Hello -- I just came across this thread. I am planning a similar trip.

Can Bob W or njswamps (or anyone) tell me if there is much difference - from the spectator's perspective - in the experience in Wasilla/Willow versus Anchorage? I know the "real" start is in Willow, so the mushers are much more serious there, but is there anything more/less to see at the start versus the re-start?

If the experience at the re-start is really superior, I will do both.

Also, does anyone know about flying out to one of the checkpoints? I have found some tour companies that will fly you to a checkpoint on a ski-plane, but I wonder what there is to see there. If all I can see is a sled going by for 25 seconds, it doesn't seem worth it. But if the teams stop for a while, rest and re-provision, it might be fun to see how they do it. Sort of like a "pit-stop" at a Nascar race, which can be very interesting.