It has been called the Last Great Race.
It is long and arduous and is truly unlike any other journey in the world. Imagine, if you can, a two week odyssey through the heart of the frozen Alaskan wilderness. The endurance test of a lifetime will take you 1,200 miles through scantly touched forests, across frozen rivers, including the mighty Yukon, which at points stretches more than two miles from shore to shore and where overflow lies in wait for the unsuspecting, across dizzying mountain peaks that would humble ordinary men, through remote native villages few outsiders have seen to an isolated, windswept point on the Bering Sea just south of the Arctic Circle.This is not a journey for the weak willed among us. Every movement calculated, every obstacle surveyed with utmost care, as though your very life depends on it, for even the smallest misstep can prove fatal. What is this ultimate test of man?
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
The running of the Iditarod is a commeration of those yesterdays, a not-so-distant past that Alaskans honor and are proud of.
The current record holder is Martin Buser who, along with his incredible team, ran the 1,200 mile race in 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes and 41 seconds. Think you've got what it takes to knock Martin out of the top slot?
Read up on Iditarod trivia and when you're ready read the current Iditarod rules and download the race application forms. Me? I'll be monitoring the race from the comfort of the den. I've made several treks across the Alaskan wilderness - tales of survival I'll save for another day.
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Next Stop: Camping In The Interior
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Jesse & Kathy Clifton, better known as 'The Spouses' are full time Realtors serving Fairbanks Alaska buyers and sellers. They specialize in residential real estate; new and existing construction as well as undeveloped land in Fairbanks, North Pole, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base and Interior Alaska. Visit their website to review the fee market reports designed to keep you updated on the local Fairbanks Alaska real estate market. Have specific questions? Feel free to contact them anytime. They would love to hear from you.
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Jesse & Kathy,
I love the way you wove this into your post theme: "Searching for a new home with a somewhat less daunting commute?"!!! Thanks, Fran
The Iditerod has always amazed my husband and me. I have no idea why anyone would want to do this, but it's definitely fun to watch. Falling out of airplanes and tales in the wilderness....Jesse, you need to write a book!!
You guys are amazing--what a great post! I always watch the coverage of the Iditarod and just watch in amazement as these athletic poochies! I'd love to be the 'jockey'!!
Gary - It's a hard race... one I would love to have made years ago. Come see us, we'll set you with a great team for a short run.
Linda - I was up very early this morning. I was waiting on a phone call from the east coast. Our days don't normally start quite that early.
Fran- Caught that did ya? :) A little hokey probably, but I thought it would work.
Colleen - Most of the racers we know do it for recreation and the challenge. I have lots of tales to tell about my years working and playing in the Alaskan bush. A book might not be a bad idea. :)
Eugene - Come on up. It was gorgeous today... perfect blue sky, warm sunshine beating down on you and only about -12. Perfect winter day.
Jo- If you've watched the guys in the Rondy, you know what it's about... They are actually auctioning off rides, I believe, to Wasilla. Are you planning a trip up before the snow melts?
Bryant - What has always amazed me is that the dogs are so powerful. Most of the dogs we're familiar with are lean, muscled and ready to run. Once they turn them loose they had better hold on.
Frank - Now that sounds like a race I could get behind as well. Let me know when you're ready to start cooking. I just told Kathy the other day I'm about ready to make a big pot of gumbo.
Debe - It would be quite the ride, that's for sure. These dogs are born athletes.