I made it to the finish! Photo credit: Jane Holmes

Today was simply surreal…

After teaching, learning, studying and reading about this event for the past 17 years, standing under the arch in person is indescribable. I walking around town, looking at all of these old buildings and imagining the people that walked these same streets. From Leonhard Seppala to  Joe Redington Sr. From Wyatt Earp to Roald Amundsen. This town, even in 2022 still has that old town feeling. I walked the streets to find the location of Leonard Seppala’s cabin, the old town hall founded in 1901 and the original Board of Trade Saloon. 

The atmosphere and feel of the crowd on Front Street was palpable. After not finishing in Nome last year due to covid, the people here in Nome were out in force to welcome the winner of the 50th running of the Iditarod. The streets were lined rows deep of spectators, fans, and families excited to welcome the first mushers. There was a light breeze and the temperatures were perfect for an early morning finish.  

Brent Sass crossed the finish line early this morning, and Dallas Seavey was not far behind. These two had been separating themselves from the rest of the pack for a few days now, and were a good 12 hours ahead of the next few mushers. Brent was the first to arrive at 5:38am followed an hour and twenty minutes later by Dallas.

This evening Jessie Holmes crossed the finish line at 7:39pm followed by Dan Kaduce. Dan still had all 14 of his dogs in harness, an impressive feat of its own. There are more to follow tonight as the pair of Kaiser and Diehl will cross ahead of Burmeister, Stoddard and Redington. Keep tuned in to the tracker and leaderboards for the remaining mushers.

Todays adventures of Booloo took us to the Nome Arts and Crafts Fair at Old St. Joe’s Church. Right in front is the iconic tribute to “The Three Lucky Swedes” and the world’s largest gold pan welcoming visitors to the city.

Booloo in the Pan

Teachers: Take a look at the flags of this year’s race. Talk with your class about what these could stand for. Why are these flags hanging and not others? What countries do they represent? 

Flags of the 2022 Iditarod. Photo credit: Jim Deprez