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Day 10
March 11, 2002
Hello Everyone!
Today was a really exciting day along the trail. The winds died down which meant that we could fly again, plus I went into the school here in Unalakleet to visit Mrs. Ried's fifth grade class.
When I awoke I raced down to say hello to Al Hardman, then went to the school. The first thing the class did was to sing happy birthday to me. That made my day since I didn't have any of you to sing it to me this year! I started the morning by showing them where Vermont is located, and by telling them what it is like to live in Vermont. I read them a story about maple sugaring, showed them a tap used to remove the sap from the tree, and then passed out the maple sugar candy. While they let the sugar dissolve in their mouths, I played the video of each of you asking them questions. We paused between each question, and then I videotaped their responses to bring back to you. They loved watching you dance a contra dance for them, and commented that their school has a skating rink on their lawn also. My favorite part of the morning was when they danced about six or eight native dances while I videotaped them. They were absolutely amazing. They moved to beat of the drum that Mrs. Ried played, and moved their hands and sang in their native language to tell a story. I was just thrilled to be a part of this incredible experience. I had a fabulous time and thank Mrs. Ried and her class for sharing their morning with me.
The students danced some native dances
The dances tell stories
Mrs. Ried's fifth grade class
I headed to the airport and ran into the drop dogs. I want you to know that they were very well taken care of. They were hooked to this fence, but had three vets that were watching over them and protecting them. The dogs were happy to be resting in the bright sunshine. Most of the dogs are not seriously injured when they are dropped, they are just tired or have sore muscles like in other professional sports.
The dropped dogs are waiting for their plane back to Anchorage
We boarded the plane and headed for Koyuk. First we flew over Shaktoolik. I was amazed by how isolated this tiny fishing village was. It just sat there on the middle of this long stretch of the barren coast.
The village of Shaktoolik, where Palmer Sagoonik lives
Koyuk from the plane
This is the view from above Koyuk
Koyuk was a great little village with a couple of stores and friendly people. We did not stay long so that we could get to Elim before it grew dark. The only mushers in Koyuk were the napping Jeff King, and two Norwegians, Backen and Sorlie. Have you noticed how close these two Norwegians are traveling? Their reporters told me that they claim to not be trying to travel together, but that they just run at the same pace. I'll let you be the judge of that. Take a look at the photo below.
Sorlie and Backen along the trail
This pup decided to take it's own bootie off
I also saw a puppy that was absolutely in heaven because someone had given it the leg bone of perhaps a caribou. It sat there chewing away at the giant bone not even stopping to look up at me.
One happy puppy
We flew to Elim next. It reminded me of the coast of Maine with the pine trees and cliff overlooking the ocean. It was really pretty.
Elim is set on a cliff overlooking the water
The view from Elim
In Elim the crowds gathered as DeeDee came off the coast to the checkpoint.
DeeDee pulls into Elim
She is one tough lady. After being exposed to frostbiting wind, lack of sleep, and countless hours of work, she still maintained a positive attitude.
Weather whipped DeeDee
DeeDee's dogs blissfully take a roll in the hay
Here you can see some concern for one of the dogs, but together the three of them wrap it's leg as a precautionary measure.
The vets have a chat with DeeDee about one of her dogs
The women wear beautiful parkas
DeeDee was the only musher in the checkpoint while we were there, so we headed off to Nome.
The trail runs right along the coastline. I thought this looked like a cold and lonely section to travel over.
The view as we head for Safety and Nome
Flying into the village of Nome
Tomorrow morning Martin Buser is expected to arrive in Nome at about 8:00 a.m. This would be a record breaking Iditarod time. I can't wait to watch at the finish line!
Mrs. Holmes
Nome, - Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 23:35:10 (EST)
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Mrs. Holmes
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Webspace for Mrs. Holmes Iditarod 2002 project was provided courtesy of
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