MARCH 7, 2020  WELCOME TO IDITAROD 2020. GLAD YOU BE BACK.

Today is the Iditarod ceremonial start. It means just that. The teams are in Anchorage where
anyone can visit with them and the dogs before they load their sleds and hook up their dogs to travel, with an *Iditarod rider, about 7 miles out of Anchorage where they all meet. Then they travel to WILLOW, ALASKA about an hour and a half away. That will be the official start of the race tomorrow.
IDITAROD RIDER*  They hold an auction, a few weeks before the race, where people bid to ride with their favorite musher for that 7 mile ride out of town. The seat is to the highest bidder. Don't know why I never did that but maybe someday.

There are snow showers today with a temperature of 27 degrees. There is a lot of snow this year so there is worry about the moose on the trails.

Few facts about the race:
There are 58 mushers---14 women and 8 rookies
They are mostly from the US and also 3 from Norway, 5 from Canada and 1 from Denmark
They will take the Northern route this time. They alternate each year--northern to southern
Last year Pete Kaiser of Bethel, Alaska was the winner in 9 days 12 hours 9 min 2 sec.
One of the mushers is Jeremy Keller. A charicature of Jeremy was seen on the Discovery Channel
"The Edge of Alaska".
The Teacher on the Trail this year is KELLY VILLAR from Mansfield, Connecticut. She has been following the Iditarod for 20 years and has incorporated the history and legends in her classroom.
This program is a unique opportunity for one selected educator each year, to enter into a one year agreement to teach beyond the traditional classroom walls via internet and to be involved in a project that reaches students around the world.

There was a meet and greet last night where everyone could mingle.

                                                                       GOOD MEMORIES