Iditarod's Sweetheart

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!

Running of the Reindeer

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.

"Running of the Reindeer" photos below courtesy of Michael Oliver.  Thanks for capturing the moment, Michael!

Milk Sandwich

Ever seen the Space Shuttle covered in snow?  Me neither.  Until today. 

Snow levels currently at aft BSM thermal curtain, expected to reach well beyond the stiffener rings to the aft center SRM segment.  Only in Huntsville can you measure snow depth in solid rocket booster terminology.  (Photo and caption courtesy of William Alexander Franklin.)

My hometown of Huntsville (Huntsvegas for some), Alabama, just had the second snowiest day in the city's history.  8.1 inches blanketed the Rocket City on Wednesday, and my Facebook Newsfeed has been blowing up ever since. 

Friends back home are making snow cream frappaccinos, taking their kiddos on make-shift sleds, and asking themselves "What Would Brad Travis Do?" 

I also hear that folks are eating milk sandwiches.  Apparently, one can survive two weeks eating nothing but frozen milk sandwiches.  This is a new concept to me, and I will work to confirm or dispel this myth once Juneau gets some snow. 

I hope you enjoy these pictures that friends in North Alabama shared with me (thanks, y'all!).  I've been in Alaska for six years now, so you'd think I'd be used to all this wintry mumbo-jumbo by now.  But all I can say is brrrrrr.  Stay warm, folks.

Meanwhile in Alaska...

Warm temps continue to plague Iditarod plans, and Juneau's famed Eaglecrest Ski Area has no snow.  The only snow in Juneau right now is high above the city and far out of reach.

While my friends in Alabama are making snowmen, we in Alaska are enjoying the sun and sand at the beach!

In Juneau this winter, you won't find families making snowmen in their front yards or sledding down their driveways...

But what you will find in Alaska right now are plenty of snowsuits.  On clearance.  At $4 a piece.

Boston: please send us your snow. 

Sunday Stroll to the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves

What's one of the advantages of living in Juneau when the temps drop below freezing?  Trekking across the frozen Mendenhall Lake, of course.  This latest adventure involved joining friends for the two mile icy jaunt and into one of the lower Mendenhall Glacier ice caves.  It was a rare rain-free day, with the sun peeking through snow clouds on occasion.  What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

(click the photos below to expand)