As of Tuesday morning, there are teams ready to ascend the Alaska range looking to be in Rohn later today and teams who have descended the range and are traversing some of the perennially challenging sections of the trail out of Rohn – Buffalo Tunnels and the Farewell Burn. Earlier reports given by Race Director Mark Nordman indicated that snow pack was good in those areas. That will be much appreciated after the challenges the teams faced with wind and sugar snow in route from Finger Lake to Rainy Pass.
Up front, Jessie Holmes is leading the charge to Nikolai. He has a four mile lead over the next bunch of teams – Ryan Redington, Michelle Phillips, Mille Porsild and Paige Drobny. It’s always a relief when mushers make it to Nikolai. The technical sections of the trail are in their rear view mirror as are the Tunnels and the Burn.
Back in 2010, Eye on the Trail started out as Back of the Pack. The front runners were getting plenty of press but what was happening further back into the race wasn’t reported on. So, in keeping with my roots, I’m watching Insider videos of the teams from Puntilla Lake and will share their stories and impressions of their race.
Iditarod just announced the Jaye Foucher has scratched from the race at Rainy Pass. When talking with Insider, Jaye indicated the wind storm and difficult trail between Finger Lake influenced her decision. Jaye, of Sibersong Sled Dogs, runs a predominately Siberian team.
Grayson Bruton is the final musher of the competitive teams to depart Rainy Pass. He was likewise the last to depart Willow. His run time from Finger lake was 3 hours, 54 minutes. He rested on Puntilla Lake nearly six hours before pulling his snow hook to head the twelve miles up to Rainy Pass. From there he experiences the Dalzell Gorge before reaching Rohn. Grayson, whose kennel is in Tok, is a one year veteran of the race, finishing in 23rd place in 2020. He’s seen the Gorge before but if there’s one thing that’s for sure, no two runs from Puntilla Lake to Rohn are ever the same.
Sam Paperman is just ahead of Grayson, making his way toward Rohn. Sam’s run to Puntilla Lake from Finger took 3 hours and 49 minutes. He rested 6 hours and 13 minutes. Reports from Puntilla Lake paint a more favorable picture than reports yesterday from Finger. The wind and sugar snow experienced between Skwentna and Finger Lake have turned to something more favorable. The wind has diminished and the trail is hard packed and fast. Paperman is a rookie who got his start at Turning Heads Kennel with Travis Beals and Sarah Stokke. Sam is running the Turning Heads “B” team. Typically with younger teams, rest will be longer than run time.
Sadie Lindquist is also behind a puppy team. She works for Mitch Seavey at Ididaride Kennel out of Seward. Her run behind the puppies from Finger lake to Puntilla Lake took 3 hours and 50 minutes. She rested 6 hours 13 minute before departing for the climb over the Alaska Range. Talking to Insider at Puntilla Lake, Sadie said her perception of the Iditarod and the reality of the trail are two different things. She’s heard plenty about the technical sections of the trail like the Steps and the Gorge from both Seavey and Iditarod veteran Calvin Dougherty. Calvin told Sadie the Steps were nothing to worry about in 2025. Sadie’s 2026 experience was a lot more challenging. She said these are crazy hills, not like the hills back home. Before tackling the Steps she put a veteran dog in the lead who she praised for leading the team through the hairpin turns. The upcoming Gorge? Sadie said she’s trying not the think about it or worry about it but admits she’s really excited.
Adam Lindenmuth, the guy in bib #2 who departed Willow leading all teams onto the trail on Sunday has repositioned to the back of the pack. As a rookie it’s probably a position he’s happier to be in. His run from Finger Lake to Puntilla Lake took 3 hours , 36 minutes. His run was the fastest of the quintet he’s traveling with. After resting six hour and 7 minutes, He’s heading for the interior and a first experience of the Dalzell Gorge. Adam is a veteran of the Copper Basin 300, Quest 300, T-Dog 200, Two Rivers 200 and Knik 200. Of those races, the Copper Basin, with its varied terrain, has likely been the most valuable in preparing for the Iditarod.
Rookie Jody Potts-Joseph in the fifth member of the quintet that’s running between Rainy Pass and Rohn. Jody had a 3 hour, 53 minute run from Finger lake. She rested 8 hours, 19 minutes before tackling the ascent of the Alaska range and descent into the interior. Jody’s kennel, Raven Clan, is home to 30 dogs and is located in Eagle Village. Mushing has been a part of the Joseph’s indigenous culture for generations. Thus the beautiful tradition dog coats worn by Jody’s team for the start and restart. She says, “I was raised in the basket of a dog sled. My brother Sonny took me on dog runs and took me to school with his dog team.” Jody really appreciates and values the traditional knowledge of dogs imparted by her uncle, grandfather and other ancestors.
