Mar 042012
As we mentioned yesterday, our hu-grandmom (mom of the hu-dad and our cousins, Tartok and Ruby), is in Anchorage, Alaska, for the start of the Iditarod. Saturday was the ceremonial start and we thought we would share a few pictures with you.
A very relaxed Karen Ramstead before the ceremonial start.
Aliy Zirkle runs in front of her sled
Mitch Seavey
Silvia Furtwangler's lead dog Whistler - Whistler made headline news when he escaped a few weeks before the Iditarod, but has since rejoined the team.
Polar Bear Gifts' mascot entertained the crowds.
What breed of dog is Whistler? What breeds of dogs are on the teams? Guess I always assumed they were all Siberian Huskies! Thanks for the great photos.
Terrific question. Most of the dogs that run the internet are known as Alaskan Huskies, which are a mix breed of dog mixed for speed, stamina, and ability to stay warm in the extremes (though few have the same cold weather ability that a Siberian does). An Alaskan is significantly faster than a Siberian Husky.
We, however, love the Siberian Husky breed so have been long time fans of Karen Ramstead, who runs only pure-bred Siberian Huskies. Realistically, she will never win the race, but – as she likes to say – she spends very little time dealing with cold weather issues like coats, etc., that many Alaskan Huskies need.
I am so glad you reconnected us to Karen’s blog as I had lost track and it was great to get a slew of pics in my email this morning. She looks fabulous! And so do the dogs. Lucky Hu-Grandma for getting to go!
Are Tartok and Ruby visiting the Herd while their mum is gone?
I was one block away! I was near Lance Mackey, DeeDee Jonrowe & one of the twins. It was a great ceremonial start!
Whistler was at large for almost a week. There were many Facebook posts about sightings- the entire area was searching for him until he was finally captured with the great help of Facebook.
Is Hu-Grandma going on one of the Iditarod tours along the trail?
Cute pups!
Thanks for the pictures. We are following the race closely even though Poodles were long ago (and unfairly) banned from competing.
How furry exciting!!
Oh Dog! We should SO be there!
Thanks fur sharing – seeing the Iditerod is on our mom’s “bucket list”1
Jack & Moo
PS – looks like a pretty friendly Polar Bear, ha-roo roo roo!
Cool! Did you know that the human-powered race on the Iditarod trail is underway now? Three bikers and one runner have finished so far… In my dream life without a messed up spine, I’d be riding my snowbike in that race
I caught some photos of coyotes doing the Cheoah Snow Slide which I’m about to put up in my daily post.
The Hu-Grandma must be having a fantastic time up there! I hope they all have a safe, smooth race!