It’s Friday night and the Junior Iditarod mushers have drawn their bib numbers. Thanks to the generosity of local merchants each participant received a care package that included a musher hat, headband, gloves, socks and other items too numerous to mention. As the mushers and parents enjoyed pizza, the trail boss reviewed the route and trail markings. As has been the tradition for the past 30 years, the Junior route will cover 150 miles – 75 miles from Knik Lake to Yentna Station and 75 miles from Yentna Station to the finish on Willow Lake.

There was a lot of excitement at the musher meeting tonight. As the dog trucks arrive at Knik Lake in the morning, the dogs will add their energy to that of the mushers. It looks like it will be an excellent event. The trail was reported to be in excellent condition. Weather conditions for the race should be mild with the possibility of light snow. Follow the progress of the teams from start to finish at www.jriditarod.com.

The major sponsor for the Jr. Iditarod is Lynden.