Aerial of Finger Lake in Route to Rainy Pass (Photo: Siri Raitto)

Photographer Siri Raitto has landed on Puntilla Lake, more commonly known as Rainy Pass Checkpoint.  Teams have been on a steady climb since departing Skwentna.  The mountains surrounding Finger Lake give evidence of being “IN” the Alaska Range.  Visit the Iditarod Photo Gallery.  Enjoy this photo essay created with Siri Pics. 

Flying IAF Into Rainy Pass (photo: Siri Raitto)

At Puntilla Lake, teams camp at the base of Rainy Pass.  Mother nature leaves no doubt as to what’s ahead.

Food and Straw are Ready on Puntilla Lake (Photo: Siri Raitto)

Rainy is the highest checkpoint on the trail.  From there, teams climb to 3,200 feet before descending into the “Interior of Alaska.”  

Jessie Royer Nears Puntilla Lake (Photo: Siri Raitto)

Jessie Holmes like many others, carried straw, Heet and drop bags out of the checkpoint to camp along the trail.

Jessie Holmes Leaves Rainy With Straw (Photo: Siri Raitto)