Iditarod's Sweetheart

March 17, 2015

She’s an Ironwoman and a cancer survivor. She's Alaska's sweetheart and a fan favorite of the Iditarod. Of course by she I mean DeeDee Jonrowe, the one and only. And in 2015, she’s competing her 33rd time in the Last Great Race on Earth.

Known as the pink-clad musher who's succeeded in one of the world's toughest male-dominated sports, she’s an inspiration to folks across the globe, including me. It's always a treat to see DeeDee and watch her brightly-attired self interact with her pink-bootied pups.

I hope you enjoy the photos below of DeeDee and her team at the Iditarod Ceremonial Start in Anchorage on March 7, 2015. At the time of this blog post, the Iditarod is still on-going, and DeeDee has already suffered six frostbitten fingers after braving 40-below temperatures in Huslia, the halfway point in the race.

Check out the video below from Kyle Hopkins with KTUU. It definitely gives a glimpse into the sheer exhaustion that comes with mushing life. We're rooting for you, DeeDee!

Iditarod Ceremonial Start

March 12, 2015

It’s no secret I’m obsessed with the Iditarod. Many of my Alaskan friends ask me “Why?” I ask, “Why not?”

To me, the Iditarod is the epitome of the best of Alaska: challenging, inspiring, and epic. It’s an annual event full of historical significance, remarkable legacy, and deep tradition – all of which tests the limits of man and the strength and endurance of man’s best friend.

The Iditarod is also the Alaska State Sport and one of the most competitive events on Earth. Did you know more people have summited Mount Everest than finished the Iditarod? Yes, it's really that tough.

This year’s race is one for the books. For the second time in the race’s 43-year history, the start location was changed to Fairbanks some 225 miles north, due to lack of snow. This switch-a-roo is a game-changer for most competitors, but in some cases, it'll be a deal-breaker.

There are 78 mushers in this year’s race, including a handful of former champions and a slew of rookies. Despite the uncharacteristically warm weather, the Ceremonial Start fortunately remained in Anchorage, and I was able to fly up from Juneau to take part in the festivities. I had a blast seeing old friends, interacting with inspirational mushers, and listening to the cacophony of sleddogs eager to get the show on the road.

My next few blogs will be Iditarod-themed, and I plan on featuring some of this year’s mushers – a few of my faves and a few “ones to watch.” But for today, I'll highlight the Ceremonial Start and the real stars of the Iditarod – the dogs!

Sarah Palin at the start of the Iditarod.

With Dr. Morrie Craig, a veterinarian from Oregon State University who specializes in drug testing of animal athletes.

DeeDee Jonrowe and her pink-bootied dog team.

Fashion at Fur Rondy

March 11, 2015

One thing I love about Fur Rondy is all the clothing and accessories not seen anywhere else in the world. Colorful kuspuks and exquisitely designed fur coats are everywhere. Attire is visually spectacular, yet practical for the climate. Here are a few highlights from this past Fur Rondy weekend in Anchorage.

Mother and daughter team, AJ and Angelina, take pause in their fabulous fur coats.

I adore that Angelina is holding the mushers roster.  Devoted fans! — I adore that Angelina is holding the mushers roster. Devoted fans!

I don't know who these men are, but I know one thing for sure.  They were warm. — I don't know who these men are, but I know one thing for sure. They were warm.

I can't quite handle how fabulous these two are.  Thanks for letting me take your picture.  This lady is so foxy, and this dude is so legit.  Sip on that coffee, y'all, because you two are ROCKIN' IT. — I can't quite handle how fabulous these two are. Thanks for letting me take your picture. This lady is so foxy, and this dude is so legit. Sip on that coffee, y'all, because you two are ROCKIN' IT.

I can't even, y'all.  If you saw how pink the inside of that lynx mouth was, you would faint.  Assuredly. — I can't even, y'all. If you saw how pink the inside of that lynx mouth was, you would faint. Assuredly.

I felt so little next to this man.  The fact that he was wearing an actual bear is beside the point. — I felt so little next to this man. The fact that he was wearing an actual bear is beside the point.

These boots?  I would own them if I didn't live in a rainforest. — These boots? I would own them if I didn't live in a rainforest.

What's going on in this picture?  Oh, a bunch o' ivory pearls, lynx claws, a whopper of an agate, and yes - an OOSIK. — What's going on in this picture? Oh, a bunch o' ivory pearls, lynx claws, a whopper of an agate, and yes - an OOSIK.

This dude was strolling around LIKE A BOSS.  Because with a green eyed cat on your head and black-out sunnies, HE CAN. — This dude was strolling around LIKE A BOSS. Because with a green eyed cat on your head and black-out sunnies, HE CAN.

The boss of all Alaska fashion bosses, DeeDee Jonrowe.  She rocks this pink fur-lined parka LIKE NO OTHER. — The boss of all Alaska fashion bosses, DeeDee Jonrowe. She rocks this pink fur-lined parka LIKE NO OTHER.

For some reason, this fella is surprised his photo is being taken.  He was a good sport. — For some reason, this fella is surprised his photo is being taken. He was a good sport.

I want this hat so bad.  But I also want to pay off my car. — I want this hat so bad. But I also want to pay off my car.

Delightful polar bear themed rick-rack and trim for a cozy kuspuk.  SWOON. — Delightful polar bear themed rick-rack and trim for a cozy kuspuk. SWOON.

Yes, my bid is $2.  I want it all for $2. — Yes, my bid is $2. I want it all for $2.

Trailer of death or trailer of money?  Your judgment.  Yes, some of those skins are inside out. — Trailer of death or trailer of money? Your judgment. Yes, some of those skins are inside out.

This is Grandpa Phil.  His gloves are epic, and no - you can't have them. — This is Grandpa Phil. His gloves are epic, and no - you can't have them.

Model to Musher, Zoya DeNure, sports a lovely fur-lined kuspuk.

Beautifully talented Alaska Native dancers at Anchorage's Dimond Center.

Running of the Reindeer

March 10, 2015

Over 500 loads of snow were trucked in to downtown Anchorage to prepare for the Ceremonial Start of the 2015 Iditarod and the Running of the Reindeer – two long-awaited and eagerly anticipated events of Fur Rendezvous, the largest winter festival in North America. It's uncommon for Anchorage to have a drought of snow in the winter months, but these past few months have proven especially difficult for dog mushers and other winter athletes who usually revel in the winter climate this time of year. Regardless, from February 27 to March 8, thousands of Alaskans and visitors from around the world converged on downtown Anchorage for a sight to behold: eager and energetic sled dogs, Alaskan celebrity sightings, and more fur hats than you can count.

I spontaneously flew on a mileage ticket to Anchorage for this year's festivities. March 7 was an unseasonably warm March day with no snow despite earlier weather reports of 6+ inches of new snow accumulation. Bright and warm sun rays came out during the Iditarod Ceremonial Start, and the scent of reindeer sausage wafted all around. Super friendly folks and loud laughter was around every corner, and there was a real spirit in the air - the spirit of the best of Alaska.

I registered for the infamous Running of the Reindeer, which is sort of a play on Spain’s Running of the Bulls, but less intense or fatal. Then I donned the same St. Pauli's Girl dress I wore to welcome my friend, James Volek, across Nome's Iditarod finish line in 2013. This year's running event brought back bittersweet memories. The last time I ran with reindeer in 2012, I was about 60 pounds heavier and had zero cardiovascular endurance. This year? I literally ran with reindeer and was toward the front of the pack in the "Gals Herd." Once finished, I then got such a runner's high (first time ever, by the way) that I snuck into the "Groups Herd" and ran a second time! Addictive, I tell ya.

Mucho thanks to my friends, Cyndi and Michael, for rolling out the red carpet and being such terrific hosts. You know it’s been an epic weekend when friends in Bama say they've spotted you on the local FOX News channel.