As our long term fan/guests here may know, I am a huge fan of mushing or sled dog racing although I am almost allergic to cold. I am just in total awe of those beautiful dogs–most of which show their wolfy ancestry  When the big 1000 mile Iditarod race is on each year, I follow as much of the action as I can. They had the ceremonial start Saturday in Anchorage and  the official start happened yesterday in Willow. For now there are sixty nine racers but I am sure some will fall by the wayside before the winner gets to Nome, a grueling eight to ten days from now. If you want to learn a bit about it go to www.iditarod.com. While this is not quite in the myth category, it has a long history and a lot of folklore about it which comes close.

I am rooting for the lady who took second place the last two years, Aliy Zirkle. This should be her turn! Yes, women do compete and a few have won.  Aliy is a fantastic lady and has a beautiful team with which she has an incredible bond. She and her hubby Allen Moore, who also races, have a fine kennel and a bunch of great dogs. He won the other big race, the Yukon Quest, the last two years but holds back and lets her have a go at the Iditarod. Go Aliy!