We have just over four hours before Allen and his team leave Dawson City for their run to Scroggie Creek Dog Drop then Pelly Crossing checkpoint. We cannot get to Scroggie Creek ourselves so it will be a while before we see them again as it is about 200 miles to Pelly.
What is happening now is the dogs are having a final big meal and they will get some snacks and meaty water shortly before they leave. They will also have a final massage to warm up their muscles and perhaps even get a bit of a pep-talk although, to be honest, I’m not sure they need it. After such a great rest for the last 32 hours they sure look ready to get going!
Allen is making his final preparations before heading over to the camp to pack his sled and get ready to go.
Once the team leaves Dawson we need to break down the camp then we have time to come back to the hotel and get something to eat and make our plan for the rest of the race.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Dawson City during the Yukon Quest, the dog camp is over the river from the city itself and during the winter you cross over using an ice-bridge. This year the river freeze took much longer than expected and the ice-bridge meanders a bit upriver and back down to avoid open leads of water. It’s a little daunting actually.
L-R: Dawson City Checkpoint; the ice-bridge and some open water!
I am trying to upload the videos of the Dog Camp and also one of Aliy and Dr Mike Davis explaining the importance of the stretch-out and massage schedule. I am having some “bandwidth issues” (do I sound like I know what I’m talking about?) so I’m working on it!
You forgot to massage the computer!!!
Thanks for all you do to keep us updated. It has been -10 wind chill the last two nights, so I am appreciating more than ever, what you all go through to be mushers and team for this sport. Mush on, be safe & warm!!
Yes you definetly know the lingo. Thanks for the post. What a tricky crossing over the river. The countdown is on.
Don't forget the bootie bag. Those checkers will notice!
Thanks for your work to get us a post even though you are fighting with technology to do it. I wondered about the warm weather affecting the river ice and access to the campground, so thanks for the info on that. Cheering for the Black Team as they begin the race to Whitehorse!
Moira, you are hoot .. and faking it nicely.
Moira, you are amazing. And how about those 4-legged Black Team members -woof, woof, wooooof!!!
–Margaret
P.S. Perhaps ChaCha could help on the bandwith issue ("Improving the list" video applicable?):
Best of luck guys, musher, pups and handlers. Have a wonderful run Allen and dogs! Handlers and SPK crew, safe travels to the next checkpoint!