I should tell you up front that I came to this book with far more info than the average reader. True, it's pretty obvious I came for the dogs but I not only live in Alaska, but about two miles from Iditarod Headquarters. Not only that, I've attended several Iditarod races and have even ridden the runners of a sled. As Morgan reveals in the book, it's a rush. Needless to say, I was psyched to get this book to review. It definitely brings the dogs and race to life. Kudos, Lee Morgan.
For those unfamiliar with the race, it officially covers 1,049 miles through some of the most isolated, challenging terrain and weather one can imagine. Temps in the negative fifties aren't uncommon, not are encounters with moose. Let's just say, if a moose takes a notion to take offense at your team and charges at them, it's like being hit from the side by a good-sized pickup truck. There are other predators, of course, which is why most mushers carry a weapon in their sled. All this while covering a trail that may be marginal, not to mention with dangerous drifting snow, frozen streams or overflow, brutal stumps and snags, deep ruts from teams that have gone before you or maybe worse, no sign of the trail at all. You will cross the frozen Bering Sea as the race nears the end, too. The musher has to depend on their dogs to find that trail since, at times, in a blizzard or episode of gale force winds, the musher may be virtually running blind. Needless to say, each checkpoint, there are usually 26, is a welcome site.
And that where Morgan and the team of vets that are out in conditions not much better than those that face the mushers come in. This is both his story and counter against those who claim the dogs are mistreated. Quite frankly, even with my relatively strong background in all things Iditarod, I found his story both informative and fascinating. It's a fun read, almost like you're sitting by a campfire listening to him share his experiences (and misadventures). His sense of humor shines through, too, adding to the enjoyment.
This is where I'm duct taping my fingers to keep from going on endlessly about the contents because, well, you need to read this book and enjoy it in its entirety. You'll learn a great deal about not only the race itself but the standards the vets and mushers are held to. They're not working out of a climate controlled office, I should note. I've been to checkpoints and found myself nodding as I read about, say, the tent at Finger Lake Checkpoint. Yep, spot on, Lee Morgan. Getting to Nome is a definitely a challenge and, as Morgan notes, while the teams may move along, the planes moving the various teams of vets don't fly when the weather isn't safe, either, so you can be in some places awhile. But, what a rush. And, oh, the dogs. Their sheer joy and the love they share. You'll smile as you read about his vet check experiences, both before the race and along the trail as he meets some of the most remarkable canine characters ever.
My thanks to trail vet #LeeMorgan, #WWNorton&Company - #Liveright for allowing me this sneak peek behind the scenes. Even this Alaskan once immersed in all things Iditarod learned something new and came away with a smile.
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