1000 Miles to Go: Meeting the Dogs of the Iditarod and more Family Fun in Alaska
As the last of the Iditarod racers cross the finish line this week (the first crossed in just nine days, the last finishers in about 14 days), I think back on our family trip to Alaska and meeting some of the dogs who make this dog sledding race happen.
We learned about the Iditarod on a visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort just outside of Fairbanks where we also got to try our hand at dog mushing. Here is the video from that experience (along with a visit to an ice museum to learn about the art of ice carving)
The first Iditarod was held in 1973. It runs about 1000 miles through wild tundra and forests intersecting sporadically with small villages along the way. There is a ceremonial start in Anchorage, where press and crowds gather to cheer the celebrity mushers on, and then an actual start where there is more guarantee of snow in Willow. The route ends in Nome, Alaska. This route was used in the winter when the ports would ice up to deliver mail and supplies until the late-1920 when planes took over the deliveries. In 1925, 20 dog musher teams raced to Nome in about five days to rush diphtheria medicines to the people who were in a center of an epidemic.
Man dog sledding outside Anchorage, Alaska
Dog mushing – that’s the term for dog sledding and the drivers are called mushers – in Alaska became popular during the gold rush in the late 1800s. In the Iditarod racers usually have about 14 dogs. There are lead dogs that steer and set the pace, swing dogs that “swing” the rest of the dogs behind them and the leaders, team dogs that add power, and wheel dogs which are directly in front of the sled. Although huskies are a favorite breed for dog sledding, many types are used…mushers say they look for dogs with heart who can follow directions.
Nathan and Seamus loved meeting sled dogs in Chena, Alaska
Dog sledding is a really fun family travel activity. It’s quiet – almost a bit surreal – as you glide through amazing frozen scenery at a very fast pace and the kids love meeting the dogs!Alaska has lots of opportunities to try it out. We’ve also seen it offered on family vacations in Canada, Norway, and Finland.
Simmons family dog sledding outside of Fairbanks, Alaska
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