Alaska #4

Yesterday was a great day as we attended the physical start of the Iditarod. We used the trick of dressing with the window open, and then left the heat off in the SUV while traveling. We headed north on Alaska Rt. 1 through Wasilla to Willow. The drive going there passes through and around a range of snow-covered mountains. On the trip up, it was cloudy, but the views were still spectacular. We arrived in Willow, and were directed into a parking area that was part of the local airport. In Alaska most every small town has a local airport or floatplane depot since light planes are a major method of travel here. We drove a couple miles down the snow covered Willow airport, and parked in a large field at the end of the runway. Planes were still taking off over our heads. We got out of the car and were standing around the back of the car “gearing up”. As we completed preparations, we were commenting about how enjoyable it was to be out in the vast outdoors and cold with the right gear. We boarded a shuttle bus to take us from the parking area to the festivities. The bus dropped us off at the main entrance to the start. We hiked into the event, and realized the whole thing was happening on a big frozen lake. It was amazing. Big television trucks, all the competitors’ trucks and support equipment, thousands of people, airplanes, helicopters, snowmobiles, all out on this frozen lake. Network news coverage was there as well as The Discovery Channel. We secured a place right along the safety barrier very near the starting line. From there we could see the mushers making their final preparations and saying good bye to their loved ones. This was a much more business like atmosphere than the ceremonial start had been Saturday. The dog teams were larger with some at the max number of 16 dogs. The sleds were heavily packed and all secured. As the teams approached the st arting line, they had a dog handler on each side of each pair of dogs keeping them under control. The dogs strained forward, and as the sled reached the starting line, and whole crew of officials basically jumped on it and corralled it from forward motion while the musher put a claw like ice anchor in the trail. Then the handlers disconnected from the dog teams, and most of the mushers made a final inspection of the long dog harness. The announcer would talk about the mushers’ history and stats, and the countdown would progress toward zero. At go, the mushers swung on to the back of the sleds, and rocketed down the mile long lines of spectators lining the safety barriers. You could see them a couple miles off as they headed off the frozen lake and up into the forest trail. Only 1100 miles and 9 days through the frozen wilderness till the finish in Nome. Just watching them leave for that quest was inspiring. An interesting bit of information: When the Iditarod first started it took around 40 days to make the trip. In the 70’s the average time was around 20 days. Recently the winner set a record of like 8 and a half days. I told my friends; I am really in love with this place and the whole event. If I were physically fit enough, I'd be back here next year as a volunteer somewhere on the course. We watched the start for a couple of hours and then headed back to Anchorage. On the way back the mountain vistas were even prettier and the sun was often out highlighting the beauty. We arrived back in Anchorage, ungeared, unlaxed, and went to dinner at Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant. Food was good, service was great, and a good time was had by all. Of note was an appetizer that consisted of battered and deep fried strips of onions and jalapenos. It was served with a ranch type dipping sauce. We returned to the motel and started preparations for flying to Fairbanks tomorrow. We’re off in quest of the Aurora Borealis. Later…..I just heard from my sister, 08:30am her time and 04:30am mine. My dad is scheduled for surgery tomorrow to deal with the intestinal blockage. The Dr. is a surgical specialist in issues dealing with cancer and the GI tract. Mother will be going to stay in Winston till he is stable. More later.

Wes