A very chipper Jessie Royer pulled into McGrath about 10 minutes ahead of Richie Diehl last night. It was her very first time into an Iditarod Checkpoint in first place....and what a checkpoint to have that happen.....she was awarded the First to McGrath Spirit of Alaska Award! She graciously accepted it, told a very short story of 2 moose on the trail, and pulled the snow hook and headed to McGrath. Richie came in right behind her and did the same, minus the award of course.
In Takotna, Richie was again a mere 3 minutes behind Jessie, who was first into the Checkpoint. The next 7 mushers filed into the checkpoint in close succession, all doing the run in about 6.5 hours. This is a very close race....with A LOT of miles yet to go. Teams will start to take their 24 hour rest, many in Takotna where the village makes their famous pies for the Mushers. I suspect Brent Sass, currently on the trail to Takotna may push on to Ophir and even Cripple, which are more remote checkpoints to take the 24 hour rest.
Right now in Takotna resting (not sure if this rest is part of their 24 hour rest) is: Jessie Royer, Richie Diehl, Burmiester, Waerner, Ulsom, Reddington and Pete Kaiser in order of arriving.
The tracker is showing Holmes at mile 324, Sass at 323, Failor at 324, Peck at 321, Smyth at 316, Millie Porsild (Rookie) at mile 314, Beals at mile 312 and Campeau at mile 311 all on the way to Takotna.
Many Teams are still in McGrath....possibly taking their 24 hour rest.
Who will continue on to Ophir or Cripple??? Someone has to do it....my guess is Sass since he has been on a completely different run/rest schedule. Its going to be hard to work today without checking the tracker again and again!
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