Messages to Teachers
During the supper hour on March 8th, there was a flurry of activity in teams leaving McGrath. Pat Moon, leaving with 10 of his 12 dogs from Middy Johnson’s Unalakleet team departed at 17:26 followed by Hank Debruin’s Siberians at 17:41 and Karen Ramstead’s Sibes at 17:48. There wasn’t a reluctant starter in the whole …
Moose are having a hard winter. The abundance of snow has made it very difficult for them to forage for food and it’s made it difficult for the large hoofed animals to move around. Moose are seen in places they normally wouldn’t be found, places were it’s easier to find food and places where it’s …
Who’s leading the race? In the early days and miles of the race, it’s a mathematical challenge to know who’s leading the race. But once the teams have taken the long twenty-four hour layover, the picture comes into focus. When a driver declares the team’s mandatory rest, they’ll be staying put for a full twenty-four …
The Siberians and a whole lot of other teams are resting in McGrath. Hank Debruin came off the Kuskokwim RIver Wednesday afternoon at 16:52 followed by Karen Ramstead at 17:26. Folks tend to flock to the checker’s station to see the handsome Siberians. Both teams came in with a lot of spirit – tails and …
Hi Boys and Girls, Well it’s day three of Iditarod 40. The teams are moving really well down the trail. Several teams have declared their 24 hour mandatory rest. Congratulations to Aily Zirkle for being the first musher into McGrath and winning the Penn Air Spirit of Alaska Award. Now for today’s update: DATE: 3/7/2012 …
Eight hours after the PenAir Spirit of Alaska award was presented, thirty more teams have made their way into the checkpoint of McGrath. John Baker followed Aliy Zirkle by about half an hour. Baker, Zirkle and nearly the entire front half of the field continued right on to Takotna, 18 miles up the trail. It’s …
Next to the checker and vet team that would greet Zirkle stood PenAir Excutive, Danny Seybert holding the coveted Spirit Mask that’s presented to the first musher to McGrath. PenAir has presented the award since the mid 90’s. He confirmed that Aliy is the first woman to earn the award. The spirit mask was …
Flying over the Alaska Range in a Cessna is a trip! The two hour flight is filled with incredible scenery on clear days – including an awesome view of Denali. The mountain wasn’t out today but there was plenty of scenery going over Rainy Pass. Traveling above the trail as it runs above the Dalzell …
Hi Boys and Girls, How exciting is this! The 40th Iditarod has started. I was able to watch it yesterday on my computer. Did any of you get to see the start. The dogs were so excited. They were jumping up and down at the start line and couldn’t wait to go. Good luck to …
Hi Boys and Girls, The last musher just left the start line of the Ceremonial Start. I bet some of you are wondering why there are two starts to the Iditarod. The Ceremonial start is on the first Saturday of March every year. It takes place on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage. The dog trucks …
