From Iditarod

his can be one of the most dangerous stretches on the race when the wind blows or a storm hits. It can make or break champions, not to mention back- of-the-packers. Mushers have nearly died within what would normally be a few hours’ easy running to Nome. In reasonable weather, this is a pleasant five- to eight-hour run; in the worst conditions, it can be impassable.The race uses the main snowmachine trail to Nome. It is well marked at the beginning of the race, but inevitably many markers are knocked over or blown down. Some parts have been permanently marked. Markers are absolutely critical for this leg because visibility can be near zero in storms and ground blizzards.

The trail leaves White Mountain on the Fish River for about three miles, and then leaves the river to cut overland to the southwest, crossing low, rolling tundra and several streams before reaching the Klokerblok River. It runs up the river and across some low ridges, and then crosses into the drainage of the Topkok River.

The trail then turns west and climbs over a series of barren ridges to a 400-foot saddle just northwest of Topkok Head, overlooking the coast. It then descends sharply to the beach, reaching the Nome Kennel Club shelter cabin at the foot of the hill, 30 miles from White Mountain.

For the next 12 miles the trail runs along or just behind the dune line and the “driftwood line” on the shore. This stretch is wide open and is subject to winds of more than 80 miles an hour from the north, as well as blinding whiteouts. The trail will join the Nome-to-Council road (not plowed in the winter) at the Bonanza Ferry bridge and then follow it for the last 12 miles to Safety.

On the way to Safety

Safety Roadhouse

[Update- Team Kaiser Official Time OUT- 10:11 DOGS- 11]

Pete is out of Kaltag headed for Unalakleet. Unofficially of course, but the GPS tracker has him on the move.

Tonights journey will take him into the hills behind Kaltag for 90 miles to Unalakleet. He will be headed towards the coast so he’ll be right at home with the continuous wind in the area. This is the last of the long runs the team will face. Teams have been taking 11 to 18 hours on this leg, so my expectation is tomorrow morning for a Unalakleet arrival.

Iditarod Description- The trail climbs for 15 miles from Kaltag through mostly wooded country to the summit of the portage, about 800 feet above sea level. Then it descends slowly into the valley of the Unalakleet River, staying mostly in wooded or semi-wooded country with some excursions across taiga and open areas until Old Woman, then running across mostly open tundra on the south side of the river valley. The trail drops back down onto the Unalakleet River about 8 miles out of town, making a couple of short portages across river bends before crossing the frozen lagoon into Unalakleet.

Weather this for this evenings journey:EASTERN NORTON SOUND AND NULATO HILLS-INCLUDING...UNALAKLEET...STEBBINS...ST MICHAEL...ELIM...KOYUK...SHAKTOOLIK641 PM AKDT SUN MAR 14 2010

UPDATED TO CANCEL ADVISORY

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

.TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS 15 BELOW TO 20 BELOW. NORTH WINDS5 TO 10 MPH...LOCALLY TO 20 MPH WITH WIND CHILL TO 35 BELOW THISEVENING.

Kaltag to Unalakleet Trail Photos: