The Meet and Greet this evening at the Clarion Suites was a great success. It was standing room only! Aliy and Allen entertained the crowd with stories about the trail and talked everyone through the contents of their sleds. Aliy nearly blinded people in the front row with the strength of her handlebar headlight and Allen defended the integrity of his “ziplock” sled bag (dubbed “ziploc” as it looks like it could be made out of a plastic bag!). Then everyone was charmed by Beemer, Ranger, Honda and Dingle – but then, who wouldn’t be?
Later we “dropped” all the dogs so everyone could see and meet them. It’s quite a big deal for the dogs to be around such a crowd as their usual routine doesn’t involve that many people but they were all beautifully behaved.
Tonight everyone, canine and human, is resting up ready for the ceremonial start at 10am tomorrow. Thousands of people are expected to line the route through downtown Anchorage – it’s pretty exciting!
Great turnout! It IS very exciting! the greatest kennel!
Go, Aliy, Allen and Dogs!! Go SP crew!!
Julie
Looks like a fun evening! Although it was impossible for me to attend, my heart was there. The teacher I work with was almost ready to buy me the ticket! Glad it was successful and all had a fun night! NOW it's time for the big day for the Last Big Race! Just do what you both do best and the dogs are driven to do the same!
Wish I could be there to cheer thr Red and the Black teams on in person…..shooting for next year….. best wishes on a safe, smooth, and swift journey to the finish line. Will be cheering you on from here in VA!!!!
Very cool. Wish I had been there! 🙂
Thoughts, prayers and well wishes to all.I think I've become 'partly dog'…I am shaking of excitement!
Oh I would have loved to have been there. Have fun!
We were there! Had a great time. Thanks Aily and Allen. You guys rock, and we hope that you and the dogs have a great race. Oh, and special thanks to Aily's mom. My husband wanted a black SP shirt (go black team!) but we thought you were out of his size. Later Aily's mom found one, found us in the crowd, and did an exchange. So nice! Thanks to her for that as well.