.

It was a great gathering of friends this morning as many stopped by to give Pete their well wishes and take an opportunity for a photo with the Champ!

Here’s the photos!

Tomorrow we’ll meet at Willow lake for the 2:00pm Restart and the official start of the race. It is supposed to be great weather. Parking is $20 cash, and be there early. Ron and I found out last year that showing up late can make for a bit of stress looking for a place to park.

See ya there!

Go Team Kaiser!!

It’s been a busy week for Team Kaiser prepping for today and the last step before heading on the trail to Nome tomorrow.

It all started last Sunday when Pete and the Team made their way to Anchorage, but not without a little excitement to be sure. The weather was deteriorating and the Team had reservations to leave on Northern Air Cargo. That flight was delayed and as the weather got worse, Pete began to get a bit nervous. He checked the flight tracker and lo and behold an Everts Air Cargo flight was inbound. Hmm… What to do?? The Team had Vet checks the next day and they HAD to get to Anchorage.

In the bush, when you need to get home from a remote outpost, a flight in the hand is way better than a schedule on the books! It’s very common to get on whatever plane is on the ground as you never know if you’ll get stranded.
Weather on his mind, Pete went for the flight, loaded the Team and watched then fly off to Anchorage as he got on Alaska Airlines to meet them.

Later that night Northern Air Cargo’s plane headed out for Bethel and made one approach to the airport, but the weather had deteriorated too far and they aborted, cancelled, and headed back to Anchorage. The gambit paid off!

On Thursday, after a fan meet and greet at the Da’naina Center in Anchorage, Pete and the rest of the 2023 mushers met to draw starting positions for this years race.
Pete drew 33, or second to last, in the very small group of Teams scheduled to make their way to Nome.

This morning Ron and the Team will be driving in from Palmer for the Ceremonial Start. Pete and the Team, with Dick Wilmarth’s grand-daughter as the Iditarider, will leave the Ceremonial Starting line at 11:06 for the 10 mile run to the Campbell Creek airstrip.

This is the Fan Day of the Iditarod, so if you are in Anchorage, Come on Down!

One mention of note– Wishing Pete’s Mom a very happy birthday! Janet got an Iditaride one year as a birthday present, but today she is managing the rest of the Team in Bethel. It’s a family business, and Team Kaiser Grandma is hard at work with her own helper Team making sure the rest of the dogs are fed and cared for.

Happy Birthday Janet!!

Go Team Kaiser!!