2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Trail race to Nome, Alaska 1048 miles Ceremonial start in Anchorage March 5, 2011 Official start in Willow, AK, March 6, 2011

Crowds press in to see ceremonial start on 4 th Avenue of Iditarod sled dog race.

Dogs on 4 th Avenue cross a main street that opens for traffic and snow has to be replaced each time.

View from parking garage on 4 th Avenue, downtown Anchorage.

Bette poses in Willow, AK as we head towards the official start line at sign in distance.

Walt & Rich warming at the world fire in front of the Alyeska Hotel, Girdwood, AK just south of Anchorage.

Stuffed polar bear in Alyeska Hotel

Tea time at Alyeska Hotel

Portage Glacier Lake in the Chugach National Forrest south of Anchorage on way to Whittier, AK via road through train tunnel. And, yes, there are 5 people and 2 dogs out on the lake.

Ice flowing with the tide on Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage, makes a loud crunching sound.

Meanwhile what are the dogs really saying?

Thats right! I hear working with the LAMP Ministry in Canada is also good! Yeh? When we are done with this gig Im going to volunteer for Wycliffe Associates in a warmer climate. My paws are killing me and we still have 1,040 miles to go. Why cant we do this during the Summer? Woof, woof. Hi! Over here! Walt, take my picture. I can knit sweaters. THATS ALL THERE IS FOLKS! THE END ++