Ididamush5: The Last Day; The Lowest Temps
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Well, this is it folks. The final day of our amazing adventure. One that has taken us from the "comfort" of -15 degrees, to temps that are now what even the most seasoned Iditarod musher would consider formidable. This is the only day when I felt actual "fear" creep into my life-changing adventure.
Next Monday begins THE BIG EVENT: IDITAROD. In my opinion, this race is what sports should be all about. No one gets rich off of dog mushing, no one gets their faces on Wheaties boxes. In fact, only a small handful of mushers participate in the sport as a full-time job. This sport is done purely for the love.
I'd like to wrap up this series by pointing out a few things to keep in mind:
1) You can do this. This trip is available to the general public and I highly recommend Jon at The Earthsong Lodge (www.EarthSongLodge.com) as a guide. This trip literally changed my life and I would recommend it to anyone, even if you are a beach bum at heart like I am.
2) Go to Nome! You can visit the starting line of Iditarod in Anchorage, or better yet, add a trip to the finish line in Nome! Thousands of people come from the world over to attend these events and they are unlike any other you will ever see.
3) Mushing is not cruelty to dogs. In fact, it is cruel not to let them run. The guaranteed way to change the tune of even the staunchest member of PETA is to send them on a trip like this. Mushers love their dogs, and would (and often do) put the dogs' safety and well-being in front of their own.
Okay, let's get to the video. Bundle up! We're heading to 45 below! Iditarod starts a week from today. In celebration of this, my blog next week will include an exclusive interview with the Michael Jordan of Mushing: Lance Mackey. Lance has won a record four straight Iditarods and will be going for his fifth this year. Tune in to www.Iditarod.com for all the action and updates!
Until we rub noses again!
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