2005 Iditarod - March 9

March 9

When arguing for stricter emission limits during the debate over the "Clear Skies" bill, Senator Tom Carter (D-DE) used the northerly shift of the restart location as an example of global warming.

Takotna: Sørlie became the first to arrive at Takotna on March 9 at 0:42 am, followed by Brooks, Jonrowe, and Ally Zirkle. Sørlie is the first to depart at 6:54 am. The top 10 follow within 8 hours, and the top 30 within 28 hours.

Andersen from Norway and Swingley from Montana begin traveling together. Andersen was Swingley's dog handler in 2000, after meeting at a Norway convention. Cliff Wang from Montana scratched at Takotna on March 11, citing concerns for his team after unseasonably warm weather in Montana impact their training. (pdf)

Ophir: Sørlie again was the first to arrive, on March 9 at 9:midnight, followed by Buser, then Brooks. Sørlie departs 13 minutes later. The top 10 follow within 11 hours, and the top 30 within 22 hours.

After leaving Ophir in 8th place, Zack Steer became the fifth musher to scratch when he returned on March 9 for undisclosed personal reasons.(pdf). Steer's wife is pregnant and due later this month. Scott Smith from Wyoming scratched at Ophir on March 12, citing concerns for his team which only had nine dogs left.(pdf).

The trail between Ophir and Iditarod was in poor shape, and efforts to improve it were too late for the front runners.