Victoria, Jessica, and Niklas! Go Kusko!!
The news of the Iditarod is always about what is happening at the front of the pack. I have always said that more needs to be done for those slugging it out just to make it to Nome. The challenge is just as serious. The trail is the same, or often much worse. Consider that a Team running in 40th place has had 39 Teams soften up the trail or make it much worse. Yes, trail breaking is tough, but sometimes the trail is awesome before thousands of paws have run over it.
In this Iditarod we have 5 Teams running. Two very veteran Teams- Pete and Richie. But we also have a trio of Rookies putting a smile on Myron Angstman’s face. This is his dream– Mushing borne in the Kuskokwim showing off to the State and the World. The main stage, if you will.
It has been a tough run for the Rookies and each of them is learning and burning to some extent. I spoke with Debbie Fairbanks, who is spending Grandma time for a couple of weeks in McGrath. She said they all spoke in awe of the “this thing called the Gorge” and “the burn.” They all told her that nothing or no one could have prepared them for the challenge. At one point, sideways on the ice it was close to being put over into a river. A musher just before Nik fell in. Jessica Klejka banged up her knee so bad she could hardly move it. But a bit of snow and ice during a break and the swelling is down and she can move it again.
Victoria told Debbie that she camped one night with Lance Mackey. “He was so efficient,” she said. “He told me I was carrying way too much gear.” “I told him I was carrying snacks and food and stuff” “Too Much,” he said. She is repacking during her 24 hour layover.
“All three are in great spirits,” said Debbie.
Victoria is traveling with two other mushers bringing up the rear of the race, just ahead of the trail sweeps. Jessica is leading our Kuskokwim Teams having arrived into Ophir early this evening, with Niklas into and onto Ophir around 7ish.
We are very proud of these tough young people and sharing the stories with them after the race will be something we are looking forward to.
