I was tempted to stop on top of Cape Nome again, as it was a beautiful sunset. But I am sure Mitch and Aliy prefer some peace and quite on the trail and have had enough of my camera beside the trail.  What a race this has been!!!!

Exiting from day 1 one. I still remember coming into Finger Lake, and seeing Martin Buser go through. That was the first pivotal moment and Greg Heister looked at me and asked: ” What is he doing “. The realization that he might go all the way to Rohn set in. 

Next Aaron Burmeister took charge into Nikolai, running through a very hot day. While he was resting in his 24 hr in Takotna, Martin Buser took the lead again. But boy did he run into some ugly weather along the Yukon. The temperatures were rising and more rising. Night times temps in the 40th. Dressed in Rain Jackets over our down Parka´s we made it down up the Yukon. During that phase Martin´s team faded due to the early move and trail breaking along the Yukon River. I still remember the sight of my machine up to the rack, stuck in overflow. Getting Eagle Island checkpoint ready was a scramble, but it got done!

Aliy Zirkle had 2 surprise camp outs one before, and one after Kaltag. During that very windy run to Unalakleet Aaron Burmeister took over, until he got passed short before Unalakleet by current leader Mitch Seavey. Aaron and Mitch were batteling at the front. Aaron started fading on the run to Koyuk and next up was Jeff King with a surprise move, with going through Koyuk, just to stop 2 times. Aliy seemed a bit behind the front at that point, just to make a move in Elim and than having a very strong run to WhiteMountain. All for sudden she was a threat to Mitch again.

What a tight race. Now it appears, that Mitch can keep up the pace he set from Unalakleet on, with running conservative, but aggressive. Resting in Checkpoints, not camping out. Not resting too long, but long enough. What a fun race.

Today was a great day out. I hope you enjoyed the virtual ride along as much as Joe Runyan and I enjoyed being on the trail for you. It was a pleasure to be working with him and everybody involved. I might have to fly out my machine tomorrow already… but will try to do a post here and there! 

I hope MItch wins, I hope Aliy wins.

Unfortunately there can only be one first place,

but each musher who makes it to Nome is a winner!