In Episode 17 we are nearing the top of one of the many mountains between Elim and White Mountain.
The dogs and I put a lot of effort into climbing mountains. The trail segment has some of the toughest climbs on the Iditarod. I often double ski pole, but by this point in the race I had given my second pole to Jessie Holmes, so I was down to one. My left quadricep had been torn, so I was only pedaling with my right foot and single ski poling. It wasn’t ideal, but it was all I could do to help. In the beginning of the video, you can actually see the camera blob, up and down, as I pedal with my right leg.
This afternoon was spectacular. As you can see, we had to grind for every mile but the scenery is AMAZING on top of these mountains. It truly feels like the top of the world here. I point out the frozen ocean to the left. It’s way back down at sea level and off in the distance. We had climbed up and down – to sea level and back – twice already since leaving Elim.
When I talk on the video, I must use a different voice. My dogs will often look back and wonder who I am talking to. You can especially see Decaf wondering who is back there with me. I even say in this video’ “I can’t talk very much.” But then, I continue talking, Ha! I am sure that my recording voice is a distraction. That’s why you hear me continually cheering them on.
In Episode18 the view from the back of my dog sled is amazing. I even took several panoramic photos while moving (above.) Breathtaking. One could even say… dizzying or balance reducing.
We had just finished the mountain climbs and were on a gradual descent. There are miles and miles of wide open tundra where the horizon stretches on and on. Obviously I thought it was overwhelming because I fell off my sled! Oops. Somewhat embarrassing.
I love the scenery in those videos, especially the first one!! It is so beautiful! A perfect winter wonderland. I can’t wait to be there on the Iditarod trail someday! Thank you for sharing these.
Gorgeous….wow…yeah, the Team is wondering who is she talking to? You can tell they are very in tune with you….every little nuance is noticed! The weather reminds me of our climate here in the Adirondacks…change is certainly upon us! Let’s hope for a good old fashion Alaska winter this year!
Spectacular Scenery with Spectacular Dogs! I do hope soon the snow will come to Alaska so the dogs
can do what they love in the snow! Thanks for sharing your passion with all of us!