/ 2008 Archived Material / Enjoying Nome

Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^™ Enjoying Nome

by Jane Blaile

Besides watching mushers come in, I have been enjoying Nome, AK.  Yesterday I went to the big craft fair that is held here every year about this time.  The craftsmanship displayed there was exquisite.  If I lived in a cooler place and/or participated regularly in winter activities, I would have spent a fortune on warm weather clothing.  The woven quivit hats and head bands were soft and beautiful.  For your hands you could find stunning mitts made of seal skin and trimmed with other fur.  Nothing beats animal skins and fur for warmth.   I also visited the Russian import store.  The man who owns the store sat and talked to me, telling stories about the people and the places in the books on his shelves.  He was fascinating to listen to.  I bought 3 Alaskana books, and am going back today for 4 more.  That will have to be in a box I send back to Phoenix.   And, of course, I needed to go to the Nome National Forest.  It floats away when the sea ice melts, so how do you think it got there?