After a short nap and some hot breakfast and coffee – lots and lots of coffee – the handler crew of Ray, Aliy, Spencer and picked up our drop bags and straw from the lovely volunteers at the checkpoint HQ then drove over the Yukon River ice bridge to the campground so we could set up camp.
The rules are specific about what kind of shelter we can set up for the dogs so we string up rope from tree to tree and stretch the biggest tarpaulin you’ll ever see over it. The shelter must be open ended and have enough room for the veterinarians to get inside and complete their dog checks. Inside the shelter are the drop lines where we will hook up the dogs and two whole bales of straw are set up ready for them to snuggle in.
We have all the dog food kibble and snacks we could want and we spent time organising it and laying it all out to make dispensing it easy when the time comes.
We also set up an arctic oven tent with a heater so when Spencer spends the night he doesn’t freeze! We’ll show you around the camp after our guests have arrived.
Before; check out our awesome view across the river!
Our completed campsite/doggie hotel
Right now we will nap some more then we expect the team to arrive later this afternoon/this evening. From the time they cross the line and check in it is all hands on deck. Aliy and Spencer will take over dog-care, with a meticulously planned timetable of food, sleep, stretch-out walks, massage and love. Ray will take of Allen-care and sled-care. I will float between the two doing what else needs doing and keeping you up-to-date with it all.
We also have the Red Team here with us in Dawson. They may not go into the camp with us but we have a schedule set of for them also that includes pretty much the same thing as the Black Team only they will be based on the truck.
We are excited to see the team later today! It will have been a long time since we caught sight of them leaving Pelly. For Aliy the last time she saw them was in Carmacks on, what was it, Sunday? I’ve lost track!
Looks inviting! Great job.
Everyone is working so hard. These updates are one more task on a long list without proper sleep. Please know we appreciate them very much.
You guys are the best. Great info, better then the news miner. Good luck. Donna 2 Rivers
There is quite a lott of work and organization involved. You all are awesome. This is the first time I have followed the Yukon Quest and, therefore, the SPKennel progress. It's definitely an education. Love it!
This is the 24hr stop, right? Thanks for sharing, please know how much we enjoy these updates. GO ALLEN AND BLACK TEAM SPK!!!
Thanks for the updates. I was wondering if Aliy switched from musher to handler now that she has finished th YQ300 and you answered my question.
OMG you folks sure know how to make Dog Camp!! Nicely done!! What a race this has been…Allen is running such a calculated schedule, he has the patience of a Saint! I will watch the tracker closely till he and the Black Team are in Dawson….then, and only then will I get a full nights rest as well!!
The veteran dogs must have told Izzy, Sissy and Outlaw about your wonderful resort, with that gorgeous scenery!
It looks like the Black Team and Allen are booking it to Dawson. Pampering, here we come! 🙂
Woohoo!!!
What an awesome camp –only the best for SPK. The dog tent will be inviting for the Black team athletes. They will get great care from Aliy & Spencer. Ray will take good care of Allen. And Moira you do a fabulous job just keeping us updated–& wonderful pictures. You are going to be busy with floating between the two plus your updates. Well done. Go Black Team.
Wow what a great 'luxury resort' for those hard working dogs. Beautiful place–like a Christmas card. Noted the temps may have eased a little, at least at both ends of the race. so maybe all can thaw out a little. Go Black Team!!! You have a big fan in NM!! Some of my faves are running so I know they will do great. Moving very fast or so it seems.
It looks smaller – as if it is designed to have the athletes closer together so they can be warmer???
JMO!
Thank you! So cool.
Woohoo!!!
Allen and the Black team will be "headed home" in less than 24 hours.
Awesome work little doggies!
The camp looks great and so cozy in spite of the temperature!!!
I'm sure Allen and the Back Team are going to appreciate your efforts!
You handlers are the angels of the race!!!