The team is about half-way through the eight hour layover and the dogs and Allen have had a good rest already.
L-R: Chica pops her head out of her straw bed to watch Allen prepare lunch; Mac keeps an eye on Allen from under his blanket as lunch is almost ready.
I watched as Allen gave the dogs their first big meal (they snacked heartily when they first arrived!) then I caught up with him when he came in for a bowl of soup and asked a couple of questions.
He needs more nap!
YQ facebook page says they have sent a couple of snow machines from Braeburn to check on B. Sass. Hope they find him and his whole team to be well.
All i can say when i think of the stamina, endurance,preparation, knowledge, skills and adaptability you all have is that i am awed……Respect for musher,dogs and team members!!
I was listening to Allen's fatigued comments about the race strategy – how he should probably not have stayed at Trout Creek 3 hours – but that was obviously not the case.
This was fatigue talking – he obviously did the right thing and staying 3 hours at trout creek was exactly the right thing.
PS Hit submit a little too fast. When I was up at 4 this morning, Allen had already taken the lead, just barely, but taken the lead for some time. They were close but the SPK team was stronger over that haul.
He did the right thing and the team is still healthy are powerful.
Way to go Allen – your planning and intelligence are what is all about.
Man he is one super human!! Yeah, he is tired and he deserves to be, but he continues on like a Mushing Machine! I am in awe of Allen….I was a fan before but now I'm a fanatic! Glad to hear the Team is eating and resting well!!
As tired as he is Allen remains a gentleman. How he manages to not get frustrated with the questions, cameras and lights while being so fatigued is beyond me.
I know why he answers the questions… its because its the SP Kennel crew asking. Thanks Allen for taking the time and energy to keep us all in the race with you.
You can imagine how anxious the sponsors of Brent's dogs are right now! Send them some good karma!
Mac, Can you give us an estimate of how long it will take Allen to reach the finish line, once he leaves Braeburn?
Ditto to above posts. Thanks so much for keeping us updated. Thanks Allen for taking the time to answer questions when fatigue is upon you. Go Allen. I hope Brent is okay.
Great to see Allen and hear that the dogs are eating like sharks. Thanks for the update!
Woof!!! Woof, woof!!!
Reminds me of the line from "Jaws" re: what sharks are all about – they eat, swim around and make little fishes, or something like that…
Loved the close up with Allen!!!
And his "here's lookin' at you, kid" wink at the end!
Great video!!!
–Margaret
Almost time for Allen and team to head for the finish. I hope they got a little more rest. This is clearly as much a deprived sleep mind challenge as it is a test of skill!
It looks like Brent started moving again just as Hugh moved in on him.
I too hope all Brent's team is well.
I wonder what is happening and what would have happened if Allen hadn't been, going out of sight ahead of Brent, at the point Brent stopped for his long rest on the river.
Mac, the perfect team member, like his mom, checking on Allen to see what's next, prepared for anything, but maximizing their rest at the same time.
What a team!!!
Isn't it time to hit the trail? This is nerve racking!
Thank you Allen for staying to see Brent off. Sad day to see this happen to a fine musher. Get Better Brent!
Good people- big hearts- just like their dogs.