After a wonderful presentation for the eskimo Inupiat students of the local village school who sang and clapped hands for rhythm at my songs as never during this trip, we met a local musher Marlin Sookiayak to ask him about the conditions of the trail to Koyuk 63 miles north of here. Very bad news unluckily because the warm south west wind which is blowing hard since yesterday combined with the high tide created the conditions for a very high overflow on the sea ice that we would have to cross on our way to Koyuk and even on the alternative overland trail with waters as high as 4 feet !!! We are forced to stay here until the wind subsides and the tide goes out giving us the necessary break to allow us to travel safely. ONLY in this case Marlin is available to guide us to Koyuk. We cannot afford to take any chances for the dogs and us ! Tomorrow morning we'll meet again Marlin who will have talked in the meantime with some friends in Koyuk checking the conditions over there and only after this we will make a decision. So we went back to the School for some more lessons in the classrooms for the kids and teachers enthusiastic to have us there. I had the privilege to meet LENA GONANGAN, daughter of Myles, the eskimo mail carrier who transported the serum from Unalakleet to Shaktoolik . A special person who gifted us with important moments and stories. The dogs are a bit annoyed by the wind but luckily it is not so cold, so everything is ok. Tonight Megh and Ciors the elders of the Team will sleep, in the porch of Linda's home ( she invited me also to do it ) . One very good chance to pet them a bit longer …with all the other dogs of my team.
Yours ARARAD K
