SAT MARCH 8, SUN. MARCH 9, 2014

I lump these together as the push was in to Unalakleet anyway. We spent a week here a few years ago.
Kind of a pivotal point in the race. Lot of sled changes, resting up and the big push to White Mountain for the mandatory rest before Nome. Another day or two.
On Martin's way to Unalakleet you spend time on the ice. He told Sebastian Schnuelle, past musher but now reporting for the Insider from his snowmobile, that he was making his day. Lots of mushers don't like the snowmobiles but Martin doesn't mind (that's probably why so many pictures are of Martin) BUT to have dogs see a dot (Sebastian) on the ice does help them focus. He said Martin was such a good sport about cameras in his face, following him etc.

They had an Interview with Abbie West, I mentioned her before. A rookie from Two Rivers. She said she is loving it. Lots more than she expected and she has run the Quest 3 times. Said the vistas were magnificent, her dogs great, very positive about the experience. GOOD LUCK ABBIE!!

We so enjoyed being in Unalakleet. I remember going there without a place to stay--no hotels or B&B but knew something would come up. I had spoken to Brad who owned the pizza place (THE PLACE IN UNALAKLEET) Lots of people "camped" in the pizza place and we got to stay next door in a great room (overlooking the water---well ice) had a neighbor in the next room but we were all cozy and close to the activity. That year it was sooooo cold minus in the 40's but crystal clear and crunchy on your boots (Hank"s favorite sound). We did have some meals with Brad and his family as the only other place to eat was the pizza place. First experience with whale blubber. A bit like tires and fatty. Don't think I'd serve it. Hope to get back here some time. Lois wanted to go...maybe next year!!!


Top pic is a view on the trip to Unalakleet and last picture the wind machines as you get into Unalakleet.
Middle pics of Aliy Zirkle just getting into Unalakleet and then the dogs taking a rest there.