Larry

Photo by Mary Curtis

On the way to the Book Fair...

Stopped at a red light, I heard dogs. Looking toward the sound, I discovered this now very familiar looking dog truck.
Yeah, yeah, we're stars and we know it.
How come Dad's getting all the camera time? Doesn't Discovery know who the real stars are?
Let's pose pretty!

Tonya doesn't like her photo taken, but really wanted to show that it's a family affair that makes Lance tick, not just him.
We're bored, Dad. Can't you find us a trail somewhere?

Cain poses with Laurie
That dang Discovery camera was everywhere, whether you were a Mackey or not.

Laurie's all smiles while Tonya tries to convince Spirit to look at the camera as Lance is keeping a close eye on what they're doing over at the dog truck.

Book Fair & Bonnie's Open House

Felt like ol' home week to walk into the hotel via the Fancy Moose

Dave Monson, there to autograph Susan's book, chatting with Mark Nordman

Hobo Jim
Donna Gates King had one of her agility dogs along for company.


GG managed to snag one of the two puppies that Jeff King brought along.
Jeff, who bought a copy of my book, I would like to note. I bought his, too!

Me, with Claudia Nowak, who'll be Ed Stielstra's Idita-Rider this year.

After a nutritional lunch of chocolate ice cream, it was out the door and on to Chugiak and the open house at Bonnie Foster's for several mushers.
Theresa making friends with some of Sebastian's canine friends.
Sebastian and friends. The black dog is Tang, one of Sab's long time fur buddies, then Skunk in the middle and Callie smiling n the rear.
Hmmm, a rather unique way to get a doggie autograph. She got half a paw traced before Tang got tired of playing celebrity.
Bryan Bearss talks with Eric Rogers

When I left, I was headed to another open house, but what did my eyes see but that, oh, so familiar Stielstra dog truck pulling up? Could it be? Would I finally see the elusive Ed?
Yes!
Ed even had a few furry friends in tow, too.

Jake, who'll be running Ed's second string of dogs. Tasha gets to go to Nome! Yea, Tasha!

Vet Check, Iditarod 2008, Part 1

The vets doing their job
Loading dogs
Picard shows his opinion of all this silliness as Eric completes paperwork.
Bonnie will be happy to know that someone wore a name tag, in this case Maureen. It matched her coat, too.

Zoya's truck
It's busy, busy, busy for the mushers as they get out and reload dog after dog for the vets.
Don't you just love the spectators watching her lift a dog back into its box?

Caught Ken Anderson meandering down the parking lot at one point.
Never found out whose dogs these were, but they sure looked good.

What a sweet face
You woke us up for this?

Pat Schue with Eric's Mocha, who she sponsors.
GB was sorta around the corner and down the road, so never got over there, but did grab this quick shot.
Eric loading dogs
Hmm, that face looks familiar. I'll have to get back this way again.
Oh, man, the indignities even a Lance Mackey dog has to endure to run this race!

Vet Check, Iditarod 2008, Part 2

Stielstra's truck was very visible and I kept looking for Ed, but never caught up to him. I do have some lovely shots of his dog truck however.
Mostly the crowd was fairly sparse, but, what do you think? Did they discover that Lance was there or what?
Cindy Galley's dogs and truck
Cindy Gallea
It never fails to surprise me how unfailingly friendly and receptive to everyone the mushers are cos it's a constant rush of media and fans.

Tonya Mackey with Mark and Helen Hegener.
We're ready to run and we've got to stand around?

Note the thermometer on the sled.
Helen is really concentrating on something as she walks past some Mackey dogs.
This is what it's like to be Lance Mackey right now, a constant stream of questions and cameras pointing at you. As I told Tonya, a far cry from last year when he didn't draw much of a crowd in the parking lot.

Not sure who this was, but that back trailer looked a tad slanted.
Posing by Lance's truck was a popular pasttime.
Jen and Blake Freking, who run Siberians. Jen's a rookie, tho' Blake ran his first Iditarod my first visit as a rookie fan.

Sign many autographs, Lance?

Idita-Support Patch

Knik 200, Pre-race, set 1

Mushers signed each bib, each of which has a different sponors, the name indicated at the top.
Getting ready, Zach Steer, who'd start first. Photo by Mary Dillingham
Smiling at the cold, Bonnie Foster and Donna Quante. Photo by Mary Dillingham
Standing around in the cold, June (me) and Eric Rogers. Photo by Mary Dillingham
Wishing they'd hurry up and get it going!

Thunder is a ten year old dog that ran with Jon Little in his first Iditarod in 1999. He was on Jon's fun run for the 2008 Knik 200.
Sebastian flashes a smile as he prepares for the race, about a half hour away when the photo was taken.
Rick Horstmann and Gary Paulsen help prepare Gary's team for a run with his hander, Leo.
Team Seavey
Mitch Seavey

Knik 200, Set 2

Leaving right after Zach was Jim Lindau
















Bonnie Foster leading Eric's team into the chute.
Ryan Redington, who'd go on to win the race.
Devon Currier
There's always someone to talk to along the chute, as Devon shows.
Kelly Griffin

Sebastian in a crowd
Gary Paulsen wasn't racing but had just watched his handler leave with his team to run the race. #17, Leo Lashock
Libby imparting some words of wisdom to Andreas Moser.
I SOOOOO want her coat!
Libby earning some style points for photography.

Knik 200, Set 3

Paul Gebhardt and Libby Riddles chat as Paul checks his team prior to taking off.

Karin Hendrickson heads to the line.
Notice that bale of hay. It would indicate her plans to stop and camp out fairly early on.
Whooaaaaaa! Sometimes those snow hooks are hard to get into the ice.

Then they're equally hard to get out!

Mitch Seavey heading for the starting line. He said he didn't have the right sled rubber for rocks, which was what they were expecting on the trail.
Although it's hard to recognize most of the mushers in their winter duds without bib numbers, it gets harder with face masks. This is Kent Kaltenbacher, who I met this summer.
Ray Redington Jr
Donna and Mary, left, about to pass an impromptu can can line that includes Libby Riddles, center.

With Apologies to Robert Service....

With apologies to Robert Service, here's another one, this one from Linda Birchall.


There's strange things done in the Midnight Sun
By the folks who love the Race.
They'll come from near and they'll come from far
Just to get near to that place.
And the reason's clear, tho' I very much fear
That it sounds like it's all a dream.
They come for fun and to watch the run
Of each very good sleddog team.

Now some you see are from Tennessee
Where the weather's a good bit warmer.
Those who are bold come into the cold
From the state of California.
The South it seems love to see these teams
Of Northern dogs on the run.
But they're not nuts, they just don't see mutts
Run in snow `neath the Southern sun.

Then there's them folk, and it's no joke,
Who trade one cold for another.
When you ask them why, you'll hear them cry
I'm here because I'd druther.
They jump on a plane from the State of Maine
And head for the Forty-Ninth State.
Montanans too are people who
Leave home for a Northern date.

The facts are clear that every year
This group of friends gets together.
To watch a Race in the last Great Place
No matter what the weather.
They volunteer and haul their gear
To wherever the Race may start.
It's all because those doggy paws
Have captured each person's heart.

Friendships this warm so often form
When folks love a common thing.
Their eyes burn bright well into the night
And their hearts will all take wing.
They'll gather near each and every year
And swear by the grace of God,
Through thick and thin and wearin' a grin,
They'll make the next Iditarod.

When the sun goes down in Anchorage town
And the sky gets a trifle dusky,
If you hear a howl, from a dear, sad pal
It's me, not an Alaskan husky.
So gather near, I'll wipe away my tear
And I'll swear by all that's true,
That when the roll is called right there in the cold
Next year I'll surely be there too

An Iditarod 12 Days of Christmas

I didn't write these but thought you might enjoy these fun contributions from some friends and fans of the race.

1.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
12 years in Alaska
11 gross of dog booties
10 acre dog lot
9 huskies dancing
8 tons of dog food
7 swing huskies
6 months of training
5 time champion lead dog
4 kennel helpers
3 perfect sleds
2 qualifying races AND...
one Iditarod entry fee.

2.
On the 12th day of Iditarod, my best dog gave to me
Twelve hundred booties,
Eleven dogs in heat for,
Ten hundred forty,
Nine endless miles,
Eight Quick Change Runners,
Seven double ganglines,
Six command leaders,
Five hours of sleep!
Four frozen fish,
Three straw bales,
Two pairs of gloves,
And a snow hook in a pine tree.

3.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my musher gave to me…
12 huskies panting,
11 mushers grinning,
10 fairies wishing,
9 moose a sleeping,
8 teams a resting,
7 birds a singing,
6 dogs a running,
5 bells ringing,
4 bags of trail mix,
3 tails a wagging,
2 racing sleds, A
nd an excited team in Nome.

4.
On the twelfth day of Iditarod my fur face gave to me…
…twelve huskies pulling
…eleven mushers hawing
…ten northern lights
…nine "Supporters" e-mailing
…an eight hour layover
…seven planes a flyin'
…six pizzas for Zuma
…five golden harness awards
…four cordura dog booties
…three pounds of dog food
…two mukluks
…and a Burled Arch in Nome!

5.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…
Twelve million dollars
Eleven snowy mountains,
Ten pounds of gold,
Nine vets a workin',
Eight rivers freezin',
Seven sleds a racin',
Six rabid wolves,
Five icy lakes,
Four small rabbits,
Three moose a snortin',
Two dogs a matin',
And a sled dog in a pine tree.

6.
12 huskies prancing,
11 vets treating,
10 mushers eating,
9 days a racing,
8 trophies a shining,
7 rivers a flowing,
6 moose a lying,
5 excited dogs,
4 wagging tails,
3 tired mushers,
2 busted sleds,
And a winner entering Nome.

7.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
12 dozen dog booties
11 cachets,
10 extra harnesses,
9 yards of tow line,
8 hours of uninterrupted sleep,
7 handlers in the "chute" at Nome,
6 dozen pounds of dogfood for the checkpoints,
5 dogs so I can finish,
4 snowshoes,
3 mandatory stops,
2 sleds,
and 1 bib waiting for me in Safety.

8.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
12 eager huskies
11 minute lead
10 doggie booties
9 pounds of dog food
8 good trail maps
7 good wishes
6 vets at checkpoints
5 hours in the lead
4 walkie talkies
3 broken towlines
2 lead dogs
And a free ticket to Iditarod

9.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
A 12 hour layover
11 dogs a pantin'
10 champion racers
9 hours of northern lights
8 booties per dog
7 packs of fish
6 bales of hay
5 hundred Idita-supporters
4 hours of sleep A
3 hour lead
2 red huskies
1 checkpoint to go!

10.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my musher gave to me…
12 huskies prancing,
11 vets treating,
10 mushers eating,
9 days a racing,
8 trophies a shining,
7 rivers a flowing,
6 moose a lying,
5 wagging tails,
4 Rainy Passes,
3 tired mushers,
2 beavers splashing,
And a shining first place trophy.

11.
On the first day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me, one full healthy team.
On the second day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me two runs through overflow,
On the third day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me, three blinding curves,
On the fourth day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me four frozen fingers
On the fifth day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me five females in heat!
On the sixth day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me six loping males,
On the seventh day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me seven lords a leaping out of bushes at me
On the eighth day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me eight hours of rest!
On the ninth day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me nine hours to go
On the tenth day of Iditarod my true dogs gave to me ten friends in Nome to meet me,
nine hours running over,
many more than eight hours of resting,
no more lords a leaping at me,
six hopeful males,
five secluded females,
four thawing fingers,
no more curves to blind me,
two dry boots
and ONE FULL HEALTHY TEAM!

12.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
12 sled dogs running,
11 muscles cramping,
10 fairies blessing,
9 racers feasting,
8 dogs need loving,
7 boots a dancing,
6 huskies lying,
5 golden nuggets,
4 malamutes,
3 sleeping bags,
2 white dogs,
And a Siberian mix-breed.

13.
On the 12th day of Idita-mas, my true love gave to me...
12 crisp nights of silence
11 dreams of glory
10 puppies wigglin'
9 hallucinations
8 mushing lessons
7 sibes a howlin'
6 red siberians
5 Aurora Nights!
4 tangled teams
3 lost trails
2 sleepless nights
and a book about the I-dit-a-rod!

14.
On the 1st day of Xmas my Kick sled gave to me, miles & miles of snowy trails to lead.
On the 2nd day of Xmas my Two gloves gave to me, snuggly hands for praying. On the 3rd day of Xmas my Cabelas jacket gave to me, warm buns and other warm things.
On the 4th day of Xmas Mother Nature gave to me, 2 ft. of snow for mushing. On the 5th day of Xmas my spirit gave to me, stars to see the other sled -dies On the 6th day of Xmas my Chocolate gave to me, wake-up and energy.
On the 7th day of Xmas Mother Nature gave 2ft. to me again, mush on!
On the 8th day of Xmas my Instinct gave to me, keep going musher & follow D.Swingley.
On the 9th day of Xmas my Eyes could not believe, I passed D.S. in the stretch-y On the 10th day of Xmas The Aurora gave to me, a glancer and prancer.
On the 11th day of Xmas D.Swingley gave to me the chance to win the race for once-e.
On the 12th day of Xmas My Twelve Days gave to me, Nome and the finish line-e.

15.
On the 12th day of the Iditarod, My True Love gave to me:
12 Sibes in harness
11 bags of dog treats
10 wicking undies
9 tons of dog food
8 gross of booties
7 shiny headlamps
6 cachets a ridin'
5 generous sponsors
4 dozen dog coats
3 racing sleds
2 qualifying races
and an entry to the last great race. ...................Hike!

16.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my lead dog gave to me…
12 feet of snowy mountains,
11 shotgun shells,
10 fairies casting,
9 trophies given,
8 frozen feet,
7 warm booties,
6 people cheering,
5 pounds of gold,
4 pounds of food,
3 dogs a runnin',
2 different trails,
And a big feast in Iditarod.

17.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my lead dog gave to me…
12 great, big mountains
11 entry fees
10 first place prizes,
9 great, big trophies,
8 freezing huskies,
7 sleeping bags,
6 different checkpoints,
5 different trails,
4 freezing booties,
3 heavy blankets,
2 pine trees,
And a big, fat moose to eat.

18.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
12 entry fees
11 flowing rivers,
10 warm checkpoints,
9 sleeping bags,
8 bags of dog food,
7 Knik fairies,
6 sleds a racing,
5 huge huskies
4 large bears,
3 first place prizes,
2 freezing huskies,
And an especially long trail.

19.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my musher gave to me…
12 booties shining,
11 fish swimming,
10 dogs running,
9 toys a squeaking,
8 moose a passing,
7 wolves a running,
6 caribou a sleeping,
5 broken bones,
4 huge blankets,
3 kibble nuggets,
2 doghouses,
And a harness with a sled.

20.
On the 12th day of Idita-mas, my true love sent to me
12 loyal sponsors
11 dozen booties
10 eager huskies
9 pups in training
8 snug warm kennels
7 new sled runners
6 gallons of Blazo
5 feet of snow
4 tons of dogfood
3 moose repellers
2 nice warm parkas
and a lead dog running strong

21.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my musher gave to me…
Twelve puppies whining,
Eleven huskies training,
Ten judges judging,
Nine rocks a falling,
Eight fans a waving,
Seven mushers a racing,
Six salmon a freezing,
Five thousand dollars,
Four icy trails,
Three trips to Nome,
Two wool blankets,
And a collar with a tag, just for me!

22.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my musher gave to me…
Twelve huskies running,
Eleven hours of sleeping,
Ten pairs of booties,
Nine handlers' harnessing,
Eight doggie bones,
Seven fans a jumping,
Six ganglines a dangling,
Five freezing nights,
Four warm blankets,
Three extra collars,
Two golden trophies,
And one trip to Alaska.

23.
On the 12th day of Iditarod, my musher gave to me…
Twelve doggie booties,
Eleven pounds of dog food,
Ten juicy bones,
Nine dogs a running,
Eight mountains a rising,
Seven vets a checking,
Six judges a judging,
Five nice treats,
Four bowls of water,
Three purple blankets,
Two hours of sleep
And a golden trophy for me!

24.
On the 12th day on the trail my wolf dog gave to me
11 polar bears dancing
10 wolves a-howling
9 puppies in the snow!
8 fat ptarmigans
7 dog teams passing
6 eskimos waving
5 pairs of mukluks
4 walrus whiskers
3 frozen fish sticks, too
2 mushers yodeling
and a checkpoint rookie in the spruce tree!!

25.
On the twelfth day of racing, my family sent to me…
12 real poinsettias,
11 candied chestnuts,
10 pairs of booties,
9 paths a trailing,
8 dogs a training,
7 planes a leading,
6 Inuits a watching,
5 gardens of peas,
4 sets of collars,
3 Northern Lights,
2 bags of food,
And a pleasing redwood tree.

26.
On the twevtth day of March, my best dog gave to me
Twelve hundred pounds of,
Eleven frozen meat types,
ten hundred forty,
Nine good snow miles,
Eight hot cheeseburgers,
Seven bowls of chili,
Six hours run/rest,
Five Northern Lights!
Four hours of sleep,
Three spare bulbs,
Two warm dry gloves,
And a wet kiss out on Front Street..

Fun at Lance's Open House

Lance invited some folks over to his place the day after the fundraiser held for him in Fairbanks. Bill Borden was auctioneer. I understand the kennel menu was 'taters, caribou roast & eggs, following the Saturday night auction / feast / party. Here's Lance scrutinizing the team before a training run.

They're off!

Here's Ed Sundeen, who supplied these pix, getting some lovin' from Lippy.

Brenda Borden loving being loved on.