Time for the Iron Dog!

Alaska is a unique place. We have a lot of things here that are not common in the lower 48. We all know that winter is on it's way out when we start having events like the Iron Dog. There is a great deal of interest in the race because of one of it's participants, Todd Palin, husband to Sarah Palin. Here is a little history on the event from the Iron Dog Website:

The first Iron Dog event started in 1984, in Big Lake following the Northern Route of the Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome. The event began as the “Iron Dog Iditarod”, but the name was quickly changed the next year to the “Gold Rush Classic”, in 1990 the race was recognized as the “Iron Dog Gold Rush Classic” for a decade until Tesoro Corporation became a title sponsor, thus recognizing today’s event as the Tesoro Iron Dog.

Today’s Iron Dog course length 1971 miles, starting in Big Lake to Nome and finishing in Fairbanks, making it the World’s longest snowmobile race. Participants must traverse in some of Alaska’s the most remote and rugged terrain while confronting some the harshest winter conditions. Survival skills are essential, making it the World’s toughest snowmobile race. All teams in race classes are a team of two persons and two snowmobiles for safety...
(To see the whole story, follow this link.

The Iron Dog is Alaska's Nascar. The race starts on Big Lake which is very appropriately named because of it's size. This lake covers roughly 13 square miles. Go to Mapquest or GoogleEarth and check out Big Lake, Alaska and you'll see what I mean. The actual race starting line is on the lake near an island that is home to the Islander Lodge. In the summer, you can only get to this lodge by boat but in the winter you can drive to it. Ever seen Ice Road Truckers? What they have is a plowed road system out on Big lake, and that is how you get to the start of the Iron Dog.

Driving on one of the ice roads out to the starting point



The Islander Lodge



There is something of an Alaskan "fair" feeling to this event. People are walking around, running it to others they know and catching up. There are a few vendors and many, many people ride out on their own snowmachines.







Planes with skis also use the lake and were taking off



The Army National Guard is a huge supporter and a strong presence. Here is one of the vehicles they bring out every year





They line up along the chute, which is plowed and has fencing on each side.



The racers are in pairs for safety because this is an extremely dangerous sport. Flying across frozen lakes, rivers, and tundra at speeds of 50, 60, 70+ is dangerous in itself, not to mention the temperatures in the interior can reach -40 degree below zero or more. Going 70 mph in -40 degree weather is punishing on the skin and the body. Racers put duct tape on the exposed skin on their faces to protect it.



They wear very warm gear, have to have a knowledge of arctic survival and have to be able to make repairs to their machines out on the trail. And it can really hurt if you're going 70 mph and hit something and get thrown from your sled. This happened last year to one team only 2 minutes into the race. One team member hit something that was buried in the snow, it stopped his snowmachine cold, and he went flying. The race was done for that team. Even Todd Palin has fallen victim to this. One year he was thrown from his snowmachine and finished the race with a broken arm. Rest is a luxury but there are a few times during the race that mandatory layovers take place. Todd and his partner Scott Davis are pros, though. Todd first won the Iron Dog in 1995. Here is footage of the finish of that race with the interviewer talking to Sarah about how she feels about his racing:



Todd last won this race in 2008, when he was injured. Here is video of that finish:



(Click here to read an article written last year in Men's Journal Magazine about the snowmaching, famous "First Dude")

If you'd like to follow the race, each team has a GPS unit on their snowmachine and you can track their progress by following this link.

I'd like to share some personal photos from last year's Iron Dog. I had the opportunity to speak briefly to Sarah before the race and had my picture taken with her. You can read more about that experience here and look at some of the photos that go along with the story

Sarah arrived to see Todd off and took a few photos with some of the spectators



I even had a chance to speak to Sarah and have my picture taken with Sarah and Trig



Todd Palin and his race partner Scott Davis greeting fans



Last year Todd had all the kid's names painted on his snowmachine, as well as Sarah "The Gov"



And, let the ceremony begin! The Army National Guard presents the colors, the National Anthem is played, and we say the Pledge of Allegience.



Sarah gives Todd and hug and kiss and says goodbye



Sarah wishes all the racers luck and then she and Piper get ready to drop the flag to start the race



Piper got to drop the flag for the start of the race. Sarah's dad Chuck Heath is just to the right of the security guard



After a few other racers, Scott Davis (left) and Todd Palin pulled up to the starting line



And then they got the signal to head down the chute



They are on the trail now. Please keep them in your prayers for a safe return!

UPDATE: To view photos of the Iron Dog start today, check out this link to KMBQ 99.7 Valley Radio

VRWC Inaugural Lincoln Day Dinner

Every year, Women's Repulican Clubs around the United States organize Lincoln Day Dinners. These dinners are the primary annual celebration and fundraising event of many state and county organizations of the Republican Party in the United States. Because our club, the Valley Republican Women's Club, was chartered less than a year ago, we weren't in a position to organize a dinner last year, but this year we decided to jump in the fray and put one on. And what an event it was! From the venue, to the attendees, to our keynote speaker Alaska Governor Sean Parnell, everything just seemed to fall into place. We had many dignitaries and prominent individuals in the room, as well as some great patriots. Now, I was a nervous wreck because I wanted so much for this event to be perfect. I've spoken to groups of 2,000 or 3,000 but was more nervous about this event than any other I've been a part of. I have to say, we did a great job!

We held the event at Settler's Bay Lodge. I cannot say enough good things about the venue and the people who run it. I was a caterer when I was younger, and also managed a restaurant, and I know professional when I see it. These guys are top notch. If you ever have a chance to come to Wasilla, I highly recommend their restaurant - beautiful views and excellent food. Here is the room, all decked out.





The view from the room was gorgeous





Julie is our Vice President this year and she did a wonderful job organizing our silent auction items before the event and collecting funds afterward. Julie and other board members were on hand to keep everything running smoothly.



Our 2009 President Gayle Ann and her husband Daniel looked great



As the sun set, everyone filed into the room and the evening would begin soon - look at that view!



Sarah Palin's mom, Sally Heath, and club secretary Ivy arrived and took their seats



Governor Sean Parnell took his seat and Sarah Palin's father, Chuck Heath, came over to chat and catch up



The show is on and it's my turn to welcome everyone and get things started



Julie read a message from US Senator Lisa Murkowski who was not able to attend (she is busy in Washington DC dealing with the greenies)



Alaska State Representative for District 14 Wes Keller gave the invocation



Next, the Mayor for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, our own Talis Colberg, gave a whitty introduction of the governor



Finally, we heard a wonderful message from Governor Sean Parnell. Check out the videos below to see clips of his message





We were honored to have the governor as our keynote speaker and the club gave him a gift



Our board with the Governor - myself, Julie, the Governor, Ivy, and Carol.



I was honored to have my photo with the governor





The governor had to leave for another event and after a short break, Alaska Senator Linda Menard gave a legislative update



We then had a little fun. We announced the winners of the silent auction items, then had a live auction with Don Benson as the auctioneer and I helped him point out bidders. We auctioned a glacier landing and flight seeing tour through

Here are some of the videos of the governor's speech

On Opportunity


On Republican Principles


On Healthcare Reform


For more videos from Governor Parnell, please click here.

I hope you all have had a feel for what the evening was like. It was a wonderful event and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to share it with you!

In God We Still Trust

This was sent to me and I wanted to share it. In God, We do still trust. It's the only thing we really can, and should, put our faith in. Here are comments regarding the video from it's owner:

"The song you are about to listen to is from a Las Vegas Diamond Rio Concert. They received an immediate resounding standing Ovation, and Continue to do so every time they perform it! Everyone who Loves America Should be thrilled to hear this song! Although Diamond Rio has never before done a statement song, They felt Compelled to record "In God We Still Trust." But guess what? Sadly, major radio stations wouldn't play it Because It was considered "politically incorrect". Consequently, the Song was Never released to the public. So America, see what you think. If this offering speaks to Your heart And you feel to share it with friends and loved ones, please Do."

"Family Guy" Not Kind To One Family - The Palins

One of the nice things about blogging is being able to join together with like-minded folks with a common mission. Today the bloggers came out in force in support of Sarah Palin and her son Trig, and against the show "Family Guy" and it's intolerance. Below are links to various writer's articles on the subject:

Leave Governor Palin’s Children Alone! (UPDATED with Gov. Palin’s Facebook Note)

Family Guy mocks Palin and special needs community

Family Guy: Equal Opportunity Jerks (Update of previous “Leave Gov. Palin’s Children Alone!”)

Gov Palin & O’Reilly Discuss Tea Party & Special Needs

These posts articulate, much better than I could, many of the facts and feelings surrounding this. I can't speak for others but I can speak about my own experiences.

When my youngest son was born with special needs, it was found that he could benefit from an early intervention program. I met so many wonderful families with beautiful children, many with Down syndrome, and have kept some of those friendships nearly 20 years. These children are gifts from God, a reminder of what beauty is. They have the purest of hearts and don't get caught up in all the drama and pettiness that consumes the rest of us. My other son, who is autistic, is much like this. He is trusting, sometimes to a fault. He feels no ill will toward people and thankfully, was oblivious to much of the ridicule when he was smaller.

I remember one incident in particular when he was about 12. He was always a big kid for his age, and was once described as being "perpetual motion in the flesh." He never sat down, was always on the move, had volume control issues and a great deal of difficulty with body language and personal space. He still, at the age of 22, gravitates toward things that people much younger than 22 are interested in. One thing he loved was going to the park. So, one day when he was 12, we went to the park.

Here we were during the day (because I homeschooled) and the park was filled with young mothers with their very young children. He would get so excited and bolt for the wooden fort with ladders and tunnels he barely fit in, but I would let him play there because he loved it so much. On this particular day, he bolted toward a group of small children as they played on this fort. I saw the mother of one girl who had to be about 2. She stared at my son and as he came closer, she pulled her child from the piece of equipment she was playing on and whisked her away, sheltering her from my son. All she could see was this big kid, who appeared to be a young adult, bolting toward her child. They just didn't understand. I'm grateful my son was not aware of what had happened. I, however, was painfully aware.

I wrote a poem about another experience with my youngest son, in which an after school director forced him to sit on a mat and not interact with other children for fear he would be "hurt" (at least that's what she said). It is titled "A Friend Like Me" and has been adopted my by many Down Syndrome organizations:

Please don't be afraid of me
I want to be your friend.
And if you get to know me
Your rigid thoughts might bend.

Thoughts that I am different
From others that you know,
I really am no different
And this I'd like to show.

I live and breathe and laugh and cry
I love to play and learn,
I sometimes do things differently
Which can cause some concern.

You see, some say I'm special
I guess this much is true,
But if you were to ask me
I'd say you're special too.

We're all a little different
No two are just the same,
It's really something wonderful
that way there is no blame.

When things don't go just perfectly
And others get confused,
And say things like "poor child"
and other terms they use.

It's okay if you look at me
And might not understand,
It's okay if you touch me
And even hold my hand.

My life has many obstacles
Much more than you could know,
But that's not what I dwell on
I'm me, that's all, and so...

Please don't be afraid of me
I want you just to see,
How truly great and wonderful
A friend like me can be.

I have also faced the stares, the pointing, the whispers under the breath about how the kids looked or behaved, and of course the ever-present criticism from people who just don't understand.

I never, however, had to face the depth and breadth of ridicule that Sarah Palin has had to face. Today I told one of my friends, a mother of a child with Down syndrome and disability advocate I've known 15 years, about what happened with the "Family Guy" episode. Her response was very direct, and telling:

"You flatter me if you think I can influence anyone to stop attacking people w/disabilities in the name of 'humor.' It is disturbing to see how 'acceptable' this has become. No other group of people are told to just accept the disrespect heaped on them."

She articulated the situation very well. When will this stop being acceptable for anyone with special needs? When will the attacks stop for Sarah, her kids, and her family?

My friend did rally the troops in her state to make calls to the sponsors of this show. WE ALL should be making those calls. These attacks need to stop and those who produce "Family Guy" need to understand that in no way is this acceptable.

Back to Blogging with a Little Political Humor

I know I have been practically non-existent on here lately. Our Inaugural Lincoln Day Dinner kind of consumed my life for the past 3 weeks but now that it's behind us, I'll be getting back into the swing of things.

One of our new members shared this with me, and I couldn't resist passing it on!

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

This one is a little different....

Two Different Versions! ................. Two Different Morals!

OLD VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself

MODERN VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'

Acorn stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Rev. Jeremiah Wright then has the group curse God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ants food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2010!