Erin Montgomery 2015 Teacher on the Trail

Pictures Tell a Story – Family in Nome

One of the moments I see at the finish that puts a big smile on my face, besides the dogs, is when families reunite. It is a rough couple of weeks for mothers, wives, husbands, and children while their family member is out on the treacherous Iditarod trail. There is absolutely no contact made during …

Inspirational

Twenty-two seconds separated two brothers which suffered many highs and lows on this journey across Alaska. A large crowd of fans, including several 2015 Iditarod finishers gathered on Front Street and in the chute waiting to welcome the inspirational Jason and his 4-time Iditarod champion brother, Lance. Jason arrived first and received a warm welcome …

Pictures Tell a Story – Tradition in Nome

The dogs are the true athletes of the Iditarod and the mushers make sure their best friends know this. Justin Savidis has a tradition of lifting one of his dogs up to touch his paw to the Burled Arch. This year Louisa May had the prestigious honor of being lifted to tap the arch. Looking …

Overcome

This afternoon after watching Charley Bejna cross under the Burled Arch, I made my way to the library to catch Martin Buser speak about his journey across Alaska. The one topic which kept coming up in conversation were the connections made and the emotional highs and lows. No matter how many times you hear a …

Pictures Tell a Story – Still in Nome

Along the trail mushers often have to drop dogs or give their dogs a ride in the sled. Mushers are so in tune with their dogs they know when their buddies are tired, hurt, sore, or just don’t want to run anymore. It is in the best interest of the dog and the team to …

My Journey to Safety

My plan for this afternoon was to go the the Nome Elementary School with Martha and watch the screening of Spirit of the Wind: The Story of George Attla. My plans, however, changed. As I was working on my “P” Team story, my phone rang. It was Terrie Hanke calling to notify me that Stan …

The “P” Team

I am officially an honorary member of the 2015 P Team. Just as in every sport, athletes of the Last Great Race are also tested for drugs. Yesterday, I joined the Pee team as they tested many dogs for performance enhancing drugs. Every major event tests athletes for performance enhancing drugs. At the Ceremonial Start …

Pictures Tell a Story – Nome Day 1

A couple of hours after Mitch Seavey placed 2nd in the 2015 Iditarod his dogs could be seen sleeping like babies in the dog lot. These incredible athletes sure deserve a nice rest. Caption each picture below.  

Like Father, Like Son

Some say dynasty, Dallas says competitors that happen to be related. For the first time in Iditarod history, son and father took 1st and 2nd in The Last Great Race. The last four years the race has seen a Seavey cross the Burled Arch in 1st place; 2012 was Dallas, 2013 was Mitch, and 2014 …

Pictures Tell A Story – Unalakleet

I just love to walk around the checkpoint and look at the dogs. Their expressions put an enormous smile on my face. I always imagine to myself what they are saying or thinking. These two Jeff King dogs just arrived with their team in Unalakleet and were waiting for their straw and warm meal. If …