:37:04
Hundreds of men died
from exposure
:37:06
or were buried alive
in avalanches.
:37:12
Of the quarter million who came,
perhaps 400 struck it rich.
:37:21
yet some who failed to find
easy wealth were inspired
:37:24
by the challenges
of this new land.
:37:28
Like waves of others
across the ages
:37:31
they adapted to Alaska
and stayed on.
:37:36
Five, four, three,
two, one... go.
:37:43
Before a crowed
that includes descendants
:37:46
of those "stampeders"
:37:47
dog sled teams set out
from Anchorage each year
:37:51
to commemorate the Gold Rush
:37:53
in a thousand-mile race
known worldwide as the lditarod.
:38:06
In the defiant spirit of Alaska
:38:08
winter's harsh challenges
are turned to rugged sport.
:38:34
Each year,
as the warm season approaches
:38:37
the vast spectacle
of life's resiliency
:38:40
unfolds again in Alaska.
:38:43
The days lengthen,
grasses reemerge
:38:47
and along stream bottoms
:38:49
the promise of the future
is renewed.
:38:55
Mere glimmers of life now
:38:57
salmon hatchlings
will soon depart
:38:59
to return years hence
and nourish Alaska