Nikolai to Ophir accurately describes the position of teams on the trail – EXCEPT, Dallas Seavey has departed Ophir for Cripple and is resting out of Ophir. Maybe the extra/unplanned rest his dogs got while he dealt with the previously mentioned moose 14 miles beyond Skwentna set him up for a longer run to his …
It’s mid-afternoon on Tuesday. While Insiders Greg Heister and Bruce Lee gave an update from Nikolai, they both agreed that the champion for 2024 would likely come from the group of 12 mushers that have reached Nikolai at this time. Statistics from past races support that statement. Time will tell but I did take a …
As the first musher to arrive in Nikolai, Mille Porsild received the Alaska Air Transit Spirit of Iditarod Award. Mille, wearing bib #12 arrived in Nikolai at 09:09 on Tuesday March 5th with 14 dogs in harness. Mille received beaver fur musher’s mitts with beadwork on moose hide (handmade by Loretta Maillelle of McGrath), a …
Some teams have been checkpoint hoping and others have been trail camping. It’s all about preference. The only time a musher MUST stay in a checkpoint is for the mandatory rests. The 24-hour rest is coming soon – probably between McGrath, Tokotna, Ophir and Cripple. Then there is a required 8-hour rest on the Yukon …
Photographer Siri Raitto has landed on Puntilla Lake, more commonly known as Rainy Pass Checkpoint. Teams have been on a steady climb since departing Skwentna. The mountains surrounding Finger Lake give evidence of being “IN” the Alaska Range. Visit the Iditarod Photo Gallery. Enjoy this photo essay created with Siri Pics. At …
Finger Lake got its name because of its shape – long and narrow with a slight bend just like a finger – very much like your pointer finger. At one time, the checkpoint was across the lake from where it’s located today. Now the checkpoint is located right beneath Winter Lake Lodge. Back a few …
Well, you know you’re a serious Iditarod fan if your weather app includes checkpoints along the trail. Looks like the temperture will stay in the teens, winds will be lights and snow is likely for this side of the Alaska Range today. Pretty good weather. Jessie Holmes and Connor McMahon were the first to arrive …
Siri Raitto was busy capturing the essence of mushers, sled dogs and the 52nd Iditarod start in Willow. Photos speak 1,000 so words so enjoy a photo essay of Siri pics. More are available in Iditarod’s Photo Gallery. Great news, Siri will be on the trail and sharing images throughout the race. Thanks in advance …
The day of the 2024 Iditarod Restart was cloudy, mid-teen temperatures with little to no wind as evidenced by the flags atop the start banner. Mushers and dogs couldn’t ask for much better conditions. Veteran Anna Berington, wearing Bib #2, led the field of 38 mushers out on the trail for the fifty-second running of …
Sled dogs thrive in frigid conditions! These working dogs are well equipped for their purpose – running and pulling. Think of it from the language of the automotive world. Make, Model, Interior Features, Exterior Features and Accessories. Make is the Sled Dog. Model is the Alaskan Husky or the Siberian Husky as they are the …
