Iditarod continues “Along the Trail”

It has been over two weeks now since the start of this year’s Iditarod Trial Sled Dog Race began and it continues to test the strength and resolve of the competitors, both human and canine.

The race started in Anchorage on March 3rd with the ceremonial start downtown and running through the trails normally used in summer for hiking and bicycling. It wound it course through the parks and neighborhoods on a beautifully crisp cloudless day. It was a fun day for both the competitors and spectators setting the way for the “Official” start in Willow Sunday afternoon.

The starting field this year consisted of 83 competitors who are as varied in nature as any before. Some are full time mushers while others “work” in various industries ranging student to farmers to teacher to retired postal worker. A mix of men and women who had a dream and went for it braving harsh conditions on the trail and understanding the inner Zen-like quality within themselves to push forward. Some have finished in Nome and driven their team under the burled archway while some reached their own limit and conceded to the trail in various places along the way. Still others are continuing the journey of a lifetime. All are winners in the grand scheme of things in life.

This year a record of 109 teams entered the Iditarod race with teams from nine countries represented. 82 dog teams made up the starting field on the restart in Wasilla and after 15 days on the trail 48 mushers have completed while 24 have now scratched along the way.

Eleven spirited teams are still on the trail making their way slowly toward the west along the Bering Sea coastline. Conditions today are blowing snow in minus 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Who will be this year’s Red Lantern award winner is still to be determined but it has been another great race. It’s a shame more people around the world have not been informed of this great challenge of man and animal’s love for each other.

I am in awe and blessed to have experienced such an “Amazing Race”.

Ice

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