The pre race banquet was last night with lots of fanfare and thousands of people in attendance. We had a great group of people at our table- great to meet you all! They were from Arizona, Michigan, Washington and the Yukon, a good representation of the crosssection of people following the great race. My father came up from California to support us, Mum was supposed to come up but has been hit hard with a flu bug so we wish her a speedy recovery and we are missing her great attitude and sense of humor here. Food was nothing much to speak of but we didn't go there for the food right!
AFter alot of speakers, a few auction items and a showing of the post 2007 race mini video the draw for start positions was done.Mushrs were split up into three groups based on how they signd up for the race. The first was for mushers that signed up at the picnic in June 07( Warren was in this group of 49 people), then for people that mailed in their entries to the picnic and then everyone else. Waren was hoping for an early start position but pulled out number 44. Ah well, he had a good attitude about it remarking that his picture and bio were on page 44 of the Iditarod program. Coincidence? If anyone out there is into numerology, let us know what it means eh?
After the banquet we returned to Willow to John and Mari's where we will spend today getting things ready for the ceremonial start tomorrow in downtown ANchorage. We will return to ANchorage tonight to stay there and attend the opening at the museum, for a show commemorating Joe Redington Sr the father of the Iditarod.
Dogs are starting to get really amped up and are ready to hit the trail. Warren too for that matter though he is much calmer than the dogs!
Will write more tomorrow so stay tuned.
Cheers,
Kate