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.

"Book Sled"

Thought you might get a kick outta my mini-display sled. It's about the right size for the Sheltie to pull if she wanted, but, trust me, Foxy has no interest in becoming a tough sled dog. In any case, a perfect size for any book signings or craft/gift bazaars I might take a notion to do.

Iditarod Headquarter's Fall Look

Video Book Trailer!!!

Turn on your sound!

Rainy Day Book Update

Mother Nature must have decided it was time for me to catch up on my email and blog, cos we have definitely hit Alaska's monsoon season. As a result, I'm sitting here watching my lawn turn yellow with a covering of birch leaves. We've already spied some Termination Dust on Pioneer Peak, so winter can't be far away.

As for the book, it continues to do well. I won't say that I didn't think it'd sell, I did, but even I am astonished at the wonderful response I've gotten. Even more so, I guess, cos I really haven't kicked myself into gear to do much promotion other than via this blog and my email lists. It's a good thing I write well, cos I'm a rotten salesman. But, in any case.....

As of right now, with very little effort on my part, the book is in two bookstores. Alaskana Books in Palmer got it first, she's always a wonderful help when I'm in search of info, and Annabelle's Books here in Wasilla. They even asked if I'd do a booksigning, so somewhere around race time, how cool is this, I'll be there signing books. I've even heard from a couple Lower 48 bookstore sounding places, so the word is definitely out. And, to think, I only bought 25 mailing envelopes to begin with, but am already considering doing another order at the end of this month.

In a weird way, tho', it still doesn't seem real to me. It's as if I'm playing the role of an author in a play and following some script, not as if it's really me. Okay, yeah, I'm weird, but there's just such an air of unreality to being on the same page as authors like Gary Paulsen and even, hee-hee, briefly outselling him. Oh, yeah, Gary's going to hear about this one, that's for sure! Of course, even weirder than being a "real author" now, is the realization that someone like Gary Paulsen is a friend, not just a name on a book. How cool is that? The guy I blame for inspiring my interest in all things Alaska is a friend.

On the "what's next?" front, I'm toying with two ideas. One will be sorta a kids' guide to the race, maybe in two versions, elem. and higher level, and the other will be a more detailed look at the people that make the race happen. Iditarod Classics looked at the mushers, but in addition to that, I want to include in the handlers, volunteers, fans, and even the media that write, photograph and illustrate the race. I think I have my work cut out for me, but it'll be a fun ride.

A Letter From David Monson

Dear Friends,

It is hard for me to believe that it has been a year since Susan died. This August would have been our 22nd wedding anniversary. I cannot help but reflect on all the memories she left me with along with our two beautiful girls Tekla and Chisana. I was truly blessed to have shared a life with her. Even though Susan is gone, the awful disease that took her from all of us is still inciting its pain on others.

Last year when Susan was sick, I ran a marathon in honor of her on-going fight to survive. She was very supportive of my effort to raise money to help find a cure the disease she was valiantly fighting. I ran as part of the Team in Training program to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society(LLS). The LLS raises precious research money used to find a cure for all blood cancers as well as providing support to families who are affected and displaced by the illness of a loved family member.

This year I am running again. This year, I must run in Susan's memory and the memory of all the brave people we met in the hospital who lost their fight. I am running to raise awareness so that a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma can be found. I ask you to join me again by supporting the work of the LLS by making a donation through my race to help others.

Should you like to support my efforts, please make a donation on line at:http://www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/godave or by sending me a check made out to the LLS at: P.O. Box 60249, Fairbanks, AK 99706.

Thank you from all who will benefit by your generous gift.
With love and appreciation for your support of my family and this important cause.

David Monson, Fairbanks, Alaska

Book Signing Tour of My Kitchen Table

Everything was neat and tidy and semi-organized when I started.




















Those are the envelopes for some of the books in a bag that's sitting in the chair for the photo. There's a note on the piece of paper reminding me that Helen gets five copies and a card with Marlene's order under the front and center book.












Spreading out a bit...

Order "Backstage Iditarod"

BACKSTAGE IDITAROD is for the fan who wants more than to just watch a team take off from the start line. A collection of stories both new and old, it's a guide for those who yearn to know what it's really like on 4th Avenue; what they would see, hear and touch. It's for those who want to volunteer at Race Headquarters or maybe bid to be an Idita-Rider. It's for the dreamers who wonder what goes on at the musher banquets, both in Anchorage and in Nome. It's for arm chair mushers who simply want to immerse themselves in everything Iditarod.

Iditarod literature tends to fall into three categories: “Joe Musher’s Story” books, “A Collection of Musher Stories,” and the exquisite photo books that the likes of Jeff Schultz, the Iditarod’s Official Photographer, create.

“All (Iditarod books) are interesting, but none focus on an overall view of the activities that go on before, during and after the race to make it happen. None break down the cost of running this race for you. None take you to Iditarod HQ to watch organized chaos as race preparations evolve. None follow the logistics involved in preparing checkpoint drop bags. None agonize over vet checks and deciding a final team. And none put you in the middle of the action at the start line in Anchorage and the restart, wherever it may be.”
---Donna Quante, producer of video “Pretty Sled Dogs”

“You're in for a real treat with this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and by the time I was finished proofing the pages I had a lump in my throat and was practically wishing for snow on the ground! I'll be going into the '08 race with a whole new understanding of how things work, because June's book truly is the equivalent of a backstage pass to the whole awesome show!”

---Helen Hegener, author/publisher/editor and present
at some of the initial organizational meetings for the
Iditarod when it was still known as “Joe’s race”.

TO ORDER: Email me at sunhusky@mtaonline.net for information.
Cost: $16.95, plus $5 shipping/handling

Paypal available via this email address.

Books should be available for mailing by Labor Day. Please let me know if you'd like them autographed and, if so, with anything in particular.

"Backstage Iditarod," the book

It's taken me far longer than planned, but Backstage Iditarod, the book, is finally near completion. I actually started this blog way back when thinking it'd be the accompanying blog, so that tells you how long its taken me. It's been a long, winding road, but more on that story later. For now, here's the cover. $16.95 plus $5 shipping/handling.

Please use the comment link for now, but I expect to have the website for the book up and running in the next few days.

Iditarod's Summer Volunteer and Sign-Up Picnic

Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin was on hand for the volunteer and musher sign-up picnic for Iditarod 2008. She's shown here with 2007 Champion Lance Mackey who, of course, bungled her name moments after finishing in Nome, but seems to be traveling in the same circles nowadays.

For more photos and quick glimpses of the picnic, visit: http://www.sunhusky.com/Idita2008/picnic/

Lance Watches Valley Premiere of "As Tough As They Come"

Both Martin Buser and Lance Mackey were on hand at the Valley Performing Center tonight for the premiere showing of the Iditarod's "As Tough As They Come."

"The $10 ticket price will help furnish the Animal Adoption Center, what will become the heart of the newly restored shelter, where residents will get to know a potential life-long pet in attractive surroundings."

"The animal shelter project is in the Borough's proposed 2008 budget. The budget is expected to be adopted Wed. night. A certificate of participation, similar to a revenue bond, will pay for the construction. If approved, user fees will pay for a third of the project, and the non-areawide mill levy will fund the other two thirds. Residents of an average home would pay $15.60 the first year only, and progressively less each year. Mat-Su Mayor Curt Menard is a strong supporter of the project. "

Lance models the #1 bib that was auctioned off during an intermission in the video. Cheryl Metiva, from the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, watches as Lance adds "three" to the equation, symbolizing his own #13 bib that he wore in the race.

Tonya and Lance Mackey relax a few moments before the airing of the video. Lance hadn't seen it, either, so he watched it for the first time with those of us in the audience.
Martin Buser was also there, lending his support to the need for the shelter and joking that tho' not one of his sled dogs have wound up in the local shelter, one of their pet dogs did. Bad, Spot, bad.

Lance Mackey at Wasilla Chamber of Commerce

Lance Mackey, the back-to-back champion of both the 2007 Yukon Quest and Iditarod, spoke to the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce this Tuesday. These photos were supplied by Ed Sundeen.

See my story and photos at http://www.dogsled.com/latest/lance-mackey-speaks-to-the-wasilla-chamber-of-commerce.html

Ellen Halverston takes Red Lantern

Lance Mackey Wins Iditarod 2007

Congratulations to Lance Mackey, shown here at the Ceremonial Start, for winning Iditarod 2007. He contined the Mackey family tradition, winning on his sixth try, wearing bib #13, just as his father and step-brother had.

A Visit From Musher Perry Solmonson

Perry dropped by today with his local hostess, Donna Quante, and I snagged a few photos. He's taking the ol' toboggan sled that was sitting in my garage and will be refurbishing it.

Turns out it's probably a Tim White sled, circa the 80's, so cool to see it "rehomed" with Perry, who'll have a blast refinishing it and getting it back to its original purpose.

He had the dogs with him, too, since he was itching to get out on the trails again. I was glad to see him, give him a hug, and see that he was his usual upbeat self after having to scratch. While he's obviously bummed to not still be out on the Iditarod Trail, he knows he did the right thing for his dogs, which is the important thing for me. I admire Perry, in fact, for being able to put his ego and wants aside for the benefit of some dogs that just weren't liking what they were doing. This is what being an Iditarod musher is really about, doing the right thing for the dogs.

Blasts from the Past, Idita-03 shots