The Iditarod starts in Anchorage. However, the real race starts in Willow, AK. Part of the trek from Anchorage to Willow is impossible for the dog sled teams to get through, so they have the re-start of the race on Sunday (after the Anchorage Start) in Willow. Michael had to work on Saturday during the start in Anchorage, so we drove up to Willow to see the re-start. This was pretty cool because this is where all of the dogs are hooked up to the sleds and the sleds are packed and ready to go for the long trip ahead.
This is Jeff King. He placed 2nd last year. Notice that he has two dogs IN his sled! We didn't know why he was only having 14 dogs pull the sled versus 16 that day, however, we read about it the next day in the paper. If the trail is good, there is no need to have 16 dogs pull and the musher have to ride the brake the whole time. 14 dogs can pull just as well and he can alternate the dogs pulling. We'll see if this strategy pays off...
We stood where the mushers and teams got ready approach to the starting line. This is where you can get a good look at the teams. 
I can't remember who this musher is, but notice how BIG his mittens are!!! He's going to need them! I may need to find out where he got those! 
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