
As I sit here in southern Ohio watching another snow storm and freezing temperatures I can’t help thinking about the fact that it hovering around 40 degrees in central Alaska at the moment. Regardless of the weather Iditarod 2015 is set to kick off 2 weeks from today with the ceremonial start in Anchorage, Alaska. Close to 80 teams of mushers and dogs will line up at the intersection of Fourth Ave and D Street and anxiously await their release to run the 11 mile strip through the city streets. Typically this would be followed by the official start of the close to 1,000 mile race the next day in Willow, Alaska. In only the second time in the history of the race the official start has been moved further north in Fairbanks due to lack of snow cover on sections of the traditional route. I am sure it is a scramble to reroute all the logistics but the decision had to be made for the safety of the teams. The weather in this world certainly seems upside down lately but if the dogs have snow to run on I doubt that it will matter to them. No matter where they start the enthusiasm is electric with these super athletes of the canine world jumping, barking and pulling at the start line ready to go. It is certainly something to see if you ever have the opportunity. Here is wishing a safe journey to all of the teams in the event this year.
Ready to go at the Anchorage start line