Archive

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – Aliy at 4th & Cordova

Some race fans caller her Aliy, others fondly refer to her as the “Queen of Hearts.  Aliy Zirkle has been in Alaska for 25 years.  She moved to the Last Frontier to work for U.S. Fish and Wildlife.  She acquired her first sled dog, Skunk, and the rest is history.  Her career in long distance …

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – Mitch at 4th & Cordova

Look at the pure joy, excitement and energy in the eyes of the front end of Mitch Seavey’s team as they round the corner at 4th & Cordova.  1049 miles later, Seavey claimed his third Iditarod Championship, setting a new time record of 8 days, 3 hours, 40 minutes & 13 seconds.  Mitch’s first victory …

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – 4th & Cordova

About six blocks from intersection at 4th and “D” Street where the Ceremonial Start begins, the teams take a right off 4th Avenue onto Cordova St. Interesting events take place at that corner.  In 2017 Jeff King, wearing bib #34, and his Iditarider rounded the corner…  From this photo sequence, you can see the rest …

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – Charley’s Day in Unalakleet

As the sun rises in Unalakleet during Iditarod XLV, Charley Bejna cooks up a gourmet breakfast for his canine athletes.  Up in the checkpoint, Middy Johnson and other villagers are preparing eggs, bacon and sourdough pancakes for mushers and volunteers. Sled dogs have voracious appetites.  During the race they consume roughly 10,000 calories each day. …

Martin Buser Inducted into the into the Knik Museum Musher Hall of Fame

On Sunday, July 16th, 4 time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser was inducted into the into the Knik Museum Musher’s Hall of Fame.  Marthin’s induction was held at the Knik Museum. This date also marked the 50th Anniversary of the Hall of Fame.  Martin’s ‘never give up attitude’ along with his longstanding race record, made his …

Eye On The Trail: Telephoto Story – Affectionate Sled Dogs

Yashinomi, a beautiful large yellow dog, running with Kristin Bacon is taking a rest in Unalakleet during Iditarod XLV.  Yashinomi is a pup from Bacon’s first litter,  the foundation of her Iditarod team.  Yashi is a very loving dog and gives kisses readily.  Smart dog to kiss the human who feeds you but Yashi seems to …

Eye on the Trail: Chapter One of Iditarod XLVI

Chapter One of Iditarod XLVI took place at Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla on the last Saturday of June. Mushers and volunteers gathered at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic and Musher Signup event to say out with the old and in with the new. The day started cloudy and cool but by the time the drawing …

Eye on the Trail: Early Entries for Iditarod XLVI

It’s the Eve of musher signup for Iditarod XLVI. Already seventeen mushers have indicated their intention to run by filing preliminary paperwork. Signup officially begins at 9:30 am on the last Saturday of June. The volunteer picnic and musher signup is a gala event enjoyed by all for the friendship, camaraderie as well as the …

Eye on the Trail: Redington Bronze Dedicated

Joe Redington, Sr. has been gone for 18 years. Tomorrow, June 24th marks the anniversary of Joe’s death. Today Joe’s family and friends, school officials, Iditarod fans, Borough dignitaries and artist Patrick Garley gathered outside of Joe Redington, Sr. High School to dedicate the Redington Bronze. During the dedication Stan Hooley, Iditarod CEO said, “My …

Eye on the Trail: Babes in the Forest

Twice each day at Summer Camp, the teachers join Musher Vern Halter for a puppy walk. Currently Halter has 15 puppies at Dream a Dream. Seven lanky bundles of energy were born just after Iditarod and are 3 months old. They are the gems – Topaz, Sapphire, Ruby, Zircon, Jasper, Onyx and Quartz. Eight little …