After heading to downtown Anchorage to watch the Ceremonial Start of the 2016 Iditarod ,which is basically a big party and for show, we drove out to Willow on Sunday to watch the actual start. We find this more exciting as the teams head for Nome a thousand miles away. They are loaded with everything they need on the trail. We prefer to by pass the crowds at the start line on Willow Lake and prefer to hike onto Long Lake a mile back from the start line. It’s easier to park too.
We parked at the public access to the lake and hiked the half
mile across the ice to the long straight away the dogs will run down. Others drove their cars onto the lake, but being afraid of getting stuck getting back off the lake, we chose to hike it. We have been stuck in a snow covered ditch before in Willow and preferred not to have to use AAA again. People were grilling and had bonfires going and it was a party atmosphere.
mile across the ice to the long straight away the dogs will run down. Others drove their cars onto the lake, but being afraid of getting stuck getting back off the lake, we chose to hike it. We have been stuck in a snow covered ditch before in Willow and preferred not to have to use AAA again. People were grilling and had bonfires going and it was a party atmosphere.
The day was cloudless and warm as we loaded our packs with snacks, water and an inflatable sleeping pad to sit on while photographing. The lake was more crowded than usual thanks to the gorgeous weather and everyone had a great time watching the teams go by.
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