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Day 11
March 12, 2002
The finish line in Nome
Hello Everyone!
Martin Buser has done it! He made it into Nome in record breaking time, just 8 Days 22 Hours and 46 minutes. When I arrived at the finish line this morning his family was under the burl arch dressed head to toe in red, white, and blue.
Everyone was in red, white, and blue
There were hats, flags, leashes, and clothing covered with the patriotic theme. As you may or may not know, Martin is going to become a U.S. citizen here in Nome. He is originally from Switzerland. Just before he arrived a siren sounded to alert everyone. His oldest son greeted him with a huge flag at the base of the chute. Martin walked beside his team smiling and sparkly-eyed, waving to his fans as he approached the burl arch. This was one happy man!
Martin heads up the chute
Approaching the burl arch
One happy man!
He gave his family hugs. He congratulated each of his dogs, and then set them all free to roam.
His dogs roamed free
The award presentation followed. He received a check for over $62,000 and a truck. I loved seeing him with his lead dogs who were wearing rings of roses around their necks. Way to go Martin!
Martin in the victory seat with his two lead dogs
The next to come in was Ramy Brooks. He was all smiles as well and had done unbelievably well this year. He expressed how hard he had worked with his team to get them to this point and should be very proud of all of his hard work.
Ramy's second place finish under the arch
While in my hotel room writing my journal entry I heard some whistling outside. I raced to my window to find John Baker pedaling his sled down the middle of the street with his dogs, heading for the finish line. My hotel window opens up onto Front Street, as well as the ocean. What a wonderful surprise to see him riding right by!
I raced down to the checkpoint to watch several other mushers come in, and Jeff King was the first. He was so exhausted he could not hold his eyes open. I wasn't surprised since he leaped up through the standings to make a sixth place finish. Charlie Boulding came in next:
Charlie enjoyed ice cream at the finish line
He was greeted by his wife, who was holding a bottle of Tang, a cup of coffee, and a half-gallon container of ice cream. He even ate some of the ice cream! I can't imagine craving ice cream after so many cold days on the trail, can you?! Charlie was followed by two Norwegians, Sorlie then Backen. I wonder how they made the decision about who would come over the finish line first? The one who came in first would score the rookie of the year award, more prize money, and I also heard set the record for the best rookie finish ever. Sorlie ended up coming in first but Backen was right behind him and they parked side by side under the burl arch.
Kjetil Backen pulls up at the arch beside his friend, Robert Sorlie
I thought this was great, showing their team work and their compassion for doing the race together. They make me wonder about the years to come and if we will eventually have a Norwegian in the champion's seat. Seavey came in after them and didn't stick around long. He must have been heading off for a well-deserved nap.
I was very impressed by the Martin Buser and Ramy Brooks. They stuck around the finish line to greet each of the mushers as they came through the arch, even though it was the middle of the night. Such camaraderie! While I was warming up in the Nugget Hotel, Martin Buser came in as well. He said that one year he had come over the finish line and there were no fans there to greet him. He said he didn't want that to happen to anyone else. I'm sure the mushers thoroughly appreciate this. Martin also said that it gives those mushers the opportunity to talk about the trail with someone who completely understands. I was happy to be there at the finish line also. With the small crowd that is there to welcome the mushers, I was doing my best to let my cheering be heard!
While Kim Kavanagh and I sat chatting to Martin, I asked him about the cold and exhaustion of running the trail. He explained that the cold is not really a factor in the race difficulty because the mushers train in the cold and their bodies get used to it. He said exhaustion, on the other hand, is a major factor. He said some people just cannot make it without sleep, and making decisions when you are so tired can be very difficult. He seemed to be doing quite well considering he had only had a couple of twenty-minute naps since he got to Nome, and that it was 1:30 in the morning and he was up talking to us. He really is a friendly guy.
On my way back to the hotel Harald Tunheim, the third Norwegian, mushed passed. He certainly appreciated the congratulatory hoots that Kim and I gave him. He even thanked us.
I still love every minute of my time here. I continue to learn more about the culture and town, as well as about the emotions and physical challenges involved in running the trail. Yesterday I met a native woman who grew up here in Nome. She said she would take me on a tour of the town tomorrow. I thought this sounded fantastic!
Talk to you soon!
Mrs. Holmes
Nome, - Thursday, March 14, 2002 at 00:38:53 (EST)
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Mrs. Holmes
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