I plan to attend the March 2005 Iditarod ceremonial start in Anchorage, Alaska. Is it worth the time and effort to attend the Wasilla re-start the next day?

We did the Iditarod last year and really enjoyed it. We did not go to the restart but I think it would be interesting if you had the time and a way to get there.

We stayed at the Day's Inn. It was an excellent location - just a half block from where the race makes the turn from downtown Anchorage. We could see the sleds from our room. It was an easy walk to the start and the price was right - way under $100 per night.

Weather was very good - in the mid twenties with very little wind. It was the first time my wife and kids have ever been anywhere so cold and they had no problem handling the cold. Only bad thing is that the snow is so dry that it is impossible to make a snowball.

I would definately go to the restart. Also another highlight- head up to Fairbanks for the Ice Sculpture Championships and superb Northern Lights possibilities. www.icealaska.com My winter trips have far exceeded all my summer trips in terms of scenery.

Thank you for the comments! I will go to Wasilla.

The Iditarod is an animal abuse.

Genxer, LOL at your statement.
Read your post from April 14th
Dogs taking part in Iditarod are abused in your opinion but not animals that are eaten by you.

Author: GenXer
Date: 04/14/2004, 09:15 am
Message: Hi, we'll be in Anchorage next July and we're looking for some good restaurants serving regional Alaskan food.
Does any one know where can I find decent restaurants serving Caribou (Reindeer) Stew, Reindeer Sausage, Grilled Salmon and Grilled Halibut in Anchorage?

Mama, I LOL at your ignorance. One thing is making a poor dog run 1,160 miles sometimes to death just for pure entertainment than killing an animal for human sustenance.

And yes, the Caribou Grilled Steak, Reindeer Sausage, Grilled Halibut were great. I can't wait to go back to AK.

GenXer, I LOL at your ignorance. Do you know the history of the Iditarod? Do you know what these wonderful animals accomplished and how many lives they saved? Did you ever observed these dogs before the race? Did you know what these animals do when they not racing? At first I thought you are with PETA but you EAT animals. I don't think you should go back to Alaska before learning about history of this state. Belive me, we won't be welcoming you.

Mama, I know what these dogs did in the past for the people in Nome, when there were no other means to get there. But there is no need to make this animals suffer just for human amusement now.
These dogs are much happier before the race just because they are not being chained anymore to a doghouse litter with their own excrements.
I'm a hunter, I only hunt for food, and I use every bit of the animal. I don't approve hunting for wolf, bobcats and any other predatory animal just for their skin.
And I don't need your welcoming to go anywhere the heck I want. I'm taking my 30-06 my next trip to AK. Just don?t get too close to me.