Enroute to McGrath

Predictions

In 2002, wearing bib no. 14, Martin Buser was first to McGrath and first to Nome. In 2004, Jeff King,wearing bib 13, arrived 1st into McGrath and 2nd into Nome (Seavey was 7th into McGrath and 1st into Nome). And in 2006, Jeff King arrived 2nd into McGrath, but 1st into Nome. Along with everyone else, I'll be very curious as to who #1 and #2 are into McGrath. Norwegian? Kjetil and Team Norway are undoubtedly hungry for another win. Twinkie eater? (although it looks like he has been taking it easy on the cheeseburgers and Twinkies by his buff appearance at the start). This may be the magical year for Paul. Will Mackey repeat the IditaQuest? What about the King? Jeff is happy with how his team is running in sync. Martin? The Buser kennels are nothing but impressive and Martin wants #5. Dirty coat? Has Zach put together the winning team by selecting some of the best of the best of his friend's dogs? Moderate temps with continued chance of snow in the forecast suggest that the early ones through the trail theoretically gain a couple miles per hour in addition being easier on the joints.

CVIB field reporters are delayed on their snowmachine journey enroute to McGrath at the 100 person town of Sleetmute. The journey up the Kuskokwim River thus far has been uneventful discounting a few busted sled hitches and a couple snowmachine swampings.

Break in Crooked Creek

The trail from Sleetmute to McGrath is reportedly not so good with deep snow and numerous places of overflow on the Kuskokwim (please, no repeat of KuskoSwim!). There are a couple locals that are leaving Tuesday for McGrath via snowmachine and CVIB will follow them. In the meantime, they have set-up camp and uploaded the few pics from the Sleetmute Community Center. We wish them a safe and efficient journey to McGrath and I am confident they will make it in plenty of time to catch the first arrivers.

CVIB Campsite on an island near Sleetmute