Celebrating the Finish of Iditarod by Rolling in the Snow
From White Mountain, it’s only 77 miles to Nome BUT if the wind blows or a storm hits, the 77 miles can be the most dangerous of the whole Iditarod Trail. Out of White Mountain, there are five rather steep abrupt hills. Then the steady climb begins to Topkok, the highest ridge between White Mountain and Safety which stands 500 feet above sea-level. The trip to the summit is wide open to the wind and susceptible to ground blizzards. In a ground blizzard, there isn’t any precipitation falling instead, the wind is blowing snow and ice crystals that are already on the ground. This part of the trail is also known for its wind tunnels called “blow holes.” As the wind blows from the north toward the sea, it funnels down the valleys where it increases in velocity. When it meets the air that’s moving inland the intensity can reach near hurricane force. After descending Topkok, there’s nothing but wide open spaces all the way to Nome where the wind can be the worst of any portion of the trail. Mushers can’t afford to leave White Mountain thinking they’re home free.
Kurt Barnum of Idaho was the 44th musher to guide his dogs under the Burled Arch in Nome. Barnum is a forester by profession and a dog servant by avocation. He especially likes raising his own dogs from puppies. Each one has different character traits and Kurt finds the to be “simply amazing.”
Gentle Giant G.B.Jones finished the race in just under 13 days and 11 hours. Jones is a very capable outdoorsman who served in the Army as a Ranger. He appreciates the unspoiled wilderness of the trail and values the opportunity to prepare and go to Nome by dog team. G.B. is the author of Winning the Iditarod, the G.B. Jones Story.
Heather Siirtola of Talkeetna, Alaska reached Nome on Sunday morning after being on the trail for 13 days and 19 hours. She handled dogs for Jerry Sousa then after three years she acquired her own out of Sousa’s dogs. Siirtola values the lifestyle of running dogs and all the challenges that come with it. She says her dogs are her best friends and she likes nothing better than to spend time on the trial with those friends.
Ellen Halverson turned 50 this year and chose to celebrate a half-century on this earth by running Iditarod. Halverson says the race is about perseverance, problem solving, putting one foot in front of the other, facing fears and doubts and finding your way. The Iditarod is an experience that is both wonderful and very difficult. Ellen is the only musher in Iditarod history to win the Red Lantern Award twice. The award presented by Wells Fargo is a symbol of perseverance. As the last musher to cross the finish line in Nome, Ellen extinguished the Widow’s Lamp to signify that all teams are safely off the trail.
There is a banquet for every finisher. Sometimes storms along the way or extended periods of rest bring mushers into Nome after the Sunday Finisher’s Banquet. Not to worry. Whenever the Widow’s Lamp is snuffed and the Red Lantern awarded, a table will be set, food will be prepared and a celebration will take place. This year, all 47 finishers are into Nome to attend the Sunday evening banquet. Congratulations to all 47 finishers as well as all who attempted Iditarod XXXIX.