MARCH 15th cont'd

MARCH 15th cont'd

NULATO: FYI

There is an alternate checkpoint in NULATO. Thanks to local help of 1982 Iditarod Musher

Dean Painter and his connections to the Kruger Family they were able to set up a great checkpoint on the shores of the mighty YUKON RIVER. The KRUGER family offered their cabin. They have been tirelessly supporting the Iditarod every need. Lots of last minute logistics, and a fun crew of 7 were "open for business" before the mushers arrived. Thanks to Dean Painter and Larry Esmilka they got a big hot dog water stove set up, a hole for water in the Yukon and the school principal donated a load of wood. Hot water is a very nice surprise for mushers. Many families dropped by with nice home cooked meals.

The next curve ball came with a change in the weather. The days of -30 are over and its now climbed to 32F above. Its wet out there!! Travel speeds on the trail have dropped. 

Some of the musher said the trip on the YUKON was a bit boring--flat and straight!!!

LANCE MACKEY spread his Mom's ashes along the way. 

KELLY MAIXNER wondered if he would be able to race this year after a terrible accident. He was out training with his dogs. There is a metal hook used when they stop to secure the team and sled by fixing it firmly into the ground. This time it slipped and came back and hit him in the back of the head. He has been recuperating from his injury but said he found being out on the trail to actually be therapeutic. The cold wasn't bothering him and he felt great. Good luck to KELLY and his team.

TEAMS IN THE LEAD AT THE MOMENT: 1pm Alaska time 5pm EST

THOMAS WAERMER in to UNALKLEET

AARON BURMEISTER not far behind

JESSIE ROYER may be passing AARON

WADE MARRS

BRENT SASS

Dog on the right is one of SEAN UNDERWOOD's dogs. He is running the team for JEFF KING who is recovering from surgery.