Today’s “W” is all about wind and winter weather in White Mountain! Sometimes well-laid plans during this race do not transpire as expected. At this point, 9 mushers are waiting in this checkpoint to head westward, but the whiteout conditions won’t allow it. They are watching and waiting for the whipping wind and weather to clear. Some have been waiting a whopping 24 hours to move on. While I’m sure they are now getting much-needed rest, the whole group is definitely anxious and wanting to complete their journey. Unfortunately, Adam Lindenmuth was forced to press his emergency button just miles before White Mountain. In doing so, this is an immediate scratch from the race. He had 12 dogs in harness when he did. He was worried and wary about the wind prior to leaving Elim. But, digging deep and pressing on is what mushers do.
It would take a tremendous amount of willpower to request help so close to the finish. Being willing to put the welfare of his team first, regardless of his wishes to finish, is certainly what makes the Iditarod what it is. Wind chills Thursday night into Friday morning in Nome, Safety, White Mountain, and Golovin will be -50 to -60. Woah! We will all be waiting with bated breath to see when they will leave. Will they be able to take off in the early morning hours? Will they be forced to wait longer? Who will climb on the back of the sled first? We will be watching the website and waiting, ready to welcome them under the burled arch!
Speaking of White Mountain, my day began Thursday with a plan to fly out and spend some time there with the waiting mushers. Clearly, weather did not allow. However, Friday morning should dawn with me comfortably seated in a warm bush plane, wings in the air, watching the beauty of Alaska pass below. I am whole-heartedly happy for the upcoming experience. I find myself starting and ending every day feeling like I won. Just being here, experiencing this dream, I have won.
“W” Day!
- 5 W’s and 1 H- Use the Iditarod, a specific musher, an article, a recent video on the website and focus on the who, what, where, when, why, and how.
- Weather Watch- Track the weather on the Bering Sea coast and chart changes in temperature, pressure, wind chill, etc.
- Wilderness Map- Have students create an Alaskan wilderness map with trees, mountains, rivers, etc. and then create the best spot for their native village defending the location and needs of the people.
- Wolf vs. Sled Dog- Compare and Contrast the two animals.
- Word Builder- Have students work together to create a list of “W” words relating to Alaska, winter, dogsledding and the Iditarod.
