Due to lack of snow in southcentral Alaska, the 2015 Iditarod started in Fairbanks this year for the second time in history. The last time this happened was 2003, and I remember photographing it with the real first professional model of Canon’s digital camera line-up, the 1D (4mp). Digital cameras have come a long way since then.
Dog races have evolved as well. You can now follow the Iditarod through GPS chips that team members have on their sleds. You can also get disqualified for carrying an iPod capable of two-way communication, which unfortunately, caused Brent Sass (2015 Yukon Quest Champion) a heartbreaking disqualification this year (although he never used it that way, nor did he plan to).
Picking a winner is nigh unto gambling, since the race field is so thick with former champions and viable talent. However, I’m putting my hopes into Aliy Zirkle, who has taken 2nd place the last three years. I think it just seems like it is her turn.
I took a few photos along the trail this year, some in Fairbanks, and some in Manley Hot Springs, about 150 into the 1000 mile race.
Love the dog pictures! I live in Northwestern Lower Michigan where the cold temperatures have set new records lows this winter. I bought booties for my two dogs’ feet, but they hated them. There must be a secret for getting them on and keeping them on, as these dogs look pretty comfortable with them.
Great pics Patrick as always, I had to settle for the Ceremonial start in Anchorage (my profile pic is from Sat) as I have said many times I envy you your location. Oh I wanted to share with you that Alaska Magazine is publishing one of the photos I submitted to their Facebook page last month. It will appear in the May issue in their reader submitted section so look for it 🙂 I will be posting my Iditarod pics on my flickr page soon,took 3000 last Saturday s editing/tagging can be time consuming. Always enjoy your work
Thanks for the photos Patrick. I was in Fairbanks until the morning of the 9th, the day the official race started, but I had to leave that morning. I was sick about it, but all reservations and plans were made before there was any idea of the Iditarod starting there.
I enjoyed your photos very much, but I’m wondering, are you the fellow on the bike in one of the 1st photos. I have never thought about trailing them that way!