Day 1: Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008
I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska today, the first day of my great adventure. Flying over the snow-capped mountains was breathtaking. The temperature was a balmy 36 degrees compared to the projected high of 70 degrees in Novato.
Waiting for my luggage, I got some disturbing news from home. My eight year old Change of Career Guild dog, a handsome yellow Labrador, was rushed to the emergency vet with spine problems. Initially thought to have had a stroke or some other neurological problem, the more likely culprit is a problem with his cervical spine. We are facing the possibility of spine surgery for our dog. Most likely the condition had been bothering him for some time but he never bothered to complain. It does put a damper on the Iditarod but my husband has promised to provide me with regular updates.
As soon as I arrived in town, I stopped by the Millennium Hotel, the Iditarod Race Headquarters. Mushers passed me in the parking lot with their trusted teams tucked in their dog trucks. The hotel was bursting with energy, tourists and mushers alike. I met one couple that was celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary at the Iditarod. She is a teacher that has studied the Iditarod in her classroom for many years. Her dream of watching the great race is coming true this year.
Date: Friday, Feb. 29, 2008
On Friday morning, I’m off to my dog handling class, a necessary training to volunteer at the race. I’ve already picked up a second shift on Monday as a dog handler and anticipate a full-time schedule while I’m here.
I’m staying at a hotel just down the street from the Race Headquarters, complete with two sets of mushers and their dogs.
Trivia question: What does it cost to run the last great race? Check back tomorrow for the answer.
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tom wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:56 PM: