It’s 11.30am Alaska Time.

Allen and his 12 team mates are still in Skatoolik. They have been there since 5.37pm yesterday evening and they are with a bunch of other mushers and their dogs waiting out the conditions until it is safe to continue.

They’ll be okay in the safety of a checkpoint. Mushers pack contingency food and supplies in their drop bags for just this reason and if they are there even longer than that they can get food from local sources. It’s not uncommon to wait out bad weather. The dogs will have plenty of straw and blankets and/or jackets and out of the wind they will be comfortable. You can bet that after having 18 hours rest these dogs will be ready to get back on the trail!

A check of the current standings and tracker assures me that mushers have been leaving other checkpoints this morning so that means conditions must be improving. The weather forecast shows winds easing over today and tomorrow with temperatures today of 0-10F above.

We’ll keep you updated.

12 Responses

  • Glad to hear Allen's being safe….I have read a lot about the 1991 race where the wind blew like this…Mother Nature can be brutal then and now! Guess we have just been lucky all these years without the severe winds blowing during the race. Safety first Black Team!!

  • A good reminder that the race is fr from over for the majority of the teams. I am so amazed at the skill and dedication of BOTH the SP Kennel teams. This is my third year being able to volunteer at Iditarod HQ in Anchorage – someday I hope to see the SP Kennel teams out on the tral!

  • Good move to be safe. Actually, I wouldn't expect any less from SP Kennel.

    Which is why…you are the best!!!

    (When it is the right time…) Go Black Team!!! Go Allen!!!

    –Margaret

  • Thank you Allen for keeping the dogs safe and warm. The SPKennel tradition of excellence continues to amaze me – our furry friends are the true athletes and deserve the best of care.

  • Thank you Allen for keeping the dogs safe and warm. The SPKennel tradition of excellence continues to amaze me – our furry friends are the true athletes and deserve the best of care.

  • I am glad Allen & team are safe. Travel safely Allen. Yes, there are lots of mushers yet to finish the race. Thanks for the update.

  • I agree with Margaret…this is the reason why I love SP Kennels, the welfare of the dogs always come first!
    Be safe Black Team, look forward to seeing you cross the finish line in Nome 🙂

    Crystal

  • Oh, Allen, I am so glad you are taking care of yourself and the Black Team!!! Your care for the dogs and, your wisdom will bring the Black Team to Nome in great shape and at the right time !!!!
    My prayers are with you and your wonderful youngsters!!!

  • Glad you are being safe, Allen. I'd say you're biggest fan (Aliy) is still in Nome and cheering you on and so are all of your fans out here! Go Allen and team!!!

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