From a Musher’s perspective:
It is a long, challenging run across Golovin Bay no matter what. The flat terrain (because it is the frozen ocean) has very few reference points to judge distance or depth. There are often no distractions for the dogs or Mushers. At this point in the race, distractions are nice.
Finally, the route comes off the ocean, overland and onto the Fish River. The teams generally gain enthusiasm from the terrain change, the windy river and veteran dogs know that just around the next corner… is White Mountain!
The final 1/4 mile into the Checkpoint, both dogs and Mushers can see dozens of village houses along the bluff above the river. Day or night, this is an exciting moment. Village dogs bark and spectators will yell and whistle.
Teams are parked on the frozen river. The village of White Mountain is spread out above them.
Boats are parked where the Iditarod Dog Teams usually park.
White Mountain is one of the best towns in the world for sledding downhill and the kids use sled, plastic, cardboard or their fannies to enjoy themselves. Villagers – youth and adults – come down to the parking area to see the teams come in and leave. The attitude of the Mushers is much different here than anywhere else on the route. A mandatory 8 hour rest stop means that no one has to make any strategic decision and no one can ‘sneak out’ before they are supposed to leave. Both Aliy and Allen enjoy White Mountain tremendously.
Aliy was in White Mountain all day Wednesday, August 30th.
I am really enjoying seeing these checkpoints in the summer. Looks like Aily is too.
Val
I know that at White Mountain, the mushers leave behind everything they don't absolutely need for the final sprint. Do they go back for it later, or does the village get to keep it? White Mountain is also great, because there's a good webcam to watch the teams resting on the ice.
It is so great for Aliy to go visit these checkpoints and take time to meet with the folks, especially the kids. The villages deserve recognition for hosting the mushers during the race. I am proud to call myself a fan of SPK! So…where can I get one of the hoodies like Aliy is wearing? I love ❤️ it!
WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!
And we know what tomorrow is…September 1!!!
Thanks so much for the mini-tour of these major markers along the Iditarod home stretch – and it is amazing that six months will fly by until it is cold and dark…
Got my "refresh finger" in training, as others have said!!!
Best,
Margaret
Thanks Aliy for the wonderful pictures and captions.
Delightful to see these places in the summertime. Go SPK!
Ah, White Mountain! Us fans take a sigh of relief here too….perhaps take a long nap after a week of nonstop refreshing….knowing that we need to gather our strength to cheer our Teams on in the last 70 miles! Bet the Folks in the Village look forward to the Race each year as they get a nice front row seat of this crucial Checkpoint before the big push to Nome! The sled hill is definitely a plus!