Saturday, February 28, 2015

February 28, 2015

One of the mushers that caught my interest is HEIDI SUTTER. She said, " once a victim of domestic violence, it was dog mushing that saved my life". She is a teacher specializing in children with autism and severe emotional disabilities. Check out the video, I posted, that she designed. Let's keep her in mind as the race unfolds.

Irod 2015

Friday, February 27, 2015

IDITAROD 2015 TIME

February 27, 2015

Only 7 days 17 hours till the start of Iditarod 2015. What a difference a year makes.
This year we, in New York, (don't forget Boston) have certainly more snow and cold than Alaska.
Today it is 26 degrees in Anchorage and 30 degrees in Nome, AK. Prediction in Salt Point for tonight is -4. They could have the start from Fox Run and go, well, just about anywhere in the NorthEast.
I spoke with Joanne Potts today. She is the Assistant to the Race Director. I met her many years ago when she was able to help me get a reservation at the Nugget Inn in Nome. It's not the hotel that's the
draw, it's the location. Right at the finish line. You can, and we did, go out in your PJ's when the mushers come in--day or night. Also where the Iditarod Committee stays. Took me three years to get a reservation, with Joanne's help. I see her every year directing the Ceremonial start in Anchorage and at the finish in Nome. When I think Iditarod, I think Joanne!!!
The word from her is they hope to bring some snow in or get a storm before next week in Anchorage for the start. No matter how they looked at it, not enough snow to have the official start in Willow.
SOOO the official start this year will be on Monday, not Sunday, in FAIRBANKS. The route will be far different from other years. I would have planned to be in Takotna with Misty Anselman making soup, steaks and pies for the mushers if I had gone this year but they will not be on the new route. I'm sure the mushers will be sad as that was a popular 24 hour stop just anticipating a great meal. Oh Misty, so sad, but I'll see you and Barney next year. Also hoping Dr. Martha Gearhart, my Vet in Pleasant Valley,will be volunteering her professional time, hopefully in 2016. Takes a good year for preparations. She has been working on this for at least a year now. It is an extremely important volunteer job as you work with the REAL athletes--THE DOGS!! You are placed where you are needed and on a 24 hour call. I see the same Vets every year. They enjoy this work so much and don't seem to complain about any adversity.
If I have any info before the start of the race I will let you know.
GETTING EXCITED!! Get your parka, boots and gloves on (oh, wait they have been on all winter here) Lets hope, for them, that the snow storms change and go up their way!!