Hi Boys and Girls,

Saturday was the Ceremonial Start for Iditarod 42.  I can hardly believe the race has started.  I’m so excited.  Have you picked a musher to follow? 

The Ceremonial Start is a fun day in Anchorage.  All the teams gather on 4^th Avenue in downtown Anchorage.  The fans are able to talk to the mushers and perhaps pet a dog or two.  Everyone is happy and relaxed.  It’s also the big day for the Iditariders. Their long awaited ride in a sled has arrived.  When it’s time, every team walks down 4^th Avenue to the start line.  The team consists of 12 dogs, the musher, the Iditarider and a tag sled and driver.  The tag sled helps slow down the excited dogs while they run through the crowds gathered to watch the teams.  The teams travel 11 miles to Campbell Airstrip.  There they pack everything back up into the dog trucks.  They then head back to where they are staying and make the final preparations for for the restart in Willow.

What is different about the Start and Restart?  Come back tomorrow for the answer!

Starting on Monday, I will be doing two daily updates on the race.  Check back often to get the latest information.

Happy Trails,

Gypsy