Iditarod 2014 Nikolai to Ruby (2/4)
When we left Nikolai towards McGrath in the afternoon the sun was shining and it was quite warm. Fortunately, it wasn’t too long until sunset and better temperatures for running dogs. The run from Nikolai to McGrath was easy and just about what we needed. We were the last team of the race to leave Nikolai and were greeted by quite a crowd in McGrath. I parked the team, fed and gave them a rest before we continued towards Takotna and Ophir later that night.
River banks on the way to McGrath
We did not stop in Takotna other than to re-supply snacks, and I decided to drop Mira. Her shoulder was a little sore.
Checkpoint Ophir. A little paradise where time has bee standing still
The run to Ophir was simply gorgeous. It was cold, -30-40C and the sun was rising over the mountains. One of these fantastic moments to share with your team. We pulled into Ophir in the early morning and I fed and bedded the dogs down in the sun. Ophir was a little paradise in the middle of nowhere, a place where time has been standing still. We stayed for a while before we loaded the sled and continued on our way to Cripple.
Kasper and Krutt in Ophir
Towards Cripple
We had planned to stop at Carlson Crossing cabin on our way to Cripple. Alex and his team made it to the cabin just before us and he had already started the fire so we could thaw out and dry our clothes. Tommy, Lisbet and Monica arrived shortly after us. I stayed a short while before continuing on our way to Cripple, the half way point of the race!
Carlson Crossing cabin on our way towards Cripple, a good camping spot
The team camping at Carlson Crossing cabin on our way to Cripple. Monica, Lisbet, Alex and Tommy were camping here as well
The run to Cripple was nice, and at the checkpoint temperatures where once again in the -30-40C range. I felt tired and was afraid I might get sick. Slept for a while before we packed the sled and went on towards Ruby, the first checkpoint on the Yukon river.
Burned forrest on our way to Ruby
We camped as planned between Cripple and Ruby along the trail. It was very warm in the sunshine during the day and hence nice to spend a short while resting and give the dogs a well deserved meal. As the sun set we continued towards Ruby.
Camping along the trail on our way to Ruby (Isikajia, Ittow, Snuppa and Svolvær)
Preparing a meal on our way to Ruby
Running to Ruby in the evening was yet again cold, and it got even colder as we approached the checkpoint and the Yukon River. I was feeling worse and was now running a fever. After I had fed and bedded down the team I went inside to eat and rest. The volunteers and veterinarians here, as in every other checkpoint were very friendly and helped as good as they could. I got some cough pills and something against fever to help keep me going.
Team camping on our way to Ruby
Videos on Youtube: The team on their way towards Checkpoint Cripple
Kasper and Krutt have a litle playtime on their way towards checkpoint Cripple
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