So my lady and I drove up to Willow today for the Iditarod re-start. First time in a few years that I haven't worked it as a dog handler so just took the camera this year and had fun. Gotta' say I really did miss handling this year. It's just really special to work with those dogs and be in the presence of their energy.

I'll be rooting for Jeff Deeter of Black Spruce Dog Sledding again this year. He has my favorite dog in the Iditarod on his team, The Big Bad Wolf. I met The Wolf a few years ago when I was in the stall next to Jeff handling for Mitch Seavey's team. And I've been lucky enough to be a handler for Jeff's team and work with The Wolf. He looks like a miniature version of my own dog Bandit and has an attitude to match.

I wish I had seen it early enough to get a picture; Jason Mackey has a huge stainless steel cooler bolted onto the back of his sled with a big slanted black No. 3 for Dale Earnhardt. I was like, "Dude! You just became my second favorite musher!"

PETA was there again this year protesting. Their usual gig at the restart, they kind of hang out in the corner and everyone else just ignores them. I guess this year for the Musher's Banquest and Ceremonial Start in Anchorage they were much more obnoxious dressing in grim reaper costumes. There was an Alaskan who posted up on Facebook and absolutely hilarious video of her walking up to individual PETA protesters at the restart today offering them reindeer jerky.

Iditarod is just one of those things, it you're a dog lover, it's an amazing experience.

https://blacksprucedogsledding...YVDmPhUaAq_oEALw_wcB

And for those who say, pics or it didn't happen.

Those dogs look very happy to be doing what they love. Run baby run.

Every time I see sled dogs, they're just hyper excited to be out there.

I lost some interest after the mess of a year or two ago. Seemed like stupid politics and corruption. Hope they cleaned it up as I cannot remember the specifics. But was messy.

I grew up in Seward, Ak, in fact Dan Seavey (Mitch's father) was our HS history teacher and placed 3rd in the first running of the race. Although we're in the lower 48 nowadays, we keep an eye on the race each year and are obviously biased in rooting for a Seavey.

I love Dogs but I just can't get excited about this sport.

I became a huge Iditarod fan during my 5 years in Alaska, but I moved away 12 years ago.

The week leading up to the Iditarod ceremonial start was full of parties/events and during that week I met US senators, governors, state reps, mushers, etc. One year I checked into the reception desk of an Iditarod event at the same time as US Senator Dan Sullivan, and we chatted as we walked over to the elevator together. As the elevator doors close, somebody waves their hand to open the doors and in walks the at the time Governor Parnell. Without missing a beat Sen Sullivan say, "Hey Sean, do you know Todd?" The "who the hell is this?" look on Gov Parnell's face was priceless. He quickly recovered and I had a nice conversation with a US Senator and Governor as we rode the elevator that continued once we reached the floor of the party. Most places I've lived have 6 degrees of separation, and Alaska was more like 2 degrees of separation as each were friends with one my friends.

As far as mushers that I've met:

Lance Mackey is the only remaining musher that I've met who is racing in 2026.

Dallas Seavey was the musher I've spoken with the most, and was disappointed he isn't racing this year. Although, with a record setting 6 wins I can see why he'd take a break from the grueling race.

Aliy Zirkle was the musher I'd spoken with the 2nd most, but she retired back in '21. While I lived in Alaska, she had her streak of 3 straight 2nd place finishes.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
I lost some interest after the mess of a year or two ago. Seemed like stupid politics and corruption. Hope they cleaned it up as I cannot remember the specifics. But was messy.

Are you talking about the dog doping incident with Dallas Seavey? They ended up clearing him, and implementing dogfood seals and 24 hr surveillance to prevent a competitor from doping dog food.

I don't think that was it but don't remember what it was.