This is only the second time in history that the Iditarod has moved it’s start, and it is going to be happening right in my home town. And with the ability to run the actual trail prior to the race you wold be a fool not to do so. Now I know I am a woman who could be described by many adjectives, but I flatter myself to say “fool” is not one of them. And to help prove it… Yesterday Dan and I did the non-foolish thing and went out to run the new Iditarod trail route. It is going to start in Fairbanks and run the Tanana River to Nenana. Now to be honest this is a trail we run every year, and one of our favorite river training spot. But this past winter strange warm weather and low snow meant that the Tanana River did not freeze as early as it has in years past, so this was out first trip out there this year.
It was a wonderful run and the dogs enjoyed the sunny day rolling down the river. The trail is in excellent condition and will provide a nice safe start for the teams heading out on March 9th. For our friends who have not had the enjoyable experience of running the Tanana Dan and I took a LOT of photos to share with you here on the blog. The photos are in order starting in Fairbanks and heading toward Nenana. We stopped in Nenana, where you see the bridge and old fish wheels, to camp. And head home that evening; not as many photos because of the bad light. Hope you will enjoy this little sneak peek into what the first 50 miles of this years Iditarod trail will look like.
Winters frozen landscape may seem sparse and unforgiving to some. But to others this season offers a beauty all it’s own. And as the mushers of the 2015 Iditarod set out this year we have the unique opportunity to see a new trail, one that will unfold before us, with it’s own beauty, adventures, and things to teach us. I am very much looking forward to it!
“I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show.” – Andrew Wyeth
