Iditablog: Trail Lore, Reporter Style

For decades, a few big name mushers have dominated the standings in the Iditarod, but after decades of racing, many of them are reconsidering their priorities. Professional mushing may be in the midst of a “changing of the guard” as a small group of young mushers start to post top finishing times. Download Audio

The top-10 Iditarod mushers have arrived safely in Nome and their sled dogs are tucked in for a long rest in the dog yard. For most of the front-runners, a top-10 finish is nothing new. Download Audio

Dallas Seavey on the young dog team that led him to a third Iditarod Championship

Some reporters are quick studies... Especially when it comes to the finish of a sled dog race!

In the final push for Nome, Iditarod mushers are making big moves and cutting rest, but fresh snow, and drifted trail isn’t only slowing the leaders – trail conditions have also slowed dog teams in chase mode. Download Audio

When the wind is howling at 30 miles an hour and you have to voice track a story in Unalakleet, AK, head for the nearest pick up truck. It actually made a great recording studio in a pinch... Minus the barking dog outside, of course.

Jessie Royer on her dog team and the competition around her after she arrived in Koyuk Monday.

Iditarod teams that reach the coast at Unalakleet will run into a fierce windstorm and blowing snow.

Iditarod teams began the final push up the Bering Sea Coast Sunday night. Everything from the condition of the dogs, to the weather can change dramatically and quickly on the sea ice, and that has mushers scrutinizing their own decisions and those made by their fellow competitors. Download Audio

Iditarod teams are making their way for the Bering Sea Coast, after days of travel along the frozen Yukon River and through the Interior’s boreal forest. Download Audio

According to the Iditarod race rules, teams have to rest for 24 hours somewhere along the trail. They also have to take an eight-hour mandatory rest before they leave the Yukon River and again near the end of the race.

While I was waiting for dog teams to arrive, the women of Kaltag invited me to help them make fry bread. Needless to say, I'll be returning to Fairbanks armed with a very old recipe and some new found skills!

Moose ribs in Galena? Why yes, thank you!

Whether sled dogs are in need of rest will start to show as teams near the halfway mark in this year’s race. More mushers are towing trailers behind their sleds to carry dogs.

Huslia marks the halfway point along this year’s Iditarod Trail. Many mushers are looking forward to leaving the Yukon River and heading for the tiny Interior village.

Jason Campeau's dogs wait for their second hot meal of the day in Galena Thursday. The Canadian musher mixed up bowls of tripe and kibble. "That's a good sign," said Campeau as his dogs snarled the food. "They're eating like sharks!"