March 17, 2007

Wearing her mother’s trail gear and bib # 1, Tekla Monson mushed her team down Front Street, into the chute and under the burled arch finish line. This completed the 700 mile trek from their home to Nome, Tekla and her father scattered Susan’s ashes at many of her favorite places along the trail. This special trip ended in Nome this afternoon amid tears and cheers from those who considered Susan one of the most famous mushers of all time.

I expect to see Tekla competing in the Jr. Iditarod when she turns 14 in a couple of years. It should be a breeze for her after this trip.

I have included some pictures of Tekla’s and Dave’s arrival in Nome. I know that all you boys and girls join me in congratulating Tekla on the completion of her journey of love.

From Nome this evening, I have learned that six mushers arrived in Nome today bring the total to 47 teams that have completed the 2007 Iditarod Race. The six teams arrived in the following order: Dallas Seavey, Andrew Angstman, Robert Bundtzen, Bryan Mills, Cindy Gallea and Matt Calore. There are no teams in Safety or out of Safety at this time. Hernan Maquieira left White Mountain at 9:26 p.m. tonight so he won’t reach Nome before sometime in the morning. There are no teams in White Mountain checkpoint.

Jeff Wells, Dan Carter and Kelly Williams left the Elim checkpoint early this evening. They will go on to White Mountain where they will take their mandatory 8 hour layover. There are no teams in Elim but Matt Rossi is now on the trail to that checkpoint. Kevin Morlock, Aleksandar Nikolich and Jeremy Keller are in the Koyuk checkpoint as I paw this report to you. The final four, Bruce Linton, Heather Siirtola, Ellen Halverson and Donald Smidt are all in the Shaktoolik checkpoint. It is doubtful that any of the teams that have not made it to White Mountain will make it to Nome for the Awards Banquet. However, there will be the “Second Banquet” for those who don’t make it to the first. This banquet, although not as big, is still well attended in Nome and due to the more relaxed atmosphere, is probably more fun. The mushers at the back of the pack have some great stories to tell that we never hear anywhere else.

I will keep you informed of the progress of the last 12 mushers in this year’s Iditarod as well as a report on the special awards. Check back for these reports.

Until next time,

Lots of Tag Wags,

Zuma

Click on images for a larger picture: