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.

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.

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

Baked Alaska

March 6, 2015

In recognition of Alaska legalizing marijuana on February 24, 2015, here are a few excellent recipes for Baked Alaska - an incredibly decadent dessert made with ice cream baked inside a cake and topped with layers upon layers of meringue!

Individual Baked Alaskas with Vanilla and Coffee Ice Cream

Food & Wine Magazine's Baked Alaska Birthday Cake

Martha Stewart's Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska with Cherry Garcia Ice Cream and Cherries Jubilee Topping

Milk Sandwich

February 26, 2015

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 cour… — 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.