The stove was dead and the cabin was cold when I got up at 3am. By now, my routines were dialed in. Everything had a place in a bag and in the pulk. I knew blindly where to find my stuff, what to grab when going into checkpoints, and how to organize my resupplies quickly, without being overwhelmed by endless decisions. I find it rather amazing how one can adapt quickly and suddenly become comfortable in a very unwelcoming and challenging environment. So if you think you could never do this, my response would be: you very likely could.
Slowly but certainly I was leaving behind the pretty mountains, moving steadily through mostly open tundra toward the Unalakleet River. Once on the river, a sign indicated that it was 10 miles to town. A lot of blank ice was waiting for me. Thankfully the trail took a couple of overland shortcuts across river bends. Last but not least, I had to cross the frozen lagoon before I arrived in Unalakleet. I was told to expect the worst winds, but there was zero wind when I got into town. A local told me that he’s glad that he does not have to walk at a 45 degree angle today. I guess that says it all. The first musher who makes it to Unalakleet receives the Gold Coast Award, which includes $2,500 in gold nuggets. I was going to get pizza. I followed my GPS to the Peace on Earth pizza place, where I found peace immediately by ordering the largest pizza and grabbing the last beer from their fridge. I ate half the pizza and saved the other half for the next day.
My timing wasn’t perfect: at 8pm, there would be a party with 40 Iditarod officials, vets, doctors, pilots, etc. Ughs. I found a spot to get some sleep in their “Saloon,” a retired hairdressing studio that now served as a storage space. It was cozy and warm. Thankfully I had earplugs in my kit and slept like a baby. I left shortly after midnight to tackle the potentially challenging stretch to Shaktoolik. As we shall learn tomorrow, I was not disappointed by the challenges.
And…any guesses what happened to the pizza I had packed for the next day?
Slowly leaving the pretty mountains behind.
Just another sunrise.
Looking back…
Only 10mi!
A fishing cabin on the Unalakleet River.
Moving through the tussock tundra. Thankfully there was some snow. That is not always the case.
Ice Ice Baby!
The Peace on Earth restaurant in Unalakleet, known for its pizzas.
One large pizza and a beer please! Next time I will perhaps apply some sunscreen.
My nest for a few hours of sleep. After a while, all you care about is whether it’s warm or not.
#iti2022 #iditarodtrailinvitational #ultrarunning #nome #alaska