These videos are from the final 5% of the race. It seems that some years these last 50 miles have been the most challenging; some years, the most entertaining, or the most competitive. This year, it was breathtakingly gorgeous. I think you’ll agree.
In Episode 22 we are descending Topcock. It is the last steep climb up, and then down, before the team arrives at the edge of the Bering Sea. From there the Iditarod route turns due west and follows the ocean’s shoreline for approximately 50 miles to the finish.
The sun is rising behind us. It is nearly daylight. I no longer have my headlight turned on but, I haven’t turned off Bruno’s HeadLite collar. In the video we are looking south – out across the Bering Sea. As is plainly obvious, the ocean is not frozen. The water is dark and ominous.
The trail ahead of us is now visible. There are snow drifts that periodically cross the trail. But, for the most part, there is now a route to follow.
The most notable phenomenon is off to the west; where we are heading. I am being quite sarcastic when I say, “What I find interesting is I see it blowing in the Blowhole.” Interesting is a nice way of putting it. We did a website post last year describing the infamous Blowhole near Safety. Check it out HERE.
In Episode 23 we are getting closer to the Safety Checkpoint. The horizon and landscape are amazing. In person, it feels so incredibly vast. My dog team and I seem insignificant in this world.
The white and grey swirling clouds that sit above the horizon ahead of us are foreboding. These are a “WARNING” sign as we get closer to the Blowhole. You can tell that I’m not thrilled. More often than not, when I’ve mushed through this section along the Iditarod, it has been windy. The breeze in this video is quite tame. It is enough to blow loose snow across the ground and keep the trail marker flags alert. It is not enough to blow my team or my sled off course.
When I pan behind us you can catch a quick glimpse of the sunrise to the east.
Episode 24 shows why I try to keep a vigilant lookout all the time. A musher could easily pass this lonely fellah off to the north of the trail.
If you’ve ever been lonely… you might have pity for this guy.
The infamous blow hole…yikes! An open ocean….yikes again! Glad you had safe passage through that area! Love the shot of the lonely moose…and Bruno’s swaying butt as he heads down Topkok!
Thanks ever so much for this full report of the trail – and boy, does the Red Team look spectacular as it gets to the end of the 2019 Iditarod.
The sunrise was extra specially spectacular to see!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
They sure do look spectacular!
Incredible! Spectacular views and scenery! But those fabulous dogs are still my favorite!
How they can do what they do is incredible–Go SP!! Can hardly wait for the season to begin!
Hoping for lot and lots more ice in 2020.
The clouds are beautiful, although ominous looking. The dogs look great! I agree that it is amazing what they are capable of, and the musher too! 8-9 days on the trail, even longer if you count the Ceremonial start. Impressive!
Hearing the wind blow as you turn back to look toward the sun was eerie .. I guess the Blow Hole is one Alaskan experience I won’t be sorry I missed.