Iditarod!!!

[Robb]

I know it's early to get excited, the thing's in March, we don't even have snow yet -- but I just found out littermates (read: brothers and sisters) of my doggies are going to be part of an all-Siberian Husky team running the Last Great Race on Earth!

I'm so proud....I mean, I've been running my dogs and I know they're good in front of a sled for fun, but I have to say:

Not just another pretty face! :bounce:

[Superfly]

1. I hope there's snow

with every scientist and his brother predicting an 80% loss in the Arctic ice cap by the year 2100.

You might have to lash knobby tires to your sled....(and break out the OFF!)

[GOPisEvil]

2. What gorgeous dogs!

:-)

[Braden]

3. thats pretty cool

my late Great Uncle was a world renowned driver. He never raced Iditarod because it was in its infancy when he retired. Or so I am told.

http://www.sleddogcentral.com/moulton.htm

Here's a link to his memorial service in 2001 I guess it was. It details his race history and some of his historical work with the dogs. I don't find too many people who care about dog sled racing anywhere.

I don't know much about it but I wonder if you are familiar with the Laconia NH World Championships. we used to go to them as kids. I think its a fascinating sport.
We had no idea it was an international competition.

[Robb]

7. Cool stuff on your great-uncle!

I'm afraid I don't know from Laconia -- this is about as far east as I tend to go! :)

[Braden]

11. he was a dog sledding fool

he went to Antartica on three occasions and even has a mountain named for him in Marie Byrd Land. I would love to try running the sled.

[MuseRider]

4. WOW! That is really cool.

When in Fairbanks I got to meet and tour Mary Shields home, meet her dogs and learn about sledding, her trips in the Iditarod, how to live in the middle of nowhere in the winter in Alaska and she gave us hot chocolate and cookies. It was one of the highlights of the trip. So you do this? I am impressed.

[Robb]

6. Oh, we play around...

We've got a few "cousins" who live nearby, and we run twice a week right now behind the wheeled rig, awaiting snow and bringin' out the sled. Couple of fun races out here in Colorado, and we'll enter a four-dog sprint or two.

But make no mistake: I am not made of that stern stuff required for Iditarod. But I will brag on my dogs that are! :)

[cally]

5. Beautiful Dogs

I made it to the Iditerod one time and it is so exciting. It's amazing how little they take and the grueling trip. Do you have to run your dogs everyday?

[roguevalley]

8. If there is enough snow, it starts in town. You cannot believe the smell

of that much dog poop! LOL! Beautiful dogs. Most of the
sled dogs are a mixed mutt breed so when you see a team
of pure blood malemutes it takes your breath away.

Someone once ran poodles. I also once saw a little demo
team of dachshunds. It was soooOOOOoooooOOOooo cute. :)

Lovely dogs you have. Lucky you to run them.

RV

[Robb]

9. I love the smell of dog poop in the morning

Smells like... victory. ;)

[trof]

10. Been in Anchorage when they had to truck snow in

for the start.
More than once.