Good morning from Nome. Last night, us the writers ( Terrie, Tim and myself ) made a loose plan of who was going to get up when, throughout the night, to see the mushers coming in. Well, all 3 of us did not wake up and were conked out sleeping. I apologize,  When I finally did stir, I heard the announcer talking about John Baker. Quickly grabbed the camera, made sure my hair sits well and ran over to the Finish Line. 

2011 Iditarod Champion John Baker was out there snacking his team of fuzzy dogs. I have always like his breeding, well coated dogs who need little maintenance when it comes to dealing with cold weather. John was in good spirits.

Next up was the arrival of 4 time Champion Martin Buser. He has a huge fan club, mostly ladies, spearheaded by his wife Kathy. I am sure he heard the hooting and hollering halfway across town. His  first words to Kathy were ” Hi honey, you smell delicious.”  ” I bet you don’t, ” a bystander quipped back.

Martin’s team came across the finish line very well, looking like they had just left Fairbanks. They eagerly gobbled up the beef Martin offered them. Posing under the Burled Arch, Martin said that this was not the pose he had hoped for, but it would be good training for the future. Finish position is not everything in the race. It is just a matter of mindset and once Martin realized on the run to Huslia that he had to readjust his goal for the race, and wrapped his mind around that, he truly seemed to enjoy himself despite a finish out of the Top 20. When it comes down to it, each musher is pretty fortunate to be able to part take in this great event

Sleeping right next to the media table here in the ” Mini ” ( Mini Convention Center, serving as race headquarter ) is Nicolas Petit. Anybody here in Nome has a real bed for this guy???

Enjoy the shots! Sebastian