Reindeer Racing!

What a weekend of oddness in Alaska. Just when you think you have seen it all....You move here and there it is. We had a very busy day on Saturday of "Rondying". We saw the dog pulls where the big and little dogs pull as much weight as they can to win.I think I will tie a tire to the back of Nanoock this summer and enter him next year.We walked up a very long hill and caught the carnival rides & the fur auction. Next year the fur will be mine! Now that I know what to expect. We caught the last of the sled dog races and checked out the people. As you can see by the pictures Tony,Karter and I were under dressed for the event.I was a bit disturbed to be eating a funnel cake in the snow. Seemed like I was in a very strange place. Kept looking for the pronto pup hut.It snowed all day. Huge flakes. Our hats were soaking wet, but we were not cold.

Sunday I awoke to the sun blinding me through the window. The big day had arrived. The reindeer were waiting. I was calm all morning in preparation. We arrived in Anchorage to a crowd of 10,000 people. They were all there to see me, Shannon run with the wild beasts. My fans.We met at a local tavern to discuss our plan...we had none and when we left, still did not have one.We were warm with drinks and laughter, but no plan to stay alive.As we got closer and closer to the starting line you could here the roar of the crowd. The cheers and laughter. I might add here, it was sooooo cold. The sun was out, but the wind off the ocean was cold.We huddled for warmth and then one of our group had to pee. Way to go! Our tight ship was a-miss. Our third tooth was missing.As our hurd prepared to run as three, the reindeer were returned to the back of our crowd.I saw the fear in their eyes and could also smell something odd.A musty wet reindeer smell.As they waited for the count down we prepared to sprint.The count down 5,4,3.... At this point I am standing next to a guy dressed in only a woman's dress and a king. They release the reindeer and one of them gets caught in the kings cape. Not thinking that this adventure of mine is of any danger to myself or others. WRONG..That is what the disclaimer I signed meant.Ah, injury is not to be held against Fur Rondy, inc. or the city of Anchorage. I get it now.The horns tear the cape and proceed come a little to close to Shannon's leg. Joel (Jackie's husband co-worker)pulls me out of the way and saves my leg from being severed by the fierce horns of the reindeer.Ok, it was not that vicious, but it looks good on paper.I ran for 2 blocks in snow and thought I was going to die from lack of air. I did not stop, I ran and ran. Jackie has ran marathons and even she was winded.Snow is hard to run in and the cold did not help. After it was all said and done it was so much fun and I will continue to do it for several years to come.A tradition of sorts,trying not to loose a limb. You can also go to youtube.com and see the video. Just type in running of the reindeer, Anchorage Alaska.
I can now say...I have ran with the reindeer and lived to tell about it!
Until next year Rudolph!
Huggs
Shannon