Mushers run gauntlet as they head to Nome

My husband and I were volunteers for the Iditarod re-start for many years. We worked for parking, musher security and volunteer sign in. The big cherry on the top was counting down the mushers out of the shoot. We enjoyed many musher picnics, talking with the mushers, watching them sign in and enjoying the terrific food. We had never viewed the race beyond the re-start or what we viewed on television.

The general conversations with some of the mushers always ended up being about all the public interference in Anchorage at the start and getting out of Wasilla re-start. They spoke of how they longed to be in the quiet wilderness with their team. We did not understand these complaints, feeling if it were not for the public the race would be in dire-straights nor would the purse be as big.

This year we decided to enjoy the race on the frozen river about 25 miles out of Willow. There was so much to see and do boredom was not a factor. It was like a huge tailgate party with snowmachines, great people and food.

However, we now clearly understand what the mushers were complaining about and why the public can be a nuisance.

On the river there were constant dangerous interferences for the mushers. Planes were buzzing teams, just feet above the ground. At one time a plane landed on the trail forcing the teams to go around. Two helicopters buzzed our area, landing, stirring snow up around the teams. A never-ending stream of loud snowmachines ran with the teams going way too fast. We viewed two different teams become all tangled due to all the interferences.

We had a great time and would not trade it for the world! However, we do completely understand where the mushers are coming from.

Have a safe trip to Nome!

Donna Hart

Wasilla