From a Musher’s perspective:
An Iditarod dog team is nearing the village of Elim after it reaches Moses Point. Moses Point is a summer fish camp along the ocean that is completely abandoned in March. After the trail passes by fish nets decorated with icicles and boats upturned to the weather, it gets on an unplowed road leading to Elim.
The road is very protected and there are even trees and bushes that add a sense of security if windy conditions arise. But there are also many hills along the trail between Moses Point and Elim. For a tired dog team these hills are huge mountains, for energetic teams this are just small mounds. At the crest of the last hill driveways appear on both sides of the road and the teams are usually greeted, day or night, by barking dogs. “Who is in my neighborhood?”
The trail then runs downhill and into the heart of the village. The Checkpoint building is in the village Firehall surrounded by houses and cabins. The people of Elim come to see the Mushers and visit and talk about trail conditions and weather – always important topics! Aliy usually stays in Elim just long enough to take a quick nap and feed the team a big meal. Allen and the Black Team will stay longer and enjoy the hospitality.
Aliy asked everyone to sign Iditarod Posters; Spelling Bee “Iditarod” Relay.
The exit trail from the Elim depends on how thick the sea ice is. Some years the ice is poor or nonexistent along the village shoreline so the route will follow the Old Mail Trail on land and through the hills. If the ice is good, then the trail leaves Elim directly onto the frozen sea and parallels the shoreline until leaving the sea to climb Little McKinley.
Aliy will be in Elim all day Tuesday, August 29th.
These are such wonderful write ups. We are all students following along. Thank you!
Thank you for the neat tour and trail explanations. Now, during the Big race, I will have these pictures in my mind.
Thank you.
Love the pictures and write-ups on your trip! It's just who
you are and the giving back to all these fantastic children.
I'm sure they will never forget either. Thanks again.
These villages and the people who live in them are certainly special! Love the pictures…the kids must be excited to get a visit from Aliy in AUGUST! Bet she will reflect on her summer visit when she stops the Team for a big meal and quick nap come March!
This series of posts is fabulous.
When we are in the midst of some adventure or job or another, it is hard to think of anything but the immediate issues before us.
But these posts show the perspective of analysis from a different position – comparing the Trail in summer as opposed to winter. And of course the adorable children!!!
Thanks so very very much!!!
Best,
Margaret
Totally different vantage during August! What a great way to see the other side!
Nice