Ellen Halverson arrived in McGrath checkpoint this morning at a few minutes after 0900.  She bedded her dogs down then went down the line giving something I recognized as vitamin E, pretty similar to a supplement I take.  Ellen says she’s very diligent about using natural supplements not only for herself but also for her canine athletes.  She followed that with snacks and then began cooking brunch.  Halverson is pleased with the performance of her dogs and pleased with their good health and energy.  

Ellen first attempted Iditarod on 2002 then again in 2003.  As a third year rookie in 2007 she claimed the official finisher’s belt buckle.  The Red Lantern for perseverance was awarded to Ellen at the burled arch for her 58th place finish.  Her time was 16 days, 11 hours and 56 minutes.  She returned in 2011 to claim 47 place and another Red Lantern in 13 days, 19 hours and 45 minutes.  She chose to run Iditarod in 2011 to celebrate turning 50.  She figured there was not better way to celebrate the milestone than to travel with her furry friends across the state she loves. 

Ellen attempted Nome again in 2014 and 2015 but scratched both times.  Snowless trail through the Dalzell Gorge, Buffalo Tunnels and Farewell Burn had something to do with the 2014 scratch and bitter cold probably had some impact on her decision to scratch in 2015.  Ellen says she’s back in 2016 to get it done hoping to avoid adding another Red Lantern to her collection.

Figuring I’d like a special shot of the final musher to leave McGrath, I walked a mile or so up from the checkpoint to where the boat landing is.  There’s easy access to the river and the trail runs on the same side of the river.  On the walk to my desired photo opportunity, I noticed a moose with a calf lying in the brush by the side of the road.  The calf was well hidden behind the cow.  The cow was ruminating in the truest sense of the word – chewing its cud and with its eyes closed it appeared to be thinking deeply.

Cow Moose with Calf Hiding Behind Her

Once I made the river, a fellow came down to open up some holes for ice fishing.  He told me the river in that location flows 11 to 12 miles an hour.  There was about 30 inches of ice, a foot or so less than in a normal year.  He thought with the warmer than normal winter breakup (spring) would come early.  With less than normal snow fall he didn’t think there would be any issues with flooding either.  That would be unlike 1933 when the old town of McGrath was completely flooded out.  Afterward residents moved to the other side of the river to rebuild.   

Ellen leaving McGrath, going through Takotna and on to Ophir

It took Ellen a little longer than expected to depart the checkpoint but none-the-less at 1701, I was ready with my camera.  Word from the checker who sent Ellen out was that she negotiated the nasty chute to the river with grace and agility.  Ellen plans to run on through Takotna and rest at Ophir before making the long lonely runs to Cripple and Ruby.