Report from Allen in Takotna

Bridgett Talked to Allen from Takotna early this morning. This is what she sent to me about that conversation.

“So, I talked to dad at 0300. He sounded refreshed, but still a little tired. He said it was hard to get to a phone because everyone was trying to use it and he or Aliy didn’t want to wait to call when they could be sleeping. He spoke of Aliy’s team. He said they had just left and were VERY peppy! Even barking! That’s huge for our team! He was not sure as to her plan for running over to Iditarod. He said that her team was eating amazingly. All of them! He also said that she was dropping Rose in Tak for a sore swollen shoulder. The swelling would not go down until she quit running. Her other “question mark” was Tug. She was going to leave with her and see if she could work through her issues and if not, she would drop her in Ophir. No real injury to note, just something going on for the last 100 miles that Aliy can’t pinpoint. And as I write this I see she dropped a dog in Ophir-so I’m sure it was her. Dad said, after those two dogs, she has a really rock solid core! So we shall see. If you want my guess I believe she will stop at Don’s cabin, halfway, and then go onto Iditarod. But if she is going to start pushing a little, she will do it in one! Those that are in it to win it, will more than likely run this section in one run. I hope her team is able. If not, they will have more rest and she can “save” that push until the river or coast.

Aliy, Biscuit & Willie in Takotna

Dad’s team-

He was very pleased. Strong, steady and slow. Those were the words he repetitively used to describe them. I asked him if he had any difficulties up to this point and he said no….The steps were fine, gorge no problem, burn-ok. But then again, let’s remember what he just went through 3 weeks ago! Anything will be “easy” compared to that! He said the camera crew was just setting up as he went through the steps. He reported the weather as, “exceptionally good for the mushers, but a little too warm during the day for the dogs.” He said he hasn’t been traveling with anyone at this time and he’s kind of flip flopping around. Ok now on to dogs. His team is eating “pretty well”! The only one not eating is Stormy. She’s not even eating many snacks, but he thinks that maybe after the 24 she might get her appetite back. Leaders for him thus far, JJ the whole way and Dingle and Stormy. He is taking Dingle out of lead because he has sore wrists and is going to give him a break. Spicy has had a tricept for most of the way that he keeps messaging and she is working out of it each time. Those were his only two “worries”. He said Ranger is eating everything! I asked who his all stars were,……can you guess…….
Cha, Bullet, and JJ! He said he might put Cha in lead on the next run. I asked how she was and he said great, her normal self, no problems. His plan is to do the run to Iditarod in 2 runs, camp mid-day. He was going to take a short nap and then get ready to go.”