Lev Shvarts in Nome

When it comes to Iditarod, Lev Shvarts was able to finished in 2015 what he set out to do in 2014.  After leaving the Rohn Road house last year, Shvart’s sled gave way while coming through the Buffalo tunnels.  That portion of the trail was re-worked with heavy equipment this fall and would have been a much smoother route with far fewer obstacles had there been snow.  On this attempt, Shvarts made it to Nome and can wear his finisher’s belt buckle with great pride. 

Lev was born in the Ukraine but has lived in the US since 1989.  He has a degree in engineering and currently works as a carpenter.  Lev found his way to Iditarod through a Siberian husky named Ollie who he calls the best dog ever.  Iditarod was his dream but a very distant one until Lev and his wife made the big move to Alaska to nurture that dream of long distance mushing sparked by Ollie.    

Lev’s Alaskan/Siberian Husky combo team looked very chipper coming into Nome today, their tails were flagging and heads were high.  Lev’s parents were waiting at the arch to celebrate the accomplishment of Iditarod with their son.  During equipment check, the dogs went into power saver mode under the arch lying in the snow savoring praise and snacks distributed by Lev.  After bag check, handing over the vet book and trail mail, signing off the trail and a brief media interview, the dogs were on their feet and ready to leave the chute. This time, the distance between checkpoints was only two blocks.   

I can’t say for sure how many pictures I’ve taken since the Ceremonial Start in Anchorage two weeks ago but it would be close to 10,000.  One of my favorites is Lev’s team approaching the Nenana checkpoint.  Lying on my belly at a curve in the trail, was the perfect place to shoot a series of shots as Shvart’s team came down the trail.  The appearance is that I’m going to be trampled but not to worry, they turned the corner and followed the trail into Nenana.

Lev Shvart’s and Huskies into Nenana