2012 Iditarod has BEGUN!

I'm sitting here watching the 2012 restart.....this is when it gets real. Yesterday's Ceremonial Start was the fun part, but today the Mushers and dogs are all business. Trail conditions are varied, depending upon what part of this 1,000 mile trail you want to talk about. There are reports of 18 feet...yes, that's 18 FEET of snow fallen on the trail in sections up to Rohn. Then, there are even reports of NO SNOW in the Farewell Burn....but many don't believe that...they have heard that before and when they arrive on the Burn they have snow. Who knows until the first Musher gets there. Sigrid Ekran from Norway is one of the women who they say will break into the top 20...and Aily Zirkle is one they say just may break into the top FIVE! I'd love nothing more than to see a woman win this race again!!! Ramey Smyth, who came in 2nd last year, is running this year without his top lead dog Bishop.....but this Veteran Musher from Willow said he has 2 other dogs in his Team who can step up to the task. Dee Dee and Mackey when out back to back with bibs 17 and 18....and now Neff is starting his Trek...and yes, he is wearing his Cat n the Hat hat...Neff is fresh off his 26 second Yukon Quest win a few weeks ago...Neff is definitely one to keep an eye on! I got about another hour or so to watch the rest of the restart....then ALL WEEK I will be checking stats and blogging....so stay tuned. The Restart of the race is really JUST the beginning....many "tails from the trails" yet to be told as things unfold during the race. Stop back here often for full summaries and commentary....IditaDacks....the ONLY place you can get Iditarod coverage from the Adirondack Wilderness!