The ITC could not have ordered a more perfect day. It was overcast, but not too warm or cold, and the few snow flurries that happened throughout the day just made it feel more "Iditarod".
Dan Seavey was the first of familiar faces to come down the trail. He drove a traditional looking freight sled while his dogs wore dog coats with the Iditarod name on them. Conway Seavey - Mitch's youngest - rode the second sled (brake sled).
Being a trail coordinator was fun and challenging. A lot of people couldn't make it after signing up (though only four informed me ahead of time) so we were a little taxxed on manpower - next year I am going to do a whole lot of recruiting and we'll just wean the list down with whomever does not show up (without prior heads up).
I want to give a thanks and shout outs to:
Jeff Reitter
Alan Reitter
Sue Reitter
Duane Reitter
Ed Mallott
Tom Frolich
Gary Caddell
Lori Cochran
Charmaine Ramos
Judy Imperiale
Danielle [sorry I forgot your last name! ack!]
All were vital to the success of the Tudor Crossing event, and I'm sure your contributions were appreciated by all involved!
The hay bales that seem to be a thorn in the side of certain others in our group (and the trail committee) went off without a hitch, and the area where they were placed was great fun. Jeff, Alan (my dad), and Duane (my brother) all helped in that section and, while there were some spectacular crashes, there was no problem and no injuries (mushers have scratched due to problems on the ceremonial start). My parents and brother were 'rookies' to the modern trail guarding duties and had a blast. I think we have some new diehards now!
All of the teams look great, and I love the ceremonial start for the celebration atmosphere. Jeff King riding the front of his sleds on skis using a rudder to steer his sled while the Make-A-Wish rider sat safely and warmly under a black bear rug of a blanket. DeeDee Jonrowe and her fullout pink team. Booties were flying, hot dogs were sizzling... fantastic, wonderful day.
Wonderful even when Dallas Seavey's team went running at me while I took photos, and then as he laughed (oh the joys of knowing a mischevious musher) he knocked over a hay bale (no doubt he wasn't paying attention to where his sled was going, but he still claimed to have done it on purpose). That's what the ceremonial start is about, having fun - and, apparently, having 16 dogs try to dog pile in your lap (I got out of the way in time).
All in all it was one to go down in the books as one of the best of all time.
Can't wait to see how the race turns out!
No comments:
Post a Comment