We arrived late Saturday morning. I claimed my campsite; took out the rig; hooked up the dogs and; we were off to the staging area 1/4 mile away. It is difficult to get a focused shot of dogs racing over a bumpy trail. Cedar and Koyuk knew where they were going and stopping for a photo-op was not an option.
Then it was back to the campground to officially claim our spot.
While the dogs rested that afternoon, everyone met at the campground log cabin for a huge potluck and presentation from Ellen Donoghue. Ellen has spent the last three years at Jeff King's kennel just outside Denali Park and supported him during his Iditarod, Yukon Quest and other races. She regaled us with tales of cold, running champion dogs and Alaskan beauty. I had wonderful flashbacks of my winter outside Nome. Until you have lived it, there is nothing like the absolute quiet and beauty of a northern night where you can easily navigate with starlight alone. Add a moon and/or northern lights and it is truly other worldly. The vapor from your breath becomes magic crystals in the air.