Galena is a checkpoint that is usually only used when the trail runs the northern route on even years. Since last year, 2014, was an even year the mushers, dogs, and volunteers stopped here. 2015 being an odd year the Iditarod Trail would not have made this a checkpoint but due to lack of snow causing the re-start in Fairbanks, Galena gets back to back races. It has been brutally cold the last few nights. Dipping down to around -50°F. The only upside to cold nights are the Northern Lights. The last few have had some spectacular displays. They are mostly green but they are dancing around and cascading towards the ground. Here are a few shots from last night from the checkpoint in Galena.

Paige Drobny dogs Gypsy and ShadyGrove are ready to head dow the trail in the morning on Thursday March 12, 2015 at the Ruby checkpoint during Iditarod 2015.
(C) Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Volunteer vets examine Brian Wilmshurst ‘s team around 1 am at the Galena checkpoint on Friday March 13, 2015 during Iditarod 2015.
(C) Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DUPLICATION PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION

A team runs down the Yukon River as the sun rises near the Galena checkpoint on Friday March 13, 2015 during Iditarod 2015.
(C) Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DUPLICATION PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION

A team runs down the Yukon River as the sun rises near the Galena checkpoint on Friday March 13, 2015 during Iditarod 2015.
(C) Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DUPLICATION PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION