When Presidential candidate John McCain introduced his running mate, Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska, I think most Americans learned a few things about Alaska. When Sarah introduced her husband, Todd, we learned about snow machines (and learned not to call them snowmobiles!). Todd (and different partners) are past winners of the Iron Dog race--the world's longest, toughest snow machine race. Only in Alaska, the Last Frontier, can one find such a race where the difficulty is compounded by unforgiving terrain, severe weather hazards, high speeds and the competitive nature of die-hard snow machiners.
The 1,971 miles unmatched challenge run, through the hardships of a snow-covered Alaska, began in Big Lake, went to Nome, and then Fairbanks. Racers will proclaim that each section of the trail has its varied hardships endured by both man and machine, but for each it's a worthwhile endeavor to showcase skill and ability in such an unforgiving wilderness.
The race began in 1984, but not as it is known today. A few transitions have occurred since then. The following year the race became known as the Gold Rush Classic and in 1990 became the Iron Dog Gold Rush Classic. In 2000, Tesoro Corporation became the title sponsor--naming the race the Tesoro Iron Dog.
The current course follows the Iditarod Trail from Big Lake on to McGrath, Ruby and then Nome. There the Trail Class teams claim their victory. Pro Class teams; however, turn back after a couple of days rest to run the stretch to Ruby in reverse, this time with a better understanding of what challenges they'll face. From Ruby, the competitors embark upon the final leg of their journey to Fairbanks and the finish.
The race involves some 25 Alaskan communities, 21 of which are checkpoints or the start and finish. And as if sub-zero temperatures aren't enough, the relentless pounding of the terrain is an annual destroyer of machines. Broken shocks, burnt drive belts and torn tracks are all common mishaps.
(Check out the broken windshield!)
Then if the roughness and tough terrain isn't bad enough, there are water crossings, steep inclines, ravines and unmarked trails to endure. Teams have a grueling task of maintaining control, forward motion, operational machines, awareness and safety, all while in the grips of exhaustion.
(Yvonne, Todd, Nick & Ray)
This year's leaders and race winners is the two-man team of Todd Minnick & Nick Oldstad. They were each riding Polaris machines. Todd, 29, is a native Alaskan and lives in Wasilla with his wife, Sharilyn. This was his 7th race. He works as an equipment operator for Big Dipper Construction. Nick, 26, also lives in Wasilla with his wife, Brianne. He has lived in Alaska since 1987 and this was his 5th race. He's a superintendent for Udelhoven Oilfield System Services.
Heavy winds blow the sand this way and that way, but the moisture from the snow/rain help stabilize the formations. Another part of this amazing formation is Medano Creek. During the summer you will find plenty of people--young and old--playing at this "beach" setting.
The dunes themselves are not a haven for flora, but you can find about 20 different species of plants living here.
The enormous sandbox can make you feel like a kid again! People hike and climb, just to roll down. Laughing as their shorts/pants fill up with sand! We would have loved to give it a try, but the wind was blowing too hard. We were told it would feel as if we were getting sandblasted. 
and in case you haven't heard...the National Park Service has announced fees will be waived on 3 different weekends this summer: June 20/21 (Father's Day weekend); July 18/19; August 15/16. Get out and discover America!
