2008 Yukon Quest

Sled dog at the 2008 Yukon Quest sled dog race, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Canon 1ds Mark III, 100-400 f.40-5.6L IS, (275mm) 1/80 sec @ f9.0

The Yukon Quest start unfolded on Saturday, Feb 9th in Fairbanks, under minus 40 degree temperatures, which slowly warmed up to minus 20 as the day progressed. For those not familiar with this dogseld race, it is reputed to be the most difficult dog race due to rugged terrain and extreme cold conditions. The race name is derived from the "Yukon River" the great river highway of the north. Check out their website for current standings and information: www.yukonquest.com. Poor and dangerous trail conditions over Rosebud (from Chena Hotsprings to mile 101) resulted in a route deviation-which altered my plans a bit.

When photographing in these extreme temperatures I find myself doing a lot of point and shoot photography, since my viewfinder gets fogged up and push button auto focusing becomes invaluable. Additionally, camera batteries freeze up quickly, but usually not as quickly as I do. I took a few token pictures at the start and then a day later on Eagle Summit, where violent winds and drifting snow had closed the Steese highway temporarily. See more Yukon Quest photos.

Sled dog at the 2008 Yukon Quest sled dog race, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Canon 1ds Mark III, 100-400 f.40-5.6L IS, (260mm) 1/100 sec @ f5.6

Sled dog handler at the 2008 Yukon Quest sled dog race, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Canon 1ds Mark III, 100-400 f.40-5.6L IS, (340mm) 1/400 sec @ f5.6

Race vet in the chilly minus 40 degree temps at the start of the 2008 Yukon Quest sled dog race, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Canon 1ds Mark III, 100-400 f.40-5.6L IS, (400mm) 1/640 sec @ f9.0

Musher Didier Moggia at the start of the 2008 Yukon Quest sled dog race, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Canon 1ds Mark III, 100-400 f.40-5.6L IS, (400mm) 1/640 sec @ f8.0

Musher Phil Joy heads down the Chena River at the start of the 1000 mile, 2008 Yukon Quest sled dog race, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Canon 1ds Mark III, 100-400 f.40-5.6L IS, (400mm) 1/640 sec @ f8.0

Ground blizzard conditions and wind blown snow on Eagle Summit.
Canon 1ds Mark III, 16-35mm f2.8L, 1/125 sec @ f16.0

Strong winds and minus 20 degree temperatures temporarily closed the Steese Highway on Eagle Summit.
Canon 1ds Mark III, 100-400 f.40-5.6L IS, (120mm) 1/640 sec @ f9.0