March 11, 1998

That day's Associated Press race report
Be sure to check previous days' reports for additional race info!

Finally got some news direct from the TRAIL! A friend called from McGrath last night and said the team looked very strong, as did a few others! She said Martin spent the day in Nikolai combing and rubbing his dogs. Maybe he's getting ready for a Pet Show somewhere down the trail. The weather in Nikolai was very warm (20), sunny and everyone seemed to be basking in the banana belt of the Kuskokwim River. However, the trail coming in to Nikolai was snow less, bumpy and battering to the mushers and the temps dipped to -15 in the night. Some drivers came in asking vets to check them out as dogs seemed to fair much better than humans!

Well, as anyone can see from the times, we have a very tight race shaping up. I suspect 24 hour layovers are in process and the Iditarod RACE actually comes to a halt for a while. Someone will undoubtedly make the break to get the Half-way gold at Cripple. I'm not guessing who it will be. But right now, unless someone makes a break, there are 4 Iditarod champions, accounting for 11 wins and an incredible amount of intensity, sitting in the same tiny village probably eating moose stew and fresh baked pies. Wouldn't you love to be a mouse in the corner?

Many thanks to trail intelligence for checking in with me!!!!!

Happy trails,
Kathy