The 2007 Iditarod dog sled race started on a beautiful Sunday on Willow Lake in the thriving metropolis of Willow, Alaska. Wasilla, the traditional town for the "restart" had to forgo the honors for the 5th straight year due to lack of snow. Willow, 35 miles up the road, isn't complaining! The influx of roughly 15,000 people into the economy of the region is welcomed.

The original Iditarod ran from Anchorage to Nome, but development and highways between Eagle River and Palmer made that part of the route impractical and unsafe. So after a "ceremonial start" on Saturday in Anchorage, the teams "race" through Anchorage and up to Eagle River. Then they pack it in and drive to Wasilla (or Willow, as the recent cases have been) for the "official restart" of the race on Sunday. We had the opportunity to attend the restart this year, and had a blast. The weather was stunning, but after the first few teams took off (they start in 2 minute increments) the wind picked up and it got darned chilly. We had to call it a day after about 20 teams had left -- out of just over 80! Here are some of my photos from the time I was there.