Iditarod

Sam took a few days off of school after his week of inservice training in Fairbanks and we drove down to Anchorage to visit friends and watch the start of the Iditarod! The ceremonial start was held in downtown Anchorage on Saturday, then the official start was in Willow on Sunday.

Justin Savidis of Snowhook Kennels is the musher we got Jasper and Jack from. Justin was a rookie last year, but was not able to finish the race after losing one of his dogs. The dog, Lance Whitey, was found and is back for another try at making it to Nome this year.

Like people, there are many different personalities of the dogs that run the Iditarod. This dog can't wait to get going! "Let me run!"

This dog is overwhelmed by all the commotion and is hiding under the truck wondering what is going on.

Justin putting booties on one of his dogs, getting ready for the ceremonial start down 4th Street in Anchorage.

Justin's wife Rebecca, who is also a musher, helps him get booties on the dogs.

Look how many people it takes to hold back the team at the starting line! They are ready to run!

Justin's Iditarider was Carol Comeau, superintendent of the Anchorage School District.

Look at all of Jasper and Jack's relatives! There is a lot of family resemblance!

Rebecca stands on the runners with Justin, helping slow down the sled for the ceremonial ride through Anchorage.

Race fans, Sam and Gretchen pose for a picture near the starting line. I fit right in wearing my fox hat. There were people in all sorts of furs out for Iditarod!