The big day is here. The Restart of Iditarod 2019 in Willow. Light snow fell in the morning and skies are clearing up. Teams are not parked on Willow Lake due to potential overflow with all the added weight on the ice. Lots of snow this year. 

Race judges just finished the mandatory gear checks and the 1st teams are hooked up. My 1st thought looking at Jeff King’s Team was” Oscar and the trash can”, with Jeff hauling a big garbage can for gear on this tail dragger. Jeff the ever innovator. He certainly does not need any heaters on the handlebars this year.

Musher rivalry is alive and well. And fun. Lance talking to Nicolas Petit: “Hey if you make it over to Anvik 1st, can you at least leave me some left overs?”….. “and if you win the new truck….. can I have your old one ? “. That old dog truck of Nic’s has a very well traveled and famous dog box on it. No other than 1985’s first female Champion, Libby Riddles. Of course Libby is also here watching the 2019 Iditarod take off. After all, this is what Iditarod is all about. One big family, which honors Alaska Traditions. Nome, here we come…., my 1st stop will be the Rohn Checkpoint for a few days. I am looking forward to spending some time in the heart of the Alaska Range! Happy trails!