Hi Boys and Girls,

This will be a quick evening update.  There are 3 teams still out on the trail.  Here’s hoping they will all make the banquet tomorrow night.

Now for today’s update:

DATE: 3/17/2012

TIME: 15:31

FINISHERS:

47. Jaimee Kinzer      12 days, 15 hours, 58 minutes

48. Matt Failor            12 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes

49. Hank Debruin       12 days,  22 hours, 22 minutes

50. Karen Ramstead   13 days  0 hours,   21 minutes

LAST 3 MUSHERS: 51 Dan Seavey. 52. Bob Chlupach, 53. Jan Steves

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS:. Dan is resting in White Mountain,  Bob and Jan are resting in Elim

RED LANTERN POSITION: Jan Steves

SCRATCHED: none

WITHDRAWN: None

WEATHER: The weather in Nome is 3 degrees F and partly cloudy . The weather in White Mountain is 7 degrees F and fair. The weather in Elim is 0 degrees F and fair.

I’ll let you know when the last 3 mushers arrive in Nome.  Tomorrow is the Finishers Banquet in Nome.  It appears the 3 mushers still out on the trail will make it in time to attend the banquet.  That would be really cool to have all the finishers there.  Stay tuned.

Until later,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Good Morning! Hope everyone has good a good night’s sleep.  Today will be another busy day in Nome with 12+ teams expected to arrive today. There are 20 teams out on the trail. When to you think the Red Lantern Winner will cross the finish. Send me your predictions today.

Now for today’s update:

DATE: 3/16/2012   The Early Edition

TIME: 00:45

FINISHERS: 25.  Ed Stielstra                10 days 21 hours  59 minutes

26. Anjanette Steer           10 days  22 hours  2 minutes

27. Kelly Griffin                 10 days  22 hours  29 minutes

28. Braxton Peterson          10 days  22 hours  44  minutes

29. Nicholas Petit                10 days  23 hours  24 minutes

30. Rick Swenson                10 days 23 hours   44 minutes

31. Ryne Olson                    11 days  1 hour 33 minutes

32. Kelley Maixner                11 days 1 hour  53 minutes

33. Jim Lanier                       11 days 2 hours 58 minutes

NEXT 5 MUSHERS: 34. Mike Santos,  35.  Bruce Linton,  36. Karin Hendrickson 37. Matt Giblin, 38. Trent Herbst

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS:. 3 teams have left White Mountain.  9 teams are resting in White Mountain, 2 teams have left Elim, 2 teams are in Elim, 1 team has left Koyuk,  1 teams is in Shaktoolik, 2 teams have left Unalakleet,

RED LANTERN POSITION: Bob Chlupach who has left Unalakleet

SCRATCHED: none

WITHDRAWN: None

WEATHER: The weather in Nome is 2 degrees F and partly cloudy. The weather in White Mountain is 7 degrees F and cloudy. The weather in Elim is 9 degrees F and fair. The weather in Koyuk is 4 degrees F and fair. The weather in Shaktoolik is 4 degree F and fair,

Answer to yesterday’s question: The answer to yesterdays question will be given later today

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

FAN QUESTION:

Keep those questions and comments coming.  I really enjoy reading what you have to say.

Until later today,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Good Morning.  It’s going to be another busy day in Nome today.  How is your favorite musher doing?

Now for today’s update:

DATE: 3/15/2012   early edition

TIME: 00:31

FINISHERS: 15. Paul Gebhatdt         10 days 03 hours  35 minutes

16. Michelle Phillips      10 days  08 hours  18 minutes

17.  Hugh Neff              10 days  08 hours  41 minutes

NEXT 5 MUSHERS: 18 Rohn Buser, 19. Martin Buser  20. Gerald Sousa 21. Colleen Robertia, 22. Lance Mackey

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS:.  There are 13 teams are resting in White Mountain, , I team is in Elim, 5 teams have left Koyuk, 8 teams are resting in Koyuk, 1 team has left Shaktoolik, 2 teams are in Shaktoolik, 1 team is in Unalakleet, 2 teams are in Kaltag,

RED LANTERN POSITION: Bob Chlupach who is in Kaltag

SCRATCHED: none

WITHDRAWN: None

WEATHER: The weather in Nome is 6 degrees F and cloudy. The weather in White Mountain is 11 degrees F and cloudy. The weather in Elim is 1 degree F and partly cloudy. The weather in Koyuk is 5 degrees F and mostly cloudy. The weather in Shaktoolik is 1 degree F and partly cloudy, The weather in Unalakleet is 7 degrees F and cloudy.  The weather in Kaltag is 6 degrees F and partly cloudy.

Answer yesterdays question: there was no question last night.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you look at when the teams in Koyuk arrived, you’ll see that most of the teams came in as pairs.  Looking at yesterday’s post about what was said about the trail conditions between Shaktoolik and Koyuk, why do you think the mushers were traveling in pairs.

FAN QUESTION: Look for a fan question later today.

I hope you are still following the race.  It’s so much fun to see where the teams are and see when they finish in Nome.

Until later today,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Good Morning! Dallas Seavey became the youngest musher to win an Iditarod.  He turned 25 while on the trail.  Dallas finished the race in 9 days 4 hours and 29 minues.

Congratulations to Dallas.

Now for today’s update:

DATE: 3/14/2014 early edition

TIME: 00:46

FINISHERS: 1. Dallas Seavey   9 days 4 hours 29 minutes

2. Aliy Zirkle            9 days 5 hours 29 minutes

3. Ramey Smyth     9 days 6 hours   4 minutes

NEXT 5 MUSHERS: 4. Aaron Burmeister, 5. Peter Kaiser 6. Ray Redington, 7. Mitch Seavey, 8. John Baker

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: Aaron and Peter have left Safety and should be into Nome soon.  9 teams have left White Mountain.  Those teams should be in Nome later today.  Nome is sure going to be a busy place today.  1 team is resting in White Mountain, 2 teams have left Elim, 3 teams have left Koyuk, 14 teams are resting in Koyuk, 1 team has left Shaktoolik, 9 teams are in Shaktoolik, 4 teams have left Unalakleet, 4 teams have left Kaltag, 2 teams have left Nulato.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR POSITION: Brent Sass is the lead Rookie in 13th place and he is taking his Mandatory rest in White Mountain.

RED LANTERN POSITION: Bob Chlupach who has left Nulato

SCRATCHED: Tom Thurston scratched in Unalakleet over concern for his team.  Kirk Barnum scratched in Kaltag because his team wasn’t enjoying the race.

WITHDRAWN: None

WEATHER: The weather in Nome is 3 degrees F and partly cloudy. The weather in White Mountain is 3 degrees F and mostly cloudy. The weather in Elim is -4 degrees F and fair. The weather in Koyuk is 0 degrees F and partly cloudy. The weather in Shaktoolik is -4 and fair and windy, The weather in Unalakleet is 5 degrees F and cloudy.  The weather in Kaltag is 5 degrees F and cloudy.

Answer yesterdays question:

QUESTION OF THE DAY: I will have a question for you later today so come back this evening for the update and question.

FAN QUESTION: Send me some questions and comments today and maybe your question will be picked for the question of the day.

Remember that while the winner has crossed the finish line the race is far from over.  There are still 51 teams out on the trail.  Stay tuned!  My post might be late tonight but I will be doing another update today!

Until Later Today,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

The Front runners are almost in Nome.  Dallas Seavey is taking his 8 hour mandatory rest in White Mountain and several teams are approaching White Mountain.  Once a team finishes their mandatory rest, there is only 77 miles left to Nome.  Isn’t this exciting?

Now for today’s update:

DATE: 3/12/2013 early edition

TIME: 00:27

LEADERS: 1.Dallas Seavey,  2. Aliy Zirkle, 3.  Ramey Smith,  4. Aaron Burmeister, 5. Peter Kaiser

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: Dallas is in White Mountain. Aily, Ramey, Aaron, and Peter have left Elim and are approaching White Mountain. 3 teams are in Elim, 6 teams have left Koyuk, 2 teams are in Koyuk.  1 team have left Shaktoolik, 14 teama are in  Shaktoolik, 2 teams have left Unalakleet, 7 teams are in Unalakleet, 10 teams have left Kaltag,  3 teams have left Nulato, 1 team is in Nulato, and 4 teams are in Galena,

RED LANTERN POSITION; Jan Steves who is in Galena

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR POSITION: Brent Sass is the lead Rookie in 14th place and he has left Koyuk

SCRATCHED: None

WITHDRAWN: None

WEATHER: The weather in White Mountain is -5 and fair. The weather in Elim is -2 and Fair. The weather in Shaktoolik is -8 and fair and windy, The weather in Unalakleet is -24 degrees F and fair.  The weather in Kaltag is 4 degrees F and fair. In Galena it’s -4 and fair.

Answer to last night’s question: The musher has a return bag at each checkpoint.  That is used to send back personal items.  Human and dog food is left for the locals.  Before that, other mushers are allowed to go through left over drop bags to look for dog food if needed.  Sleds can be sent to other checkpoints if needed and are sent back to ITC headquarters after the race to be picked up by the musher.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: I will have a question for you later today so come back this evening for the update and question.

FAN QUESTION: Send me some questions and comments today and maybe your question will be picked for the question of the day.

I think I’m going to take an eight rest now.  It’s going to be really exciting once the teams leave White Mountain.  So what are your predicitons?

Until Later Today,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Wow! Things were busy last night on the trail.  There are 5 more scratches-(see below), and the leaders are getting closer to Nome.  The burled arches were constructed yesterday in Nome.  Who do you think will cross the finish line first?  When do you think the leader will make it to Nome?

Now for today’s update:

DATE: 3/12/2012  early edition

TIME: 1:05

LEADERS: 1.Dallas Seavey,  2. Aliy Zirkle, 3.  Aaron Burmeister,  4. John Baker,  5. Mitch Seavey

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: All 5 of the leaders have left Shaktoolik.  There is less than four hours between Dallas and Mitch.  3 teams are still in Shaktoolik, 5 teams are on their way to Shaktoolik, 7 teams are in Unalakleet, 13 teams are traveling to Unalakleet, 7 teams are in Kaltag, 3 teams are traveling to Kaltag, 5 teams are traveling to Kaltag, 2 teams are in Nulato, 2 teams are traveling to Nulato, 4 teams are in Galena, and 3 teams are in Rubyy.

RED LANTERN POSITION; Jan Steves who is in Ruby

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR POSITION: Brent Sass is the lead Rookie in 15th place and he is in Unalakleet.

SCRATCHED; Wow! There were 5 scratches overnight.

Pat Moon scratched in Ruby due to a small number of dogs,

Lachlan ClarK scratched in Galena due to a small number of dogs

Josh Cadzow scratched in Kaltag because his team wasn’t enjoying the trip.

Jeff King scratched in Unalakleet and at the moment no reason has been given

WITHDRAWN: Jake Berkowitz was withdrawn from the race in Unalakleet.  He severely cut his hand out on the trail cutting up frozen fish to feed his dogs.

WEATHER: The weather in Shaktoolik is -15 and partly cloudy, The weather in Unalakleet is -20 degrees F and fair.  The weather in Kaltag is -19 degrees F and fair. In Galena it’s -20 and fair.

Answer to Yesterdays Question: The next and final Mandatory Rest Break must be taken in White Mountain

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is the difference between scratching from the race and being withdrawn from the race?

FAN QUESTION: Send me some questions and comments today and maybe your question will be picked for the question of the day.

I’m looking for your predictions for the winner and for the Red Lantern winner.  Have a great day today.

Until later today,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Well it’s day three of Iditarod 40.  The teams are moving really well down the trail.  Several teams have declared their 24 hour mandatory rest.  Congratulations to Aily Zirkle for being the first musher into McGrath and winning the Penn Air Spirit of Alaska Award.

Now for today’s update:

DATE: 3/7/2012

TIME: 12:57

LEADERS: 1. Martin Buser, 2. Rohn Buser, 3.  Aily Zirkle, 4. John Baker, 5. Mitch Seavey.

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: Martin and Rohn have both left Takotna. The next 28 mushers are in Takotna, where many have declared their 24 hour mandatory rest. Six mushers have left McGrath and are on their way to Takotna.  Twelve mushers are in McGrath where some of them will be taking their 24 hour rest.  The rest of the mushers have either left Nikolai, are in Nikolai, or have left Rohn and are on their way to Nikolai.

WEATHER: The weather in Takotna is 27 degrees F and it is lightly snowing.  The forecast is for the temperature to drop to -1 tonight. The weather is McGrath is also 27 degrees F with light snow.  McGraths temperature tonight is to drop to -8 degrees F.

SCRATCHED: No one.

Answer to yesterdays question: The world is divided into time zones.  When it’s 8am in Alaska, it’s 9am in the  Pacific time zone, 10 am in the Mountain time zone, 11am in the Central time zone and noon in the Eastern time zone.  In Hawaii it would be 6am.  What time zone do you live in?  So this update was posted at 12:57 Alaskan time.  What time was that where you live?

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Once all the mushers take their 24 mandatory rest, their true positions will be known.  What happens to the rest times for this to happen?

FAN QUESTION: This was a great question that I didn’t know the answer to and found very interesting.  I hope you do to. Thanks for the great question.

Hope you are enjoying the race. Remember as more mushers take their 24 hour break things will quiet down some.

I have really enjoyed reading all your comments and questions.  Check back tomorrow for another update.

Until tomorrow,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,
In a few short hours, Iditarod 40 will begin. Today is the Ceremonial Start in downtown Anchorage. Have you ever wondered what it takes to get the roads of downtown ready for dog teams to travel on? Dog teams have different requirements than cars do. They need snow covered roads. Since the roads are usually cleaned for cars to travel on, where does the snow come from for the dog teams?
Last night there was a rumble of trucks around Anchorage. Dump trucks and huge snow blowers were busy gathering snow from all over town. The dump trucks then went to 4th Avenue and dumped the snow in the road. Other equipment then moves the snow around and prepares the trail. I think this part of the trail is 2 miles long. So it’s a busy night getting a road for cars turned into a trail for dog teams.
When the last team leaves the chute today, and the fans and dog trucks head out, the process will reverse. The roads will be cleared so that cars can once again drive and park downtown. It usually takes less than 24 hours from start to finish.
Now that downtown is ready, hope you are. Check back often for posts and updates.
See you on the trail,
Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

While we’re waiting for the start of Iditarod 40 I wanted to tell you some of the preparations that have taken place in the past few weeks.  The mushers  had to get all their supplies ready for the trail.  Have you ever wondered how they get all the food they and the dogs will need and the rest of their supplies from Anchorage to Nome?  The sleds are just not big enough to carry 9-15 days of supplies.  So what’s a musher to do?  They prepare drop bags that are provided by the Iditarod Trail Committee.

Now you’re thinking “What’s a drop bag?”  A drop bag is a bag for the mushers to use to  send supplies they will need down the trail.  Mushers pack dog food, human food, booties, clothes, boots, etc into these bags.  Each bag must have the checkpoint name and mushers name on it.  The mushers then take the bags to Airland Transport in Anchorage. There the bags are weighed.  A bag can weigh no more than 60 pounds and a musher can only have 3 bags per checkpoint. Then the bags are sorted by checkpoint. When all the drop bags are received and sorted, they are flown out by the Iditarod airforce.

Mushers are also able to send extra equipment out on the trail like extra sleds, runners for the sleds, extra boots, dog bowls, and buckets.  This equipment goes with the extra sleds and are not part of the drop bags.  This equipment is also flown out to a designated checkpoint.

Next question is “how does the musher know how much to send to each checkpoint?”. Mushers make plans of what they hope their race will look like.  They decide where the best place to take breaks will be.  So they will send more supplies to where they plan to take the mandatory 24 hour break, than to a checkpoint they don’t plan to stay a long time at.  So what happens if a musher has to change the race plan?  A musher needs to remember where the supplies were sent and plan accordingly.

Not all supplies that are sent to the checkpoints are used.  Extra dog food left behind will be used at the discretion of the officials.  No food, dog or human, is sent back in the drop bags.  Other supplies such as sleds, extra equipment, and clothing are sent back to ITC headquarters and can be picked up by the mushers when the race has finished.

Well I hope you are excited for the race start tomorrow.  I will be starting my daily updates so come back and read the posts often.

Happy Trails,

Hi Boys and Girls,

Well all the mushers are in and everyone attended the awards banquet last night in Nome.  It was held at the Nome Recreation Center. The banquet is to congratulate all the finishers of this years race.  There are also awards given out.  This years awards are:

PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award- Presented to the first musher to reach McGrath.  This years winner is Martin Buser.

GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award- Presented to the first musher to reach the halfway checkpoint which this year was Iditarod.  This years winner is Trent Herbst

Millennium Hotel Anchorage Alaskan First to the Yukon Award- Presented this year to the first musher to reach the checkpoint of Anvik.  This years winner is Hugh Neff.

Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Gold Coast Award- Present to the first musher to reach the “Gold Coast” community of Unalakleet.  This years winner is John Baker.

Nome Kennel Club Fastest Time from Safety to Nome Award- Presented to the musher who has the fastest time from Safety to Nome and also finishes in the top 20.  This years winner is Lance Mackey.

Horizon Lines Most Improved Musher Award- Presented to the musher who   has bettered his/her most recent finish by the most number of places. This years winner is Trent Herbst.

Jerry Austin Rookie of the Year Award- Presented to the top place rookie.  This rookie could not of ever started the race before this year.  This years winner is Nicolas Petit.

Fred Meyer Sportsmanship Award- Mushers vote on this award.  This years winner is Allen Moore.

ExxonMobil Mushers Choice Award- Presented to the musher chosen by his or her peers who was the most inspirational on the trail.  This years winner is Rick Swenson.

Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award- Presented to the musher chosen by staff and officials as the person who most closely mimics Herbie  in his/her attitude on the trail. This years winner is Paul Johnson.

Northern Air Cargo 4 Wheeler Award- Presented to a musher who has finished the race and whose randomly picked key starts the 4 wheeler.  This year’s winner is Pete Kaiser.

Golden Clipboard Award- Presented by race officials to the most outstanding checkpoint.  This years winner is Unalakleet.

Golden Stethoscope Award- Presented by the Iditarod Official Finishers Club (IOFC) to the veterinarian whom they feel was the most helpful on the trail.  This years winner is Samantha Yeltatzie.

Iditarod Trail Committee Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award- Based on specific criteria to determine who has best demonstrated outstanding dog care throughout the Race while remaining competitive.  This years winner is Aliy Zirkle.

City of Nome Lolly Medley Golden Harness Award Winner- Presented to an outstanding lead dog, chosen by the mushers.  This years winners are Velvet and Snickers, John Baker’s Lead Dogs.

Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Official Truck- Presented to the Iditarod winner.  This years winner is John Baker.

Wells Fargo Winner’s Purse- Presented to the Iditarod Winner.  This years winner is John Baker.  John received $50,400.

Wells Fargo Red Lantern- Presented to the last musher to finish the race.  This years winner is Ellen Halverson.

Wow, that’s impressive.  Congratulations again to all the finishers and to all the winners.  Hope to see everyone back next year.

Until our trails meet,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

What a race this has been.  By this time tomorrow all mushers hopefully will be into Nome.  Tomorrow night will be the Finisher’s Banquet. I sure hope all the mushers are in Nome and able to attend. Today’s update:

TIME: 11:50 Alaskan Time

FINISHERS SINCE LAST UPDATE:  # 36 Wattie McDonald, #37 Billy Snodgrass, #38 Gerald Sousa, #39 Justin Savidis, #40 Matt Giblin, #41 Tom Thurston, #42 Scott Janssen

THE NEXT 5: There are only 5 teams left on the trail.  They are: Angie Taggart, and Kirk Barnum have both left White Mountain, G.B. Jones, Heather Sirtola, and Ellen Halverson are all in White Mountain taking their mandatory 8 hour rest.

WHO’S IN THE RED LANTERN POSITION: Ellen Halverson.  She came into White Mountain only 2 minutes behind Heather Sirtola.  It may be an exciting Red Lantern finish.

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: They are all between Nome and White Mountain.

WEATHER: Nome is 28 degrees and overcast, White Mountain is also 28 degrees and overcast.  There is a storm warning for the Norton Sound which will affect the 3 mushers still in White Mountain.

SCRATCHED: No one in the last 24 hours

It appears everyone may make it to Nome for the mushers banquet tomorrow night. It will depend on the storm and if it slows the teams down any.  Stay tuned for more information.

Until tomorrow,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Top of the day to you!  I’ve heard that’s what you say on St. Patrick’s day.  Well we have 30 mushers in Nome and 17 out on the trail.  I hope you are watching the mushers still to cross the finish line. Today’s update:

TIME: 12:24 Alaskan time.

FINISHERS SINCE LAST UPDATE: #18 Martin Buser, #19 Robert Nelson, #20 Rich Swenson, #21 Cim Smith, #22 Matt Hayashida, #23 Bruce Linton, #24 Allen Moore, #25 Trent Herbst, #26 Kelley Griffin, #27 Ed Stielstra,  #28 Nicolas Petit, #29 Kristy Berington, #30 Kelley Maixner.

NEXT 5: Laclan Clark out of Safety, Jodi Bailey out of White Mountain, Magnus Kaltenborn in White Mountain, Cain Carter, and Paul Johnson, out of Elim.

RED LANTERN POSITION: Ellen Halverson out of Unalakleet.

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: They are between Nome and close to Shaktoolik.

WEATHER: Nome 12 degrees and partly cloudy, White Mountain is 0 degrees and clear, Elim and Koyuk are at 16 degrees and clear,

SCRATCHED: Karin Hendrickson scratched in White Mountain and based her decision on the best interest of her dogs.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What musher is the rookie of the year given to?  Who do you think will win the award this year?

The Rookie of the Year is given to the first rookie to cross the finish line in Nome.  This year the award will go to Nicolas Petit who arrived in Nome today in the 28^th position.

Remember the race is NOT over yet.  There are still 17 mushers out on the Trail.  So let’s cheer them on!

Until tomorrow,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

John Baker crossed the finish line today at 9:46 Alaskan time with 11 dogs.  This is John’s first Iditarod Championship.  He completed the race in 8 days, 18 hours and 46 minutes.  This is a new record.  Congratulations to John and his team.

TIME:  13:16 Alaskan time

FINISHERS SINCE LAST UPDATE: #1 John Baker, #2 Ramey Smyth.

NEXT 5: #3 Hans Gatt has left Safety, #4 Dallas Seavey, #5 Hugh Neff, #6 Sebastian Schnuelle, and #7 Ray Redington Jr have all left White Mountain.  All 5 should be finishing the race shortly.

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: The teams are spread out from just before Nome to Kris Hoffman who has left Grayling.

WEATHER: The weather this year has been amazing.  I haven’t heard of any major storms this year.  The weather in Nome is 8 degrees and clear, White Mountain is 18 degrees and clear, Elim and Koyuk are 14 degrees and clear, Unalakleet is 7 degrees and clear.

SCRATCHED:

Brennan Norden scratched in Shageluk based on the well being of his team, and their ability to continue on up the trail.

Mike Santos scratched in Unalakleet based on the well being of his team

FAN COMMENT/QUESTION:  I’m tracking mushers in my 5th grade class. We’ve been doing it for quite some time now. I think he just might be the first to finish this race, if he is closer than any other musher. Don’t forget, as my library teacher told me… The race is not over until everyone finishes!!!! What a race

This Library teacher is correct.  Just because the winner has crossed the finish line does not mean the race is over.  There are still 47 mushers out on the trail.  Every finish is important.  So please keep following the race until the red lantern winner crosses the finish line.

Until tomorrow,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Wow, it’s going to be a busy couple of days with the finish of the race right around the corner Who do you think will win and when do you think they will cross the finish line?  Now for today’s update:

TIME: 12:38 Alaskan Time

LEADERS: #1 John Baker, #2 Ramey Smyth, #3 Hans Gatt,  all have left Elim.  #4 Sebastian Schnuelle and #5 Hugh Neff, have left Koyuk and are on their way to Elim.

**  I have an Aunt Elim and an Aunt Koyuk.  They live at my house and run on my team with me.  Can you guess what they were named after?

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: The front of the pack have either left Elim, are in Elim.  The red lantern musher is Brennan Norden and he is in Shageluk.

Answer to yesterday’s Question: Why is a red lantern given to the last place finisher?  It is believed that it started as a joke and was first awarded after the 1953 Fur Rendezvous Race .  It has since become an Alaskan tradition.

Answer to yesterday’s Question: What is the Widow’s Lamp?  If you go to: http://www.iditarod.com/learn/traditions.html

You’ll see a good explanation of the Widow’s Lamp.

WEATHER: Elim, Koyuk, Shaktoolik and Unalakleet are reporting 18 degrees and clear, Grayling and Anvik are reporting 10 degrees and clear.

SCRATCHED: James Bardoner- scratched in Iditarod due to his teams ability to continue up the trail.

FAN COMMENT/QUESTION: How much information can be shared with the mushers at the checkpoints? Can they find out when mushers ahead of them left or how long others rested, etc?  This is a great question that I’ve never had asked before.  Yes the mushers can get information about the other mushers such as where they are, when they left a checkpoint, etc.

Keep up the good work following the race. I received lots of good questions so watch tomorrow to see your your question will be featured.

Until tomorrow,

Gypsy

TIME: 10:24 Alaska time

Hi boys and Girls,

Are you still following the race?  It’s an exciting race this years with the leaders very close to each other.  Stay posted!  Now for todays update:

LEADERS: #1 John Baker, #2 Sebastian Schnuelle, #3 Hugh Neff, #4 Ramy Smythe, #5 Hans Gatt  All have left Eagle Island.

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: The first 12 mushers have left Eagle Island with less than 5 hours difference between #1 and #12.  What a race!!!!!  The red lantern position has left Takotna.  Everyone else is spread out between Eagle Island and Ophir.

Todays Question: What does it mean to be in the Red Lantern Position.  Do some research on your own and check your answer here tomorrow.

WEATHER: There is no weather report for Eagle Island, Grayling and Anvik is reporting 14 degrees and clear.  Ophir is reporting 12 and clear.

SCRATCHED: 2^nd day of no scratches-  Another YEAH!!!!!!!

FAN QUESTION: Several of you ask everyday where certain mushers are or how you can find out that information.  You can go to: http://www.iditarod.com/race/race/currentstandings.html

for the most up to date information. 

Answer to Yesterday’s Question: What is -31 degrees Celsius?  How is Celsius different from Fahrenheit?

Yesterday I gave you a formula to convert degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit.  Lets see how many of you were able to figure out the answer.

F= (C x 1.8) +32

F=(-31×1.8) +32

F=    -55.8    +32

F=         - 23.8

WOW that’s still pretty cold!!!!

Hope you are having a great weekend.  Keep your comments and questions coming.  I really love hearing from you.

Until tomorrow,

Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,
I hope you are enjoying the race. Have you been reading Sanka’s posts? Aren’t they great. She is such a lucky dog to be out on the trail reporting on the race.
Here is today’s update:
TIME: As I write this it’s 15:17 in Alaska
Question: What kind of time is 15:17? What time is it really?
Yesterday’s answer: Did you figure out what time it was at your house when it was 12:57 in Alaska? Well the US is divided into 4 different time zones- Alaskan, Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. If it is 12:57 in Alaska, it’s 1:57 in the Pacific zone, 2:57 in the Mountain Zone, 3:57 in the Central Zone, 4:57 in the Eastern Zone.

LEADERS: #1 Martin Buser, #2 Sebastian Schnuelle, #3 Lance Mackey, #4 Hugh Neff, #5 Robert Bundtzen.
Yesterday’s answer: The start time difference will be made up during the 24 hour mandatory rest.

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: The leaders have left Nikolai. WOW, they are really moving. There is one musher still in Finger Lake and everyone else is spread out between Rainy Pass, Rohn, and Nikolai.

WEATHER: The weather in Nikolai is clear and 27 degrees.
Yesterday’s answer: The weather was warmer in Finger Lake yesterday than in Rainy Pass. It was 37 degrees in Finger Lake.

SCRATCHED: This is a new section today. There were 2 scratches in Rainy Pass today. First was Zoya Denure who scratched for the best interest of her dogs. The next to scratch was Melissa Owens who scratched due to a leg injury.

Hope you are enjoying the race. I have really enjoyed reading all your comments and questions. Check back tomorrow for another update.

Until tomorrow,
Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,
Well last night was the Musher Banquet. During the banquet, the mushers drew their bib numbers. Remember number 1 bib goes to the honorary musher. Next to leave the chute is number 2- Dee Dee Jonrowe. To see the whole starting line up, go to:
http://www.iditarod.com/race/musherlisting.html
See when your favorite musher will be leaving on their trip to Nome.
See you on the trail,
Gypsy

Hi Boys and Girls,

Did you know that there is a special program for teachers called the Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™?  This program offers teachers a unique opportunity for a once in a lifetime adventure.  One teacher is selected every year to spend 3 ½ weeks in Alaska doing presentations, visiting schools, and flying in a small plane up and down the Iditarod trail following the teams from Anchorage to Nome.  During the time these teachers are the Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™, they prepare lessons and they report from the trail.  I bet your teachers use some of the lessons developed by the Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™,

So, how does a teacher become Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™?  There is an application they have to fill out.  I looked over the application and it’s the biggest homework assignment I’ve ever seen! Some teachers say that it takes months to put together all the information needed to complete the application.  All the applications are due by Dec. 1 of each year.  Once all the applications are received, the selection committee goes over each one and together they decide on 3 finalists.  Those finalists then go to Alaska the week before the start of the race.  They do a presentation at the Iditarod Teachers Workshop, have an interview with the selection committee, complete an assignment/project, go to the banquet and to the start and restart of the race.  They get to meet many of the mushers and give lots of ear scratches and belly rubs to the canine athletes.  When the race is over, the selection committee will select the next Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ from the 3 finalists.  What a wonderful experience for these 3 teachers.

I was very lucky to do email interviews with all 3 of this years finalists.  They sound like very special teachers.  Here is a little about each of the finalists:

Blynne Froke

Blynne lives in Northern California. She has been teaching for 23 years and is currently teaching English to high school freshman and sophmores.  She’s been teaching the Iditarod in her curriculum for the past 4 years.  She focuses her lessons on goal-setting, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills.  She and her students explore all aspects of the Iditarod  from race strategies, weather prediction, and musher experiences.  Blynne says, “ They like me sit on the edge of their seats awaiting the next step of this amazing adventure.  This year her freshman class is preparing third grade teaching units that they will be delivering to their young partners.

Blynnes hobbies (other than the Iditarod) are knitting, reading, writing and running trails with her dog. A new hobby is drawing which she is teaching herself.   She has completed two half marathons and is currently training  for her third. Blynne is married with 2 children.  She sure sounds like one busy woman.

Dawn Owens

Dawn lives in Florida with her husband and four dogs (all rescues).  She has been teaching for 18 years.  Her pride and joy is working with the middle school population in the varying exceptionalities self-contained classroom.

If she is selected the Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™, she said her personal goals will: “be to absorb each of the experiences that the Iditarod has to offer, participate fully in all the activities and requirements and relay that experience to teachers and students locally and globally.  It is my desire that more teachers and students will become interested in the Iditarod experience; learn the history and dream of greater adventures for themselves and others.  On a professional level, I would like to be able to take the experiences back to my school, district and classroom and share all of the valuable lessons and lesson plans that were developed by me and previous teachers from the trail.  This will enhance my teaching and student’s learning through standard’s driven lesson plans oriented around the Iditarod.”

Dawn’s hobbies are traveling, camping, boating/canoeing, 4 wheeling, star-gazing, anything outdoors, reading and playing with technology.

Joy Davis

Joy lives in Indiana.  She is a high school teacher, she teaches reading lab, co-teaches both English 11 and business math.  She has a Masters degree in Education and is licensed in mild interventions at the high school level.

Joy attended the teachers summer conference in 2009.  She didn’t go home alone.  A retired Iditarod sled dog went with her.  She was hooked.  Her goals are to continue to meet interesting people.  She also wants to share her enthusiasm and knowledge about the Iditarod with others.

Joy is married and has 3 adult children.  She also has 5 grandchildren and one on the way.  Living with her and her husband are 7 dogs- 1 malamute and 6 Alaskan huskies. Her hobbies include cooking for her dogs and reading.

Don’t they sound like special teachers?  I sure would like to be in one of their classes.  I wish all of them the best of luck.  Hey!!  Do you have a special teacher that would make a good Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™?  If so, ask them to apply and maybe next year, I’ll be writing about your teacher.

See you out on the trail,

Gypsy