It's Iditarod Time!!!!

[greatam]

The OFFICIAL races starts today at 2:00PM. The opening ceremonies were on one of the pay sports channels on DirecTV yesterday.

http://www.iditarod.com/

[stired]

Originally Posted by greatam

The OFFICIAL races starts today at 2:00PM. The opening ceremonies were on one of the pay sports channels on DirecTV yesterday.

http://www.iditarod.com/

Greatam - that is so funny! I was just about to post this information when you're post came up.

Ever since I began planning my first visit to Alaska a few years ago, the Iditarod has become something of an obsession. I've read quite a bit about the history of the race and followed it for the last few years. I can't wait for it to start!

[greatam]

Originally Posted by stired

Greatam - that is so funny! I was just about to post this information when you're post came up.

Ever since I began planning my first visit to Alaska a few years ago, the Iditarod has become something of an obsession. I've read quite a bit about the history of the race and followed it for the last 2 years. I can't wait for it to start!

I was amazed that no one had posted it, since it was live from Anchorage yesterday. DH subscribes to a whole string of sports channels on DirecTV so he can watch fishing shows and Iowa basketball and wrestling. When he was channel surfing yesterday, he happened to note the time and turned it on. It was a pleasant surprise from Iowa basketball.

[thinfool]

As we drove out of Seward last August, we noticed a milepost for the Iditarod. It said 'Mile -0-' , etc.

I assume that there was a time (maybe the original run) when everything started in Seward...??

[Chenega]

For those visiting Alaska who are interested in the Iditarod, there's a great museum/exhibit in Knik (just outside of Wasilla).

[stired]

Does anyone know of a way to watch the start live today without a specific pay sports channel? I watch the internet site, but you have to pay for that too if you really want live coverage.

[wrp96]

Okay now you are making me sad. We used to go watch the start every year when I was growing up.

[derf5585]

Dog Abuse and Sled Dog Action Coalition
from
http://travel.howstuffworks.com/sled-dog2.htm

Iditarod expecting dog abuse report Friday
from
http://www.adn.com/mushing/story/281262.html

[greatam]

Originally Posted by derf5585

Dog Abuse and Sled Dog Action Coalition
from
http://travel.howstuffworks.com/sled-dog2.htm

Iditarod expecting dog abuse report Friday
from
http://www.adn.com/mushing/story/281262.html

Oh, please. Sure, there may be an isolated case of abuse, but what about all the poor abused pit bulls running around every city/town in the USA??? I think if you asked the dogs, they would much rather be Alaska sled dogs given food and water than a street pit bull either wandering loose or forced to fight.

[melodyina]

Originally Posted by greatam

Oh, please. Sure, there may be an isolated case of abuse, but what about all the poor abused pit bulls running around every city/town in the USA??? I think if you asked the dogs, they would much rather be Alaska sled dogs given food and water than a street pit bull either wandering loose or forced to fight.

thank you, nicely put. I watched 21 dogsled teams go by for the ceremonial start and the excitement these dogs showed trotting along the trail and glancing at all the spectators on each side clapping, just put all the more spring in their steps. The dogs chosen to run the Iditarod know they are something special! (The all have booties on too!).

[RC of NC]

Originally Posted by stired

Does anyone know of a way to watch the start live today without a specific pay sports channel? I watch the internet site, but you have to pay for that too if you really want live coverage.

Yep. You can watch it straight on the www.iditarod.com web site by signing up for the "Iditarod Insider" service. $20 will get you access for a year, including live broadcasts of key events, a bunch of taped footage and other stuff. I signed up this year and am enjoying it.

[RC of NC]

Originally Posted by thinfool

As we drove out of Seward last August, we noticed a milepost for the Iditarod. It said 'Mile -0-' , etc.

I assume that there was a time (maybe the original run) when everything started in Seward...??

Yep. The original vaccine/medicine run (which the Iditarod commemorates) started in Seward and I believe the running of the Iditarod started in Seward as well for the first few years before moving to Anchorage.

[greatam]

Originally Posted by RC of NC

Yep. The original vaccine/medicine run (which the Iditarod commemorates) started in Seward and I believe the running of the Iditarod started in Seward as well for the first few years before moving to Anchorage.

The second diptheria run started in Seward. The first started in Anchorage.

http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/iditarod.html

[Coreopsis]

Here is a photo of a 10 year old child with a life-threatening illness who is having her wish fulfilled in Alaska - thanks to Make-A-Wish! She is seen in photo seated with 4 time Idarod champrion Jeff King.

Nine year-old, Elaine Strong certainly lived up to her name this last weekend when she came all the way from San Francisco to Alaska for her Iditarod wish. Elaine enjoyed many activities during her week long stay in Alaska, but certainly the highlight was her ride with 3 time Iditarod winner, Jeff King in the ceremonial start to the race. Led by his 16 dog team, she bravely hung on to the sled while thousands of people cheered her on through the streets of Anchorage and at the end, her smile could not have been wider!

Life is good