Hey all,

I love this time of the year because there are so many festivities happening, and spring fever is running high – Iditarod is one event that really gets Alaska fired up! We took a break from Iditarod 2008 last year and have to say it was worth it!

The vibe around Iditarod 2009 was infectious, and couldn’t help notice the huge turnout for this years race. People lined the entire trail from downtown Anchorage to the Campbell Airstrip, that’s 11.2 miles, and all cheering on dog teams and favorite mushers as they kicked off the ceremonial start of the Iditarod!

The Official Restart of the Iditarod in Willow, Alaska was no exception. I’ve been filming this race for 4 years, and places I used hike out to get footage of mushers on the trail alone with their dogs were now lined with spectators! This is good news for the Iditarod, it’s great for the mushers and teams, and overall super to see people out playing and enjoying their backyard.

If you ever have a chance in your life to witness this race, do it!
The ceremonial start takes place downtown Anchorage a day before the official start, which takes place in Willow Alaska. I also encourage anyone to go beyond just the starting of this event and head up the trail to any check point – because it’s out there that you’re incredibly moved by the spirit of this race.

Accommodations up the trail vary from upscale lodges, remote village lodges, to sleeping on a school gym floors -I’ve experienced a variety these and it’s all good! Traveling up the Iditarod trail is an experience you’ll never forget, and a genuine flavor of Alaska that is unequivocal. If you’re seeking your own adventure up the trail – contact me, I’d be happy to help direct you.

Here’s some video from this year’s race, which includes downtown, through Anchorage and out to the official restart. There’s enough depth and drama around the race, so we decided to have some fun and tried to capture the other end of the spectrum – people, dogs, and festivities!

Get official race updates and more at Iditarod Official Website www.iditarod.com

This is just another reason why Alaska in the Winter is just as fun, especially this time of the year!

Enjoy!
Scott

And now for something entirely off the regular beat of hikes, beautiful scenery and the Alaska travel videos. Scott and I were looking for something with a little more motorized energy and dropped by the first RallyCross event of the 2008-2009 winter season. The Arctic Alaska Region of the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) hosts several car racing events throughout the year, but in my opinion, the rally racing is by far the most fun.

Racers lined up before daylight and began working the track and preparing their cars in between hand warming sessions. The ambeint temperature wasn’t necessarily subzero, but the ice fog and light winds made it feel extremely cold. Nevertheless, everyone appeared excited with anticipation for the chance to rally their cars around the track built on an empty lot in downtown Anchorage.

A cadre of cars and racers showed up with their Subarus, BMWs, a Ford Explorer and a really unique Japanese market right hand drive Nissan. Everything from SUVs to Subaru station wagons had their chance to kick up some snow!
Winter in Alaska offers lots more than just cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Traveling to Alaska for winter activities may sound daft, but there are so many things going on – it’s worth a visit.

This February 2009, there will be at least three winter festivals just in the Anchorage area including the infamous Fur Rondy which includes a really cool road race “The Grand Prix”, dog sled races, outhouse races, Running of the Reindeer and loads of other family activities.

Other events include, the Iditarod, WinterFest, World Ice Art Championship, Yukon Quest and many more!

So, without further ado, enjoy the show!

Resources

Alaska SCCA
The Arctic Alaska Region of the SCCA is your grassroots motorsports outlet.

Explore Tours
Make your Alaska travel plans with Explore Tours, they are local experts and encourage you to see Alaska Your Way!

While in Valdez for our RV adventure, we spent a whole day taking in the Alaska aviation experience at the 2008 May Day Fly-In. This event is truly a unique experience for the pilots and fans of bush flying and real Alaska aviation. Pilots fly in from all around the country, pitch a tent under their wings and spend a weekend enjoying beach landings, flour bombing and STOL competitions. If you’re into flying at all, this is a must see event!

Hope you enjoy this sampling of “kites on wheels”!
-Scott

Iditarod coverage 2008 from Anchorage, Alaska. Join us from the start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race downtown. Interviews with mushers, dogs, and race fans! Interviews with Senator Lisa Murkowski and Rohn Buser plus footage of Sarah Palin and Mark Begich.

Alaska Running of the Reindeer kicks off it’s first year at Fur Rondy 2008, and we’re there to share it with you all. Enjoy!