As I write this, both the Black and the Red teams are resting in Carmacks. I managed to sit down with Allen as he was having a bite to eat and ask him about the trail. He said it was mostly like a racetrack!
There were some sections of jumble ice – huge blocks of ice ‘jumbled’ together which can look something akin to a 30 car pile-up on the interstate. Jumble ice is caused when ice on top of a river fractures due to the different flow rates beneath the ice. Trail breakers do their best to cut a trail through these sections using chainsaws and brute force – it’s a big job!
The biggest problem for teams on the run was that is was -40 with a crisp wind blowing on the lakes so Allen took time to ensure all the dogs were well protected.
The dogs look great and they snacked well. It appeared to me that they ate everything he offered them before settling in for a peaceful rest. Allen also ate everything that was put in front of him – the lunch special at the checkpoint was lasagna OR shepherd’s pie with salad. Allen had lasagna AND shepherd’s pie!
Aliy and the Red team just pulled in to Carmacks and I will try to catch up with her when she comes inside.
Allen thanks Scout for a good run; the Red Team pulls into Carmacks
The trail from here to Pelly Crossing is around 70-ish miles. Allen said that most significant thing coming up on the trail is more jumble ice that was reported to be worse than the section they just travelled over. There is a dog drop / hospitality stop at McCabe about 50 miles in. Teams may choose to stop here but it is not an official checkpoint.
Once the teams pull out of here we will hit the road destined for Pelly Crossing where I will update you as soon as I can.
Glad to see both Teams made it into Carmacks safely….I'm still trying to wrap my head around a minus 40 temp…good thing huskies and mushers alike are use to the cold!! You are all doing great!!
Great job Allen and dogs, eating and sleeping like pros who know what's ahead!
Woohoo!
Red team making excellent time!
🙂 🙂 🙂
THANK YOU Moira for the update! safe travels ALL!
Padee Santa Rosa, CA
Thank you so much for this ongoing update. I am so glad to hear that the dogs are snacking well and so is Allen.
Thanks for the great updates Moira. Glad both teams are safely into Carmacks. And looks like all on the Black Team are eating everything put in front of them. Keep going SPK.
thanks for all the great trail notes. Go Red and Black teams!!! Looking forward to seeing you soon in Anchorage too.
I wish Allen's tracker would turn on
Great update guys!!! I've been at work all day and haven't been able to post a comment till now, but you all have been in my mind all day!!!
Allen and Aliy and the Black and Red Teams are awesome!!!
Lots of prayers, love and good energy going your way!!!