Iditarod events, day # 1

arrived Chugiak lastnight around 11pm. Mom and I drove in one truck, John in the other....2 trucks, 3 sleds, 19 dogs, various giant bags personal gear, mandatory gear, mail out gear, dog feed, etc.....warmer temperatures down this way and good roads. We were glad to get settled in when we did--Mom was super tired, my body felt like moving after all day driving, my mind felt like running....my mind was not going to allow me a full nights sleep--how does one rest up before a race like this? Not happening. I've come to be OKAY with this! The head is very busy right now preparing for Iditarod. The head is very excited, a little overwhelmed and already on a schedule. The dogs are all in high spirits right now feeling my intense energy--focused, driven, organised and ready for anything....even that lava flow looking beast of a glacier/overflow out of Rohn.....I can imagine. The dogs are and I are riding the same wave right now and I can't wait to just pull the hook March 2nd. They are ansy in the truck. Streak slept in the house on the floor near the bed lastnight and Maudy had a sofa all to herself. All was quiet by 2:00am. 6am arrived and we were up dropping dogs, getting dressed, checking lists and mandatory paperwork for vet check.... and making a fresh brew of some really good coffee.....out the door by 7:45am.

tons of awesome emails coming in from friends, fans, kids and families.....but no time to write back now and do updates before race and little access between events--will get back to everyone after the Iditarod. I am able to read your email until the the 2nd and then it's trail time for 9-10 days. and thank you--I appreciate them all, the support is beautiful.

Need a shower but don't have the time this morning, hair is all swept up in a ponytail, throw a baseball cap on and let's go. It's about an hour drive to Wasilla/Iditarod headquarters from our friends place. We arrived headquarters this morning around 9am----the parking lot was full. Full of dog trucks, dogteams, mushers, handlers, vets, vet techs, media and mushing fans ---a handful of families from out of state plus teachers and tour directors. "we're here, yes! we're here!!!!!!!!!

It was nearly 2:30pm by the time we pulled out. So nice to see musher friends and their teams. I enjoy looking at other dog teams and seeing what others are running. Some dogs look older, some look too fat, some look out of poportion, some look super, some look too thin, some look great overall...they all look........Like dogs! and if you like looking at dogs and you enjoy a little competition and you're thinking about dogs.....you would probably understand. It was another hour or better before it was our turn down the line. The dogs all had their microchips read and an overall physical exam done by a super team of vets. You guys are great! I had a very nice team of vet techs today dealing with my dogs--they were super down to earth, real friendly, kind and gentle with each individual dog. I met some wonderful people today during the check and feel so thankful--the woman from Nome radio was much fun to talk to ! And there was a group of adventurous, caring, active and interesting teachers from the lower 48 visiting.....and even a young girl from Wisconsin who came up to introduce herself......I lOVE meeting new people and hearing their stories and sharing mine---from my love for our dogs to this fast paced and busy racing lifestyle. Dude was a hit today with his body wag and Bligh and Story were all talk with their high pitch screams of excitement. Even Djembe and Trapper had plenty to say while busy visiting. The dogs are wild right now and ready to go. It's the most exciting time of my dog mushing life right now and I am so so so so grateful to the people in my life who made it all possible..the dream of running this journey to Nome. thanks to all for all the patience, the wisdom shared, the moral support and encouragment...the love from my friends and family.....my heart is bursting with happy tears right now....thank you, thank you, thank you.

It all started back in 2001 with mentor Ann Jandernoa from Northern WI...it's kind of her fault that I'm here:)....Bill Cotter...my AK mentor..he was the most gracious kind friend and teacher and I'll always be thankful for that 1st year learning in Alaska...and my dogs, my team, my hubby who has made all things wonderful and good, my family and all my good friends and there's lots of you...........xoxox

I will update tomorrow night if time allows after musher mtg and before draw banquet---John will be doing updates regulary as I make my way to Nome...............love Zoya and team 2008