Twinning is Winning

Kari (left) in her happy place and Petr, twinning leaving Shaktoolik. Photo thanks to Carol Seppilu, who passed it along from a local in Shaktoolik.

We are now down to four racers on the course, three on foot and one on skis. They are not lagging behind by any means; rather, they are right on schedule for an “average” finish time for those on foot or skis. This year the course conditions and weather favored faster bike times; in fact, in the last ten years, it is uncommon for all bikers to finish in under 22 days. 

Jon Richner and Erick Bassett traveled together all night from Little Mountain cabin to Koyuk, arriving in Koyuk at 6:15 this morning. The theme across Norton Sound so far has been a stiff North or Northeast wind and this trend continued overnight and will stay this way for the next several days. In Koyuk, folks stay at the school, get drop boxes, and often sleep in the school library/storage space. They may have access to a shower in the school locker room and can charge electronics. We heard there were pizza rolls in the freezer, supplied by a wonderful teacher - we wonder, did the bikers leave any behind? It’s these overnights in a warm school that can make a person feel a bit civilized before venturing back into the stark and challenging wilderness. These communities often feel centered around the school, and each one has a unique cultural feel and history that is often displayed in the entrance and hallways. After a fairly short rest, Jon and Erick are traveling again together, perhaps with the aim of Kwik River cabin before night. 

Last night heading into Shaktoolik, Kari Gibbons and Petr Inman got a taste of what Kari called “character-building” winds. After getting some rest at the school, they took off for Little Mountain safety cabin around 11am, with wind chills in the -30 to -35 deg F range. A local snapped a picture of their matching outfits - was it planned? Great minds dress alike, we say. The challenge with a wind like this is that there is no taking a break from it and it is right at their face, making eating and drinking a challenge. Racers need to protect their faces when they are getting buffeted by wind and wind-driven snow, and indeed, of course Kari and Petr are experienced racers, well-prepared with goggles, hoods, and face coverings. One of the biggest challenges often experienced in ITI versus other winter races is the high winds that racers may face. Expect to see Kari and Petr rest at the cabin for several hours and head for Koyuk overnight. Little Mountain safety cabin looks bright and cute from the outside, but it is…not the most hospitable place inside. Racers tend to think of it more as a bare-bones but much-needed shelter from the wind. No need to worry about the sea ice; all reports indicate it is safe and normal where the trail is marked. Long-time readers may remember that last year a big storm surged from the southwest later in the race, causing some break-up issues with the sea ice and resulting in seawater on top of the ice. That is not the case this year, as these north/northeast winds persist and this weather pattern holds. 

The Iditarod Dog Sled race is officially over, with 22 of the 33 teams finishing in Nome. This also means that much of the traffic on the Iditarod trail is now done as well. A few villagers may travel between villages here or there, but otherwise, the trail conditions will be determined by Mother Nature. 

Author: Faye Norby