MARCH 4, 2014

ON THE TRAIL:

Martin Buser still in the lead. He pushed on to Nikolae where he is taking his 24 hour lay-over. He arrived at  1:08 am (AST) Alaska Standard Time, limping in with a swollen ankle.He said the trail from Rainy Pass was difficult then from Rohn there was NO SNOW and the most rugged Martin had ever seen. He met with some barren ground, glare ice, dirt, assorted rocks like concrete speed bumps with  terrifying descents. Martin is a veteran at this too, doing some 30 Iditarods and winning 4. When he says its tough it surly must be!!
Also watching Hugh Neff #61, he is the Cat In THe Hat. Thats his theme--working with children. He wears the big" Cat In The Hat" and brings "things" to children at the checkpoints. He was here in Stanfordville during the spring(his Mother is here) and he went to one of the school with a huskie and info about the race and Alaska.  He's great fun.
I'll be back to talk about the Teacher on the Trail and another "comrade" to watch out for in the race.

MARCH 3, 2014

FIRST FULL DAY ON THE TRAIL:

My favorite Musher is Martin Buser--been to his kennel, talked with him etc. and he is a past winner and an all around good guy. HE IS IN THE LEAD so far!! He is right now 7pm (EST) out of ROHN (188 miles under his belt) and on to NIKOLAI--This is a very rough part of the trail.
He is really pushing along with two others behind him. Not the usual suspects though. They will catch up!! Martin had this stragedy before, to be lead in the beginning and it proved well for him then. His team got sick and he had some problems after that so he didn't win but did well anyway. The trail gradually deteriorates as each musher stands on the brake and rips out the snow base so the first mushers have the advantage of a better groomed trail, the rear of the pack can have a disadvantage. Happy to see Newton Marshall, from Jamaica, racing. He is fun, energetic, nice guy--funny to see a Jamaican running dogs in the cold Arctic.
Will also follow Hans Gatt #58. I remember him a few years ago in the dog lot in Nome, after the race.
He was SO WONDERFUL with his dogs. He took them out on the frozen Bering Sea every day, loose, to run around. They howled when they heard him coming.
For those book clabbers from Mass, Mike Santos #68 is from Massachusetts. Don't know where, don't think North Adams though.
Just hope everyone gets to Nikolai safely. Then it will get colder and it looks like a little snow is falling.

MARCH 2, 2014

Sunday - official start of the Iditarod 2014 at Willow, Alaska.
Again a nice day with temperatures up in the 30's. Everyone got off in 2 minute intervals. Sebastian Schnuelle, a former musher, has a great blog where he just wrote he is sitting at his log cabin on Long Lake Road--close to Willow but by the first lake the mushers will come to on their trip to Nome. Also by the pink flamingo's lining the trail out of Willow(gotta have some fun with all this activity).
I can see from the weather reports that it will be getting much colder around Takotna and Unalakleet and onward.
Excitement begins:  will keep you updated.....

March 1, 2014

CEREMONIAL START OF THE IDITAROD IN ANCHORAGE

Not being there, I have to rely on the "Insider" video streaming for the race.  We are 4 hours ahead of Alaska time so activities began at 2pm EST today. Who would believe what the streets in Anchorage looked like---no snow!! They had to bring it in last night. I saw one girl in a t-shirt!! At 40 degrees, guess it feels warmer than usual. Youth!!!  The Idita-riders were excitedly awaiting their time to join one of the mushers on their sled for the ride out of the starting gate. They pay for that thru an auction held earlier in the year.  Lots of happy faces, vendors with their reindeer sausages and all the mushers and dogs reaving up for tomorrows official start in Willow. I'll see you then.

Feb. 28, 2014

TOMORROW START OF THE IDITAROD!!!

The temperature in Anchorage is 36 and its 0 in Salt Point,NY. Still saying, maybe a change for next year---starting point--Fox Run Farm.  Now wouldn't that be great!!
Its in the 30's even in Nome. Hope it gets colder for the dogs comfort and some snow wouldn't hurt.
I will try my Insider Subscription and see if I can plug into the ceremonial start and then get the GPS ready for the start in Willow. I'm ready!!!

5 days to the Iditarod start in Anchorage

February 23, 2014

If you go to the web site for the Iditarod (www.Iditarod.com) click on the first entry - 2014 Iditarod
You will find info like 5 days 16 hours and 45 minutes until the start of the Iditarod.
Also you can find out about the Teacher on the Trail. Every year a teacher is selected to follow the race and report to the schools.
I like the site for the weather conditions at the check points. Today it was warmer than it's going to be in NYC tomorrow. 29 degrees in Anchorage--35 degrees one stop before Nome (White Mountain) and 29 in Nome. Few days ago it was in the 30's at all the sites.
Then google Nome Webcam and see a picture of the Main St. in Nome at the Visitors Center--background the Bering Sea. Two days ago it was snow free there but I do see snow on the ground today. Also states Nome sunrise and sunset---today sunrise at 9:30AM and sunset at 7PM.
Then you can google Aurora forecast in Fairbanks. Go to the Institute at Fairbanks--first entry--and see the aurora activity on a scale from 1-9  l being the lest activity. Today it was only 2 for activity appearing in the area of Fairbanks and Barrow.
Just something FYI that you may find interesting.

One week left!

One week until the ceremonial start for the Iditarod 2014!!  Due to lack of snow they had considered moving the "start" to Fairbanks.  At this point, I understand that wasn't necessary.  They did consider Salt Point, NY though.  We DO have enough snow here!! Maybe next year!@##$