Day 4 McGrath to Ophir

Ryne left the McGrath checkpoint at 1:57am AKDT for a night run. It’s great to travel at night for the cooler temperatures that keep dogs happy and snow from turning soft and punchy. Five hours and thirteen minutes later, team pulls into Ophir where it likely Ryne is taking her mandatory 24 rest and the time differential.

The 24 hour rest must be taken at an official checkpoint between the Skwenta to Iditarod stretch. It could be taken at Iditarod but it has to be taken before going on to Flat for the return trip. Time differential is how the race makes up for the mushers beginning at staggered times. Each bib left 2 minutes after the previous one. Since mushers can take their mandatory rests at various times, the Standings will be shaken up until all rests are completed. That’s when we’ll clearly see the race Standings!

The team pulled into the Ophir check point at 7:10am. Before starting our day here at the kennel, Kalyn watched the livestream and captured screenshots for us! Ryne was the 4th team to enter Ophir.

Iditarod Insider recently had a quick interview with Ryne while she was camping along the trail and let me tell you, she was beaming!! We’re so proud of her performance but it especially warms us to see her bright smile and upbeat attitude. If you have access to Iditarod Insider, definitely check it out!