Nicolas Petit arrived 1st on the banks of the upper Kuskokwim River in Nikolai. The checkpoint was ready for him.

This place is always very dialed in during Iditarod. And this year they need to be. There is a long line of mushers out there, all hoping to get here before the heat of the day. The fire under the hot water barrels have been stoked since last night. This is a ” full service ” checkpoint, where one of the local volunteers brings the food drop bags to the musher. That makes he HUGE difference, one chore less to do. And depending on where the team is parked, it could be a long walk. The school teachers and children are waiting up at the school to serve meals! Another luxury! 

Enjoy the shots of Nicolas nice looking team, 16 dogs strong: