Search Results

Sanka’s Zoom Lens – Colorful Gang Line

The Berington Twins had the most colorful gang line at the Iditarod start!  Mushers often make their own lines.  Andy Pohl, Kristi Berington’s husband created the gang lines.Do some research to find out what the gang line is for.  What role does it play for the dogs pulling the sled?

Sanka’s Zoom Lens – Radar

Jessica Klejka won the Jr. Iditarod by just 2 seconds in 2008.  She’s a rookie in Iditarod  XLVII.  At the Ceremonial Start this morning, Klejka ran ahead of her team while handlers helped guide the team to the start banner.  Before taking off, Klejka gave her leader Radar a little love and encouragement.

Sanka’s Zoom Lens – Dog’s Get Physicals

Before the Iditarod, Sled Dog get Physicals much like human athletes before participating in a sport.  Kristin Bacon is loading Zsa Zsa into a dog box after completing Vet Check at Iditarod Headquarters on Wednesday prior to the race.

Sanka’s Zoom Lens – The Mountain

Not every one gets to see the great mountain when visiting Alaska.  Many days it’s cover by clouds.  On the weekend of Jr. Iditarod the mountain was out for all to see.  This picture was taken while flying with the Iditarod Air Force from Yentna Station Checkpoint to the Willow Finish Line.  The mountain stands …

Sanka’s Zoom Lens – Jr. Iditarod

The Jr. Iditarod is a 150-mile race for mushers between the ages of 14 and 17.  They run 75-miles out to Yentna Station then park their teams and camp.  After putting straw down for the dogs to sleep on and taking booties off, the mushers prepare a nutritious meal for the hardworking canine athletes.  After …

Sanka’s Zoom Lens: Jinx, Dream a Dream’s Cat

Dream a Dream Dog Farm is not only home to forty sled dogs and a border collie, but Jinx lives there too.  Jinx reminds me of Danger, a cat that lived with Libby Riddles.  Who is Libby Riddles?  What is she famous for in the world of Iditarod?  Libby has written Danger the Dog Yard …

Sanka’s Zoom Lens – Harnessing & Booting

It’s a tradition at Iditarod Summer Teacher’s camp – Harnessing and Booting.  Teachers pair up to harness and boot a dog.  Each member of the team has to put the harness on properly and then apply four booties.  After completing the task and removing the harness and the boots, it’s the next team members turn. …

Zoom Lens by Sanka – Candy Bars

There are eleven 8 week old puppies at Dream A Dream Dog Farm.  They are enthusiastic, energetic and cute.  Everyday the puppies go for walks with mushers Vern Halter and Cindy Abbott.  This week the teachers attending Iditarod Summer Teacher’s Camp have joined the walks on the trails through the woods.  Brian Hickox, Iditarod’s 2019 …

Zoom Lens – Pizza

Andrew Nolan fed his dogs and went to the checkpoint for some sourdough pancakes and bacon.  Then he slept for a couple of hours. When he came back to where his dogs were resting, it looked as if they had called Peace on Earth, the pizzeria in Unalakleet, and ordered a pizza to share.  A …

Zoom Lens: S’Mores

I was invited to a bon-fire up on Army Hill.  The menu includes s’mores.  I went to the store to see what it would cost to purchase the s’more ingredients.  Here are photos of the Graham Crackers, Hershey Bars and Marshmallows from the Alaska Commercial Store in Unalakleet.  Compare the cost of the same ingredients …