Calm before the storm

The Lakefront Hotel in Anchorage was a buzz with fans, volunteers, sponsors, and even a few veteran mushers Friday as reality set in that the big show begins in mere hours. Registration was a hive of activity as the bulk of volunteers descended needing their credentials. Outside by the lake volunteers took their handler's training course on how to properly "walk" teams to the starting line safely on snow and ice. Inside the different logistic crews looked shell shocked as they had their final meetings in the hotel lounge. The Merchandise table never saw a quiet moment. 

In walked legends like Dan Seavey and Dean Osmar to chat with other old time volunteers. Sebastian Schnuelle sat by the fireplace and greeted old friends with hugs in between checking his phone. Rob Urbach, CEO of Iditarod, took pictures with fans. Chas St. George checked in with everyone. Mark Nordman wandered in and out. 

The Lakefront, as always, is the heart of the race. While no longer an official sponsor, the race still books many of the conference rooms and hotel rooms. The merchandise table is once again in the hands of the race volunteers. It feels like it always should. Is it chaos? Yes, but it's Iditarod chaos. It's familiar. It's fun. 

It's Iditarod.

Tomorrow the event kicks off with the Ceremonial Start in Anchorage. The celebration of all things sled dog and long distance mushing. All frustrations are set aside and everyone just has fun. The teams will be smaller in dog number, they will go slow, they will stop to say hello to fans... this is about celebrating Iditarod. Sunday will be all about the race, but Saturday... Saturday is for Iditarod Nation.

Teams start from Downtown Anchorage beginning at 10am Saturday and leave in two minute intervals. They will travel 11 miles through the heart of Anchorage before being loaded back into their dog trucks and be driven up to Willow for the ReStart in Willow.