Both of these episodes are taken along the old Portage Trail which runs from the last Athabascan Indian village inland, Kaltag, to the first Inupiat Eskimo village along the Western Coast, Unalakleet. Over this 85 mile leg there is a huge metamorphosis in geography, vegetation, culture, animals and weather. It really feels like we mush thru a time travel type machine. It must have felt even more drastic for the Indians and Eskimos who traded and fought battles along this trail for thousands of years before me. It’s kinda creepy to look around and wonder what happened on certain parts of this trail. There are definitely areas where I feel like I could be ambushed, even today.
In Episode 13 the team just left the Kaltag Checkpoint. We rested for 8 hours prior to this run and the sun is coming up. I feel perky and so do the dogs. The team line up is: Spark and Dutch in lead, Driver (single swing), Q.T. and Five, Jefe and Rodney, Mismo and Bruno, Nomex and Amber and Violet and Decaf (in wheel.)
The Portage Trail is still heavily used today. On years when there is deep snow, the tracks on the snow machines can’t help but to “churn up” these huge moguls with the excess snow. You can see how much snow is on the ground by how high the berms are along the edge of the trail. In some areas they are above the dogs’ heads.
Moguls are a pain in the tush for dog teams as well as snow machines. You can hear my sled pounding as it jumps over and hits the next one. My sled was loaded with a full cooler of dog food as well as food and supplies for a rest stop at Old Woman Cabin. I’d rather ride over these hummocks on a dog sled while standing up than while seated on a snow machine. Ouch!
In Episode 14 we are farther out the Portage Trail. This is where we really start to leave Interior Alaska behind and enter the Western Coast. Which, to me, means: wind, ice and no trees.
There are still occasional stands of small spruce trees here and there. You’ll notice that I get pretty excited in this video because I think this little group of trees is the group the we camped alongside back in 2016. It’s very possible that I am correct, but there are LOTS of miles on the Portage Trail and LOTS of little spruce trees that we pass. I’ll let you guys tell me what you think. Here is the video from 2016.
What do you think?
Yes, I think it is the same stand of trees!!!
That was a tough time. Schmoe must have been a great comfort to you.
Wonderful video of the portage route plus your well written description makes it all come alive!!!
Thanks ever so much for #13 & 14!!!
Thank you for sharing. We have been cheering for you from Utah. My Mom & I went to Anchorage 3 years ago to watch you race. My son lived there then. We had the best time.
Mismo and Violet look like they enjoy dipping in that head height snow bank.
Yes it’s the camp spot, wishful “hide out,” from 2016.
Imagine, if you had known Brent was going to wait in White Mountain while you pushed on to Nome! I still feel the pain in the 2016 video, there are some memories I wish we could erase.
On the up side your 2019 team looked perky and happy passing that campsite. Mismo (the only one who might have remembered beside you) glanced back at least five times to listen/check on you. Spark and Dutch look like they gave the campsite serious consideration.
You have overcome so much in the last few years!
Congratulations. <3
Trying to imagine ancient Athabascan moguls – you got me laughing .. AGAIN!
No doubt about it…that was the same camp out spot as in 2016…very cool! You have a connection with this coordinate…..its your “safe spot” on the portage trail!
I think that is definitely the exact same group of trees! How amazing to come across a familiar spot of land in the vast wilderness!
The scenery is so so incredibly beautiful out there! It looks like a perfect winter wonderland!
I dream to run the Iditarod someday and see all the beautiful scenery! Thank you for sharing the videos.
Schmoe looking out for everyone! I will never forget that picture of him. Thanks for the videos, so beautiful!