Hi Boys and Girls,

The teams have been on the trail for 2 full days now. Every team that started the race is still on the trail. No on has scratched. I sure hope it stays that way!

Who’s In First

As of 13:12 AST, the top 5 mushers have remained the same. All have left Tanana. Wade, Dallas, and Peter all left at 1:07. All 5 of these mushers still have 16 dogs with them.

1. Wade Marrs
2. Dallas Seavey
3. Peter Kaiser
4. Mitch Seavey
5. Nicolas Petit

REMEMBER: Until the time differential is applied to all times at the 24 hour Mandatory rest, we will not know who is truly in the lead.

Rookie Report

The rookies are all doing well. Currently in the Rookie of the Year Position is Sebastian Vergnaud currently in 15th Place. He left Tanana at 4:05. The other rookies are spread out. In the Red Lantern Position is rookie Jimmy Lebling He has left Manley Hot Springs and is on his way to Tanana.

Weather

Tanana- The temperature is -5. It is partly cloudy and the winds are calm. Nighttime temperatures are to drop to -25

Ruby- The temperature is 6 degrees. It is sunny with light winds. Nighttime temperature is to drop to -12.

Question of the day

The Iditarod uses volunteers to work the race. What is a volunteer? What do you think the volunteers do? What kind of jobs are volunteer jobs?

Answer to previous question

What is the Red Lantern Position? The Red Lantern is a reward given to the team that places last. I found the following information on Iditarod.com site under Trivia and Facts. “An article several years ago in Alaska magazine states that the first red lantern was awarded in the 1953 Fur Rendezvous Race. According to Alaska, “Awarding a red lantern for the last place finisher in a sled dog race has become an Alaskan tradition. It started as a joke and has become a symbol of stick-to-itiveness in the mushing world.”

I can’t wait to see how the race is going tomorrow morning. I wonder if anyone will be in Ruby yet? 24 hour rests should be happening soon. Where do you think the mushers will take their 24? We should find out in the next day or two!

See you on the trail,

Gypsy