Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Thanks for watching Iditarod with us!
We've moved back to our kennel journal blog for now. Thanks for watching with us!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Winning Ice Sculpture, Alaska
http://www.icealaska.com/06/06mb/06mbimages/06mb-day7/06mb09-7lg.jpg
They have some pretty terrific ice sculptures at this competition. We visited in 2003.
This one is pretty amazing with even the ganglines in ice.
They have some pretty terrific ice sculptures at this competition. We visited in 2003.
This one is pretty amazing with even the ganglines in ice.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Mike's view
Monday, March 19, 2007
Susan Butcher's family into Nome
This is an article by Jon Little about David Monson and 11 year old daughter , Tekla, reaching Nome. I was once at Susan's kennel in predawn hours , riding on an ATV , watching dogs with leader potential. (the day we took Liller home). She told me how Tekla, then age six, would come home from school and hook up a team and run for fun. This trip with her father is a great tribute to her mother.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Allen into Nome!
Hooray, Allen, he's into Nome! We were gone yesterday so didn't get to watch it, but he finished with 11 dogs, including Mouse. And Bullet finished with Aliy so both of Frita's pups finished. It was a long journey, but both teams made it... great job and congratulations to both teams!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Aliy is into Nome! and Allen is out of Elim!
Congratulations to two hard working teams, Aliy and dogs and Allen and dogs. This was a TOUGH year and you both proved yourselves champions.
We are glad to see Iditarod coming to an end, too.... The Iditarod is about tough sledding, but this one took the prize for toughest, we think!
Best to all of the mushers and dogs of Iditarod 35, 2007!
We are glad to see Iditarod coming to an end, too.... The Iditarod is about tough sledding, but this one took the prize for toughest, we think!
Best to all of the mushers and dogs of Iditarod 35, 2007!
Back to Kennel Life
As we're watching the finishers get into Nome, we are back in Wisconsin with our version of Spring breakup. It's been 60 to 65 degrees here, melting the 14 inches of snow into lakes/ponds/ rivers, mud.
Reality is chopping trenches for drainage and keeping the dogs' feet dry. They are in especially good spirits.
Today it will be colder, so add in slippery ice as we walk from pen to pen.
We're wishing all the Iditarod finishers well, and big cheers for Aliy, Allen and their great dogs.
What a race this was! Aliy should be into Nome later today... will post when she gets in.
Reality is chopping trenches for drainage and keeping the dogs' feet dry. They are in especially good spirits.
Today it will be colder, so add in slippery ice as we walk from pen to pen.
We're wishing all the Iditarod finishers well, and big cheers for Aliy, Allen and their great dogs.
What a race this was! Aliy should be into Nome later today... will post when she gets in.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Lance Mackey enroute to Nome
Here is the webcam for Nome , http://www.guilliam.com/alaska.htm
Lance Mackey looks to be able to arrive about 6:30 PM Nome time ( 9:30 PM Central Time).
Paul Gebhardt is 2nd to be out of White Mountain where they have completed their mandatory final 8 hour rests.
Lance Mackey looks to be able to arrive about 6:30 PM Nome time ( 9:30 PM Central Time).
Paul Gebhardt is 2nd to be out of White Mountain where they have completed their mandatory final 8 hour rests.
Susan Butcher's family goes to Nome
An article on David Monson and Tekla making the trip to Nome.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17572101/#storyContinued
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17572101/#storyContinued
Monday, March 12, 2007
Cabela's update
Aliy is running with 8 dogs and Allen with 15; what a trail, looking at the photos on Cabela's site.
http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/coverage_2007/cov07_mar11_03.html
Also interesting are Roxy Wright's updates at : www.ramybrooks.com.
I had a chance to meet and visit with Roxy (Ramy's famous musher mother) in Anchorage but didn't think to take a photo of her. Also, I had a nice visit with Ramy at the Banquet. His dogs looked very strong out of the restart chute. I think I posted a photo earlier.
And , interestingly, out of the restart chute, Paul Gebhardt was running one dog in single lead... it pulled the team over by the fence and momentarily looked distracted... maybe saw someone s/he knew, but then they flew by fast. I don't have a photo of either Jeff King's team or Martin Buser's... just a photo of Martin putting his coat on at the Restart :) We do have Lance's team, however.
http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/coverage_2007/cov07_mar11_03.html
Also interesting are Roxy Wright's updates at : www.ramybrooks.com.
I had a chance to meet and visit with Roxy (Ramy's famous musher mother) in Anchorage but didn't think to take a photo of her. Also, I had a nice visit with Ramy at the Banquet. His dogs looked very strong out of the restart chute. I think I posted a photo earlier.
And , interestingly, out of the restart chute, Paul Gebhardt was running one dog in single lead... it pulled the team over by the fence and momentarily looked distracted... maybe saw someone s/he knew, but then they flew by fast. I don't have a photo of either Jeff King's team or Martin Buser's... just a photo of Martin putting his coat on at the Restart :) We do have Lance's team, however.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Dogs at Home
Nothing like my good dogs to keep me reality based. We're in a meltdown in the pens and I'm busy chopping trenches to get the water moving out of pens. Yesterday in the 40's, today 50. Such a contrast to freezing at Finger Lake . And throw in the time differential, with an added loss of hour today, I'm still jet lagged. Good to have this exercise and the happy leaping dogs.
Speeds; Number of Dogs
See the main Iditarod results page to make sense out of speeds , www.iditarod.com,
but just for a look; speed of team does not mean placing of the team in the rankings, but gives a look at who is keeping up/could move out faster.
Into Kaltag: Gebhardt ran at 8:38mph; King (in 1st place), ran at 8:27 mph; Buser, (in 2nd), ran at 7:57 mph, and Mackey ran at 8:37.
Into Eagle Island: Baker ran at 7:23 (9th place); Steer (6th place) , ran at 7:10, Monson ran at 7:07; rookie, Sigrid Ekran ran at 6:88. Aliy with only 9 dogs ran in at 6:61 mph (currently in 16th place).
Speeds are an indicator , but since mushers stop along the trail to camp/rest/snack dogs, trail condtions vary,it is not always the straight ahead speed. However, since most mushers do some of the above ,the speeds are a helpful indicator.
Also, of course, number of dogs in a team can make a difference in speed. Aliy has the lowest number of dogs (9) in the top 20 right now and she is not pushing them. Her dogs , as have many dogs, had some muscle injuries on the tough trails. Allen is into Shageluk with 15 dogs with a speed of 6.82 mph... he's doing great with the 2 year olds. He dropped Peterbuilt early on.
Checkpoint rests allow the mushers to treat the muscle injuries with oils/massage/wraps , etc. Dogs are not allowed medications to mask their injuries. As a musher might take an Advil, this is not allowed for the dogs.
Baker and Barron have ten dogs out, right now. Mackey shows 14.
Re: Buser's dogs fighting and having to drop one, we noticed in Finger Lake that a number of teams had females in season... that can create tension in teams that does not always exist.
but just for a look; speed of team does not mean placing of the team in the rankings, but gives a look at who is keeping up/could move out faster.
Into Kaltag: Gebhardt ran at 8:38mph; King (in 1st place), ran at 8:27 mph; Buser, (in 2nd), ran at 7:57 mph, and Mackey ran at 8:37.
Into Eagle Island: Baker ran at 7:23 (9th place); Steer (6th place) , ran at 7:10, Monson ran at 7:07; rookie, Sigrid Ekran ran at 6:88. Aliy with only 9 dogs ran in at 6:61 mph (currently in 16th place).
Speeds are an indicator , but since mushers stop along the trail to camp/rest/snack dogs, trail condtions vary,it is not always the straight ahead speed. However, since most mushers do some of the above ,the speeds are a helpful indicator.
Also, of course, number of dogs in a team can make a difference in speed. Aliy has the lowest number of dogs (9) in the top 20 right now and she is not pushing them. Her dogs , as have many dogs, had some muscle injuries on the tough trails. Allen is into Shageluk with 15 dogs with a speed of 6.82 mph... he's doing great with the 2 year olds. He dropped Peterbuilt early on.
Checkpoint rests allow the mushers to treat the muscle injuries with oils/massage/wraps , etc. Dogs are not allowed medications to mask their injuries. As a musher might take an Advil, this is not allowed for the dogs.
Baker and Barron have ten dogs out, right now. Mackey shows 14.
Re: Buser's dogs fighting and having to drop one, we noticed in Finger Lake that a number of teams had females in season... that can create tension in teams that does not always exist.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Like Magic
Like magic: we commented on whereabouts of Aliy and Allen, and, voila!, there they are on the stats report. Aliy is out of Grayling and Allen is in Shageluk. Good job, Stats!
Check in, check out
Checkin, checkout:
Mushers must check in at checkpoints; (but not check out) except at mandatory rests they must check in/check out. So, Allen is probably not in Iditarod per the stats and Aliy is possibly not in Grayling per the stats... so we won't know, possibly, until the next checkin.I knew that last year, I just forgot :(... not the fault of the stats reporting :) So I think Jon Little is right; Aliy left Grayling with nine dogs.
Mushers must check in at checkpoints; (but not check out) except at mandatory rests they must check in/check out. So, Allen is probably not in Iditarod per the stats and Aliy is possibly not in Grayling per the stats... so we won't know, possibly, until the next checkin.I knew that last year, I just forgot :(... not the fault of the stats reporting :) So I think Jon Little is right; Aliy left Grayling with nine dogs.
Stats, late or wrong or what?
Well, more than once we've been frustrated with the stats reporting... last year they lost Aliy for 2 days and she showed up way up front; today Jon Little for Cabela's reports that Aliy is out of Grayling with nine dogs; it seems credible since Kaz also said she'd probably be leaving with 9 dogs; but the stats say she is still sitting there.
Little also refers to Burmeister being in there at 9AM, but my stats show that he is still in Anvik!
What's the real deal?
Little also refers to Burmeister being in there at 9AM, but my stats show that he is still in Anvik!
What's the real deal?
Stats
Well, more than once we've been frustrated with the stats reporting... last year they lost Aliy for 2 days and she showed up way up front; today Jon Little for Cabela's reports that Aliy is out Grayling with nine dogs; it seems credible since Kaz also said she'd probably be leaving with 9 dogs; but the stats say she is still sitting there. What's the real deal?
Anchorage Daily News article re: the chase
This is an ADN article on the current race chase.
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/race_2007/race/story/8696899p-8596210c.html
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/race_2007/race/story/8696899p-8596210c.html
Aliy into Grayling, what does this mean?
OUT of Grayling are, Position 1, Buser, 21:06, King, 22:32, Mackey, 23:56, Genhardt, 3:42 and Iten, 5:23.
IN Grayling, Steer 22:45 (needs his 8 hour ); Seavery, 00:31 (needs his 8 hour), Sorlie, 6:28,
Baker , 6:47 (needs his 8 hour),
and ALIY, 6:56 .
With Steer, Seavey and Baker needing (and possibly taking now) their 8 hour, Aliy is in the top ten hunt. She's dropped to ten dogs, don't know who she dropped.
Pretty exciting! Go Aliy!
IN Grayling, Steer 22:45 (needs his 8 hour ); Seavery, 00:31 (needs his 8 hour), Sorlie, 6:28,
Baker , 6:47 (needs his 8 hour),
and ALIY, 6:56 .
With Steer, Seavey and Baker needing (and possibly taking now) their 8 hour, Aliy is in the top ten hunt. She's dropped to ten dogs, don't know who she dropped.
Pretty exciting! Go Aliy!
Aliy's moving
It's hard to read these positions, but it looks like Aliy is running in 7th even though it says 16th as she's out of Shageluk with both her 8 and 24 . They all need to take another 8 hour rest at White Mtn.
Mike has posted his good photos and I'll try to share a few here later.
Keep an eye on Aliy! :)
I'm a bit jet lagged, up for 36 hours and then slept for 10 :) . Not even close to what the mushers do :)
Mike has posted his good photos and I'll try to share a few here later.
Keep an eye on Aliy! :)
I'm a bit jet lagged, up for 36 hours and then slept for 10 :) . Not even close to what the mushers do :)
Friday, March 09, 2007
Long way home
This is the year of long runs. I arrived home today after having been going since 5AM on Thursday. The overnight flight was long but uneventful. Back here in Wisconsin the meltdown has started. The dogs all look great, thanks to two good helpers. I certainly am glad to see them. My 36 hour foray was nothing in comparison to the mushers' travels , on sleds , in frigid conditions. It's hard to know much right now as the leap frog continues.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Anchorage Zoo
Click on this photo to enlarge and see his beautiful straight in the eye stare.



We always visit the Anchorage Zoo when we're here for Iditarod.
Today the tigers who are 17 were in their cave, and the brown bears were hibernating, or at least not in view. Nanuk, the larger polar bear female, was visible but the new male, Louie,
was not out.
The wolves were the highlight for me today. They are yearlings from the same pack and are obviously curious . I sat down and the big male ran over to look at me. The gray male came to see me and the small female checked it out while he stood still. They're very beautiful.
Bennie Stamm scratched
The Sandy Post (Oregon), story by Mike
Here's the link to Mike's 'postcard' from Iditarod to his paper in Sandy, OR (Portland).
Fun to see it through your eyes, Mike! Neat glimpse of the ongoing sometimes chaos!
http://www.sandypost.com/sports/story.php?story_id=117338946701415200
Fun to see it through your eyes, Mike! Neat glimpse of the ongoing sometimes chaos!
http://www.sandypost.com/sports/story.php?story_id=117338946701415200
Analysis by Jon Little
http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/coverage_2007/cov07_mar08_02.html
He's always right in the action and it's very helpful to read his articles. There is also a Talk Forum on left side of Cabela's site that has very interesting chat/info.
He's always right in the action and it's very helpful to read his articles. There is also a Talk Forum on left side of Cabela's site that has very interesting chat/info.
Aliy into and out of Ophir
Thank you, Linda, for telling us she left Takotna at 4:48, and now she's into and out of Ophir :)
Allen has arrived in Takotna
Allen arrives Takotna before Aliy departs... yea! And,Baker arrived Ophir with his 24 Swenson has his 24 and is moving up out of McGrath.
24s
We wake up to the mushers still 24ing and some blowing into Iditarod (half way point).
Each musher has to also adjust during their 24 for their bib number. Since Aliy was Bib 16 her stay will be longer than 24 (but I don't have exact figure). Allen's bib is 71 so his adjustment will be far shorter. Once they're equalized on bibs and 24's , then there are the two mandatory 8 hours still to come.
Some of the back of the pack mushers show checks in their 24 columns. Now is the time when we check the far right columns in the postings so see who is really on 1st. But, as yet, we can't tell. But Lance Mackey collected his gold nuggets in Iditarod... took him 17 hours to get there....wow!
So that trail (unless they get some great snow) is what is ahead for all the rest.
Each musher has to also adjust during their 24 for their bib number. Since Aliy was Bib 16 her stay will be longer than 24 (but I don't have exact figure). Allen's bib is 71 so his adjustment will be far shorter. Once they're equalized on bibs and 24's , then there are the two mandatory 8 hours still to come.
Some of the back of the pack mushers show checks in their 24 columns. Now is the time when we check the far right columns in the postings so see who is really on 1st. But, as yet, we can't tell. But Lance Mackey collected his gold nuggets in Iditarod... took him 17 hours to get there....wow!
So that trail (unless they get some great snow) is what is ahead for all the rest.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Allen out of Nikolai
Allen's moving again. While it took him over 11 hours to get in there, he rested just a little over six. Probably he rested (hopefully) enroute to Nikolai as well, but from the sounds of the trail conditions, maybe not. Anyway he still has 15 dogs as he heads for McGrath!
As in Nome, filling time
In Nome, when you're waiting for mushers to come in, you look for things to fill the wait time.
We spent some time visiting various museums. Today I went with Gwen and pals from CA to the Native Medical Center where they have outstanding native art. I did buy a book about the King Island natives
The painting is surely what the trail out of Nickolai was like.
The artwork is amazingly complex, the weavings tight and small.
The photo of the team on the river shows how minute a team of sixteen dogs and a musher are in the Alaskan wilderness. You might have to click on it to enlarge it to find the team in the left river section.
ADN on 24 hour rests
This is the Anchorage Daily News article on looking at the strategy of 24 hour rests.
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/race_2007/features/story/8690605p-8588772c.html
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/race_2007/features/story/8690605p-8588772c.html
24's and Jon Little "Who's on First?"
http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/coverage_2007/cov07_mar07_02.html
This article by Jon Little is helpful to read to understand what's going on on the leader board.
Aliy's timing looks great for her 24, being able then to take off with fully rested dogs to make the next long push, while others are either moving with more tired dogs or stopping to rest theirs.
It certainly is an interesting field of top notch and hard driven competitors.
We are basically "24'ing" here too. Had breakfast with some friends and tagged along on their visit to the Native Hospital to see the wonderful art work. Some photos later , possibly.
This article by Jon Little is helpful to read to understand what's going on on the leader board.
Aliy's timing looks great for her 24, being able then to take off with fully rested dogs to make the next long push, while others are either moving with more tired dogs or stopping to rest theirs.
It certainly is an interesting field of top notch and hard driven competitors.
We are basically "24'ing" here too. Had breakfast with some friends and tagged along on their visit to the Native Hospital to see the wonderful art work. Some photos later , possibly.
Photo of Paul Gebhardts dogs at Restart
Mandatory Rests
Will be interesting to see who declares 24's at Takotna, or if this is the year the lead teams will all push forward as Sorlie , Gebhardt and others have in the past, taking much later 24's than are the "norm". All mushers must take a mandatory 24 hour rest, an 8 hour rest along the Yukon or Shageluk and a mandatory 8 hour in White Mtn.
Aliy thru McGrath, into Takotna
Aliy has 14 dogs into Takotna at 2:34. Zack Steer was in lead position into Ophir. Aliy is in position 7 at the moment. Mackey rested 5 hours + in Takotna.
Takotna is a popular place for teams to take their 24's (mandatory 24 hour rest stop). There is a small lodge that serves great food for the mushers , checkers, pilots , spectators... great moose stew, as I recall. There are some nice quiet places to bed down dogs and the mushers can sleep on the floor of the church.
School children are given the day off and villagers keep a huge boiling pot of water for the mushers, making it a bit easier on all.
Takotna is a popular place for teams to take their 24's (mandatory 24 hour rest stop). There is a small lodge that serves great food for the mushers , checkers, pilots , spectators... great moose stew, as I recall. There are some nice quiet places to bed down dogs and the mushers can sleep on the floor of the church.
School children are given the day off and villagers keep a huge boiling pot of water for the mushers, making it a bit easier on all.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Update
Not much news... Aliy still up front in top five, out of Nickolai. She's dropped Skittles and Venus.
Allen is still in Rainy Pass? and has dropped Peterbuilt. Some of the mushers took a wrong turn when strong winds downed the trail markers and they followed the Iron Dog (snowmachine) trail.
Nine scratches in the race so far. Many saying the worst trail ever... Burn was also frozen dirt, tussocks and ice. Kaz said Aliy said she was lucky enough to bounce the right ways thru there
Allen is still in Rainy Pass? and has dropped Peterbuilt. Some of the mushers took a wrong turn when strong winds downed the trail markers and they followed the Iron Dog (snowmachine) trail.
Nine scratches in the race so far. Many saying the worst trail ever... Burn was also frozen dirt, tussocks and ice. Kaz said Aliy said she was lucky enough to bounce the right ways thru there
Aliy out of Rohn: Dee Dee photos prior to her scratch
Dog Drop Care

Dogs that are dropped in a checkpoint for being tired or injuries receive loving care. The vets check each one carefully, tag them for the level of care required and loving volunteers tend them as they await their charter flights home.
This is a photo of the kind volunteers who ride the toboggan behind the snowmachine , cradling individual dogs enroute to their flights home. These volunteers are probably geared up with the warmest clothing as that ride out to the airstrip has some great windchills. The walk out there (as we did ) is just a bit chilly as well. It's icy and in the wind I was knocked over several times .
Amenities and Checkpoints


Well, the best part about the checkpoints is surely the amenities for the dogs... warm straw, warm food, lots of rest, TLC time with the mushers , etc. Nice tents for the vets and mushers :)
The visitors are a little more challenged, but Finger Lake is really a great place to go. You just have to listen to your guides . I wore a pair of OR overboots (knee high) yesterday (over my Stegers) that I praised all day long. Got them last minute in sale bin at REI, an afterthought.
I overheard one older British man say, "They just drop you off and they don't tell you there is only one loo!" True, only one loo, and no one seems to use the bushes, quite formal for a grouping of wilderness persons :)
And Mike, a big guy, was moved to 3 planes, before he could take off. On landing, he was a bit surprised, as a first timer, to be asked to deliver the mail to the lodge (not visible from the landing strip". So he did :)
Our pilots were great and I'd highly recommend them. One time however my pilot left me at a checkpoint. Nice thing is that all people are helpful out there and on recommendation of another pilot, I ran across the river, waving my arms in the air, to a plane with its prop turning. "Could I have a ride?" "Oh sure, hop in! " Casual as that.
Karens North Wapiti Siberians




Every team has fans, but some draw more than others. Karen's North Wapiti pure bred Siberians always draw the photographers, not the least of which is me.
Karen said, "Take a photo of Charge and send it to June, with the tag: "Mark! Charge IS being QUIET! "
So here it is (and I'll send it separately to you, June and Donna :)
SPK dog views


Some shots of the SPK Finger Lake Fan Group with Allen's dogs (SPK is Skunks' Place Kennel in Two Rivers, Aliy Zirkle/Allen Moore)
Aliy's uncles, Bob and Toebe, were with Mike and me in Finger Lake.
First two are of the team getting settled.
Last photo is with the volunteer checking urine samples on the dogs, but it's a photo!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Aliy in Rohn
Aliy already into Finger Lake
Aliy got to Finger Lake at 4:25 AM, fast trails! Buser was in at 4:30 out at 4:35; looks like Aliy and Mackey and Brooks are sticking around a bit, but think we'll miss her as she probably won't rest more than 5 hours (if that).
It was Mackey , into Finger at 3:30 AM; Brooks into Finger at 4:25; Aliy, 4:25 ; Buser at 4:30.
It was Mackey , into Finger at 3:30 AM; Brooks into Finger at 4:25; Aliy, 4:25 ; Buser at 4:30.
Few more restart photos
Out of Skwentna
Checking out of Skwentna (some of them): Sorlie was out at 21.53; Aliy was 5th , out at 23:04 and looks to have rested enroute (guessing from her speed); Lance out at 23:55. Aaron B was 1st out.
We're leaving for Finger Lake at 8AM (weather permitting). Not sure with these speeds if we'll get to see her, trail is fast.
Check: www.cabelas.com often for their updates. Also, www.iditarod.com and www.dogsled.com.
We're leaving for Finger Lake at 8AM (weather permitting). Not sure with these speeds if we'll get to see her, trail is fast.
Check: www.cabelas.com often for their updates. Also, www.iditarod.com and www.dogsled.com.
Finally on their way
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Restart; Busy Dog Lot





It's great having the whole dog lot on the lake, with no difficult downhill on which to hold back avid dogs. The mountain (Denali ) was "out" but subdued with haze. It may show up in some photos.
When we started out, it was minus two with almost no wind; once out on the lake a bit, the wind picked up and it was quite cold, even though the temps were around ten degrees. Spectators made a mass exodus after about 20 teams had taken off.
Photos:
Top left, Mouse, running with Allen (Frita's daughter); Top right, Aliy's truck with family,
Uncle Toebe, Uncle Bob, Aliy, Ray on top of truck getting sleds, and other well wishers;
Mid left, view of start chute prior to race; Mid right, Serbian team 77, David Monson in group;
Bottom left, Dean Osmar looks at Aliy's rope gangline. We have other good photos of Ray R, Jr.,
Martin Buser, etc but right now the server is being selective about what will upload.
Layering for Alaskan Cold

Everything in this photo will be on me as I fly to Finger Lake tomorrow and most of it to go to Willow today.
Listing:
Underlayer: wicking expedition weight long underwear pants and crew neck expedition wicking shirt; lightweight t-neck wicking overshirt; windshirt on top layer. Depending on temp, possibly small wool sweater on top layer, over windshirt.
Outer layer: Couloir one piece insulated suit with many pockets. Down over jacket in small stuff sack. Each pocket has a purpose: musher listing, keys, camera, money, cell phone, Kleenex, extra handwarmers.
Feet: 40 below wool blend socks. Full foot heaters in bottom of Steger Mukuks. OR over boots for warmth/wind . Extra pair of socks in pack. Protracker ice grippers for over boots. (in pack)
Hands: Windproof liner fleece gloves with Toasti toes pasted on inside upper glove. Down insulated Gordini mittens AND gloves (one pair in backpack for change).
Head cover: Windproof Seirus balaclava (head and neck); Beaver fur over hat; wool cap
(in backpack). Extra neck warmer (in case wet) in backpack.
Backpack: Small size for carryon on small plane. Includes : climbers foods, quick energy gels and bars; insulated (small foldup) aluma blanket (used it one year in Finger Lake); extra hand and foot warmers, dry gloves, dry socks, sunglasses, cameras (one disposable in case others freeze up). Small bottle water. Wet Ones (small pack).
Restart and Links to websites

Today is the Restart in Willow. We'll drive up in our 4x4 vehicle and hope to get some good films. Mike is working on his writeups for his paper and did have a chance to visit with Rachael Scdoris yesterday (both from Oregon). Once again the Start was very friendly and we had a chance to visit with many mushers. Thanks Eric's caterer for the GREAT HOT COFFEE!!
Attaching one more photo of Karen's neat dog truck.
June Price's photo of Tekla, Susan Butcher's daughter, on the honorary sled yesterday is beautiful and is available at Theresa Daly's website: http://www.dogsled.com/iditarod/susan-butchers-daughter-leads-off-iditarod-2007.html I enjoy that site very much throughout the dog year and keep it as a shortcut on my desktop.
We're enjoying all Alaska has to offer... today hopefully some views of Denali enroute, some great interaction with mushers in the more serious , "real" start . Last night we had a good dinner, complete with corn fritters at the Sourdough.
I did see the video of the KTUU photographer being yanked off his start sled by his camera cable and his TV colleagues had a great time ribbing him about it. OUCH!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
More Start Photos



Since I was a Security Guard at 4th and H, it was hard for me to get too many photos as SO many people wanted to come in the chute this year (no, no, there are dog teams moving out there ). But I did get a few nice photos. Our section hosted a lot of great teams:
Aliy Zirkle, Ray Redington, Jr.; Hans Gatt; Jason Barron; Bennie Stamm; Mitch Seavey;
Martin Buser; Dee Dee Jonrowe; Eric Rogers and many more. It was a very busy day for spectators as well. I think I won't work tomorrow and may get some nice photos on the lake at Willow.
Mike was media and he did get some great photos, including the Butcher/Monson family in their honorary sled. We'll get them a bit later.
P.S. People have the darnedest excuses why they MUST cross the street NOW , in front of
the moving teams, trying to each hold back 16 dogs. The sleds were skidding, I think Jeff King flipped and I saw several others. Also heard the TV cameraman got yanked right out of his sled ride as he was still hooked to a cable as his 16 took off... I wasn't there but heard it was a bit of a surprise to all.
Photos: Ray Redington, Jr.; Kaz Zirkle booting up :) Note: The Lobbens boots(gray or red) are very popular with mushers, then covered with Neo overboots; Ray and retired leader, Rubia supervising the team; (her scarf says, "Bark if you're Irish"); Joanne Potts, Race Director.
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