ACEO DAY 184 THE IDITAROD AND THE DOGS

I've been watching some shows on Netflix about Alaska and The Iditarod.  I don't sketch animals but this was a go at one of the Iditarod's past winners.  


The shows, "Flying Wild Alaska" and  "Iditarod, The Toughest Race On Earth" were both full of so much beautiful scenery and information.  ?Did you know......a sled dog can run 100 miles a day and burn 9,000 calories, sleep and get up and do it again day after day?  When I got to spend a little time with my friends The Alaskan's, they told me about aviation being such a integral part of life in Alaska.  Both shows show how critical flight is to the survival of so many who live in remote areas of the last great wilderness.  The Iditarod show was the 2008 race and kicks off in Anchorage and the official start was from Willow.  It was so cool to see places I actually had been myself and to know that I rode part of The Iditarod trail with my friends The Alaskans!  I don't even find the cold and snow a deterrent in wanting to go back.

This was a shot I got on our way to Denali.  I have a whole new respect for those pilots!  It's Mt. McKinley in the background.

The Alaskans sent me a box full of regional goodies.  Salmon was the prize.  I still have one package of salmon in the freezer that I'll try to save to share with my daughter, The Professor, and her family when they next come to town.  One of my favorites was the whole red salmon that was sent.  I put the whole fish on the smoker and have never tasted anything so wonderful.  Little pockets of rich salmon drenched in the good oil.  I had a small amount left that I wanted to save for a later date.  I wrapped it in the  oil soaked skin to protect the delicious meat.  I only felt a little selfish pulling it out the other night and finishing it alone.

I'm ready for the Iditarod.  It will be taking place soon and I definitely plan on following the progress of the mushers and their teams.  


Alaska, the last great frontier!