Just talked to Aliy. She was laughing and very pleased with the race, especially her core 8 and the candy litter. She arrived in Pelly Crossing thinking she was in 7th or 8th place. She was shocked to realize she was actually in 4th. As soon as they got her some breakfast, they hopped in the truck and headed to Dawson to set up for Allen’s arrival. Aliy slept the whole way and is now helping Ray and Dave set up the camp site.
Aliy said the most amazing part of the race was the people. She felt like she had just come off of her 2000 Championship run. When she broke her sled going into Stepping Stone, the owners were so nice and had her sign a poster for them. It took her about a half hour to set the foot pad on to the sled runner. She had to fix it several more times before the end of the race.
When I asked her about the tangle out of McCabe, she laughed, “How did you hear about that?” The trail crosses the Klondike Highway at one point and there were volunteers holding stop signs controlling traffic on the Highway. The dogs decided that they were ready to head to Dawson instead of Pelly and tried to turn North on the Highway. The volunteers ran over to help get them across the road. Unfortunately, they were still holding the stop signs. Butterscotch, who was in lead with Skittles, saw people running at him with sticks and panicked. A mass tangle ensued, but in the end, no one was hurt and they all got across the road safely. But it took over 20 minutes!
Butterscotch was the King Pin of the 2nd part of the race. Aliy said if it weren’t for Girlfriend, she wouldn’t have had a team. Retired for 2 years and still the queen of the kennel! (I’m sorry I confused everyone with this statement. Girlfriend is retired on a couch in Nome. All of Aliy’s main dogs were Girlfriend pups. :))
Update on Ryne:
Newt was the second dog she dropped. Newt and Pepper are not in the full training schedule this year, but had been run in Ryne’s yearling team. Newt just didn’t have the training miles to finish the race.
Considering you had retired and young dogs on your team, your finish was exceptional.
Which position did Girlfriend run in? She must have rejoiced in getting to run a race again.
Congratulations, Aliy!
OK, color me confused, but why was Girlfriend on the team. Last I knew she was in Nome with BJ as a retired sled dog. Who did Aliy leave off her team to make room for Girlfriend? Did one of Aliy's dogs get moved to Allen's team so he would have 14 dogs?
BTW: Kaz, you are doing an awesome job with the blog.
Deka
I guess I didn't explain that well. Girlfriend's pups were Aliy's team! Girlfriend is living on a couch in Nome.
Congrats on a great finish!
Hi Sp Kennel gang! PA Joyners here! Congratulations to all!!! Just wondering… where is Ranger Danger??? Didn't see him listed on anyone's roster? We're keeping our eye on Allen now. Go Dogs Go!!!
Way to go, Aliy & canine team! Congrats on the finish!
And to the rest of the team, handlers, etc, you guys are amazing and awesome! Thank you so much for the updates. I love reading them and I'm looking forward to more!
That's my girl now:)
Bridgett
Sorry I confused everyone with the statement on Girlfriend. Aliy's main team was a Girlfriend pups. Girlfriend is retired on a couch in Nome and not about to get off it!
I think I'm glad that Ryne was running shy little Bullet in this race. I hate to think of her being scared if she found herself in Butter's situation – not that I blame Butter in the least for wigging out. So glad that it all worked out and that Aliy kept her trademark terrific attitude.
Wow! Great job SPKennel's Quest 300 teams: dogs, mushers, handlers, commentator- hope I didn't forget anyone! Now all concentration on Allen & the Black team!