George’s carrots served as a motivational driver throughout the day. Rohn’s checkpoint wizard and bratwurst grillmaster Adrian surprised us with chocolate and Fireball trail magic. We didn’t refuse. At ~mile 20 we opted for the slightly longer, but flatter river route to avoid further moguls. Soon we were moving again on the fabulous Kuskokwim River.
MP moved in her traditional Duracell Bunny style while I tried to follow in her footsteps. How and why we were still moving together remains a mystery. The sun was out and I even took a short trail nap somewhere. But MP woke me up and reminded me that this was a race, not some sort of leisurely vacation. I complied and we continued.
Suddenly we spotted a mother and baby moose committed to cross the river and cut right into our path. You never want to mess with a moose, and most definitely not with a mother moose who will protect her baby. Moose are unpredictable and very dangerous. They can be very aggressive and will trample you to death. On a river, without protection, you need to be extra careful. If a moose hangs out on the trail, which they often do, your only option is to wait. That can take hours. You can’t go around because the snow is too deep and soft, and you would risk an attack. The saying goes that there is no safe distance from a moose. The moose were still quite far away and were increasingly hesitant. We decided to proceed quickly to get out of their way. That worked, uff.
Many hours passed as we made our way around seemingly never-ending river bends. Night fell, yet, we were still not in McGrath. As often, things took a little longer than expected, but we finally made it to the checkpoint. Yay and wow! MP finished her 350mi race in 7d 8h 41min and placed 2nd in the women’s foot category…way to go! I was reminded that my race wasn’t over yet. I wasn’t even supposed to be tired. 700mi to go sounded still intimidating to me. But before I had more time to think, we were offered a beer (even some wine for MP), great food, a shower, and a bed. We gladly accepted all of it.
Moving relentlessly on the Kuskokwim River toward McGrath.
A motivational carrot. Thanks George!
No one really remembers what was going on here.
Rohn’s checkpoint wizard and bratwurst grillmaster Adrian surprised us with chocolate and Fireball trail magic. We didn’t refuse.
Mother and baby moose on the Kuskokwim River.
A very normal coffee break.
A trail nap. MP woke me up and reminded me that this was a race, not some sort of leisurely vacation. I complied and we continued.
MP finished her 350mi race in 7d 8h 41min and placed 2nd in the women’s foot category…way to go!
#iti2022 #iditarodtrailinvitational #ultrarunning #nome #alaska
