After the National, I headed north.  WAAAAYYY north!  I decided to do the Iditarod.

I arrived in Anchorage.  The weather was a bit colder than what I was used to.
  Of course, this was nothing compared to what it was like when I climbed Mt. Everest, but I was sure happy I had my winter Lab coat.

I set about finding a team of dogs and studied the map of the Iditarod race.

The Anchorage people were pretty nice.  They thought I was a bit strange for arriving in the Woodie, but they thought it pretty cool that I would attempt the race!

We took off for Nome!  On you huskies!  Gosh I felt like Sgt. York.

The dogs were working really well and we hadn't suffered any injuries.  My tail felt like it was going to freeze off, but luckily I didn't suffer from cold tail.

Woohooo!  These dogs could move!  I was actually in the lead for a short while.

By the time we reached Unalakleet , I was really tired and so were the dogs.  We decided to take one of our manditory rests at Unalakleet.  I fed the dogs, then poured a bowl of dog food for myself.  I was almost too tired to sleep and I wished for the luxury of my Woodie.  I almost called my mom and begged her to come get me.  I would even give up my wandering ways in the stolen Woodie, but thankfully I regained my strength before I called.

We had to turn north and actually travel on the frozen Bering Sea.  The dogs knew what they were doing and we headed towards the finish line and Nome.

I crossed the finish line!! A finisher on the first try! I may not have won, but everyone was cheering me on and calling my name!  "Shanny!  Shanny!  Shanny!" I heard over and over again.

I rested up for a few days.  I was one tired Labbie after that trip.  I finally felt some of my adventurous spirit coming back and I bid the town of Nome a fond farewell!

On you huskies!!!  Pull that Woodie!  Mush, mush!!

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