DAY # 15 IDITAROD SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2026 ELIM - WHITE MOUNTAIN - NOME------THE END

 DAY #15 IDITAROD SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2026 ELIM-WHITE MOUNTAIN-NOME-THE END

I left you last night when there were the last 9 teams in WHITE MOUNTAIN and advised to stay there till morning as the winds were dangerous. They did just that. They all started out approx. 8am Alaska Time at 5-20 minute intervals. 

SADIE LINQUIST was the first to arrive from WHITE MOUNTAIN. MILLE PORSILD  had loaned her a sled in UNALAKLEET. Her Dad is best friends with MITCH SEAVEY (an IDITAROD winner in his time) and she was running a few of his dogs. She had a Birthday on the trail👸At the finish she gave her dogs a huge steak EACH. Looked like a feast fit for some kings and queens (which they are). Her comment "What an adventure"!!

Below: SADIE and her team coming under the burled arch in NOME

Next came RICHIE BEATTIE then JOSEPH SABIN. JOSEPH was the one I mentioned from Grandville, Michigan now living in Willow, Alaska. The school he attended had the IDITAROD in one of the classes JOSEPH was in years back. They were following him in the race. The most beautiful part of the trail, for him, was Blueberry Hill. Steep climbs in this area but he said that's what provided the great panorama.  Not everyone shared his view and considered it the most difficult part of the trail.

 

My daughter Tara lives in North Dakota and I want to mention that SYDNIE BAHL is from MINOT, North Dakota but now lives in Wasilla training her dogs. She came 25th place. She is a PHD in Physical Therapy.                                                           

The rest of the 9 came into NOME before midnight on the 20th. 

RICHIE BEATTIE came in last and won the RED LANTERN AWARD. The lantern is called the widows lamp representing teams still on the trail. When the last musher comes in they extinguish the flame representing no more teams on the trail. This a prestigious award. It show the endurance, fortitude and perseverance to continue on even though you know everyone else is in front of you. You win $1,000 and a trophy at the banquet tomorrow. Below: RICHIE BEATTIE extinguishing the flame.

Tomorrow is the Banquet where the teams are honored. As JESSIE HOMES is the winner his two lead dogs will be there as well. Any other guests have to pay their way. Not sure the cost. Hank and I helped set up for the banquet so we didn't have to have a ticket. It is a joyous and fun event. All the awards are given out (JESSIE HOLMESwill need a big truck to haul all his winnings home!!!). There is music and a gourmet dinner that Chefs from ANCHORAGE have prepared. FUN TIME.

To me, everyone that enters this race is a winner. Just the months of preparation is extraordinary. The dogs are the most incredible DAWGS' --(representing a "dog" mentality of being a winner who adapts to situations, embraces challenges and refuses to made excuses, often acting as a high-effort, physical player who elevates their team.) The musher adapts all these strengths and makes the final decisions.   The perfect combination!!!💗

FOR NOW WE MUST WAIT ANOTHER YEAR FOR THE NEXT IDITAROD RACE. Maybe it will be a little warmer but hopefully have as much snow as this year.

Thank you for reading my blog. I enjoy following the race on my laptop or in person.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

From one of the many snowstorms at Fox Run Farm, Salt Point!!