May 2, 2017
THE WAIT IS OVER
TRIPOD DOWN::: The river was moving and the ice gently brushed by the tripod and finally
the nudges were just too much and down she went amid cheers and laughter.
MAY 1 at NOON---how unique is that! It will be awhile before we know who and how many winners we have. I do know its not me😪
THIS is the start of the spring break up. It gets intense with sound and action on many parts of the
river. A yearly happening so the river neighbors are used to it and welcome in spring.
Till next year.......
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Sunday, April 30, 2017
APRIL 30, 2017
NENANA ICE CLASSIC 2017
NENANA is located in the Alaskan Interior, 55 road miles southwest of Fairbanks on the Parks
Highway and 304 road miles northeast of Anchorage. It is situated on the bank of the Tanana
River, just east of the mouth of the Nenana River.
In January the townspeople mount a tripod out in the frozen Tanana River. People then
buy a $2 ticket to wager when the ice will go out enough to move the tripod. The Jackpot
this year will be $267,444 ---not too shabby!!! I usually wager on my son Henry's Birthday in
April. Last year I was 4 hours off!! You have to choose not only the hour but the minute etc so
4 hours was a big gap (I didn't think so but.....) It is now almost May and the ice is breaking up
but no movement of the tripod. I will try to get some pictures to show you some of the action.
Also, when you travel on the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks you pass by the tripod on the river.
NENANA ICE CLASSIC 2017
NENANA is located in the Alaskan Interior, 55 road miles southwest of Fairbanks on the Parks
Highway and 304 road miles northeast of Anchorage. It is situated on the bank of the Tanana
River, just east of the mouth of the Nenana River.
In January the townspeople mount a tripod out in the frozen Tanana River. People then
buy a $2 ticket to wager when the ice will go out enough to move the tripod. The Jackpot
this year will be $267,444 ---not too shabby!!! I usually wager on my son Henry's Birthday in
April. Last year I was 4 hours off!! You have to choose not only the hour but the minute etc so
4 hours was a big gap (I didn't think so but.....) It is now almost May and the ice is breaking up
but no movement of the tripod. I will try to get some pictures to show you some of the action.
Also, when you travel on the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks you pass by the tripod on the river.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
MARCH 19, 2017 cont'd
A final note about the TEACHER ON THE TRAIL, ANNIE KELLEY a 4th grade teacher from
Chicago, Ill.
This is a program for one educator in the country selected early in the year to enter into a one year
agreement to teach beyond the traditional classroom walls via internet and be involved in a project
that reaches students around the world.
They fly the teacher to each checkpoint to learn, first hand, what goes on behind the scenes of the Iditarod. They create standards driven lessons, using research based techniques and integrating
technology as a tool for teaching and learning. They are in constant contact, via the internet and a daily blog, with classrooms around the world. It has been a well accepted program for many years.
A final note about the TEACHER ON THE TRAIL, ANNIE KELLEY a 4th grade teacher from
Chicago, Ill.
This is a program for one educator in the country selected early in the year to enter into a one year
agreement to teach beyond the traditional classroom walls via internet and be involved in a project
that reaches students around the world.
They fly the teacher to each checkpoint to learn, first hand, what goes on behind the scenes of the Iditarod. They create standards driven lessons, using research based techniques and integrating
technology as a tool for teaching and learning. They are in constant contact, via the internet and a daily blog, with classrooms around the world. It has been a well accepted program for many years.
MARCH 19, 2017
15th and FINAL DAY OF THE IDITAROD
The final 3 mushers into NOME came in minutes apart:
In 62nd place ALAN EISCHENS into NOME at 5:30 pm yesterday
In 63rd place PETER REUTER (r) into NOME at 5:45pm yesterday
In 64rd place CINDY ABBOTT into NOME at 5:57 pm yesterday
CINDY ABBOTT was the last in winning the RED LANTERN. For persistence and finishig
the race no matter what position one is in.
Today was the MUSHERS BANQUET. Its wonderful everyone was here for it. If a musher is not
in before the banquet another banquet would be held for them when they did arrive. EVERYONE is a winner.
Few notes before any award winners from the banquet.
The MAYOR of NOME--MAYOR BENEVILLE will certainly be at the banquet. He is usually at
the finish line as well, greeting mushers as they come in. He is such a character!! To understand his character a bit better is to realize his background. He is from NEW JERSEY (can you believe that)
His Dad was a Dentist in the Air Force so he travelled the world. His passion is theater. He was an actor in NEW YORK CITY then moved to BARROW, ALASKA in 1982. THAT's a transition!!!
He then moved to NOME in 1988. He is very active in the community with quite an animated voice.
A few of the awards from the MUSHERS BANQUET today:
Most INSPIRATIONAL award went to JESSIE ROYER coming into NOME with all her 16 dogs--quite an accomplishment.
Outstanding CHECK POINT to MANLEY HOT SPRINGS
HUMANITARIAN award for outstanding dog care to JESSIE ROYER--quite a race for her and for her dogs.
ALLEN MOORE voted the most helpful to all the mushers. A person always willing to stop and help a fellow mushers out- no matter how long it took.
15th and FINAL DAY OF THE IDITAROD
The final 3 mushers into NOME came in minutes apart:
In 62nd place ALAN EISCHENS into NOME at 5:30 pm yesterday
In 63rd place PETER REUTER (r) into NOME at 5:45pm yesterday
In 64rd place CINDY ABBOTT into NOME at 5:57 pm yesterday
CINDY ABBOTT was the last in winning the RED LANTERN. For persistence and finishig
the race no matter what position one is in.
Today was the MUSHERS BANQUET. Its wonderful everyone was here for it. If a musher is not
in before the banquet another banquet would be held for them when they did arrive. EVERYONE is a winner.
Few notes before any award winners from the banquet.
The MAYOR of NOME--MAYOR BENEVILLE will certainly be at the banquet. He is usually at
the finish line as well, greeting mushers as they come in. He is such a character!! To understand his character a bit better is to realize his background. He is from NEW JERSEY (can you believe that)
His Dad was a Dentist in the Air Force so he travelled the world. His passion is theater. He was an actor in NEW YORK CITY then moved to BARROW, ALASKA in 1982. THAT's a transition!!!
He then moved to NOME in 1988. He is very active in the community with quite an animated voice.
A few of the awards from the MUSHERS BANQUET today:
Most INSPIRATIONAL award went to JESSIE ROYER coming into NOME with all her 16 dogs--quite an accomplishment.
Outstanding CHECK POINT to MANLEY HOT SPRINGS
HUMANITARIAN award for outstanding dog care to JESSIE ROYER--quite a race for her and for her dogs.
ALLEN MOORE voted the most helpful to all the mushers. A person always willing to stop and help a fellow mushers out- no matter how long it took.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
MARCH 18, 2017 cont'd
MICHAEL BAKER (r) coming into NOME 58th place--check out the beautiful mountains at the end of the street its 9:15AM but still dark
MICHAEL BAKER and MATTHEW FALLON (came in 59th) at the burl arch in NOME they came in just a few minutes apart.
Just a note on DEEDEE JONROWE. She is 63 years old and from a military family. She was born
in Frankfort, Germany and her Dad came to Ft. Richardson in ANCHORAGE and she got the bug
for mushing. She has a degree in Biosciences and Renewable Resources.
Its -9 in NOME with a little wind tonight it will be -11.
Just a note on DEEDEE JONROWE. She is 63 years old and from a military family. She was born
in Frankfort, Germany and her Dad came to Ft. Richardson in ANCHORAGE and she got the bug
for mushing. She has a degree in Biosciences and Renewable Resources.
Its -9 in NOME with a little wind tonight it will be -11.
MARCH 18, 2017
14 day of the IDITAROD
I think today is the day. One coming from SAFETY right now and four left WHITE MOUNTAIN
on their way to SAFETY then 22 miles to NOME. Usually one or two are tagging behind but not this year. The conditions seems to be better and a bit faster.
I'll try to get a few pictures now. After the top 10 I feel we don't have the best coverage. Guess I'll just have to BE THERE!!!
14 day of the IDITAROD
I think today is the day. One coming from SAFETY right now and four left WHITE MOUNTAIN
on their way to SAFETY then 22 miles to NOME. Usually one or two are tagging behind but not this year. The conditions seems to be better and a bit faster.
I'll try to get a few pictures now. After the top 10 I feel we don't have the best coverage. Guess I'll just have to BE THERE!!!
Friday, March 17, 2017
MARCH 17, 2017 HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY (big parade in NOME)
13 day of the IDITAROD
ROGER LEE scratched in SHAKTOOLIK in the best interest of his team.
5 mushers are now in ELIM
7 Mushers are in White Mountain
4 mushers are in SAFETY
16 total left
Temp in ELIM is 2 degrees
GOLOVIN is -1 with light snow
WHITE MOUNTAIN 3
NOME 4 with snow
The previous mushers were exhaulted about weather conditions especially in WHITE MT.
Felt warmer and no wind. NOW its the opposite--what a difference a day makes!!!
Three Norwegian mushers RETIL REITAN, JOAR LEIFSETH ULSOM and GEIR IDAR HYELVIK
GEIR with his dogs in NOME
Not sure who this is but what a beautiful photo
ELIM pop 281 think those are oil tanks in the background
13 day of the IDITAROD
ROGER LEE scratched in SHAKTOOLIK in the best interest of his team.
5 mushers are now in ELIM
7 Mushers are in White Mountain
4 mushers are in SAFETY
16 total left
Temp in ELIM is 2 degrees
GOLOVIN is -1 with light snow
WHITE MOUNTAIN 3
NOME 4 with snow
The previous mushers were exhaulted about weather conditions especially in WHITE MT.
Felt warmer and no wind. NOW its the opposite--what a difference a day makes!!!
ELIM pop 281 think those are oil tanks in the background
Thursday, March 16, 2017
MARCH 16, 2017 Cont'd
Finally everyone is out of UNALAKLEET.
7 mushers are in KOYUK
9 mushers are in ELIM
6 mushers are in WHITE MOUNTAIN
Sorry to say MONICA ZAPPA scratched in SHAKTOOLIK her team did not wish to go on the
trail ice (not sure what that means)
A bit late but this is the famed burl arch in NOME- it sure looks like a new one
Don't know for sure if I showed you DALLAS SEAVEY coming into NOME second
At the dog lot in NOME (that was Hank and my job) resting
Drug testing team--they test dogs and people throughout the race
The BERINGTON twins (ANNA #66 and KRISTY#73) hope they don't take their bibs off
Finally everyone is out of UNALAKLEET.
7 mushers are in KOYUK
9 mushers are in ELIM
6 mushers are in WHITE MOUNTAIN
Sorry to say MONICA ZAPPA scratched in SHAKTOOLIK her team did not wish to go on the
trail ice (not sure what that means)
MARCH 16, 2017
DAY 12 of the IDITAROD:
Many mushers came in last night and early this am:
Once ROGER LEE gets out of UNALAKLEET he will join the rest of the pack in SHAKTOOLIK and not be there all by himself, 6 other mushers are there. Think ROGER has to finish his 8 hour rest--1 more hr to go--then he'll be off.He is running last at this point.
There are 7 mushers in KOYUK, 8 in ELIM and 3 in SAFETY so its coming to an end.
MARTIN BUSER got in to NOME in 32nd place at 8:41 this morning. I love to see MARTIN as he is always so cheerful even after running 1,000 miles (well his dogs did!!). He said it was a great,
awsome race and was all smiles. He did say it was also a bit frustrating. After a 4 year streak of more questions than answers he figured a lot out for his team and for himslef. Lot of reveals!! He said" if I do it right the dogs are never at fault". He said his wife was there and one of his sons, the youngest who has raced before, ROHN.
DEEDEE JONDROWE is in ELIM and in 46th place.
MELISSA STEWART came into NOME at 9:22 am and was given a cell phone. Don't know who was on it (maybe Trump, I don't know). She said it was an awsome trip and her dog "LOYALTY" was a super leader.
NICOLAS VANIER, a rookie, into NOME. Seems he came in yesterday at 1:58pm in 36th place.
10 days 0 hrs. 40 min 7 sec. As he is French, I heard a girl behind the barrier ask, "Comment ca va?" and he went over and hugged her. He was all smiles and talked to EVERYONE. Seems extremely friendly and/or relieved! He said the weather was nice, no wind- weather
Never have to guess who this is --DEEDEE JONDROWE coming into UNALAKLEET
DAY 12 of the IDITAROD:
Many mushers came in last night and early this am:
Once ROGER LEE gets out of UNALAKLEET he will join the rest of the pack in SHAKTOOLIK and not be there all by himself, 6 other mushers are there. Think ROGER has to finish his 8 hour rest--1 more hr to go--then he'll be off.He is running last at this point.
There are 7 mushers in KOYUK, 8 in ELIM and 3 in SAFETY so its coming to an end.
MARTIN BUSER got in to NOME in 32nd place at 8:41 this morning. I love to see MARTIN as he is always so cheerful even after running 1,000 miles (well his dogs did!!). He said it was a great,
awsome race and was all smiles. He did say it was also a bit frustrating. After a 4 year streak of more questions than answers he figured a lot out for his team and for himslef. Lot of reveals!! He said" if I do it right the dogs are never at fault". He said his wife was there and one of his sons, the youngest who has raced before, ROHN.
DEEDEE JONDROWE is in ELIM and in 46th place.
MELISSA STEWART came into NOME at 9:22 am and was given a cell phone. Don't know who was on it (maybe Trump, I don't know). She said it was an awsome trip and her dog "LOYALTY" was a super leader.
NICOLAS VANIER, a rookie, into NOME. Seems he came in yesterday at 1:58pm in 36th place.
10 days 0 hrs. 40 min 7 sec. As he is French, I heard a girl behind the barrier ask, "Comment ca va?" and he went over and hugged her. He was all smiles and talked to EVERYONE. Seems extremely friendly and/or relieved! He said the weather was nice, no wind- weather
DEEDEE AGAIN
changes by the hour it seems. His dogs were howling and wanted to go---hey, its over!!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
MARCH 15, 2017
DAY 11 of the IDITAROD (their days are counted differently)
To recoup:
IN TO NOME in this order:
MITCH SEAVEY
DALLAS SEAVEY
NIC PETIT
JOAR ULSOM
JESSIE ROYER
WADE MARRS
RAY REDINGTON JR.
ALIY ZIRKLE
PETE KAISER
When JOAR came in last night at 11 :35pm he didn't say much. Seems he's a man of few words or
he's tired. Rightly so....
When JESSIE ROYER came in, the spirit was very different. She was all smiles and talking to everyone. She was excited as she beat her own record by 12-13 hours. Her time:13 hrs 18 min 54 sec.
She had her entire team with her---quite unusual. She has a vetern team that just did well. JESSIE came in under a full moon.
WADE MARRS came in at 9:30 am. He said it was his most challenging race.The last 20 miles were beautiful under the northern lights (why no pictures of those???). But the 50 miles before that were
the challenge with the high winds.
Then 47 year old New Hampshire girl ALIY ZIRKLE came in 8th. She wanted to be in the top 10.
ALIY went to the Univ of PENNSYLVANIA with a degree in Biology and Anthropology but
always loved dogs. Her career now is listed as MUSHER!! She has participated in the IDITAROD
15 times!!! Good going ALIY
DAY 11 of the IDITAROD (their days are counted differently)
To recoup:
IN TO NOME in this order:
MITCH SEAVEY
DALLAS SEAVEY
NIC PETIT
JOAR ULSOM
JESSIE ROYER
WADE MARRS
RAY REDINGTON JR.
ALIY ZIRKLE
PETE KAISER
When JOAR came in last night at 11 :35pm he didn't say much. Seems he's a man of few words or
he's tired. Rightly so....
When JESSIE ROYER came in, the spirit was very different. She was all smiles and talking to everyone. She was excited as she beat her own record by 12-13 hours. Her time:13 hrs 18 min 54 sec.
She had her entire team with her---quite unusual. She has a vetern team that just did well. JESSIE came in under a full moon.
WADE MARRS came in at 9:30 am. He said it was his most challenging race.The last 20 miles were beautiful under the northern lights (why no pictures of those???). But the 50 miles before that were
the challenge with the high winds.
Then 47 year old New Hampshire girl ALIY ZIRKLE came in 8th. She wanted to be in the top 10.
ALIY went to the Univ of PENNSYLVANIA with a degree in Biology and Anthropology but
always loved dogs. Her career now is listed as MUSHER!! She has participated in the IDITAROD
15 times!!! Good going ALIY
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
MARCH 14, 2017 Cont'd
SECOND into NOME was DALLAS SEAVEY at 8 days 6 hrs 24 min 31 sec
He hugged his Dad when he pulled in.
THIRD into NOME was NICOLAS PETIT only 2 1/2 min behind DALLAS at
8 days 6 hrs 29 min 13 sec
BUT MITCH SEAVEY broke the old record by 5 hours.
TEMP in NOME is 8 degrees with wind--tonights temp -9 so it was nice to come in when the sun was out and a tad warmer.
If you remember from last year: they blow the whistle 15 min before someone comes under the arch so you have time to get ready to greet the mushers. No matter when they come in, day or night, someone is ALWAYS there to welcome them.
When a musher arrives ,he has to check in and is required to have certain items in his pack checked by the race marshal. Things like a pick ax, booties, vet book, mail etc
I will put pictures up when they come in.
SECOND into NOME was DALLAS SEAVEY at 8 days 6 hrs 24 min 31 sec
He hugged his Dad when he pulled in.
THIRD into NOME was NICOLAS PETIT only 2 1/2 min behind DALLAS at
8 days 6 hrs 29 min 13 sec
BUT MITCH SEAVEY broke the old record by 5 hours.
TEMP in NOME is 8 degrees with wind--tonights temp -9 so it was nice to come in when the sun was out and a tad warmer.
If you remember from last year: they blow the whistle 15 min before someone comes under the arch so you have time to get ready to greet the mushers. No matter when they come in, day or night, someone is ALWAYS there to welcome them.
When a musher arrives ,he has to check in and is required to have certain items in his pack checked by the race marshal. Things like a pick ax, booties, vet book, mail etc
I will put pictures up when they come in.
MARCH 14th 2017 cont'd
MITCH SEAVEY only stopped for 1 min at SAFETY to pick up his bib that he wears in NOME at the end of the race. With only 22 miles to go, he travels on the coast of the Bering Sea, on the beach most of the way to NOME.
Then 8 days 3 hours 40 min 13 sec, a record--- MITCH SEAVEY went under the burl arch in NOME to win his third IDITAROD. His Dad, DAN SEAVEY was there to greet him. MITCH explained what
a great team he had." PILOT, the leader, is just incredibly tough, fast paced and took any command I gave him---the sign of a true leader". He sat on the podium with his lead dogs PILOT and KRISP.
MITCH won $75,000 and a new truck. He was happy.
Now for the next ones in: Its a tough, long race so we can't underestimate the effort that the rest of the mushers put in. Its not just about the winner.
MITCH SEAVEY only stopped for 1 min at SAFETY to pick up his bib that he wears in NOME at the end of the race. With only 22 miles to go, he travels on the coast of the Bering Sea, on the beach most of the way to NOME.
Then 8 days 3 hours 40 min 13 sec, a record--- MITCH SEAVEY went under the burl arch in NOME to win his third IDITAROD. His Dad, DAN SEAVEY was there to greet him. MITCH explained what
a great team he had." PILOT, the leader, is just incredibly tough, fast paced and took any command I gave him---the sign of a true leader". He sat on the podium with his lead dogs PILOT and KRISP.
MITCH won $75,000 and a new truck. He was happy.
Now for the next ones in: Its a tough, long race so we can't underestimate the effort that the rest of the mushers put in. Its not just about the winner.
MARCH 14, 2017 cont'd
At 1:00 pm, Alaska time, MITCH SEAVEY left SAFETY for NOME. A 22 mile trip. He is
flying!!! The 5 others are close behind but not so close to be a threat for MITCH. Unreal. Wonder if this will be a record time for days out.
HEY, did we miss something.....a blurr went by but what was that....no, really MITCH SEAVEY!!!!??? WOW Our hero!👀💨💨
At 1:00 pm, Alaska time, MITCH SEAVEY left SAFETY for NOME. A 22 mile trip. He is
flying!!! The 5 others are close behind but not so close to be a threat for MITCH. Unreal. Wonder if this will be a record time for days out.
MARCH 14th, cont'd
still have power but still snowing.
UPDATE:
MITCH is now out of WHITE MOUNTAIN the rest of the top pack are into their 8 hour layover there.
MITCH says this is a ride of a lifetime for him. He is enjoying his dogs, good run and having fun.
When his team came in THE INSIDER MEN said he looked rested and ready to go on as did his dog team. Their tails were wagging and they were pushing against their harness to keep going. So after an
8 hour rest they were nothing but energy!!
SOME OF THE DISTANCES BETWEEN CHECKPOINTS:
KALTAG to UNALAKLEET 85 miles
UNC to SHAKTOOLIK 40 miles
SHAK to KOYUK 50 miles
KOYUK to ELIM 48 miles
ELIM to GOLVIN 28 miles
GOLVIN to WHITE MOUNTAIN 18 miles
WHITE MT to SAFETY 55 miles
SAFETY to NOME 22 miles
HEY--lets wait for the pilot!!
A speck (musher) in a big world
still have power but still snowing.
UPDATE:
MITCH is now out of WHITE MOUNTAIN the rest of the top pack are into their 8 hour layover there.
MITCH says this is a ride of a lifetime for him. He is enjoying his dogs, good run and having fun.
When his team came in THE INSIDER MEN said he looked rested and ready to go on as did his dog team. Their tails were wagging and they were pushing against their harness to keep going. So after an
8 hour rest they were nothing but energy!!
SOME OF THE DISTANCES BETWEEN CHECKPOINTS:
KALTAG to UNALAKLEET 85 miles
UNC to SHAKTOOLIK 40 miles
SHAK to KOYUK 50 miles
KOYUK to ELIM 48 miles
ELIM to GOLVIN 28 miles
GOLVIN to WHITE MOUNTAIN 18 miles
WHITE MT to SAFETY 55 miles
SAFETY to NOME 22 miles
A speck (musher) in a big world
MARCH 14, 2017
DAY 10 of the IDITAROD
Things change quickly. Seems this race is going so fast. It will be over when I feel it just started.
MITCH SEAVEY was the first into WHITE MOUNTAIN where he has to take an 8 hour rest. He's almost in NOME.
Into WHITE MOUNTAIN as well but behind MITCH:
DALLAS SEAVEY
NICOLAS PETIT
JESSIE ROYER
JOAR....
WADE MARRS
Think it may happen today......
Not everybody is in WHITE MT. Here's ALIY ZIRKLE into KOYUK
RALPH JOHANNESSEN runs uphill into the villag of KALTAG
KALTAG community center
extra sleds in UNALAKLEET
Voluteer in KALTAG taking dropped dogs to plane
DAY 10 of the IDITAROD
Things change quickly. Seems this race is going so fast. It will be over when I feel it just started.
MITCH SEAVEY was the first into WHITE MOUNTAIN where he has to take an 8 hour rest. He's almost in NOME.
Into WHITE MOUNTAIN as well but behind MITCH:
DALLAS SEAVEY
NICOLAS PETIT
JESSIE ROYER
JOAR....
WADE MARRS
Think it may happen today......
Voluteer in KALTAG taking dropped dogs to plane
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