Ryan Redington arriving in UNK. Photo credit: Jim Deprez

After watching the amazing sunset last night, I stayed up to make sure to catch the current leader, Brent Sass, pull into the Unalakleet checkpoint. The name of the town is an adaptation of the Iñupiaq word “Una-la-thliq”, which means “from the southern side”. Being the first one to this checkpoint, he was the winner of the Ryan Air Gold Coast Award. This special award earns him about an ounce of gold nuggets, which has a value of about $2,000. Brent accepted the award at 11:32pm last night. After a long day, I did not have it in me to stay up for Dallas’ arrival at 1:30, so decided to head back to the bunk with about 60 of my newest friends. 

This morning started by welcoming Aaron Burmeister into the checkpoint and as the day went on, more and more mushers arrived. While waiting for Jessie Holmes to come in, Jeff Schultz asked to do my picture for I have been trying to get involved with as much as possible. I handed Aaron some of the Mushergrams that he received, tried to to help Ryan Redington with a charger for an iPod, and ran to and from the checkpoint for the arrival of every single musher so far. It has been incredible. I talked with Jessie Holmes for about 30 minutes about his team, his run in, and what his plans are moving forward; not only in the race, but also with life in general. Just amazing.

The real excitement came when Mille Porsild arrived with 2 broken runners. I was really impressed with her repair job to even get in to the checkpoint. The look on her face was that of pure determination to make it here with the sled in the condition it was. Unfortunately, she does not have a backup sled here, but in another amazing act of sportsmanship and camaraderie, Mitch Seavey allowed her to borrow his sled for the remainder of the race. In talking with Chad Stoddard, he shared that he also arrived with one broken runner. However, he luckily had a backup sled waiting for him here and will have an easier time switching over his gear. 

Now that I am on the trail, I have been doing a fun project with my daughters. It is kind of a version of popular “Flat Stanley” project that is popular with many schools out there. They gave me a small stuffed husky to share in my adventures on the trail, and each day I hope to give updates as a “Where’s Booloo”. Booloo is a combination of my daughters’ nicknames. So today, here is the first installment of this! Don’t know if there will be a better picture the rest of the time I’m out here. Jessie is my oldest daughter’s favorite musher. 

Jessie and Booloo. Photo credit: Jim Deprez

Teachers: Consider starting a “Flat Stanley” type of project with your class! It could be something as simple as sending with a different student each weekend, or with someone going on a special trip. Create a class memory book at the end of the year with all of the adventures your class mascot had!