St Eunan’s Cathedral
By Leslie Ann Bent
This has been an exciting third week on our virtual route challenges and of course we’ve had all sorts of weather. I’m excited to say it hasn’t impacted many of our STARR participants as the mileage this week looks very impressive. Two teams have finished. There is no prize for finishing first though. All of the STARRS who are still out on their routes are doing well and all have the finish lines in sight with 10 days left to go (We’re 67% of the way in terms of time and all teams have completed at least 68% of the mileage). Currently is it -33C in Dawson City and it’s raining and 7C at the Giant’s Causeway.
Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Coastal Ireland
Both Ireland teams have passed the Giant’s Causeway this week. Yay! All were awed by the dramatic cliffs and the wild Atlantic ocean surrounding the natural causeway. This site is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO world heritage site. Some STARRs lingered to walk along the stones. Other took snapshots. Some Irish luck rained down on Ken when he found that Lucky 7 scratch card hidden among the stones.
Into the Mystic took their time exploring the rugged coast en route to the UNESCO site. Maggie decided to stop in Larne to enquire about ferries to Scotland and pause for a needed drink. Much to her surprise, at the Vintage Tea Room and Sensational Cakes shop, she found the first hidden prize of the week – a package of UK teas!
Donna carried on past Maggie as the fortified manor house (which is now thought to be haunted), the old mill and the Ballygally Castle Hotel piqued her interest. While searching for ghosts around the manor house premises, Donna found an Emerald Isle treat bag! Into the Mystic, happy with the week’s progress, settled for the night just passed the Giant’s Causeway.
Joldine and Sue were also lucky on their choices of rest stops. Joldine checked out the university town of Coleraine. From beaches to ruins, this spot is a great stopping point for anyone spending time on the coast. Joldine was curious about the medieval Dunluce Castle that inspired many from CS Lewis to Led Zeppelin and in searching the ruins, she found a book (Soul Sisters cookbook)!
Sue wandered through the cathedral town of Letterkenny. With its gothic revival architecture, the St Eunan’s Cathedral can be spotted from miles away. Sue also found a hidden book (The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik) there under a pew. The Causeway Coasters finished their week at Portsalon, completing the challenge. They will continue along the coast to explore more of what Ireland has to offer with Ballysadare as their final destination. (216km from Portsalon).
The Gold Rush Challenge (724km)
Back on the other side of the world, three STARR teams continue to embrace the cold and the wild wilderness of the Yukon. Boone’s Crew has completed the challenge. Klondicitis is almost at Dawson City and the Gold Diggers are enjoying solitude as they evenly pace their selves to the finish line.
The thing about the Klondike Highway and the Gold Rush route is that one could go for kilometers upon kilometers and not find a town or even a soul. It can be a very beautiful but lonely place at times. Ian decided to stop at the 400km mark regardless. It was the middle of nowhere to be honest. With no one in sight, but with lots of snow, he just decided to break the monotony and build a snowman - making a supply of snowballs to greet STARRs passing by. What fun! This took him back to his childhood. Invigorated, he continued. (Ian has earned the Jelly Bellies snowman and chocolate snowballs – nice treats on a cold day).
Meanwhile, Paul was intrigued by the recently closed Minto copper and gold mine near Pelly Crossing. The community of about 300 residents looks huge on the horizon and Paul decided to see what he could find. Did you know that copper is also found in nuggets? Although the sign said “no trespassing” Paul figured a little look around the mine couldn’t hurt. Perhaps something of value was left behind? Paul found some copper nuggets! (copper-coloured wrapped chocolates).
Dave spent some time en route looking for the Summit Roadhouse. It was clearly marked on the map so why wouldn’t there be a roadhouse? It was there in 1914. Hmm. A book (A Runner's Journey by Bruce Kidd) was left by the sign and Dave took it before continuing north.
As some of the team members were nearing Dawson City, they realized they were passing the gold fields. Gold can still be found and many people who visit the region, test their luck while panning for gold in various hot spots. Marika found some “gold” nuggets at McQuesten. Robin was also successful finding some “gold” nuggets at Flat Creek. Jill wasn’t to be outdone by her teammates. Rock Creek was her sweet spot for bag of “gold.” (gold wrapped chocolates).
Jackie’s rest stop at Gravel Lake was also fruitful and hopefully lucky. A Gold Rush scratch card was hidden under the snow and picnic table.
Danny earned a gold prospector shirt and gold nuggets too as he led their team to Gerties in Dawson City. Boone’s Crew was quite pleased to rest awhile at Gerties and enjoy a few hot and cold drinks. They are not done! They have been recruited by the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra to help clear the route for the upcoming ultra starting on February 4th in Whitehorse. This ultra follows the famous Quest Trail – the trail of the world’s toughest sled dog race. The race offers a marathon, a 100-miler and a 300-miler which more or less follows along the route from Whitehorse towards Dawson City. Participants can choose to use their feet (run/walk/jog), mountain bike or cross-country skis when they take on this adventure. To make this event happen, the race organizers are in need of some extra volunteers to sweep the course before the participants head out. Boone’s Crew will do what they can to sweep the 430km course.
Klondicitis has completed their week just past Rock Creek while the Gold Diggers are almost at the Summit Roadhouse.
Congratulations to all of our teams. Who will win next week’s prizes?
RESULTS WEEK 3
Giant’s Causeway (Goal 500km)
Causeway Coasters – Ken (40km), Joldine (40.6km), Leslie Ann (28km), Sue (21km) = cumulative 508km (complete), Portsalon (just beyond!)
Into the Mystic – Maggie (33km), Justin (11km), Donna H (11km), Kari (43.5km), Bri (20km) =385 km (77% complete) Just beyond the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Gold Rush (Goal 724km)
Boone’s Crew – This week’s mileage - Danny (130.5km), Jackie (69.39km), Robin (73.5km), Jill (53.86km) – Cumulative 810km (Gold Rush complete, Montaine Arctic Ultra about 20%, approaching Dog Grave Lake checkpoint)
Klondicitis – Sarah (128km), David D (77km), Paul (62km) – 704.7km cumulative km (97% complete)
The Gold Diggers – Andy (21km), Ian (51km), Marika (91.3km) – 493km (68% complete)