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The Irby 2008 Iditarod Adventure |
This year was a disappointing one for us and for our dear friend and 2-time Iditarod finisher, GB Jones. GB was hospitalized just before the race with a serious blood infection and possible complications from frostbite suffered last year as he tried to save his beloved dog, AAFES (who DID ultimately survive 11 days alone on the trail.) He was released a few days before the start and gallantly completed the Ceremonial Start so that his Iditarider was not deprived of the ride she won in the Iditarider auction. Bowing to his better judgment and advice from his medical team, GB scratched after the Ceremonial Start and vowed this was his last Iditarod.
We were able to assist this year by helping transport GB's dogs to their vet check and from Knik to Anchorage for the Ceremonial Start.
We also were pleased to have Angel's friend, Trish Pilcher join us for the trip.
The pictures below are a collection of ones taken by Jim, Sharon, Angel, and Trish. All are © 2008 by either Jim Irby, Sharon Irby, Angel Irby, or Trish Pilcher and may not be reproduced without the permission of the individual photographer. Contact jimi@whidbey.com for specifics.
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AAFES, GB and the volunteer vets |
GB and Angel loading sleds to go to Anchorage |
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Who nose??? |
GB and his Iditarider, Karen Tria, during Ceremonial Start |
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Angel and Trish....COLD!!!! |
Around the fire at GB's |
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Ceremonial Start sign before sunrise |
All dogs are drug tested |
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'Nuf Said |
Angel defiles antique Redington boat frozen in Knik Arm |
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GB enjoys campfire |
Jim |
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GB waves scratch form....Sad day for all!! |
GB's team...Trish in basket |
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The girls relax while Jim shoots in the cold!!!! |
HQ |
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Jim drives |
Before sunrise at Ceremonial. Think Sharon was COLD? |
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Whoops!!!! |
BIG WHOOPS!! Trish bites the snow. |
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GB, Jim, and Trish load sled for trip to Anchorage |
Jim & Sharon with GB's dog box at vet check |
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Moose in downtown Anchorage. Just feet from the car. |
Potluck at GB's |
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Mopsy in her parka |
Sharon enjoys potluck |
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The restart in Willow |
GB's party at the Sourdough |
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Sharon drives GB |
Snow sculptures at Fur Rondy |
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The three of us at restart |
Twins???? |
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Hobo Jim at Knik Bar and Grill |
Singing A Love Song |
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GB Coming In From The Trail |
Sleds In A Row |
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2008 Champion Lance Mackay before Willow re-start |
2008 2nd place finisher Jeff King leaves start line |
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Thumbs Up From GB |
A Fond Farewell |
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Re-Start At Willow |
The Knik Bar where we enjoyed Hobo Jim's music |
