Monday, March 22, 2010

To Safety

On Saturday night it was a beautiful evening to take a snowmachine (that's Alaskan for snowmobile) to Safety, AK. Safety is the last checkpoint on the Iditarod trail before the final 22 miles into Nome. We made this year's trip a little Carroll College reunion. We left Nome and followed the trail all the way to Safety. These markers along the trail led the way.

The sunset across the trail along the Bering Sea was spectacular that night. This was taken from about 5 or so miles out on the trail. Simply amazing.
From the top of Cape Nome you can see forever in all directions.
Our goal was to get to Safety and have a cheeseburger with a beer. We left as soon as Celeste Davis, this year's Red Lantern last place finisher, crossed in town but by the time we made it the Roadhouse was already boarded up and closed for the season.
Matt, Kamey and I are giving Danielle a "peace sign". Really, that's what we're doing in our seal skin mittens.









Kamey let me drive home; all bundled in parkies, seal fur, and ruffs with goggles and boots. It was such a perfect night for a ride.









The Iditarod trail lit by late night sunsets as we get ready to start home.












We had a slight "adventure" on the way home. The last few miles of the trail cross over the road in several places. Matt and Danielle were in the lead and I zigged when I should have zagged. Kamey and I made it home and after 15 minutes still no Matt and Danielle. Poor Matt and Danielle, bless their hearts, drove all the way back to the creek to make sure we hadn't fallen through open water. We at least left our backpack on Matt's Prowler so if they made it back before we did they knew we were safe. We met up again about 2 miles out of down and Matt and Danielle both let out audible sighs of relief. Sorry, guys!


So here are Matt, Kamey, and myself after completion of the FARTHEST north Carroll College Reunion. We have a wonderful evening on a beautiful night in an amazing place. Thanks Matt and Kamey!