Howdy Kaiser Race Fans!
Finally I have the photos and more from the Finish! Ron and I made our way into Nome yesterday afternoon and it wasn’t long before we were watching Pete and the Team cross the Finish Line. It was a special evening for all of us as we watched Pete and the Team make their way towards Nome and briefly stop at a road crossing that we usually stop and say hi. As Pete approached he waved over his two kids Aylee and Ari to give them a big hug after 9 days away. As Ari was backing away, Pete told Ari, “Get on!” Ari was hesitant at first, but joined his Dad on the sled and off they went. What a special moment for all of us, but especially Pete and Ari. Not often that a Dad can share such a great experience with his son!
We all piled in vehicles and raced to the Finish Line to join a pretty huge crowd of Team Kaiser fans! I tossed Lucas Salzbrun a camera (yeah, I know– scary Haha!) and we all watched as Pete and Ari and the 9 dogs in harness crossed the Finish Line at 9:45:15 pm for a total elapsed time of 9 days 6 hours 45 minutes and 15 seconds.
Pete signed in and Race Marshal Mark Nordman gave him the Microphone. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Iditarod and in honor of the first winner, Dick Wilmarth who passed away recently, Pete was carrying a small vial of Dick’s ashes along the trail as well as a Dick Wilmarth trading card. Wilmarth won the first race in 1973 and was from the Kuskokwim area. It was a special moment not shared often on the trail or the Finish Line. Thanks to the family for allowing us to honor Dick and the 50th running of this great race!
After all of the Finish Line festivities it was off to the dog yard to have vet checks, food for the Team, and urine tests. We let Pete get some rest as I took off my photographer hat and jumped in to help Ron with whatever dog duties he needed. The Team looks outstanding and even this morning ate voraciously were totally spunky as we walked them around the yard this morning.
Thank you to all of our great sponsors, fans, and family and friends. It is because of all of you that this is possible.
Go Team Kaiser!!
