SPK Dog Log

March 5, 2012

Mike Litzen and Doug Zirkle

The best laid plans often come to naught when confronted with Alaskan weather!!

Doug and I (Aliy’s dad and mom) met our good friend and experienced Alaskan pilot, Mike Litzen at 0930 today. Mike had flown his 1953 Cessna 150 from his home on the Kenai Peninsula to gather us in Anchorage and make the hour and a half flight to Rainy Pass. We had all been watching Aliy on the Iditarod GPS tracker and planned to catch her shortly after she arrived at that checkpoint. We packed food, drink and extra layers in hopes of staying until 4 this afternoon to see Ryne too.

We were flying over the Cook Inlet at about 1500 feet when Mike got the Rainy Pass/Puntilla Lake weather report. At 1000 the ceiling was 16000 feet, broken with a visibility of 25 miles. Cool! Good flight conditions ahead.

We had great visibility at first. We could see the shoreline of the Kenai to the south, the mountains to the north. We could pick out the Alaska Range to the west. We flew over total wilderness- snow, spruce, rivers, creeks and an occasional moose.

Mike had been briefed before the flight about a snow event due in during the afternoon so, as usual, he kept a sharp eye out for developing patterns. About half way into the trip Mike pointed to the southwest and said, “It’s getting a little fuzzy over there.” And we continued our flight toward the Shell Hills in the distance. Fuzzy, huh?

The checkpoint, Skwentna, was a few miles to our north. We were searching for the Iditarod Trail and any teams along the way. Gradually the radio chatter among pilots increased significantly. We were looping around Shell Lake when Mike contacted one of his commercial pilot buddies who flies Iditarod photographers along the trail. He had breaking news. Rainy Pass was completely socked in and the owner of the Rainy Pass Lodge suggested that those en route ‘don’t even bother’. By that time we were about 10 miles from Finger Lake and about 40 miles from Rainy Pass.

We made a u-turn and landed to stretch our legs and eat a muffin at the Skwentna airstrip. Five or six other planes also stopped here to reassess travel plans. Some chose to wait there. Most headed back to Anchorage.

When we took off again to head east, the western horizon had become a white bank of snow and fog. Conditions had gone from 25 mile visibility to zero visibility in about an hour. No one was heading to Rainy Pass now!

So Aliy and Ryne, we have to send you our love over the miles. Stay happy, healthy and focused. There will be no trail visit at Rainy Pass.

It’s been an exciting day here in Anchorage, where many of us participated in our first Iditarod ceremonial start. We started the day with a hot breakfast, then a walk down to the Start on 4th avenue. Our “Big Red” dog truck was parked down the side street where people quickly gathered around to see Aliy, Allen and the dogs. Ryne, with the new truck was parked a block away and also drew a crowd. The SP Kennel has earned quite a following here in Anchorage, in addition to people coming from all over the United States to see the teams start their 1000 mile race. Many of us were able to reconnect with friends we only see once a year at the Iditarod.

way to enjoy the race, and get lunch too! Both runs went without a hitch.

No changes to Aliy’s Red Team, and only two changes to Ryne’s Red & Black Team: Moxie in for Mac and Skittles in for Chemo!

Click here to view interactive team rosters!

Today has been a busy day for SP Kennel–canines and humans! Starting bright and early Friday morning, the dogs woke up for their first stretching and feeding of the day. They were full of energy and pulling on their leashes to run. Later, Aliy, Allen and Ryne visited with the Clarion, Quality Inn, and Rodeway Inn staff. The staff have been great hosts forall of us at the hotels. They love the dogs, and spend any free moments out at the dog truck.The day continued with a noon visit to the Horizon Lines office visit down at the Port. Three lucky dogs–JJ, Stormy, and Nutmeg–got to visit with the staff at the office. We had several photo opportunities, and enjoyed homemade dog shaped cookies (Thanks Kaz!) as well. The staff had a group photo with Aliy, Allen, and Ryne, so they can “ride along in the sled” all the way to Nome.