Paws Along the Trail with Checkpoints

Many of the checkpoints have “closed.”  That means the veterinarians, race judge, pilots, communications people (who type in the times and numbers of dogs), and trail volunteers who have been keeping everything running well for the mushers leave or move further down the trail.  As of tonight, Elim, White Mountain, and Safety checkpoints are the busiest.  What actually goes on at the checkpoints?

There are bathrooms for mushers to use and sometimes a shower.  A room is set aside for them to sleep.  Mushers can even get a wake-up call if they take a longer nap.  Often there is a kitchen where they can relax and heat up some of their food.  

So much work goes on before the mushers come to the checkpoints, while they are there, and the clean up afterwards.  Some estimate there are 1800 volunteers that make the Iditarod possible for the mushers and dogs.  I have met many volunteers who are almost as sleep deprived as the mushers!  It’s a great group of people who give of their time each year.  

There is an award given to the best checkpoint, the “Golden Clipboard Award.”  Mushers vote for this winner.  In order to win, some checkpoints give hot water to the mushers, others provide mattresses, while others serve hot pancakes.  Volunteers drag the drop bags and straw to the mushers in some.  It’s the combined efforts of the villagers and outside volunteers.  Maybe you can be an Iditarod volunteer someday!

Checkpoints will continue to close for the next two days.  Mushers are still working hard to come into Nome and checkpoint volunteers are staying up all night helping make each checkpoint a great place.  Keep cheering them on!