GREAT STRIDES
Fundraiser for the fight of Cystic Fibrosis
Kina
2011 Presque Isle
Presque Isle State Park,
Cookhouse Pavillion
05/21/2011

Cystic fibrosis is the most prevalent genetic disease in the United States. Advances continue to be made in finding a cure, but your help is needed now more than ever to help keep up the momentum of this life saving research. Too many young lives depend on this vital research to let it go unfunded!

GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation's largest and most successful national fundraising event. This year, I'm walking in the GREAT STRIDES event at the 2011 Presque Isle - Presque Isle State Park, Cookhouse Pavilion site on 05/21/2011. Please help me meet my fundraising goal of $150.00 by sponsoring me. You'll feel confident in knowing that your generous gift is used efficiently and effectively: nearly 90 cents out of every dollar you contribute goes directly toward supporting research and specialized care that improves the quality of life for those with CF. And, it's tax-deductible.

Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click on the link below to make a donation to my fundraising page. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Donating to GREAT STRIDES is such a simple and effective way for you to show your support for this important cause. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with CF! Once again, thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation!

Kina is currently preparing to for 2011 walk for Cystic Fibrosis and needs your support with her fundraising goals. To help me with completing my goals please follow the link to: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/NicoleBoyce5332!

To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis please check out the site: www.cff.org

~Kina ~Timberwolf

The Iditarod dog sled race was completed on 03/20/2011 when Ellen Halverson crossed the finish line in Nome at 10:45:14 with her 9 dog team. The Widows Lantern was blown out signifying that all teams were off the trail. Ellen Halverson is the Red Latern winner for the 2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. There were a total of 62 teams entered and stated the race on 03/05/2011 and covered 1123 miles from start to finish. A total of 47 dog teams completed the race and over the course of the race here were 15 Mushers and their teams that withdrew from the race at various check stations. One of the traditions at the finish line is the Musher will remove the dog teams paw boots (booties) used to help protect the dogs feet during the race and will give them out to people at the finish line. ~ Timberwolf

Things to know about the Iditarod:

Rookie
Musher and their team are classified as rookies until they have completed the full Iditarod dog sled race course. A musher and his team are still rookies if they start but with draw during the race.

History of the Red Lantern
Often the "Red Lantern" is confused with the "Widow's Lamp." They are not the same. An article several years ago in Alaska magazine states that the first red lantern was awarded in the 1953 Fur Rendezvous Race. According to Alaska, "Awarding a red lantern for the last place finisher in a sled dog race has become an Alaskan tradition. It started as a joke and has become a symbol of stick-to-itiveness in the mushing world." ~Iditarod site

The Story of the Widow's Lamp
During the days of Alaska sled dog freighting and mail carrying, dog drivers relied on a series of roadhouses between their village destinations. Since these mushers ventured out in most all kinds of weather, for safety reasons they found the idea that pilots rely on, known today as the flight plan. Word was relayed ahead that a musher and team were on the trail, and a kerosene lamp was lit and hung outside the roadhouse. It not only helped the dog driver find his destination at night, but more importantly, it signified that a team or teams were somewhere out on the trail. The lamp was not extinguished until the musher safely reached his destination.

In keeping with that tradition, the Iditarod Trail Committee will light a "Widow's Lamp" at 10:00 a.m., on the first Sunday in March, in Nome at the trail's end. This lamp, which will be attached to the Burled Arch, our official finish line, will remain lit as long as there are mushers on the trail competing in the race. When the last musher crosses the finish line, officials will extinguish the "Widow's Lamp" signifying the official end of the Iditarod for that year.

All too often, public and media think of the race as being over when the winner crosses the finish line, yet there are still teams on the trail. We hope you will find this often overlooked part of the race worthy of your attention. There are many very good stories about these other mushers on the trail. ~Iditarod site

In Nome - Jodi Bailey Claims a Rookie Double
03/17/2011

Jodi Bailey and her Dew Claw Kennel dogs made history this afternoon. Jody is the first woman to ever complete a rookie Quest and Iditarod in the same year. This rookie double is an impressive accomplishment. Each of the races is over 1,000 miles. While the weather and trail for Iditarod was nice, if not too nice; the weather and trail for the Quest was punishing or worse. Congratulations to Jodi and her well winterized dogs. She finished 7th in the Quest and 31st in Iditarod. Her Iditarod time was 11 days and 40 minutes.

Dan Kaduce, Iditarod's 2010 Rookie of the Year was waiting for Jodi, his wife and kennel partner

under the arch. It would be an understatement to say that Dan was proud of her accomplishment. While the checker was going through the mandatory gear, Dan was snacking the dogs and removing booties. Trail booties are hot souvenirs, the Dew Claw Duo cordially shared the prized paw protectors with fans lining the chute.

Dan and Jodi praised the dogs and posed for photos. It was easy to see that Jodi was in awe of the journey and intensely touched by the athleticism and heartiness of her canine athletes. Every dog received a caring on the nose kiss from their mistress. The veterinarians who greeted Bailey's dogs at the finish line for quick examination said they were in excellent condition. To affirm the vet's evaluation, they trotted nonchalantly to the dog lot. ~ Terrie Hanke

Information and was gathered from the Iditarod web site http://www.iditarod.com please visit the site for more detailed information about the race. ~ Timberwolf