“O” my goodness… things are getting exciting around here now! The day was spent with a crew of outstanding people readying the McGrath checkpoint for the leading mushers to come through. A number of these individuals have been operating this spot for years and have things in perfect order with time to spare.
The overall highlight of my day came so unexpectedly. I needed to check in with the local hub of the Iditarod Air Force which I went to do this afternoon. I was not surprised to find such an orderly board full of names and where they were flying to next. The only thing missing was the “when”. As I was observing all the happenings of the location, I was asked if I wanted to go on a flight. What? Yes, yes I do! Once I said that, they immediately located a pilot to take me on my own adventure.
We decided to fly out to Nikolai and take a look around the checkpoint. Not only did we see several teams traveling down the trail from overhead, we also saw, what I realize now was leader Jessie Holmes resting near an island of trees. Observing teams from the air takes on a new original feeling of witnessing the race. It was overwhelming to witness the graceful gait of the dogs as they made their way, ever optimistic about what is around the next bend. Oh, what a unique experience that I will remember always.
