ANCHORAGE

Woke up to a crystal clear, sunny day. We can see the Alaska Range from our window and the frozen Cook Inlet. Not much snow on the ground, some ice. They said it was 17 degrees--not bad.
Just heard Martin Buser was first musher to McGrath and won the Pen Airlines Award (money, I think). We befriended Martin some years ago thru Les, a friend of Jane and Bill Austins'. We have been to his house in Big Lake and have seen his kennels. He has won the Iditarod 4 times previously. We are in his corner!!
Quite a different race this year. It is warmer and some of the dogs are suffering from soreness and bruising. We heard some of the dogs were sick from a virus brought in from the Quest Race, held just before the Iditarod. Some mushers run both races. I know, how is that possible!!
Lance Mackey, the favorite and last 4 time winner is not doing well this year. He has had to drop dogs, has some sick ones but he is still racing.
RIck Swenson broke his collar bone but had it taped and went on. Still in the race.
Mitch Seavey had to scratch as he accidently cut his hand opening hay bales for the dogs.
I will spend a little time explaining the Iditarod to Liz Graham's class as she may try to incorporate this into her lesson plan (right Liz?) More in a minute.
Our first trip of the day is, of course, to the Alaska Native Medical Center 4315 Diplomacy Drive in Anchorage. It is one of the finest examples of combining native art and architecture to create a healing atmosphere.Their craft shop is run by volunteers and sells the most exquisite examples of native art, including ivory handcrafted pieces, basketry, jewelry,dolls-to name a few. These are all on consignment from the "artist". The prices are better here as there is no "middle man". As if that isn't enough, on each of the 5 floors they have collections representing the native people and their culture. The BEST native museum I have ever seen.
In the lobby, one of the patients was playing guitar and singing and he had quite a crowd singing along.
Makes coming the the hospital a more cheerful experience for many.
The day is just so beautiful. Its now 30 degrees and sunny. Hank doesn't even have a coat on!!
Then to the Alaska Native Art Gallery on 6th. Special Iditarod painting collection on display and native art work for sale.
When it got dark we headed for Flatrock, out of town and away from the lights of the city to see the northern lights. WHAT A TRIP!!! I am still in awe of the number of cars on that road. steady stream and I thought we were the only ones that knew about it!! The road was STRAIGHT UP and very icy. We have a rental car and not great on traction. GOT STU CK--cars coming in every direction, no place to turn around and a sheet of ice on a steep incline. I don't know how but we got out of the situation and headed back down. Saw "light" in the sky, greenish, but not the northern lights we expected. Marian, think we'll wait for Fairbanks.
Went to the Millenium Hotel, headquarters for the Iditarod, to check on the latest news. They were manning the computers and we saw that Martin is now third. Only 40 minutes behind and a LONG WAY to go yet. We spent most of our time there watching the news on the horrible earthquake in Japan. Tough mentioning earthquake in Alaska as there are still reminders of their big quake in the 60's. My parents were living in Anchorage at that time. Scary!
Hank finished their jar of licorice and we left. Till tomorrow.
Liz-I will get to explanations tomorrow--so late now.