Lance Mackey Finishes Iditarod | 15 Dogs Lead to Win

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses Lance Mackey's participation in the Iditarod, focusing on his progress and experiences during the race, as well as broader reflections on the nature of sled-dog racing and the challenges faced by mushers. The conversation touches on themes of loneliness, the impact of weather conditions, and the use of technology in the race.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that Mackey is nearing the end of the Iditarod with 15 of his original 16 dogs, highlighting his significant lead.
  • Another participant expresses a personal aversion to extreme cold and heavy snow, indicating a lack of interest in participating in such races.
  • A participant reflects on the loneliness of the sport, suggesting it may be the loneliest sport in the world.
  • There is mention of sled-dog races in Maine that are restricted to groomed snowmobile trails due to excessive snow, raising concerns about the safety of the dogs.
  • A participant shares a link to a story that evokes feelings of loneliness similar to those in "Call of the Wild," emphasizing the emotional aspects of the race.
  • Some participants express sadness over a specific incident involving a musher and their dogs, discussing the emotional impact and introspection that may arise from such experiences.
  • Discussion arises around the use of GPS technology in the race, with some mushers feeling it detracts from the traditional experience of being alone in the wilderness, while others see it as a comfort for families.
  • A humorous anecdote is shared about a musher's GPS being taken on a flight by a friend, illustrating the lighter side of the race's challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of personal feelings about the Iditarod, with some appreciating the adventure and others questioning the appeal of such extreme conditions. There is no consensus on the emotional impact of the race or the role of technology in it.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views on the emotional aspects of the race and the implications of using GPS technology reflect varying personal experiences and assumptions about the sport.

LowlyPion
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Lance Mackey is looking to close out this years Iditerod today with 15 of his initial 16 dogs.

He is through the last check point - a brisk 20 mile sprint to Main Street Nome to go apparently. And he was 6 hours ahead getting awat at White Mountain rest stop.

http://www.adn.com/photos/iditarod/story/703830.html

The pictures there are awesome, if not cold and remote, and hellish after so many days of slogging through it. I can half understand doing it for the scenery. But not completely.
 
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Not for me, thanks. I can barely tolerate the Maine winters of the past few years. I don't mind the cold so much, but too much snow kinda wears on you after a while.
 
I can think of no lonelier sport in the world.
 
We have sled-dog races here in Maine, BUT they have to race on groomed snowmobile trails. There is just way too much snow, and it would kill the dogs to try to race in it.
 
Just read this account, if you want to think about lonely.

Like Call of the Wild, just no wolf packs jumping at you through the camp fire.

http://www.adn.com/iditarod/2009/story/726933.html
 
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Awww that was so sad, I'm glad they were able to save him and the rest of his fur friends. It must of broken his heart.
 
hypatia said:
Awww that was so sad, I'm glad they were able to save him and the rest of his fur friends. It must of broken his heart.

I'm sure that it put him in touch with his mortality. An opportunity for great introspection no doubt.
 
This year I was reading that all the mushers had a GPS in their sleds. In fact enthusiasts could - for a fee of course - follow the race as markers on a map with the real time position of each contestant. It was a comfort at least for spouses knowing where there mates were no doubt.

Some of them were grumbling about not being really out there alone if GPS knew where they were. But I can imagine that it might be a comfort if things really went whack out there.

One of the entrants had a long layover earlier in the race and gave the GPS to a friend that was a pilot and he took it on a flight as a joke. Amazing what passes for entertainment there.