Earlier today, I promised to post a video from before the ceremonial start of something that you’ve probably never seen. This is it, but it needs just a little set-up.
My young friend Max — my best friend’s oldest son — flew up from Atlanta and was a big help to the Team all last week. He was especially valuable to me — and to you! — by putting his camera skills to use. For example, the still photos we posted of both starts are his, along with many great candid shots like the one here that I would not otherwise have gotten while shooting video.
He also went on a “midnight mission” last Friday night, to get this footage of how Anchorage goes through a major transformation from bare city streets to the snow covered trail you saw on Saturday morning.
So, thanks to Max, here’s a little “insider” view we hope you like:
Awesome! I never really thought about the fact that Anchorage doesn't want snow on their streets the other 364 days of the year – but then they do want it there for the Iditarod. So if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate on the days leading up to the race, they would indeed have to truck it in.
I think many of us in the lower 48 hear the word "Alaska" and mistakenly assume that everything is snow covered all winter long. I know, I know – that is NOT the case – particularly this year…
This clip is a perfect example of the Dog Log achieving the goal of being the "most educational and entertaining internet source on sled dog sports".
Thank you Max!
Between Mac and Max, I think we are getting the best Iditarod coverage available! Thank you so much!
I never would have thought about the snow on the roads or how it gets there. Thanks for bringing us video of things we never imagined we would want to see!
Thanks for the update Mac and Max,
Great Happy video and great coverage…we do truely appreciate you for all the work you do to keep us 'in the loop'. Deb
awesome ….
you guys tell stories :o)
thought you get ready to go home?
Stella is waiting ….
Hi Lisa
I am not sure your perception of Alaska in winter is so far off, really. Mac could tell us for sure, but I think the images of the immediate downtown area are probably deceptive. I was in Anchorage the week before the Iditarod Ceremonial start and at that time there was plenty of snow piled high in parking lots, on lawns, sidewalks and parks, despite the warmer temperatures they'd been experiencing.
Anchorage, like any city, will generate its own heat raising the ambient temperature, but the region (South Slope of the Alaskan Range) itself would remain snow pack without that. Southeast and South Central from about latitudes for Juneau and Homer down the coast and the Aleutians are not snowbound, but this is a very small region overall.
Having said all that, this year is the first year I gave full attention to trail conditions, looking at the Aerial view of the GPS tracker and reading the trail descriptions. It was a revelation to me to read there are small sections of the Iditarod trail that never have snow – because its been blown away. Prior to the timely snowfall of the last few days, this year's light snow accumulations near increased the number of sections like this.
Mother Nature: Here's a laugh for you… It snowed all day yesterday, all last night and much of today… So, now they've got a huge amount of snow to clear out!
Thanks for the props about "most educational" etc… We really try to provide the "whole story" all season long… Delighted to hear that it's appreciated!
My travel plans have been affected by two things… as usual… the weather and the dogs!
The drive back to Fairbanks is long enough that doing it in the snow holds no special appeal… So, I postponed my "planned" departure until tomorrow (Wednesday)…
Now I've learned that Olivia and Snickers are back in Anchorage… and the third "unknown" dog should be here tomorrow…
So, I now "plan" to pick them up and drive north on Thursday…
Surely by now you know that our "plans" mean nothing! 😉
If I don't head back to the Kennel by Friday, I'll just stay here until I fly to Nome on Sunday!!!
Don't laugh, it could happen!
Fantastic video again – it's greatly appreciated!
OK! You need to provide video of the Anchorage dog pick up at the prison.
Love the efforts you have taken to help us understand what the Alaskan life style is all about.