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             Mushers began arriving on the Chena River early Monday morning 
              among the workaday crowd in Fairbanks. The River was frozen to a 
              depth of at least 31" and made a great place for the historic 
              restart of Iditarod 2003. The temperature was around +25 degrees 
              when the teams began heading into the chute. The dogs were much 
              more vocal here on the river, in the cooler temperatures, than they 
              were on 4th Avenue on Saturday. The setting was just perfect for 
              the restart with the Pike's Landing having large outdoor decks overlooking 
              the River and a Princess Lodge next door. Many local schools let 
              the students come down to watch the restart which was reallly neat. 
                
             
            Most mushers seemed relaxed and not at all concerned about the 
              change in route. Many were actually sort of glad to be seeing some 
              different terrain. The ITC has been examining trail conditions since 
              January and chose this trail as safer for the dogs and mushers. 
              In talking to Janine Seavey, Mitch seemed the most relaxed he has 
              ever been for an Iditarod and Tyrell was in great spirits as his 
              grandfather, Dan Seavey, and Jim Gallea helped him to the starting 
              line. Johnny Baker's wife and child were having fun waiting for 
              Dad to take off.  
            Karen Ramstead's Siberians were as beautiful as ever and were anxious 
              to get on the trail. Rookie Blake Matray was happy to be starting 
              in Fairbanks since more of his friends and pilots from Eielson Airforce 
              Base were able to come watch him head out on the trail.  
              Last year Blake had to withdraw from Iditarod when he was called 
              to active duty. Our friend Mike Suman was helping rookie Dexter 
              Kancer get ready. G.B. Jones, "the man without a truck," 
              was getting organized with all his gear spread out on a blue tarp. 
              G.B jacknifed his truck and dog trailer on the drive up yesterday; 
              no injuries but it was enough to upset G.B. understandably so. But 
              he was in good spirits as always, ready to head out on the trail, 
              and was last seen jogging to the starting line. 
              
            Dogs and fans alike were excited about the new location of the 
              restart.  
              I overheard several say that they were going to write letters about 
              how nice the Fairbanks location was for today's festivities. The 
              last musher pulled out of the chute about 12:30PM Alaska time, heading 
              out for the new trail. First stop is Nenana, then on to Manley and 
              next, Tanana. Good luck mushers!! 
            WHERE 
              ARE THE MUSHERS NOW?? 
              
              
              
              
             
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