Headed to Headquarters

Today, I headed out to Wasilla to visit the Iditarod headquarters. If you don't know what the Iditarod is click here. It would be too crazy to try and explain. Just think dogs, sleds, mushers, a very long distance and below freezing temperatures!

It is a huge deal here in Alaska! They do a ceremonial start here in Anchorage. I am so stoked to head into town and be a part of that. I have a while to wait though since the lady today told me it was in March. But no matter when it is I will be there!

Here are a few pics from my adventure...

I found it!

Thanks to the nice random lady for taking all the pics with me in them. She was a little stalkerish but maybe she felt a connection since we were both alone. Who knows! The log cabin behind me held the museum and gift shop.

Here I am with Raimey Redington. His dad, Joe Redington Sr., was the founder of the Iditarod race. He was very nice!

Here are the dogs who took me on a ride. They were all business. They really weren't interested in the people around. Once I sat in the wheeled cart they went nuts barking and jumping around. They were ready to race.

Me in the cart. I was told that this is the way the dogs get exercise to help them get in shape for a race. I was shocked at how fast they pulled us. I could barely hang on. There was no slowing down for the corners. It was pretty awesome!

On the trail!

See the red tag on his collar? They said the red tag meant that those dogs have participated in the Iditarod race at some point in their lives. I thought it was a fun little badge of honor even if the dogs don't care!

Here is a future little contender. There were two puppies running around. They were so cute! I think they gave me puppy fever. I have wanted one since I got home. I am sure tomorrow it will pass. :o)

Beautiful blue eyes! On a random note: I read somewhere that sled dogs are not pure breeds. They are a combination of breeds. The movies always make it seem like huskies are the sled dog and that isn't the case.

This guy was pooped! You would get down beside them and they didn't even care you were there. They were just ready for the next race.

I had a really fun time today! There are so many fun things to explore here. I spent the second half of my day at a reindeer farm in Palmer. I will post about that soon! I hope you all had a relaxing Labor Day weekend.