![](https://cloud.iditarod.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04023-677x451.jpg?eeb77a0b)
Anvik on the Yukon River. Photo Credit: J. Westrich
A – Anvik: First checkpoint on the Yukon, mile 512 of the Iditarod Trail Race, and my home for next night or two!
B – Brent Sass: Third into Anvik; he made a quick stop to check in and then took off up the Yukon!
C – Church Bell: Ringing the bell signals the first musher is entering Anvik.
![](https://cloud.iditarod.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC03919-677x451.jpg?eeb77a0b)
Frosty faces after a great run. Photo Credit: J. Westrich
D – Dog Teams: Frost covered dog teams come into Anvik off the river.
E – Early Morning: When Jessie Holmes arrived in Anvik – 4:03 AM
F – Filet Mignon: Main course at the dinner prepared for the first musher to Anvik!
G – Grayling: The checkpoint after Anvik…18 miles down the Trail.
H – Hercules: Lead dog for Jessie Holmes team, first into Anvik.
I – Iditarod Air Force: The team of volunteer pilots who got us to this checkpoint!
J – Jessie Holmes: Bib #2 and the first team to Anvik.
K – Kids: Mushers are welcomed with signs made by the school children of Anvik. Kids come out all day (and night) to cheer on the teams as they come to the checkpoint.
L – Luca: Return dog from Pete Kaiser’s team, who enjoyed a blanket made by the 3rd Grade students at Briarwood Elementary School in West Irondequoit (The Teacher on the Trail’s class!)
M – Marx Bros Café: Caterer of the First to the Yukon meal, a fancy dinner for the musher who makes it to Anvik before anyone else!
N – Nic Petit: Second musher into Anvik at 6:54 AM, he quickly settled in for his 8 hour rest.
O – Odin: Lead dog for Jessie Holmes team, first into Anvik.
P – People: The Trail guards, COMMS volunteers, Media, and local community work together to make Iditarod possible!
![](https://cloud.iditarod.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC03978-677x451.jpg?eeb77a0b)
Brent Sass’ lead dog Slater in Anvik. Photo Credit: J. Westrich
Q – Quick: Brent Sass was in – and out – of Anvik quickly. His official time at the checkpoint was 5 minutes.
![](https://cloud.iditarod.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04003-677x451.jpg?eeb77a0b)
Coming into Anvik on the Yukon River. Photo Credit: J. Westrich
R – River: Teams continue North along the Yukon River to Grayling, Eagle Island, and Kaltag.
S – Shageluk: The checkpoint on the Trail 25 miles before Anvik.
T – Tracker: According to the GPS the Teacher is in Anvik!
U – Upstairs: On the 2nd floor of the city building volunteers set out sleeping bags, cook meals, share conversation, and warm-up.
V – Veterinarian: The Anvik team has 5 experienced vets from all over the world – Australia, Nevada, Idaho, Virginia, and Missouri – to check the health and wellness of the dogs!
W – Wade Marrs: This friendly musher took his 8 hour break in Anvik and signed autographs for the local school children.
X – eXcitement: The shouts that ring out in the air when the spotter yells DOG TEAM!
Y – Yukon River: The beautiful frozen river that provides food and transportation to the community of Anvik.
Z – Zzzzzzz! It’s been a long day since the wake-up call at 3:00 AM! Time to get some sleep!