Everywhere: People: Melissa Josue

The Last Great Race

Story written 23 February 2008

From Anchorage to Nome, Alaska hosts a challenging 1,100 mile race through raw wilderness; a journey that may slowly be melting away.

Iditarod Sled Dogs uploaded on 23 February 2008

Trained sled dogs line up on Fourth Street in downtown Anchorage for the Ceremonial Start of the 34th annual Iditarod race. Booties cover each of their paws to protect them from cuts and sores.

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Rachel Scdoris uploaded on 23 February 2008

Rachel Scdoris (left) is one of the youngest mushers to have completed the Iditarod, she is also legally blind. Rachael, who has been racing sled dogs since she was 11 years old, was born with Congenital Achromatopsia, a rare vision disorder that makes her colorblind and extremely sensitive to light. However, the Iditarod is an event where she is able to combine all the things that she loves most.

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Iditarod Restart on Willow Lake uploaded on 23 February 2008

The restart of the race historically began in Wasilla, but lack of enough snow has prompted Iditarod officials to begin the race on Willow Lake. The competitive launch has not taken place in Wasilla since 2002.

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Reindeer Hot Dogs uploaded on 23 February 2008

Reindeer hot dogs and sliced onions grills on a corner in downtown Anchorage while fans and spectators anticipate the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod race.

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Louie Nelson Sr. uploaded on 23 February 2008

Louie Nelson Sr. (right) is one of the oldest mushers on the trail. Now his son, Robert Nelson, follows in his father's passion for sled dog racing.

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Iditarod Fans From Bethel, Alaska uploaded on 23 February 2008

Carla Lapierre (center) and Carrie Beal (right) from Bethel, Alaska have been coming to the annual Iditarod race for over 24 years. Carrie's grandmother collected the fur from squirrels, black bears, wolves and seals over the course of nine months in order to sew the hooded coat and boots shown here.