Pictures & Words: Lyle Such
Camera: Canon 5d MkIV
Our first destination in Alaska was Anchorage. Without knowing when we bought our plane tickets, we arrived on the day the Iditarod began.
We booked a hotel at the starting line of the Iditarod. That way, when it got too cold, we could just duck inside for a little bit.
Early morning before the race. Teams were showing up and setting up their sleds and getting the dogs ready. Getting the sled down from the truck was a major chore.
Some of the dogs were waiting patiently. Most were full of energy and not so patient.
A very purpose-built truck.
The unofficial starting line. Anchorage holds the ceremonial start of the race, while the real race begins in Willow, Alaska.
We were ready for the cold.
Peta had set up camp at the starting line. Not many Alaskans were very receptive to their message, and I can't blame them. This Alaskan in the fur was doing his best to distract attention from the protestors with his fluffy dog.
A counter-protestor. The crowd loved this guy.
The dogs were eager to run, each team was announced to the crowd, and then they were off.
We had to break for some snacks. Hot donuts.
Anchorage is busy with race-related activities during the Iditarod. Every year, the hunters and trappers show up in town to sell their merhandise. Strange how Peta did not show up for this event, considering how much more cruel a trapper can be to animals than a racer is with their team.
They were selling wolf, fox, wolverine, and many other furs. We thought this would just be a tourist attraction, but in reality the locals come out to buy these things. And I totally understand, these furs are so warm and well worth the prices paid.
Nice wolf hat!
Thu had to get up close to check out the wolf pelt.
Later that evening, they held the running of the reindeer. I wish we knew beforehand, I would have signed up to run!
Unlike the bulls in Spain, the reindeer just casually jog alongside the humans. I think they like the attention.
A little morbid, but they sell reindeer sausages all along the race course.
The next morning we went and checked out the snow sculpture comptetition.
This was Nini's and my favorite.
A little walk along the waterfront. The snow started falling and it was beautiful.
We stopped and did a little birdwatching.
Our walk ended at Westchester Lagoon, popular for ice skating. Unfortunately we didn't have any ice skates, and every ice skate shop was pretty much sold out.