Up until now, this adventure has been about the process of volunteering to get 'The Last Great Race", which is known as the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, off and running. Jackie and I have been able to look inside the workings of this great effort but with a very limited view. Today's events was a real eye opener for what actually goes on to get the Iditarod race 'on the road'. Yesterday's activities were so well orchestrated because each person know his or her function. Today's activities, however, are due to a much higher level of organization, cooperation, planning, executing and delivering. This is the day when the big dogs come out to play.
This is the re-start, or the actual start of the race. It 'is the first Saturday of March, the 6th, to be exact, when the 39th running of the race is about to begin.
I had no idea what to expect. I knew the re-start would be on Willow Lake which is about two hours north of Anchorage. Traffic was slow because of all the supporters traveling on the one road north. That's right, one road. No bypass. No back roads. Just one way to get there. Patience was a virtue. The site was well marked and shuttle buses were running from some local businesses in Willow to the race site. When we arrived in Willow, we followed the signs and the directions waved by the security volunteers. We were directed to a huge open parking arena with snow plowed around the perimeters sometimes as high as 12 feet. We then exited the car, visited the porta potties, and crossed the road which was also managed by volunteer security. We then walked along a plowed path perhaps 10 feet wide and passed some buildings where the media, television vehicles, VIP's, emergency personnel and medical vehicles were parked. We had walked about 3/4 of a mile so far. After walking past a few vendors, I could not believe my eyes. A huge white snow-covered area loomed in front of us. It was Willow Lake.
The staging areas were well marked with three areas which were divided by orange snow fencing.
There was one gate (located in the center of the photograph at left) which was closely guarded by a volunteer-security who only allowed people with - you guessed it - credentials. That, we had. So we were welcomed past this gate keeper.
The area on the left was cordoned off and reserved for the mushers, their vehicles which housed the dogs, their handlers and their equipment.
We leisurely walked about in the one half mile area past all the mushers, taking pictures, observing their demeanor, admiring the dogs (but not touching any of them),
While we were watching Lance Mackey adjusting his sled, changing parkas, and greeting fans, he never stopping for one second.
I heard his name being called by someone on the outer side of the fence. Lance looked up at him, scurried to the fence and hugged an obviously close friend. Lance asked why he was on the other side of the fence and his friend said because he could not get past security. Lance told him to hold on a moment. He then went back to the driver's side of his truck, grabbed two 'musher's dog handler' arm bands, and took them back to his friend. With all he had to think about, Lance, along with many of the mushers, also had time to make a fan happy!
Kim was truly the roving photographer. She was actually able to walk right up the the individual musher's space and click away. She never intruded and she never interfered with the goings on. I was hoping she would really capture the moment. And she did!
This is one of Dee Dee Janrowe's dogs and her leads! She has pink accessories!
On the right, the entry to the lake was a cordoned-off area that allowed general spectators to enter. Then there was a path created by snow fencing. This path was perhaps 12 feet wide and stretched the entire length across the lake. I am guessing the length of this fenced path was well over one mile. The huge 'start' sign which was stretched across 4th Street in Anchorage yesterday was now erected at the beginning of this path, or shoot.
This shoot was the path which the mushers would take to get across the lake to the start of the Iditarod trail.
The race was scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. Prior information provided to us was that the race would start at 1:45 p.m. At 1:15 p.m. security began to usher everyone out of the left side of the lake so that the mushers could begin putting the dogs in harness, saying their good-byes and be on their way. We walked through a gate that allowed us to walk out onto the open lake.
General spectators were gathering 3- and 4-deep on each side of the fenced path. My heart sank when I saw the crowds. I did not think there was any hope of getting a good spot so we could take pictures of the mushers in motion as they traveled down the shoot one by one as they were announced. I have a confession to make. At this point I was totally selfish. This was MY day. This was MY chance. This was all about ME being in a good spot and being able to take good pictures. So, Kim, Jackie and I decided walk clear across the lake to the end of the shoot where the mushers would emerge onto the wooded path that would take them eventually to Nome. Other people had their own way of getting to the other side of the lake!
When we reached the end of the snow fencing after a half hour walk, security was also stationed at that point to keep spectators away from the musher's path and to refrain spectators from crossing from one side of the fence to the other. This area was still too crowded for me, so I trudged up the hill to the open trail. It was gorgeous! I walked perhaps six city blocks where a fair gathering of spectators also went and then I found my spot up on a snowbank. I was truly grateful for being property dressed and prepared for this day. It was about 11 degrees Fahrenheit, clear and sunny. Other people also walked past me. On the other side of the trail was a groomed track designated for walkers, hikers, skiers, etc. From time to time a snowmobiler passed in front of me on the trail. I started to get frustrated because I feared some of the enthusiasts may cause havoc with the dogs when they arrived but...not to worry, those volunteer trail guards were not bashful about keeping the trail clear at the right times.
Kim and Jackie positioned themselves at the end of the fenced shoot and up on a snow-banked hill right at the beginning of the trail. I later learned that Kim had the golden spot.
The pictures in this post were taken by Kim so you will surely agree. Jackie was the unofficial 'guardian of the photographer'. Her catch phrase was: "exCUSE me!" when anyone dared to stand in front of Kim or who blocked her camera view. Apparently Jackie started the revolt because other spectators who had also garnered a choice viewing spot, then chimed in with her. For the most part, however, people were congenial and polite because everyone was here for the same reason.
I need to stop here and acknowledge the great job by the volunteers to prepare this lake for the race. In the many articles I have read about the mushers' comments as well as the speeches they have made over the years, they are truly grateful for the volunteers. These people know who they are and are highly respected for their hard dedication. When I earlier mentioned this was the day the big dogs came out to play, I was not referring to the sled dogs.....I was giving credit to the volunteers and the Iditarod Trail Committee Board of Directors. They all came together and perfected the process of allowing these mushers to get on with it! This year, our personal efforts seemed so insignificant.
Then I heard it. The announcer came onto the loudspeaker which was over a mile away and he began the mandatory preliminary announcements. Then he announced the first musher, Dee Dee Janrowe, a veteran of several Iditarods and a cancer survivor. At this point I developed a lump in my throat just thinking about the long trip ahead of her and her dogs, as well as for all the other mushers.
And I was remorseful. This was NOT about me at all. It was about the personal triumphs and tribulations by all of these athletes just to get to this day. But mostly, it was about the dogs. I still cannot in all of my curiosity, understand how these wonderful animals can do what they are about to do. I was worried that some of them might become ill, injured, or worse yet, die, within the next nine days or whatever time frame it would take to travel this long trail.
Despite all of my concerns, however, I have never for one second detected that these dogs are mistreated, ignored, or in any way forced to pull sleds and to run. This is what they live for. These dogs thrive in this environment and these mushers who train and live with these dogs provide the best care, love and protection of these animals than many pet owners. These dogs are the mushers children essentially. My curiosity about the dogs which was ever present prior to this trip has been satisfied. Don't forget, I have my own kennel of cuties at home! (And let me say right here and now that I miss them terribly but this is a rotten trip and someone has to take it!)
By the time Dee Dee passed in front of me, the third musher was being announced. That means the second musher was halfway through the fenced path. I managed to take a picture of each full team as it headed up the trail towards my direction. By the time musher number #10, Robert Bundtzen from Anchorage, arrived, I had the great idea to video tape. Duh! I was not more than 4 feet away from each of the 62 teams who passed by me. By the time the last musher was on his way, I was at peace that I had the opportunity to be where I was at this time.
I also made a decision. Next year, I will be a trail guard at point 1, 2, 3 or 4 at Willow Lake. For now, however, we needed to think about getting to Nome. I promised some of the mushers that I would 'see you in Nome' to which they grinned, waved and said: 'See ya later!"
This is the re-start, or the actual start of the race. It 'is the first Saturday of March, the 6th, to be exact, when the 39th running of the race is about to begin.
I had no idea what to expect. I knew the re-start would be on Willow Lake which is about two hours north of Anchorage. Traffic was slow because of all the supporters traveling on the one road north. That's right, one road. No bypass. No back roads. Just one way to get there. Patience was a virtue. The site was well marked and shuttle buses were running from some local businesses in Willow to the race site. When we arrived in Willow, we followed the signs and the directions waved by the security volunteers. We were directed to a huge open parking arena with snow plowed around the perimeters sometimes as high as 12 feet. We then exited the car, visited the porta potties, and crossed the road which was also managed by volunteer security. We then walked along a plowed path perhaps 10 feet wide and passed some buildings where the media, television vehicles, VIP's, emergency personnel and medical vehicles were parked. We had walked about 3/4 of a mile so far. After walking past a few vendors, I could not believe my eyes. A huge white snow-covered area loomed in front of us. It was Willow Lake.
The staging areas were well marked with three areas which were divided by orange snow fencing.
There was one gate (located in the center of the photograph at left) which was closely guarded by a volunteer-security who only allowed people with - you guessed it - credentials. That, we had. So we were welcomed past this gate keeper.
The area on the left was cordoned off and reserved for the mushers, their vehicles which housed the dogs, their handlers and their equipment.
We leisurely walked about in the one half mile area past all the mushers, taking pictures, observing their demeanor, admiring the dogs (but not touching any of them),
 |
| This is a fully packed sled ready to hit the trail for the long mush to Nome. |
 |
This dog is having a his bootie put on. Notice the dogs are harnessed and ready to get to the starting line. |
 |
| This is one of Dee Dee Jonrowe's dogs. She is known for her pink dog accessories. But of course! |
Newton Marshall from Jamaica is being interviewed,
and generally getting caught up on the excitement of this great day.
While we were watching Lance Mackey adjusting his sled, changing parkas, and greeting fans, he never stopping for one second.
Kim was truly the roving photographer. She was actually able to walk right up the the individual musher's space and click away. She never intruded and she never interfered with the goings on. I was hoping she would really capture the moment. And she did!
This is one of Dee Dee Janrowe's dogs and her leads! She has pink accessories!
On the right, the entry to the lake was a cordoned-off area that allowed general spectators to enter. Then there was a path created by snow fencing. This path was perhaps 12 feet wide and stretched the entire length across the lake. I am guessing the length of this fenced path was well over one mile. The huge 'start' sign which was stretched across 4th Street in Anchorage yesterday was now erected at the beginning of this path, or shoot.
 |
| At the start line, the flags represent the countries for the participating mushers in this year's race. They are the United State, New Zealand, Jamaica, Autralia, Norway, Switzerland and Austria. |
This shoot was the path which the mushers would take to get across the lake to the start of the Iditarod trail.
The race was scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. Prior information provided to us was that the race would start at 1:45 p.m. At 1:15 p.m. security began to usher everyone out of the left side of the lake so that the mushers could begin putting the dogs in harness, saying their good-byes and be on their way. We walked through a gate that allowed us to walk out onto the open lake.
General spectators were gathering 3- and 4-deep on each side of the fenced path. My heart sank when I saw the crowds. I did not think there was any hope of getting a good spot so we could take pictures of the mushers in motion as they traveled down the shoot one by one as they were announced. I have a confession to make. At this point I was totally selfish. This was MY day. This was MY chance. This was all about ME being in a good spot and being able to take good pictures. So, Kim, Jackie and I decided walk clear across the lake to the end of the shoot where the mushers would emerge onto the wooded path that would take them eventually to Nome. Other people had their own way of getting to the other side of the lake!
When we reached the end of the snow fencing after a half hour walk, security was also stationed at that point to keep spectators away from the musher's path and to refrain spectators from crossing from one side of the fence to the other. This area was still too crowded for me, so I trudged up the hill to the open trail. It was gorgeous! I walked perhaps six city blocks where a fair gathering of spectators also went and then I found my spot up on a snowbank. I was truly grateful for being property dressed and prepared for this day. It was about 11 degrees Fahrenheit, clear and sunny. Other people also walked past me. On the other side of the trail was a groomed track designated for walkers, hikers, skiers, etc. From time to time a snowmobiler passed in front of me on the trail. I started to get frustrated because I feared some of the enthusiasts may cause havoc with the dogs when they arrived but...not to worry, those volunteer trail guards were not bashful about keeping the trail clear at the right times.
Kim and Jackie positioned themselves at the end of the fenced shoot and up on a snow-banked hill right at the beginning of the trail. I later learned that Kim had the golden spot.
I need to stop here and acknowledge the great job by the volunteers to prepare this lake for the race. In the many articles I have read about the mushers' comments as well as the speeches they have made over the years, they are truly grateful for the volunteers. These people know who they are and are highly respected for their hard dedication. When I earlier mentioned this was the day the big dogs came out to play, I was not referring to the sled dogs.....I was giving credit to the volunteers and the Iditarod Trail Committee Board of Directors. They all came together and perfected the process of allowing these mushers to get on with it! This year, our personal efforts seemed so insignificant.
Then I heard it. The announcer came onto the loudspeaker which was over a mile away and he began the mandatory preliminary announcements. Then he announced the first musher, Dee Dee Janrowe, a veteran of several Iditarods and a cancer survivor. At this point I developed a lump in my throat just thinking about the long trip ahead of her and her dogs, as well as for all the other mushers.
And I was remorseful. This was NOT about me at all. It was about the personal triumphs and tribulations by all of these athletes just to get to this day. But mostly, it was about the dogs. I still cannot in all of my curiosity, understand how these wonderful animals can do what they are about to do. I was worried that some of them might become ill, injured, or worse yet, die, within the next nine days or whatever time frame it would take to travel this long trail.
Despite all of my concerns, however, I have never for one second detected that these dogs are mistreated, ignored, or in any way forced to pull sleds and to run. This is what they live for. These dogs thrive in this environment and these mushers who train and live with these dogs provide the best care, love and protection of these animals than many pet owners. These dogs are the mushers children essentially. My curiosity about the dogs which was ever present prior to this trip has been satisfied. Don't forget, I have my own kennel of cuties at home! (And let me say right here and now that I miss them terribly but this is a rotten trip and someone has to take it!)
 |
| This is one of Dee Dee's dogs. |
 |
| and another member of Dee Dee's team. Now I ask you, does she look worried? |
I also made a decision. Next year, I will be a trail guard at point 1, 2, 3 or 4 at Willow Lake. For now, however, we needed to think about getting to Nome. I promised some of the mushers that I would 'see you in Nome' to which they grinned, waved and said: 'See ya later!"
So.....Nome, here we come!
No comments:
Post a Comment