The document summarizes the 2011 Iditarod sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. It describes the ceremonial start in Anchorage on March 5th and official start in Willow on March 6th. It includes photos from the starts and stops along the trail, showing the sled dogs, scenery, and racers preparing for the over 1,000 mile journey to Nome.

1. 2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Trail race to Nome, Alaska – 1048 miles Ceremonial start in Anchorage March 5, 2011 Official start in Willow, AK, March 6, 2011

3. Crowds press in to see ceremonial start on 4 th Avenue of Iditarod sled dog race.

4. Dogs on 4 th Avenue cross a main street that opens for traffic and snow has to be replaced each time.

5. View from parking garage on 4 th Avenue, downtown Anchorage.

7. Bette poses in Willow, AK as we head towards the official start line at sign in distance.

10. Walt & Rich warming at the world fire in front of the Alyeska Hotel, Girdwood, AK just south of Anchorage.

11. Stuffed polar bear in Alyeska Hotel

12. Tea time at Alyeska Hotel

13. Portage Glacier Lake in the Chugach National Forrest south of Anchorage on way to Whittier, AK via road through train tunnel. And, yes, there are 5 people and 2 dogs out on the lake.

14. Ice flowing with the tide on Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage, makes a loud crunching sound.

15. Meanwhile what are the dogs really saying?

16. That’s right! I hear working with the LAMP Ministry in Canada is also good! Yeh? When we are done with this gig I’m going to volunteer for Wycliffe Associates in a warmer climate. My paws are killing me and we still have 1,040 miles to go. Why can’t we do this during the Summer? Woof, woof. Hi! Over here! Walt, take my picture. I can knit sweaters. THAT’S ALL THERE IS FOLKS! THE END ++