As at all checkpoints, the old adage “hurry up and wait” definitely applies to Dawson. After the drive over and setting up camp all we could do next was wait and prepare. We all got a really good night sleep, especially Aliy who hadn’t stopped since Friday night before her race.
This morning we refined our plans – planning is an essential part of the 36 hour layover. Who is doing what and when are we doing it? We prepared a meal for the dogs, got a change of clothes, a meal and thermos of water ready for Allen then waited…
With the change in route the teams didn’t come down the river like ‘normal’, rather they came down the road so we caught sight of them just over the other side of the river. It was thrilling to see them after a couple of days! They trotted down Front Street with Mismo and Scout in lead and all of them looking fantastic! They quickly gobbled down their thawed salmon snacks Mark had on hand.
Allen had his mandatory gear checked then Customs and Immigration officers checked his passport and did their immigration duties right there in the chute. Aliy took the team over from him and mushed them back over the river to camp while Allen answered a few questions from reporters.
I met Aliy and the team over at camp and we both set to and removed harnesses, booties and jackets while the others made their way over from town. Next was the compulsory and thorough veterinarian check of all the dogs while we fed and rubbed them down, and gave them fresh jackets and fleece blankets. One by one they settled into their straw beds and are now fast asleep, stretched out in their warm, cozy accommodations.
Allen is also fast asleep, stretched out in his warm, cozy accommodations.
I have video and pics to edit and will get them to you soon.
We are so happy they are here and looking great!
Great update. Whoosh, half-way and so much has been accomplished. Good work Allen and team, now rest and we'll get ready to track you to Whitehorse.
O'm'gosh!!! Been waitin, waitin, waitin on this too. SPK – Top of The World!
Thanks so much – for such immediate updates! Still mind boggling to see the terrain they came over; mind boggling Aliy & her team are safe after 'the slide'…
Everyone's so great!!! On to the finale …!!!
They look so peaceful and warm, snuggled in the straw and in their coats. A very well deserved rest for them and their musher.
You all as SP Kennel are such a wonderful, dog loving family! Those athletes are awesome and so loved!!!
You guys, and dogs, rock!!! 💙❤️💖💚💛🐶🐶🐶🐾🐾🐾🐾🌠🎆
Awesomeness personified!!!
Great race, great dogs, great musher, great handles, and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Loves these dogs!!! Mismo for President!!!
Woof, woof, woof!!!
Rest well zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Awesome!! I was wondering if they had to have their passports. Good luck!!
All 14 pups too…they are doing fantastic!! When I looked at past stats on the Dawson Checkpoint Allen is often times in this exact placement and timing!! Looking forward to the second half of the race…rest up pups and Allen…..this will be an awesome 36 hours…soak it up!! And again…great job handlers….enjoy pampering the pups!!
Great midway report and looks like the race is going super!! Brave for SPK and the Black Team!! Go like the wind after a good rest!
Lets all get some sleep now…
Love the "can do" attitude and trail camaraderie. Ryne came in 4th and received the Vet's Choice award. Nice.
Opps! I do need some sleep… posted a comment for the Red Team Wrap-Up on the Black Team blog. Sorry!
They're all looking so good and getting that much deserved rest in Dawson. And…I got my pass port question answered in this post! Thanks!
Half way with young team and in second. The dogs look very cozy in their straw beds. Get fully rested and refreshed Allen & team. The handler crew will take over for the 36 hour layover in Dawson. Go SPK. Thanks to all the pictures & updates.
Scout and Mismooooooo (promoted from 300 last year to LEEEEAD!)! WOW
The entire team looks fantastic and perky arriving in Dawson.
Rest and food to all teammates and Allen….
Handlers: Aliy, Bridgett, Mark and Moira love those dawgs. We know, what you do in Dawson, can make all the difference in the race, You are the very BEST! Rest too. 🙂
Ooo they look so snugly in their sleeping quarters so well cared for 🐾🐾❤️ Now that there is a 36 hour lay over Denali 🐾🐾 and l can get some much need dog walking in before the next 500 miles 😊🇦🇺😴Sleep well black team.
Way to go SP Kennel Black team! Allen you have done such a great job with those pups, they look so happy! Good interview too!
thanks to the crew members for the pics and videos and audio feed too! we love our athletes. Rest WELL all. see you Friday! ready to Rock and RUN!
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