Change of Plans
Allen was released from the hospital and arrived back home at about 4am this morning. He was diagnosed with a severe case of bronchitis and will be on medications and bed rest for several days. As we said earlier, and is now Aliy’s mantra, “This race really wasn’t meant to be.”
Road conditions over Eagle Summit on the Steese Highway are miserable! The road has been closed all night, yet another stumbling block for this year’s Quests. Our handlers, Mark and Lance, will head out to Central and Circle as soon as the road opens to pick up the drop bags for Aliy, Allen and Randy.
One of the things that came out of this crazy Yukon Quest 300 run is the strength of the Two Rivers community. Aliy and Allen had run to our community store Pleasant Valley, which had opened up their space for the Quest mushers and handlers to warm up and get some sleep on their trek out to Chena Hot Springs. That is when Aliy discovered Allen’s state. Fred Lee, our neighbor and friend, just happened to walk in right when they decided the hospital was necessary. Fred swept Allen up immediately and headed for Fairbanks. Jason, a local musher who used to work with Aliy at Two Rivers Lodge, volunteered to help Aliy get the two teams home. During this time, Susan Holly headed over to the kennel to prepare for the dogs coming home and another friend, Thom Swan, got in touch with me so I could contact the handlers and other important people. Frankie at Pleasant Valley worked so hard to keep me information about what was going on.
MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED US GET ALLEN, ALIY AND ALL THE DOGS HOME SAFELY! There is no place like Two Rivers!
“Not meant to be” sums it up. Glad to hear Allen is on the mend. This weather requires a clear head. You guys have plenty of miles ahead. Get well soon.
Best wishes from Goldstream.
–Brian and Kate
Hope Allen feels better soon! As always, Two Rivers showed their community spirit when they helped you out. The cure for that bronchitus will be a good game of midnight golf in July! In the meantime, we’ll be following Aliy in the Iditarod.
I have been praying for Allen and I am glad to hear he is out of the hospital-Sarah (friend of Bridgett)