The "Start" of the Iditarod

One of Sebastian's dogs
© Sarah M. Waterman

As most like to call it, it's the horse and pony show! The start of the Iditarod isn't the true start, it's just a 12 mile run with the dogs. Usually the mushers have what they call an Iditarider, I can hear the comments now... People will place bids on the mushers and pay to go on the 12 mile run. I have no idea where the money for this goes, maybe someone's pocket, or for coffee... who knows. The Iditarod is know as the "Last Great Race" which truly starts in Willow, Alaska and ends in Nome, Alaska. The race is supposedly 1049 miles, the 49 is because Alaska is the 49th state... don'tcha know. The city of Anchorage shuts down a grid of streets and sends each musher out one by one.
Well, it was a beautiful day, but the night before, not so hot. Mike Santos had his send off party and then a few of us went out on the town to a place called Tap Root. There was a really good band playing, I danced for awhile, but the spirits got me, and took me down. I don't really get to go out in public much, maybe there's a reason for that, hmmm... Well, anywho, I felt like hammered dog poo the next day and just my luck, there was lots of dogs around. I made the most of it and kept a smile on my face and the camera in my hands.

Sebastian loving Recess
© Sarah M. Waterman

Scott and I helped out Sebastian Schnuelle, he's originally from Germany, but now lives in Yukon Territory, Canada. He's a crazy haired guy that LOVES his dogs! He is one of the top guys when it comes to racing dog sled teams.
All and all it was a great day for the dogs and for people watching! We were able to hangout for a bit with some great people that we met the day before. Bill, Molly and Judy. They came to visit from Virginia and Florida. Scott and a friend of his set up a mach race for them. They loved it! They had never been on a dog sled ride before... and the smiles on their faces were priceless! Great people.
Next stop... The Iditarod restart.

See, I do work
© Sarah M. Waterman

Bill, Molly and Judy
© Sarah M. Waterman

Angie Taggart happy as ever
© Sarah M. Waterman

© Sarah M. Waterman

Devan Currier, with his wife's team
© Sarah M. Waterman

Rick with his two loves
© Sarah M. Waterman

Judy and Devan headed off with the Iditarider
© Sarah M. Waterman

Rick again with his babies
© Sarah M. Waterman

Scott hanging with the dogs before Sebastian takes off
© Sarah M. Waterman

Sebastian and his father, from Germany
© Sarah M. Waterman

Another one of Sebastian's dogs
© Sarah M. Waterman

Do you like my hat?
© Sarah M. Waterman

© Sarah M. Waterman

© Sarah M. Waterman

The Scottsman... Wattie McDonald
© Sarah M. Waterman

His Daags
© Sarah M. Waterman

His Wee Handler
© Sarah M. Waterman

Oi, there he is himself, Wattie McDonald
© Sarah M. Waterman

Resting
© Sarah M. Waterman

Scott hits me and says, "Hey, Chewbacka!'
My reply, "Gee thanks, Scott," thinking he was talking about me.
He points and says, "No, look."
© Sarah M. Waterman