Packed and Ready to Go!



John reviews checklist



While packing for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race John looks over the checklist again, and again. Careful planning prior to the race means anticipating what will be needed, assembling supplies, cutting meat and fish for the dogs, and cooking meals for the musher. Large bags filled with food and supplies such as dog booties, vet supplies, and sled runners are flown to each checkpoint prior to the race by the Iditarod Volunteer Air Force. 

A high-calorie diet is planned with methodical estimates about the right quantities of fats and proteins for the dogs who will consume up to 10,000 calories per day during the race. A typical meal consists of Redpaw's high-performance dry dog food combined with meat in hot water for a soupy mix.



Drop bag

Pre-cooked and vacuum sealed meals are packed for the musher. John loves breakfast and has a variety of choices including waffles with bacon, french toast with reindeer sausage, sourdough pancakes with link sausage, quiche, and oatmeal with raisins. He also has a wide selection of lunch and dinner meals such as caribou soup, pork medallions with polenta, chicken enchiladas, rice and curry, and goulash.

 



John



Velvet



John's favorite snack is a combination of dried caribou, dried whitefish, muktuk, and greens mixed with seal oil. A traditional Inupiaq trail food for a quick boost of energy.

Velvet watched all the organized chaos of the packing with calm confidence. This will be her sixth Iditarod and her knowing expression suggested, no big deal, it’s just another race!



Finally, Team Baker is packed and ready to head south for the Race! The anticipation has been mounting all year. Everyone wants to know what should we expect from the team this year? And when prodded John becomes playful and teasing. His expression says it all . . . we'll just have to wait and see . . .