The heat of the day is a time when mushers often choose to rest. Late morning and the first few hours of the afternoon are when the temperatures peak and the sun, if out, is at it’s warmest. Resting the dogs during a time when mushers might personally prefer to run is a deliberately planned strategy that caters to the canine athletes. How does the 2:00 pm race start time play into this strategy?

This photo was taken early in the afternoon at the Finger Lake checkpoint. The thermometer registered about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. DeeDee Jonrowe’s dogs are on straw soaking up some rays and resting for their next run.  DeeDee looks quite comfortable too.

Do you recognize the guy walking in the background wearing his trademark checked hat? It’s Martin Buser.

At Finger Lake, Carl and Kirsten Dixon of Winter Lake Lodge welcome the mushers and  volunteers. Iditarod folks are invited to the lodge kitchen for a healthy protein packed musher meal at any time of the day or night. The door is always open and the welcome mat is always out.  

Watch for more Telephoto Stories.  Having worked as an Iditarod volunteer for twelve years and having my camera handy every hour of every day, the Eye on the Trail Iditarod photo library contains roughly 20,000 pictures.  Sharing photos with a brief description to tell a photo story is a great way to share favorite photos and unique pieces of Iditarod history with Iditarod fans, family and friends.  Enjoy and comeback soon for another Telephoto Story.