Mushers pick shorter trail with deeper, powdery snow on Day 5
Saturday’s trail selection could shave one day off Nunavut Quest dogsled race, elder says
An unidentified Nunavut Quest musher runs his dogsled team on April 20, the fifth day of the annual race, which is running from Arctic Bay to Pond Inlet this year. (Dylan Kayotak, special to Nunatsiaq News)
The weather drastically improved when the mushers woke up on April 20, the fifth day of racing in the Nunavut Quest. In the morning meeting, it was decided that the race would continue.
The fourth day of the annual dogsled race had been taken as a rest day due to weather conditions that would have made it difficult for mushers to proceed.
Ten mushers are competing in the race that began in Arctic Bay on Tuesday and will finish in Pond Inlet, approximately 370 kilometres away.
David Oyukuluk, a musher from Arctic Bay, wearing pinnie #1, and his dog team were the fifth to arrive at the camp on April 20, the fifth day of Nunavut Quest racing. (Dylan Kayotak, special to Nunatsiaq News)
On April 20, Charlie Inuarak, the elder guide of the race, offered two trails for the mushers to choose from. The first option was the Tremblay trail, which would require three more camps to reach Pond Inlet. The second option would only take two more camps to reach Pond Inlet. Through a vote, the second option was selected.
The trail on Day 5 was significantly different from previous days’ routes — much deeper, softer, powdery snow. Big rocks were covered by snow, making it challenging for drivers. Those riding on qamutiks commented on how bumpy the ride was. Overall, the trail followed a valley on a steady decline of elevation as it moved across land towards sea ice again.
The mechanics, as part of the support team, once again prove their competence as snowmobiles were tested on tough terrain, requiring repairs along the side of the trail.
Drivers and support teams used these opportunities as a tea break. These breaks allowed teams from different communities to connect and celebrate, since the field of competitors comes from three different Baffin Island communities — Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet and Igloolik.
For the last third of the day, the trail snaked and weaved in gullies between large rock faces and boulders. It required careful and skillful driving.
The change in terrain challenged the order of arrival as Tom Naqitarvik (#8) came in second for the day. Qaunaq, with only six dogs, came in seventh place while Igloolik mushers continue to hold their daily placement in the top 3.
Donovan Qaunaq, wearing pinnie #4, announced to everyone that after speaking with the elders, fellow mushers, and supporters from home, he had decided to continue with the Quest.
Everyone at camp cheered in support of Qaunaq’s decision. The elders were proud of his decision and shared that the Quest is about perseverance and not necessarily about coming in first place. Qaunaq will continue with six dogs.
Order of arrival:
- Nanuraq Uttak (#9)
- Tom Naqitarvik (#8)
- Qiliqti Ivalu (#3)
- Lee Inuarak (#2)
- David Oyukuluk (#1)
- Apak Taqtu (#11)
- Donovan Qaunaq (#4)
- Jeremy Koonoo (#7)
- Daniel Inuarak (#5)
- Owen Jaworenko (#10)
A Nunavut Quest musher waves as he approaches the camp at the end of Saturday's racing. It was the fifth day in the annual race, which began in Arctic Bay on Tuesday, and will end in Pond Inlet, approximately 250 kilometres away. (Dylan Kayotak, special to Nunatsiaq News)
This article and the accompanying pictures are the result of a partnership between Nunatsiaq News and Igloolik youth participating in the Nunavut Quest Field Course, a project sponsored by QIA and the Ilagiiktunut Fund.
Visit the Nunatsiaq News Features section to see recaps from previous days’ Nunavut Quest racing.
The unidentified Nunavut Quest Musher is the winner of the race, Jinneal Uttak (Nanuraq)