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Kaltag Alaska

Iditarod 40: The Trail. Kaltag to Unalakleet

March 9, 2012 by robertforto Leave a Comment

Iditarod 40: The Trail. Kaltag to Unalakleet   85 Miles

From Kaltag, the trail exits from the northwest end of the runway. The next 15 miles run through spruce forest and open areas along the Kaltag River, climbing gently to the summit of the Portage. Continuing through similar terrain, it starts down the Unalakleet drainage to Old Woman Cabin at the base of Old Woman Mountain. This mountain is an excellent landmark. The trail continues past the mountain and runs along the left side of the Unalakleet drainage. The terrain is gentle rolling hills. Little or no vegetation can be seen along the trail until near Unalakleet. Approximately five miles out of town the trail hits the river. With the exception of a few short portages across horseshoe bends, the trail follows the river into Unalakleet. The last 32 miles (from Old Woman Mountain) is often windy and the snow is usually wind packed and crusty. In fact, the entire coast is often very windy.

Unalakleet (YOU-na-la-kleet) — (UNK) Lat 63.53 Long 160.42 — Population 692 — Situated on the coast of Norton Sound, just north of the Unalakleet River, this village is the largest community on the Iditarod Trail between Willow and Nome. Two well-stocked stores as well as two restaurants can be found here along with limited lodging by advance booking. The trail is now entering the gateway to the Bering Sea and from here on the mushers can expect sudden storms and an ample supply of wind. The checkpoint is in front of the A.C. store.

 

Filed Under: Alaska, Daily Post, Iditarod 40 Tagged With: Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Kaltag, Kaltag Alaska, Kuskokwim River, Trail, Unalakleet, Unalakleet Alaska

Iditarod 40: The Trail. Nulato to Kaltag

March 9, 2012 by robertforto Leave a Comment

Iditarod 40: The Trail. Nulato to Kaltag     47 Miles

The final stretch on the Yukon River before turning inland for the Kaltag Portage headed towards the coast. Kaltag always offers a warm welcome. Checkpoint is at Kaltag Community Center.

Kaltag — (KAL-tag) — (KAL) Lat 64.19 Long 158.45 — Population 205 — This town signals a brief respite from the driving winds as the trail from here leads overland through Kaltag Portage to the coast of Norton Sound where the winds take on new meaning. Kaltag is the home of Virginia Kalland, widow of Edgar Kalland who was one of the original mushers who helped carry lifesaving diphtheria serum along this trail 60 years ago. She also owns one of Kaltag’ s three stores. Note: The location for mushers check-in is at Rich Burnham’s house, but the official checkpoint and gathering spot is the community hall about a block away. Please don’t treat the Burnham home as a checkpoint.

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Filed Under: Alaska, Daily Post, Iditarod 40 Tagged With: alaska, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Kaltag, Kaltag Alaska, MUSH, Norton Sound, Nulato Alaska, Yukon

Iditarod 40: The Trail. Ruby to Galena

March 8, 2012 by robertforto Leave a Comment

Iditarod 40: The Trail. Ruby to Galena      50 Miles

From Ruby to Kaltag, the next 134 miles is on the Yukon River, passing through Galena and Nulato. In most years the local traffic keeps the river trail hard and fast. This section is well marked because wind and snow can cover the trail very quickly. Checkpoint is usually in the Galena Community Center.

Galena (gull-LEE-na) — Lat.64.44 Long 156.56 — Population 487 — Galena derived its name from lead sulfate ore found in the area, known chemically as galena. The town was founded in 1920 when Natives moved down river from the old town site of Louden because of the availability of firewood. A man could cut 250 cords a winter and sell it for $8 a cord to the stern-wheelers that worked the rivers in the summer. This was the home of Edgar Nollner, the last living musher who carried the lifesaving diphtheria serum along this trail to Nome in 1925. The checkpoint is at the “old” community hall downtown.

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Filed Under: Alaska, Daily Post, Iditarod 40 Tagged With: alaska, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Kaltag Alaska, Nome, Nome Alaska, Nulato Alaska, Yukon River

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