Comments on: It’s Nearly Time

By: Bryan

Bryan — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:31:55 +0000

Almost all of the mushers make their living as breeders, so having a sick or injured dog is very bad for their livelihood, as well as a threat to their life on that trail. Given the cost of gas, dogs are becoming more important than ever for moving around in the winter. The snowmobile may not start, but the dogs are always ready to go.

It is called a “sled dog” race, because the dogs are the real athletes and stars.

By: andante

andante — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:35:42 +0000

I know the Iditarod folks take hits from the opposition every year, but I am always impressed by the ‘put the dogs first’ attitude that seems to prevail, unlike many so-called ‘sports’ that put horrendous burdens on the animal. It’s a true partnership between man & beast.

Let the race begin, and may all finish safely!

By: hipparchia

hipparchia — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:21:55 +0000

cool! i’ve been a fan of the iditarod for years.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:57:20 +0000

Even the traditional starting point had to be changed. There were even crappy conditions for the Yukon Quest, which is run further North and inland.

I had Arctic Survival in March, and it was -40° in the Tanana Valley. Forty years later you can’t get snow in Anchorage?

By: Cookie Jill

Cookie Jill — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:58:39 +0000

I posted something up at skippy’s about the race.

http://xnerg.blogspot.com/2008/02/mushers-mushing-in-mush.html

What I thought was the real kicker of the story….

the competitive start is march 2, a day after the ceremonial start in anchorage, on trucked-in snow.