Anchorage is bustling with blog worthy activities this weekend. It's the final weekend of the 87th Fur Rondy Celebration and there are events taking place all over the city. We've already been to a couple of them and are planning on going to a few more. I'm going to put Fur Rondy events on the back burner for now and focus on Anchorage's other big event, the start of the 50th Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
The actual start of the race is tomorrow (Sunday) in Willow, a small town about 70 miles from Anchorage. But earlier today we donned the finest cold weather gear that thrift and surplus stores offered, and joined in the crowd to watch the ceremonial start of the 1049-mile sled dog race. Each of the 49 teams of mushers (about 60% male and 40% female) and their enthusiastic team of Alaskan Huskies were introduced to the cheers and well wishes of spectators from both around the corner and around the world. It was a combination of a tailgate party and street party that was amazing to experience, especially since the weather gods served up a hefty amount of falling snow for the festivities.
The race has an interesting history that dates back to 1925. That year there was a serious outbreak of diphtheria in Nome, Alaska. Medical supplies were urgently needed, but timely delivery to the remote village was a challenge. The supplies were transported by dogsledders who used a mail and supply route known as the Iditarod Trail. The race commemorates the courage and spirit of those who braved the harsh and dangerous conditions to help those in need.
The race varies in length from year to year depending on conditions along the trail. This year the teams will be using the northern route, which is the longer route. The maximum number of dogs allowed on a team is 16 and the minimum is 12. At least 6 dogs must be on the tow line at the end of the race. There are around 25 mandatory check points with medical and veterinary personnel, and a mandatory 24 rest period along the way to assure the safety of both the mushers and dogs. The winner is expected to reach Nome in around eight days. The total prize money for this year's Iditarod is $500,000. The exact distribution of the prize money is determined by the number of mushers who successfully complete the race.
We've been fortunate to have a bunch of travel adventures through the years. The memory of being in downtown Anchorage this morning is one that will last a long time and be near the top of our list!
