Gerry Willomitzer's
Blackjack Racing Kennel
April 8, 2008
Iditarod Review
Hi folks, another Iditarod is behind us. Here a few images from the trail:
The race could not have started better - with a few days of luxury
accommodation in Knik. Thanks to Dave Branholm for putting us up, and the
great cooking! And thanks to everyone in Knik who supported us in the last
few years - Raymie, Ray Jr, and Ryan Redington with families, as well as
Gene & Lynn Smith!
1800 people were at the start banquet and 96 mushers got their one minute
of fame each at the microphone. It was a loooong affair.
The ceremonial start on 4th Avenue in Anchorage. This is the big hoopla
for fans and media. 96 teams shut down a few city blocks in downtown as
they get ready to depart for an 11 miles run with an "Iditarider"
on board. The real competition does not start until the next day.
The "re-start" takes place on Willow Lake. My sled is packed,
all that's left to do is put on the mukluks and hook up the dogs.
My handler Kyla, myself, and my Iditarider with husband inspect my sled
about an hour before departure.
Campout at the Happy River, just after the Happy Steps. We were the first
team through this obstacle, enjoying flawless trail. The weather was warm
and the trail fell apart in a hurry, so I made sure I stayed ahead of most
other teams. Parked down the trail are Hans Gatt and Paul Gebhardt.
This is the first climb after the Happy River. There were at least 10 feet
of snow on the ground and it felt like we were mushing right through the
treetops and closer to the bush planes above us than the ground below. It
was not possible to step of the trail unless there was a snowmachine track
to go on.
Just before dark on the second day were crossed Rainy Pass behind Kjetil
Backen and Paul Gebhardt. This is picture is taken just before entering
Dalzell Gorge.
Jump ahead to McGrath. Many mushers send replacement sleds here, so that
they can change out sleds damaged during the crossing of the Alaska Range.
I was camped in balmy 44 F degree (somewhere around 8 above Celsius)
weather between Ophir and Cripple, when my buddy Sebastian came by. He
should go on to place an excellent 10th place.
Another big jump ahead. Here I am on my way into Kaltag. We went through
and camped a few hours down the trail in order to split the run into
Unalakleet.
Inside the White Mountain checkpoint mushers Jessie Royer and Aaron
Burmeister talk about the race. From here it is 77 miles to the finish
line.
On the last Hill before dropping down to the ocean at Topkok. The team was
not feeling 100% when coming up the coast, but in the Topkok Hills they
started coming together nicely and had a strong run to the finish line in
Nome.