Page 18 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – September/October 2016

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‘The Last Great Race on Earth’ – the Iditarod
Embracing Winter Excitement in Alaska
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“Let’s go ... HIKE!” is the musher’s sharp command you hear as it penetrates raucous barking. Chunks of snow are instantly churned
and scattered by each spirited set of four feet as the dogsled lurches forward to scrape through
the frozen-packed terrain. The previously rising breaths of the bundled musher and the eager dogs now blend together to stream back in an icy vapor trail. The team’s faces, both human and canine,
are equally aglow with determination in the bright Alaskan sunlight, shining just like the piercing blue and deep brown eyes of the dogs as they dash past you. The team’s exhilaration is infectious; you feel it too, as you are captivated by the sights and sounds of this unique event steeped in history.
You’re at the Iditarod, Alaska’s best-known sporting event and a legendary race whose course is only passable one season out of the year. This more than 1,000-mile-long northwest bound route between Anchorage and Nome challenges the endurance of a team of highly trained athletes racing on two or four legs. During the past 10 years, the winning teams have crossed the finish line within nine or even eight days and nights of perilous racing.
Admissions to the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center also are included.
Then, on the first Saturday of March, there you are in downtown Anchorage, where the ardent anticipation builds until the live action begins at the first checkpoint on Fourth Avenue. Head to the statue of Balto, one of the historic hero dogs of the race’s progenitor 1925 Serum Run, for the site of the ceremonial starting point. A few days ago, you
might have been hard-pressed to pick your favorite teams of dogs and mushers, but
today you should be able to see those you met and selected at the Musher’s Banquet as they assemble and then,
in turn, speed away. If you miss spotting your favorites, worry not,
for the next day, Sunday, is the official start of the race with
many more chances to cheer for your choices.
On Sunday, a chartered motor coach takes you and fellow AAA
travelers on a scenic northern route to the race’s restart location
at the town of Willow. Vendors at the Willow Community Center offer food, drinks, and local crafts to
buy throughout the day. Stock up on nourishment, which definitely is welcome
and warming during a memorable day hiking low hills, tramping over snow and ice, and feeling the jump of your heart as mushers push off and dogs leap forward from the frozen lake at Willow. Here, each team truly begins its competition with the other teams and that even more challenging competitor – Mother Nature.
As an enhancement to your extraordinary adventure, AAA Travel includes an extra day in the winter resort of Girdwood so you can add your choice of activities, perhaps to go snowmobiling, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, or flightseeing. There also is a spa available where you stay in Girdwood for two nights at the Hotel Alyeska. Another day features a scenic ride south from Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm to Seward, where visits to the superb Alaska Sealife Center, the inspiring Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the historic Seward Museum are included.
This special adventure travel experience is just what the some doctors might prescribe to drive away those winter blues. Make the most of next winter by joining in the excitement with the mushers and their dogs for the “The Last Great Race on Earth” – the Iditarod!
Based on an article by Su-Jit Lin-DeSimone, with supplementary content by Craig Haberle, CTC.
Now, you too, can be part of the unique excitement and exhilaration of the Iditarod race by joining AAA Travel on a special adventure travel experience that is certain to be never forgotten. The ceremonial start of the race takes place in Anchorage on the first Saturday of March each year, but the start of your own Iditarod adventure really begins a few days prior at the Mushers’ Banquet. This included evening of local enthusiasm and entertainment features
the musher bib number drawing, an
auction, and a three-course dinner,
all of which provide you the
opportunity to meet the mushers,
take photos, collect autographs,
and enjoy connecting with
the race’s diverse competitors
from around the world. Also
included for you by AAA during
this special adventure travel
experience is a visit at four-
time Iditarod champion Martin
Buser’s Happy Trails Kennel
and a commemoration of “The
Last Great Race on Earth” at the
Iditarod Headquarters, plus a behind-
the-scenes tour at the Anchorage Zoo.
Also included
for you by AAA during this special adventure travel experience is a visit at four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser’s Happy Trails Kennel and a commemoration of “The Last Great Race on Earth” at the Iditarod Headquarters, plus a behind-the-scenes tour at the Anchorage Zoo.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
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