All photos and video ©Tara Opsteen-Van Dyke
The Race Actually Begins--The Restart!
Sunday was the real beginning of the race. We left Anchorage and drove north to Willow, which is about 1 1/2 hours away. The race didn't start until 2:00, but we didn't want to get stuck in traffic or take the shuttle bus. We had no problem finding a parking spot and then had a lot of time to go in the dog lot. Not everyone is allowed in the dog lot on race day because the mushers are very focused and making last minute preparations. We were able to go in because we had our volunteer badges. We didn't bug the mushers too much because they were very busy, but we did get to listen to Martin Buser talk about his food a bit. We mingled with the Seaveys, and Dallas signed Emmaline's school's copy of his book. We also got a chance to joke around with Jeff King. We had him sign our badges and then my friend noticed that he had signed his own hat. I looked at Mr. King and said, "Boy, you really DO have an ego!" He laughed and took his hat and whapped me on the head--definitely the highlight of my day--being beat up by Jeff King!
After hanging out with the mushers, we went and joined Jon at the starting line (the poor man stood there for 2 1/2 hours while we mingled with mushers). The excitement was in the air, and the people were lined up all along the fence across the lake. It was unbelievable! Thanks to my awesome husband, we were right at the start and cheered on all the mushers as they left in two-minute intervals. They will make up the time differences when they take their 24-hour layover. I kept wanting to pinch myself because I've watched this on the internet for so many years. I just couldn't believe I was there! Definitely a great time!
After the race, we decided to avoid the traffic going south to Anchorage. It was like Highway 41 after a Packers game! We, instead, went north to Talkeetna where we explored the little Alaskan town and had dinner at a neat place called Twister Creek Restaurant. As we ate, the place kept filling up with Iditarod fans and locals. You know how I'm the only one with mukluks around home? Well, I fit in VERY well in Alaska! Everyone wears mukluks and furs, and crazy hats!
The other neat thing about driving north to Talkeetna is that Denali (Mt. McKinley) was out in full glory. The sun was shining on its different faces, and it was almost glowing. On the way home, the sky was pink, and I was sad because as the sun went down, I had to say good-bye to Alaska's mountains.
However, as it turns out, I didn't have to say good-by quite yet! This morning our plane left in the darkness, but as the sun came up, the beautiful Chugach Mountains could be seen below as we flew over them. It brought a smile to my face as I remembered snowshoeing in those mountains and exploring the incredible state of Alaska.
Enjoy this last video from our trip. But remember, just because our trip is over, the race has only just begun! Keep following at www.iditarod.com.
After hanging out with the mushers, we went and joined Jon at the starting line (the poor man stood there for 2 1/2 hours while we mingled with mushers). The excitement was in the air, and the people were lined up all along the fence across the lake. It was unbelievable! Thanks to my awesome husband, we were right at the start and cheered on all the mushers as they left in two-minute intervals. They will make up the time differences when they take their 24-hour layover. I kept wanting to pinch myself because I've watched this on the internet for so many years. I just couldn't believe I was there! Definitely a great time!
After the race, we decided to avoid the traffic going south to Anchorage. It was like Highway 41 after a Packers game! We, instead, went north to Talkeetna where we explored the little Alaskan town and had dinner at a neat place called Twister Creek Restaurant. As we ate, the place kept filling up with Iditarod fans and locals. You know how I'm the only one with mukluks around home? Well, I fit in VERY well in Alaska! Everyone wears mukluks and furs, and crazy hats!
The other neat thing about driving north to Talkeetna is that Denali (Mt. McKinley) was out in full glory. The sun was shining on its different faces, and it was almost glowing. On the way home, the sky was pink, and I was sad because as the sun went down, I had to say good-bye to Alaska's mountains.
However, as it turns out, I didn't have to say good-by quite yet! This morning our plane left in the darkness, but as the sun came up, the beautiful Chugach Mountains could be seen below as we flew over them. It brought a smile to my face as I remembered snowshoeing in those mountains and exploring the incredible state of Alaska.
Enjoy this last video from our trip. But remember, just because our trip is over, the race has only just begun! Keep following at www.iditarod.com.