Hockey and Dog Racing

We just returned home from a week long vacation in Anchorage. We went there to see the beginning of the Iditarod and to go to some Alaska Aces hockey games. And of course, we did some shopping while we were there. We had a wonderful time. We started out by taking the kids to H2Oasis, a water park with slides, a wave pool, a pirate ship, a "river" and a hot tub just for adults. I was a little grossed out by all the bodies that were crammed into the water, but I just decided to imagine that there was enough chlorine in the water to kill anything yucky! And the kids had a blast. They are still talking about it. Then we went to three nights of hockey. That was a grand time and after losing the first game, the Aces came back to win the second and third games. Yeah!!!!!! Then we went to the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. This is our second (my third) time going and it is as exciting this time around as the previous time. The sky was clear and it was only 1* outside so the conditions made it just right to get into the spirit of the race. Here are some pictures of the fun weekend.......

A moose we saw as we were driving through town. There were

actually two of them standing there, watching the cars go by....
I thought this was a neat view of Anchorage........

Troy and Kevin enjoying the game. Andrew is cheering!....

We had seats right next to the penalty box, which was a hoot! This player

from the other team was trying to talk his way out of going in for his penalty

but guess where he ended up?!! Yep, in the box!!....

The Alaska Aces in action.......

The Aces won two of the three games, putting them Number One in their division!!....

Nelly made an excellent cheer leader. I am surprised she could still talk

after all the cheering and screaming she did!! She had a great time.....

Now it is time for the Iditarod. The ceremonial start is on the first Saturday of March, on

4th avenue in downtown Anchorage. The official start is the next day further North, in Willow. We went to the ceremonial start, along with about a million!! other people! If you walk a block from the start, you can get right up to the barrier and watch the mushers get their dogs and sleds ready. It is a great chance to listen to them as they talk to their friends and family before they leave for the next nine or more days.

Since the streets are cleared of snow, they have to bring snow in and make a "trail" down the streets for the teams to run on. There are guys with shovels at every intersection to repair after the cars go by.

The kids were so excited to be right there next to the dogs. It looks nice and

sunny, but it was only 1* outside! burrrr!!!!!

A dog being prepared before being hooked to the sled.......

The dogs were so excited to get going. They were barking and yapping and

jumping and playing and howling in anticipation.....

This man wanted to make sure he stayed toasty warm!

Turns out he was from California!...

The dogs racing down the street.......

Look how happy the lead dog looks!......

It was real good to see our friends from Kodiak. They were able to fly

over to spend the weekend with us.

These sleds and dogs are headed to the starting line in Willow.....