Iditarod

I was lucky enough to be in Anchorage for the start and Nome for the finish of this year's Iditarod Sled Dog Race. It's the first time that a musher has won both the Yukon Quest - regarded as the hardest long distance race, and two weeks later won the Iditarod - another 1000 miles with the same dogs. I take my hat off to Lance Mackey who accomplished this, winning his first Iditarod on his sixth attempt wearing the number 13, as did his brother and his father when they were racing...what are the chances of that!

Here is Lance about 6 miles out of Nome wearing a huge smile and enjoying the sun in his face. Remember that the pictures blow up nicely if you click on them.



The trail cuts across some low tundra before heading back out on the sea ice for the final run into Nome. Anvil mountain and the Dew line radars above Nome can be seen on the horizon


It was hard to get a picture on Front Street, but here's Lance punching the air, as he comes down past the infamous Board of Trade. It's a little unclear as to what species of animal is right in front of the lead dogs...seems like they were struck by the outfit as well!


Here's second place finisher Paul Gebhardt acknowledging his lead dog right after finishing about 3 hours after Mackey. I can't imagine how overwhelming all the attention must be after a week and a half on the trail. I'm not sure I'll be up to watch the next mushers come in at 4 a.m, but will try to catch a few before getting on the plane home tomorrow lunch time.