Mushers had been arriving at McGrath through out the day on Wednesday, the fifth of March. Most of the teams arriving on this day were choosing to take their 24-hour rest in McGrath. Those leading the race (Aliy Zirkle, Nic Petit, Aaron Burmeister, Jeff King, Sonny Lindner and Robert Sorlie) had gone through the day before and were taking their long rest in Takotna.

Getting on toward suppertime, a different kind of sled approached the checkpoint. It was smaller and made of completely different material than the racing sleds driven by mushers. This sled wasn’t carrying the mandatory gear and other supplies needed along the trail by mushers and dogs. This sled approached the checkpoint from town, the opposite way the mushers arrive and came by human power rather than canine power.

A couple from the village walked side-by-side pulling the little plastic sled between them with its precious cargo – PIE. Such is the case in many of the village checkpoints. At all hours of the day and night, local residents bring delicious foods, prepared in their own kitchens, using family recipes handed down through generations to the checkpoints for the mushers and volunteers to feast on. Residents of the checkpoints are so very generous with their time, talents and resources in supporting Iditarod.    

Watch for more Telephoto Stories.  Having worked as an Iditarod volunteer for twelve years and having my camera handy every hour of every day, the Eye on the Trail Iditarod photo library contains roughly 20,000 pictures.  Sharing photos with a brief description to tell a photo story is a great way to share favorite photos and unique pieces of Iditarod history with Iditarod fans, family and friends.  Enjoy and comeback soon for another Telephoto Story.