All photos and video ©Tara Opsteen-Van Dyke
Journal
Today was a pretty low-key day. We listened to speakers all day the the Millennium Hotel, the official race headquarters. First we heard an author who wrote a book about Joe Redington, Sr., the "Father of the Iditarod." She shared a lot of pictures and stories that helped us understand the history of the race's beginnings. The next group of speakers told some stories about the first ten years of the race. It's amazing how far it has come! Next, Dr. Stu Nelson, who is the chief veterinarian of the race spoke about dog care. He had some great stories and was very interesting. The last group of speakers were some of the many volunteers who explained how they keep track of flying people out along the trail, set up internet service via satellite in the middle of nowhere, and how they update the website with all of the race statistics.
One of the things I find most fascinating is that since the beginning of the Iditarod, this massive undertaking could not be done without volunteers. I can't tell you how many times we have been thanked because we are volunteering as trail guards. I find this funny because I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do it!
Well, tomorrow is the big day!
One of the things I find most fascinating is that since the beginning of the Iditarod, this massive undertaking could not be done without volunteers. I can't tell you how many times we have been thanked because we are volunteering as trail guards. I find this funny because I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do it!
Well, tomorrow is the big day!