One of the things we’re going to try this year — to take our coverage “to the next level” — is to bring you more video footage from out on the actual trails.
You may recall that late last season, I handed Aliy a camera as she was heading out on a run and simply said to her, “See what you can get.” The results were fabulous, culminating in her extraordinary 5-part “Live” Iditarod Trail Video series.
I think you’ll agree that shooting video and providing insightful commentary while riding on — hanging on! — to the back of a sled and driving a team of dogs speaks volumes about Aliy’s abilities as a musher and her commitment to bringing you the “inside” story.
So, in the first of what we hope will be an ongoing series, here is a “ride along” video of training on the “Fire Break” trail.
I noticed several of the "car litter" in the video, but I did see that a few of the more experienced dogs (like Roy and Tatfish) were mixed in. Overall, is it correct to say this was training run full of youngsters?
How did Aliy describe those last year – a bunch of frat boys on a Friday night? They sure sounded excited and enthusiastic – made me smile.
I gotta ask about Newt though – didn't see the name on the family tree, but looks like a strikingly beautiful dog. Gorgeous eyes. An Oddball offspring perhaps?
There were a lot of youngsters on this run. Kept me on my toes!
Ahhh, Newt. Every once in a while a family has a child that wasn't planned and might be "kept a secret". Well, Newt is indeed an Oddball pup, but his family tree has no branches…. because his mother is Oddball's sister, Skittles. But, on a positive note, Newt has the correct amount of toes and they all face in the forward direction. We joke that he's from Arkansas… kiddin'. Newt will be featured on our new "Dog Page" which will be uploaded soon.
Laugh! Leave it to me that in a kennel full of sled dogs, I ask about a "black sheep".
He is a cutie though and I hope that in spite of his origin he becomes a good solid racer for you. I look forward to seeing your new dog page.