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February 28, 2016 by

Iditarod is a week away and we can’t wait!

Between now and Wednesday Aliy and Allen will be stretching out their teams for the final times (and narrowing down their team selections) and packing sleds and personal gear for Anchorage and Nome.

Wednesday Aliy, Allen and Moira fly down to Anchorage and meet Aliy’s parents at the airport from Florida, then they all attend a dinner with SP Kennel’s biggest sponsor: Matson (formerly Horizon Lines). Aliy and Allen will present some videos and stories from the trail to share with the team who has been with them since 2006.

Thursday we start the day with breakfast with our long time dog food sponsor Eagle Pack and their representatives; then both our mushers are tied up most of the day with musher meetings and lunch with their Idita-riders. At the same time the dogs, along with Chris and Mark, come down the Parks Highway to Anchorage; as does the rest of the human team.

Thursday evening is the Start Banquet and Bib Draw at 6pm in the Dena’ina Centre. There, we will learn when our teams leave the start line.

We will take a few dogs and people on a visit to the offices of Matson on Friday morning, then go to another sponsor event in the afternoon. During the evening Aliy and Allen will get a chance to have some quiet, family time before they head off into the wilderness.

Saturday morning is fun! The Ceremonial Start through the streets of Anchorage kicks off at 10am and that is always enjoyable! It’s great to see thousands of people out and about cheering the teams on.

Saturday evening Aliy and Allen will pack their sleds for the final time and ensure everything is ship-shape ready for their adventure.

On Sunday the teams are off! We all make the trek north to Willow to farewell our precious 32 canines and two humans until we see them again in Nome. The rest of us then make our way further north back to the kennel.

If you are in Anchorage for any of the festivities do make yourself known and come visit with us. Remember we will be staying at the Extended Stay Anchorage – Downtown and will make our timetable of feeding and walking the dogs available to guests so you can come and say hello.

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17 Responses

  • We will be there in spirit from Montana and watching the videos and live feed online. Good luck Aliy and Allen and all your canine team mates. Safe trails to all!!

  • I will be with you in spirit, watching updates whenever I can while in Portugal and Spain…wishing safe rides for both of you and those wonderful dogs…many of whom are my grand-dogs! Good luck!

  • Sounds like a busy week, and I've got fingers crossed for picking a great number for Red Team and Black Team!!!

    Hope everything goes like clockwork and I'll be glued to the tracker…signed up for the "ultimate" package again; also preparing to wear my Red and Black outfits 'til everyone is safe in Nome!!!

    WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!!!

  • I will be with you in spirit from Vermont! From right now until your safe arrival in Nome, I'll be with you Allen and Aliy and the beautiful dogs on your teams! And I'll also be with you, great handlers, helpers, family and friends!!!
    Enjoy this wonderful adventure and God bless!!!

  • A very busy week& a special hello to Doug and kennel mom. With all your activities prepare yourselves mentally a physically for the 1000 mile journey across the most beautiful state. Best of luck in picking your 16 companion's for the trek. May you have a swift and safe trip to Nome.

  • I sure will be with you from Texas! Good Luck Aliy and Allen and the
    Great Dogs of SPK! Go get'em Aliy!!!!! My refresh finger is ready to
    go along with some all nighters! We fans sure wish a safe trip!
    Thanks to the crew as well as everyone back at the kennel!

  • I am flying in from Colorado to watch the start. I will be at the banquet as well. I would love to visit your dogs or walk them with you. Please let me know if you will be there on Wednesday?

    Best

    Patti…. a true
    fan or yours

  • Will be watching all feeds and wish both Aliy Allen and all the dogs the very very best of luck rooting for you all the way to the Finnish line and 1st place so wish we could be there go black and red teams go spk all the best from Scotland

  • I love the build up to the race! We are with you in spirit from the Adirondacks….Fingers crossed for good Bib numbers and a safe trail!

  • Cheering for you from Wisconsin! Will be there in 2018. Hope you do the same thing with feeding schedule in 2018. I have gotten over 100 people rooting for you in Wisconsin. Well I brought your kennel to their attention but your outstanding website and stories and energy made them fans. Go SPK

  • May the wind be at your back and beneath your paws and runners! The very best of luck to both the red and black teams! I'll be cheering you on like crazy! Bring home the win! No matter what, you're always winners in our hearts! But a Golden harness and a jeep would be great rewards for all your incredible, hard work! 🙂 Lots of love and doggy kisses! Godspeed.

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