Iditarod Headquarters under a blanket of snow. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Witnessing history is astounding; especially when, in that moment, you know history is being made. This seems to be easier with tragic or difficult events. On September 11th and during the COVID pandemic we knew immediately that these events would end up in history books. Yet, the impact of positive momentous events is often only seen in hindsight. The lucky few who can say “I was there” usually benefitted from good fortune and good timing, rather than foresight. Arriving at Iditarod Headquarters this morning I couldn’t help but wonder if Joe Redington Sr., Dorothy Page, or the 34 inaugural teams knew in 1973 that they were making history, that the race would extend into the 21st century, for more than 50 years.

The first Iditarod was conceived as Joe Redington saw the past and future colliding – dogsled teams across Alaska were being replaced by the snowmachine.  This race would preserve history, keeping dog mushing alive and relevant for the future. From what I saw this morning, it’s working. 

Jr. Iditarod musher Morgan Martens helps Race Vet Margaret Bellows examine his team. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Today was vet checks for the Jr. Iditarod. I met Margaret Bellows, one of the race veterinarians.  She is young, excited, and passionate about dogs (her favorite animal by her admission). She was joined by Phil Meyer and Bert Gore, two retired veterinarians who have a long history volunteering for Iditarod.  I admit, I turned to Phil assuming he was in charge, but with a wry smile he deferred to Margaret.  “We’re here to help, but it is time to turn this over to the younger generation.”  This meant Margaret did much of the actual vet checking, and to my good fortune I got to listen to stories of the “old days.”

Joe Redington Sr. statue outside Iditarod Headquarters.

Bert shared that way back in the early 70’s Joe Redington came to him and asked if he would be the head veterinarian for the very first Iditarod.  Hindsight is wonderful, right? Who wouldn’t jump at that chance! But this was an untested idea, a pipe dream, and Bert would have to leave his vet practice for 3-4 weeks, forfeiting income to pay employees and mortgages. There was no way he could swing it. I get it; decisions are made in the now, with no idea of what the future holds. Bert and Phil swapped tales as Margaret inspected tails, jumping in to assist or give a second opinion. The past and the future of the race working side by side.

Race Vet checks out Tietje Paveglio’s Jr Iditarod team – Spruce looks great! Photo Credit: J. Westrich

I stood by as a couple of Tietje Paveglio’s dogs, Louis and Spruce, were brought in by her dad Matt Paveglio, a 2022 Iditarod Finisher.  He isn’t running Iditarod this year, and is focused on supporting Tietje. The pride was evident in his voice as he spoke about his daughter’s commitment to the sport and her work ethic.  He also admitted she’s still just a teenager – kids are kids – and regardless of the intense focus these Jr. Iditarod mushers have for the dogs and racing, they still need support, guidance, and encouragement from the adult mushers around them. 

The Iditarod was founded to save the sled dog, to preserve the Iditarod Trail, and to protect this historic mode of transportation across the beautiful Alaskan interior.  The Jr. Iditarod sees a new generation of mushers ready to carry the torch and rise to the challenge; including two of Joe Redington Sr.’s great-grandchildren, Ellen and Isaac Redington. The legacy of the race is not that it happened, but that it is still happening.  When these youngsters hop on their sled – or pull out their stethoscope – the past and future collide; knowledge is passed to the new generation that will keep Iditarod moving into the future.  I am extremely lucky to have been there this morning, to see history happening right before my eyes.  

Leif Anderson’s team wait patiently…

…for their vet check. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Library Learning: Tomorrow morning the Jr. Iditarod mushers head out on the trail and I’ll be following their journey!

QUESTION: For Jr. Iditarod Musher Leif Anderson dogsledding runs in the family! His parents have both finished the Iditarod. What year did his mom, Gwen Holdmann complete her Iditarod?  Hint: Check the Race Archives HERE

ANSWER for Feb 23:  The Southern Route is longer!  Although the “race” is 1,049 miles for traditional purposes, the actual Southern Route is 998 miles and the Northern Route is 975 – a difference of 23 miles.