I have carried a hand held video camera on the race for years now. Honestly, I don’t always think “Gez, this is gorgeous… I need to take a video!” But, I really did try to capture some amazing portions of the Iditarod Trail this year.
There are 13 videos in the ID: AliyCam 2016 Series.
People often ask me what my dogs eat on the trail. My answer usually involves talking about the fact that the team eats it’s big meals while they are stopped at a camp spot or checkpoint – usually twice a day. But, just as important, are the snack breaks that the team gets along the trail. Every musher has his or her own idea of how many, how often and how fast a snack break should be. I believe that while the Iditarod is a race, not every snack break or stop needs to be a stressful, “hurry, hurry, hurry” act. I kept the camera rolling while I stopped the team for this snack break. This was their longest rest during a 55 mile run that took us from our camp spot before Rainy Pass Checkpoint, up through the mountain pass, down through the Rohn Checkpoint and out into the Farewell Burn to our next camp. This stop was about halfway. We took additonal breaks both before, but not for as long of a duration.
So… if you think it’s always: “Go! Go! Go!” Think again. 1,000 miles is a long way!
Snack, pee, sniff, snack, lol!
What a gorgeous view of the mountain range you stopped up for. I hope you're getting a great look at it now.
Clearly Sandy wasn't feeling the race at all yet, still spinning, ha ha.
Thank you Aliy.
Absolutely beautiful peak into your race.
Willie and Clyde gettin' a little extra, good eaters.
FWIW – Did I catch Clyde eating Felix's snack in the beginning of this video?
Wonderful to watch these videos of a mushers suburb job of caring
for the dogs. Noticed how calm they really are just alone with
Aliy. Great job Aliy–that's why you got the award for the best
care! Thanks for sharing with us fans!!
Thanks so much for this very educational video – looks to me as if Aliy has two different types of snacks on her menu, and some team members prefer fish and others steak???
What awesome "table manners" the Red Team has!!!
Woof, woof, woof!!!
Thank you so much for these videos. This is so much better than replaying insider videos over and over. It really gives us a feel for
"real" trail experience (ok I know there is a lot you edit). Each year I look forward to AliyCam and to Aliy's "thoughts from the trail". I hope she plans on doing those again this year. I truly appreciate all the time and effort the entire SPKennel gang spends making their fans feel a part of this wonderful Kennel. I never tire of looking at these dogs and watching them interact with Aliy and Allen. Have a great summer!
Peg
Wow, Love seeing this part of the race with the dogs taking in important calories. They always look happy. When you say "ready" they all turn around, face forward and move forward. As Joe Runyan commented, they are a "well handled team." And Sandy was a smart girl taking the time to pee while stopped. Good girl! Beautiful snow covered mountains too!
It truly has the feel of a "break". No rush, no fuss. Just a time to stop and refresh. As it should be. Thanks again for the post!
I love the care you take with the dogs. You can definitely tell the difference between raising and knowing your own dogs. You are so kind and patient. This is why you're loved,a top musher and win the humanitarian award.
Wow, that Team is SO calm during their break….they didn't get all tangled up…all business! Aliy looked extremely efficient and focused!! How do you focus with all that beauty around you?? Bet the opportunistic ravens (croaking in the background) LOVE the Iditarod with all the scraps left for the taking once a Team moves out! This is a gorgeous area….I'm in awe! And in awe of the entire team….no tangles, no fighting…..everyone very calm and attentive. No wonder you all preformed so well on this adventure!
Thanks for sharing….these glimpses into the race are so insightful!
PS: Nice ruff!
Padee said,
very cool video. Seeing the snacks we packed, beef, salmon. The doggies looked great, very relaxed. Chipper didn't spin but maybe once and no one took off their booties! Thanks Aliy for keeping us involved with the process all these years.
Beautiful area.
Padee from Fairbanks
Beautiful scenery, dogs were calm and waited patiently for their treats. Tails wagging and happy … attentive to mom and her every move. A well oiled machine!
Love the Aliy cam shares!
I love the way Aliy and Allen concentrate on making sure the dogs have fun so they do not get burned out and balky as some mushers' teams did this year. First and foremost it is about the dogs and only then about :"winning" which can be just you and the team doing your personal best no matter where you place! It is so inspiring to share the special bonds here. Thanks for the fabulous videos!!
So much tail wagging! good dogs
It did have the feel of a rest break, even though it was under 4 minutes! Wow. But what a beautiful place to stop. I am so in love with Alaska as seen through your eyes.
Thanks for another insight into your journey. What well mannered, happy, focused dogs.