ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Northern Whites Kennel, with a storied Iditarod history, sees Mike Parker take his first run down the famed trail, 46 years after Jim Lanier’s debut. Parker cherishes being part of a legacy that includes many mushers who started with Lanier’s dogs. During the Iditarod 53, Parker reflects on his journey, carrying the ashes of three beloved dogs lost in a December accident. He plans to scatter their ashes along the trail. While aiming for the burled arch in Nome, Parker emphasizes the race’s significance, stating it’s about the journey with his team.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The color-coordinated dogs of the Northern Whites Kennel boast a storied legacy in the Iditarod. Chugiak’s Jim Lanier first brought these white-furred champions to Nome in 1979, returning 15 more times thereafter. Now, 46 years after his debut, it’s Mike Parker’s inaugural run on the iconic trail.
”Being part of that lineage is truly amazing,” Parker noted about running with the Northern Whites. “Many mushers have started with Jim or have completed the Iditarod using Jim’s dogs, so being included in that family is quite significant.”
For four days during Iditarod 53, Parker and the Northern Whites have been making headway, progressing towards Ruby on Thursday evening.
“I keep thinking, ‘Wow, this is the Iditarod; I’m just running dogs like I always do!’” Parker shared while pausing to rest his team in Tanana.
This sentiment is one among many he has experienced along the trail, especially in remembrance of cherished team members he has recently lost.
“They’re on my mind every day,” he expressed.
In December 2023, while on a training run near Cantwell, a snowmachine collided with the team, resulting in the tragic loss of three dogs. Parker carries the ashes of Solo, John, and Buttercup with him on his Iditarod journey.
“I plan to leave them on the trail, as that is where they belong,” Parker remarked on the shores of the Yukon River. “They were meant to be here with me, so we’ll locate a perfect camping spot for them.”
On the day Parker and the Northern Whites departed for Nome, the driver of the snowmachine that hit the team pleaded guilty to a negligent driving citation, classified as a non-criminal offense. Parker chose not to comment on the plea agreement.
Though reaching the burled arch in Nome is the ultimate aim, for Parker and his team, the focus lies on the journey rather than the destination.
“Honestly, I can’t fathom anything more special than the Iditarod. Everything about this race and this dog team means the world to me, it truly does.”
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