March 17, 1998

Associated Press Report
Be sure to check previous days' reports for additional race info!

The teams are on the coast but no one is coasting. The deliciate balance of resting and running is the ultimate challenge at this point.

Reports have Martin still in good spirits and dogs running well. In Shaktoolik, Martin, Doug and Rick relaxed and managed a few jokes. Good attitude seems certainly helpful.

The boys and I are headed to Nome in a couple of hours. We'll be invading the home of our adopted family in Nome. Lots of friends come from all over the state for the Iditarod reunion. Once we counted 23 people sleeping in the house. The atmosphere is festive and it always feels good to be a little closer to where Martin is. In Nome, everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner. The town embraces everyone with warmth and admiration! It will be great to get there!

Trail ahead presents a few challenges as the teams go over some large hills (Little McKinley) . There's light snow falling on lots of ice and barren trail. Visibility is 5 miles.

Happy trails,
Kathy

The start photos are not yet available.

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Additional sponsorship thanks go out to Big Lake-Susitna Veterinary Hospital, Mrs. C.V. Whitney, Homesteader's Hardware and Lumber, Northern Outfitters, Wes' Small Engine Repair, the Buser Booster Club, Trapper Creek Sausage, Maurice Cocquyt, Jr., Bill and Pamela Wood, Char and Jon Van Zyle, and our kennel crew, Larry Fisher and Matt