Sat. March 5, 2016

Today is a reflective yet sad day as three years ago Hank passed. A few days before, he was watching the Iditarod on an IPad Henry had set up for him. He was enjoying it.
As the ceremonial start in Anchorage was today, I did reflect on how much we both enjoyed going to Alaska for so many years being part of the volunteer force with the Iditarod. Now I can sit at my computer and write about this years.
A step back----no snow in Anchorage---warm winter there as well. They sent seven train car loads of snow from Fairbanks to Anchorage for the start. They only had enough for the mushers to go 3-4 miles, usually they travel 11 miles and stop. After the ceremonial start, they pack up the sleds, dogs and people and head to Willow, 70 miles away, for the official start tomorrow.
I believe the numbers on their bibs reflect when they signed up for the race. I'll have to check that info out for sure. This is a "fun" time where they carry an Iditarider with them. The rider goes to auction to bid for the ride. Didn't look very cold today. Only showing snow on the 3-4 mile dog sled path thru town.
I will mention a few of the mushers and some history to get you into the next 12 or so days if you follow either my blog or the race.
JAN STEVES was one of the mushers who lost EVERYTHING in a fire in the fall. DeeDee Jandrow and MARY HELWIG experienced the same disaster. Jan said one of the things she lost were her mitts. These were very special to her. Kept her very warm and used them each year. All her equipment this year is new or borrowed. Lets wish her luck.
DEEDEE JONDROW not only had the fire loss but also the loss of her Mother. She has had a difficult winter season, not spending as much time preparing for the race. She is certainly one of the favorites each year with her pink parka and her dogs with their pink booties. Good luck DeeDee.
TRENT HERBST #58 is a fourth grade teacher and a very cheerful lad. You can recognize him with his FULL beard.
HUGH NEFF #70 is one of my favorites. He is Mr Dr. Seuss, hat and all. He brings books to the children in the villages and is just a positive, happy person. He came here to Stanfordville to a school to talk about his dogs etc. I was going to see him but it didn't work out.
My buddy from when I first started going to the Iditarod, JOANNE POTTS is one of the Iditarod Directors and quite a character. She had heart surgery in Jan and within two weeks she was back at work!!!
HANS GATT #84 was a fellow I so respect with the fans and with his dogs. He took a break for a few years but is back this year. I had contact with him when Hank and I volunteered in the dog lot in Nome. He was so sweet and extra kind with his dogs. He would be at the top of the hill coming down to the lot and the dogs would jump up and bark before any of us would see him. Even this time I noticed when he was leaving today he spoke with each dog and seemed to have some special bond I didn't notice with anyone else.
SCOTT JANSSEN #2 is a musher and in real life a Mortician. Hope we don't need his services!!
MARTIN BUSER my buddy. He has had a tragedy this year as well. He son, both named after one of the checkpoints, was living in the state of Washington and had a very serious car accident. Martin and his wife spent many weeks at his bedside. Martin didn't know if he would run in the Iditarod, depending on how his son progressed. His other son Rohn was registered to run but scratched as he was the one staying home taking care of the dogs and house etc. He just didn't have any time to prepare for the race. His son is now in rehap and doing better so Martin decided to race. Wishing the family and Martin the best.
ELLEN HALVERSEN, a Psychiatrist holds the red lantern position---last place-- for two years now. She said she isn't proud of that she wants to do better so she is back again. All the best Ellen.

Now maybe some of the names will be familiar. Rest up. The official race will start tomorrow and we'll be there!! Till then.