26 February

Alaska Hearts Dogs!


On Friday downtown Anchorage was preparing for the annual Anchorage Fur Rondy festival which includes the World Championship Dog Sled Races. I dropped off my entry at the Quilted Raven Quilt Challenge which is located near 4th & G street downtown. Luckily I found a parking meter and only had to walk a few blocks but it gave me a chance to watch the mushers set up for the Rondy races. I’ve included a picture of the "Mush-On" Art Quilts above that had been entered so far and a picture of my friend Ann’s entry at left, “Boning Up!” Isn’t it cute? It’s a dog checking the race route for the Iditarod dog sled mushers racing to Nome on March 5. Here are some pictures of the sprint racers and dog sled teams getting ready for the race through downtown Anchorage this weekend.








10 comments:

Unknown said...

Good times downtown today. I've been following your art for years...love first Friday's!
monicadevine.blogspot.com

Linda Starr said...

I expected to see the husky type dogs, those look like bird dogs, hope they aren't too cold with their short hair, dog quilts, so cool that art is corresponding with dog racing sport.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

Iknow, i was thinking that about the short dog coats in winter too!

Tracey Broome said...

Only in Alaska!

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

Wow, it's a different world. I love checking out the Alaskan scenes. And, of course, always love seeing what you're up to!

Orion Designs said...

I try to stay away from downtown on days like that!

cindy shake said...

It was actually too warm (20 degrees +) on Friday for the dogs! It is surprising that the "sled dogs" are rarely the large, movie-style McKenzie River Huskies but sleek, smaller sprint looking dogs. That one musher's bird dog by the white truck is not traditional -I almost think that was a pet(?) The purse for the daily prize was $2,500 plus large grand prize. Here is what makes a World Championship Sled Dog so special:
http://www.furrondy.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=230%3Awhat-makes-a-rondy-dog-so-special&catid=87&Itemid=394

Anonymous said...

That is SO cool Cindy! Thanks for sharing. Those dog "rigs" are amazing, once again you expose us to a whole different world. Love it!

cindy shake said...

Thanks Marj! Yeah, some of those dogs ride is style!! Some mushers even pull these large, insulated, trailers for their gear. I liked seeing all the bright colors of the harnesses, sleds and gear!

Ann said...

Gorgeous pics, Cindy! Unlike your other posters, I LOVE the hustle and bustle of the race start and the Iditarod start. Where else can you see hundreds of the happiest dogs in the universe???