“P is for so many things… patience, perseverance, positivity, plans, and even prices. Let’s start with patience. The amount of patience it takes getting to a checkpoint knowing there are plenty more ahead is so high. Probably never higher than when problems arise. For example, Jessie Royer has never lost her team in a race, and yet lost them three times. The first, her mittens are new and she was unable to hold a grip on her sled. The second she came to a curve and a drop at the same time, wiping out so hard she saw stars and her contact popped out of her eye. She then went not 100 feet and wiped out yet again. Thankfully she was able to use a “come back” command and her lead dogs stopped in their tracks. Mille Porsild went through water soaking her sleeping bag and freezing her mukluks. She was unable to even unzip her sled bag for spare mittens. She yelled to Thomas Waerner for extras which he politely provided.
Perseverance comes in the form of so many small steps, one in front of the other. Even when the race is painful, mushers find a way to push forward. As Sam Paperman is doing with his team of virtually all puppies. Persistence is key. Taking this checkpoint in the here and now, and trying not to think of the finish, but to process just one piece of the trail at a time. Pausing to appreciate the panoramic views in front of them and enjoying the pleasant weather while it’s here as there is no way to know what tomorrow’s forcast will be.
Positivity in the smallest of places can make an enormous difference. Many mushers have found “The Burn” to be better than they can ever remember with snow rather than frozen mud. Plans, while necessary are also sometimes not possible to carry out. Mushers are starting to focus in on where they will take their 24 hour layover. Some have chosen McGrath and others have moved passed on further to Ophir. Plotting this strategy can have a big affect on success later. Sometimes these layovers are taken because this was the place expected, and others it is out of sheer necessity for themselves or their pups. It is already interesting to project who will clinch the lead and also to see if these long 24 hour breaks make a difference in stamina and speed later on.
Prices here in the interior can be quite different from what many of us are used to each day. I took a short hike to the Alaska Commercial Company here in McGrath for a little lesson on financial literacy. I met the sweetest manager who explained that prices are so high clearly due to to the flights for shipment. She went on to share that any food going out of date is donated to the Native Council who is able to pass it out to native residents whenever possible! I hope students enjoy this glimpse into money and McGrath Math!
