The Tripod, May 2018

Iditarod HistoricTrail Alliance May 2018 The Tripod PO Box 2323 Seward AK 99664 IditarodHTA@gmail.com http://www.Iditarod100.org The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. The Trail for all Seasons The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance promotes public awareness of the Iditarod Trail and its gold rush and Alaska Native heritage by encouraging education programs and historical research, assisting in the protection, improvement, maintenance and marking of the trail and developing partnerships that foster stewardship commitments and support. National Trails Day® On June 2, 2018 people across the country will come together to collectively improve 2,802 miles of trail, the distance across the U. S., during American Hiking Society's National Trails Day®.

Anyone can leave a trail better than they found it by simply picking up trash or by joining an organized trail work project. For 25 years, American Hiking's National Trails Day® has united the trails community on the first Saturday of June with the goal of connecting more people to trails and public lands. In 2018, American Hiking Society will improve 2,802 miles of trail in a single day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System. As of the end of April there were eight events registered for Alaska.

If you are interested in leading or organizing an event, visit www.nationaltrailsday.org for information on how to host an event and where to register an event Letter of thanks The Alliance received the following letter of thanks from the Iditarod Trail Committee, dated April 12, 2018: On behalf of the Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC), I would like to thank the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance Board of Directors for your commitment to the preservation of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Since 2010 the IHTA has awarded $178,211 in trail enhancement and improvement funding projects that have greatly benefited all who travel along the Iditarod Trail. This funding has significantly improved the Iditarod Trail Committee's commitment to promote, sponsor and sustain the world premier sled dog race, along the Iditarod Trail.

Please note that the ITC board of Directors highly value our relationship with the IHTA, and we hope our continued collaboration will help to better serve all those who choose to travel the Iditarod National Historic Trail. Sincerely yours for, The Iditarod Trail Committee. Andy Baker, President 1 Iditarod HistoricTrail Alliance From the past… "Iditarod Pioneer" May 14, 1918 ICE HAS GONE WEST What is probably accepted as the "official" time of the ice movement in front of Iditarod took place at 9:15 on last Wednesday evening, May 8, when it floated from its position between Willow and Richmond streets. There was no general run of ice until 2 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, when a jam below town gave way. "Iditarod Pioneer" May 25, 1918 May 2018 "Iditarod Pioneer" June 22, 1918 THE M. T. CROSBY GOT THERE FIRST The first vessel to reach St.

Michael this season was the new Iditarod-built gasoline launch M. T. Crosby, which left here June 5 for Lower Yukon river points. It reached St. Michael last Wednesday, the 19th. In a telegram to her Iditarod agent, Mrs. M. T. Crosby, the boat's owner and manager, stated that the vessel may make a trip to Kotlik and back to Andreofsky. The message also stated that the steamship Victoria was 50 miles off St. Michael awaiting ice clearance. 50/40 celebration in Seward "Iditarod Pioneer" June 1, 1918 CROSBY SAILS MONDAY On Monday next at 1o a.m. he new launch M. T. Crosby, with the barge Fanny Gray in tow, will leave the city dock for Lower Yukon river points. J. H. Rogers, the general freight and passenger agent, announces the cargo will begin going aboard about tomorrow morning and that all will be in readiness at the sailing time.

Several passengers have engaged accommodations for the boat's initial voyage. The fare to Fortuna Ledge is $40 and to Andreofsky $45. Captain Smith has been putting the finishing touches on the craft this week, and reports every detail in splendid form. On Sunday June 3, the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers will host a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act and the 40th of the Iditarod National Historic Trail at the Branson Pavilion in Seward, located at Ballaine Boulevard and Adams Street from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. There will be hot dogs and other refreshments, as well as door prizes. Information about the two anniversaries will be available as well as information and membership applications for both the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers and the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance. There will also be representatives of the U. S.

Forest Service at the celebration to talk about and recruit volunteers for the June 9th Stewardship Day. On Saturday, June 9th, Forest Service personnel and volunteers will work on improving the section of the Iditarod Trail between Victor Creek and Rocky Creek. The 2018 Statewide Trails Conference The 2018 Statewide Trails Conference wrapped up on Saturday, April 28, after three days of networking, breakout sessions and inspiring keynotes. Trail advocates from around the state shared ideas, lessons learned and the challenges they face in building and maintaining trails. With special focuses this year on volunteering, active transportation, and mountain bike trails – the conference had something for everyone. Alaska Trails will be posting presentations to its website soon at: alaska-trails.org. 2