They’re off and they look great!

After six hours rest in Circle, Allen and all 12 team mates are on the trail to Central. Allen is excited to get back on the trail – the dogs are feeling much, much better and, as you can see from the short video, have their pep back! See Amber leaping to go?

The crew up there said Allen is much happier about how the dogs look now and they may have put the upset bellies behind them (haha – quite literally). They were never severely ill but just enough to sap energy and enthusiasm. They all rested and ate well and are really well hydrated.

Allen took the back-end of his sled off and has started shedding unnecessary gear from his sled. Now that the checkpoints are closer together he will be able to restock more regularly. He will take food and snacks enough for the dogs and himself to cover a few contingencies and equipment for dogs and humans in case of emergency; plus all the mandatory gear (which actually is mandatory to cover such emergencies). He’ll be carrying all the cold weather “clothing” for the dogs to wear running on Birch Creek. He will want the sled to be as light as possible for the summits ahead.

A wee note for those watching the tracker on the creek – don’t be alarmed at slow speeds. Because of all the twists and turns on the creek it looks like the speed is really low but the tracker updates maybe every 5 minutes, or so, and the distance between “pings” doesn’t take into account the twists.

12 Responses

  • WOOF WOOF WOOF Go Dad indeed!!!

    And they are off on the last big challenges in fine shape!!!

    Thanks ever so much for the video and all the reports up 'til now and hoping the rest of the race prove lots of fun for the team!!!

  • So glad the long "black out" stretches are over….that was really nerve wrecking!!! The twists and turns of Birch Creek are insane!! But the trail conditions sounded good….so all is well! Glad the dogs are back to their peppy selves….that was the best news yet!! No worries!!! Go SPK Black Team!!!

  • I love watching the turns as it looks like the mushers are passing each other on each curve, back and forth. When Allen and Ed clear through the other side of the creek, look out. Good Dawgs!

  • That is a very happy sight! Allan and the dogs are in such synchrony! Must be so amazing to share the trail, Allan and dogs and viceversa! Difficult trail ahead, but everybody looked rested, rested and determined! Go SPK!!!

  • So glad to here the doggies are feeling better and getting their spring back in their 🐾🐾enjoy the rest of the QUEST ❄️Happy Trails 🖤🐾🐾. Denali and Joanne 🐾🐾🇦🇺

  • Thank you for the video. The Black team looks great. After so many miles they look absolutely awesome. Allen has done a good job taking care of them through the stomach bug. Eagle summit, here we come. Go Allen! Go fantastic 4-leggeds!

  • Thanks for the update. Was glad to see the team looking good
    and hopefully over the bug. Allen is a master so am sure he has
    it under control. Go Black Team!!! He is funny–don't sit down!

  • Great sot of Allen and the team leaving. After all the miles ,Allen hasn't lost his humour. Go Allen.

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