When I was in Grayling there were a lot of folks spending the night at the school.  I took photographs of everyone assuming they were all mushers.  That was not the case.  Two gentlemen were part of the Iditarod Trail Invitational, a human powered race to Nome.  Athletes in this competition can bike, ski, or walk the trail.  Tim Hewitt, a lawyer from Greenburg, Pennsylvania, and Tom Jarding, a mailman from Wyano, Pennsylvania, were walking the trail. They had both accomplished this tremendous feat before.  In fact, this was Tim’s fourth attempt.  They told me they cover about 50 miles a day and can complete the entire trail from Willow to Nome in about 26 days.

The above photograph shows Tim and Tom ready to hit the trail at Grayling.  They are equipped with ski poles and a sled that carries all of their equipment.  I have a feeling that this year’s severe weather may slow down these athletes just as it slowed down the dogs and sleds.  Good luck fellows in your adventure of a lifetime!