Smile! Candid Camera – Iditarod Style

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.