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I took nearly 4,000 photos over the past few weeks. Most of them were on a physical camera and it will take time to sort through them all. I rarely used my phone to photograph the big moments, but I pulled it out once in a while to capture the candid moments; those times where friendships were forged and memories made. I’ll remember the pageantry, the wow moments, and the extremes forever. I will also remember the surprises, the laughter, and the human connections created by my time at the Iditarod dog sled race. Here is a quick photo history of just candid shots…they tell the story in a magical, unique way. (All Photo Credit: J. Westrich)
 Instructions for the Jr. Iditarod! |
 The Jr. Iditarod START/FINISH on Knik Lake! |
 Snowmachine ride out to Yentna Roadhouse for the Jr. Iditarod with my intrepid driver Gary! |
 Gorgeous view of Anchorage from the Dena’ina Center at the Musher’s Banquet. |
 Fur Rondy Festival Fun Slide! |
 The night before the Ceremonial Start – SNOW DUMP! |
 Rookie musher Hunter Keefe’s elementary school race plan. |
 Selfie with Eric Kelly at the Re-Start! |
 Handing out Trail Mail to musher Hunter Keefe. |
 Packed for the Trail! |
 Meeting author and Iditarod veteran Kristin Knight Pace. |
 Breakfast of Champions! Sandwich cookies dipped in Peanut Butter, invented by my friend Vivian! |
 On the Bering Sea ice with official Iditarod Photographer Dave Poyzer! |
 Selfie at the FINISH with Tom from the Insider crew! |
 Musher Hunter Keefe and his bestie Jessi create an artistic representation of Hunter’s Lead Dog Senior! |
 Ready to hand off the RED LANTERN! |
 Grabbing a pic with 2023 Iditarod CHAMPION Ryan Redington. |
 Stopping for a selfie in the Nome National Forest as I played a round of ice-golf on the Bering Sea. |