What does it feel like to take the trail behind almost 3400 paws? Well Pete and the Team are going to find out!
Mushers, Fans, Supporters, and Sponsors of the 2015 Iditarod Trail Race to Nome met in Anchorage tonight to draw starting positions and have a meal together. The festivities began as Dee Dee Jonrowe led us all in a prayer and an U.S. Air Force Airman sang the National Anthem. As food was served, Hobo Jim gave a rendition of the Alaska Flag song and it was off to the Sponsors and finally the drawing.
This reporter almost ended up with a $9000 trip to Katmai after listening to Kaiser Racing Sponsor Lee Ryan talk about his wedding plans. I raised my hands in excitement about his plans as the auctioneer sang out, “$9000 to the gentlemen at that table,” pointing to me. I said “NO NO NO” and luckily was outbid! Whew- That would have taken some explaining to my wife!
Finally it was time for the drawing. Pete signed up on the first day, as many do, to increase his chances of a good starting position. He was the eighth musher to draw a position, but lady luck had other plans and Team Kaiser will be leaving the Ceremonial Chute and the Restart in Fairbanks in 54th position.
Once a musher has drawn a starting position, it is off to the signing line, where mushers sign autographs for the fans and get their musher packet with ID Tags, Handler Armbands, and other goodies.
Here are tonight’s photos- Thanks to Donlin Gold for sponsoring the table and Ryan Air for joing us for dinner!
Waiting for the drawing
Thanks to everyone
Young Ari grows up!
Sisters? No- Mother Daughter!
The Trio reunited- Pete, Peter, and Ron
One of our favorite Fans, Sue Gamache from Donlin Gold.