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February 10, 2016 by

We are all ready for the team as they come off the trail sometime tomorrow!

We got to Dawson in record time and not because we did anything illegal, simply because we left Fairbanks at around 9pm and there was zero traffic, and all the places we might normally stop to get a bite to eat were all closed up by the time we got there. So… we just kept going and snacked on trail mix and dried fruit.

Once we got to Dawson we checked in with Gaby, the Checkpoint Manager, and picked up the drop bags we sent ahead. Then we found our camp spot (the spots are pre-assigned by bib number) – a really nice, secluded spot where the dogs will not get disturbed by any foot traffic up and down the main thoroughfare. After some planning we set to an shovelled out the spot for the dog shelter and our arctic oven handler tent. Thanks also to Bob Huston (our sled sponsor), John and Jen for helping us out – it really made a difference to have so many hands on deck!


Before


Bridgett and John shovelling snow


Ready for the tarpaulin

The dog shelter is so cozy – we’ve laid out a couple bales of straw and have their jackets and blankets all ready to wrap them in. They will be snug as bugs in rugs! We’ll take you on a tour in the next day or two.

Phew. Now we are sleeping. With the computer…

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18 Responses

  • Looks great! Aliy, I just have to ask, did you and your team have this when you won the Quest? Just wondering… You all do such an amazing job.. Beemer and Biper are excited and rooting on team!! Go SPK!! Woof

  • Rest profoundly, I'm sure you need it, and this year you have time.
    Awesome crew, record travel time, and set up.
    The Black Team is so fortunate to have you.
    🙂

  • That looks cozy!! Since many of the dogs on the Team have never been on this race I can only imagine their surprise when they find out they have a Sled Dog Spa waiting for them to rest up in for a full 36 hours…complete with nice beds, great food, vet service, personal masseuse and live in handlers at their beck and call!!

  • Wow doggy five star 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠 it's great too know they are so well cared for , nothing but the best for SP athletes . Happy trails and Happy Rest for the Black team stars from Denali 🐾🐾 and Joanne 🇦🇺

  • Ditto Nessmuk comments… A few ago, have watched Matt Hall pass Allen's rest break area some miles into the Yukon. Can't seem to NOT keep watching… The topo of the trail remains astonishing…

  • Heck, that dog tent looks so cozy and warm, I want to sleep there with the pups!!!
    When I retire, I'd love to be a helper for you guys Red and Black Teams!!
    Love to all, humans and canines! 😍❤️💙🐾🐾🐾🐾

  • I'm tired just reading about the tremendous expenditure of effort it takes to support this race! There is no doubt I could curl up in the straw and drop off myself.

    Thanks for your detailed blow-by-blow of your race support team. There is so much going on behind the trail that we would otherwise not know.

    Full steam ahead! GO SPK!

  • Looks GREAT and all the Thanks to the SP Crew & Aliy! Dogs will
    appreciate the comfort and rest. They are doing a fantastic job!
    GO Black!!!!

  • We traveled to Dawson via Whitehorse from Fairbanks this summer – what fortitude you all have to make it in one go. We came back via Top of the World and passed the camp ground. I like being able to associate my memories of Dawson City with the trail.

    For those that want to see photos of Dawson in summer, I wrote a series of blogs about it the journey starting with: http://fairbanksjournal.blogspot.com/2015/08/o-canada.html. My most recent posting has photos of the mushers coming down onto the river for this year's YQ 1000 and 300.

  • Mcgellan and others: any comments on allen's, Brent's and Hugh's long runs compared to matts more conservative run/rest? Do frozen salmon etc snacks contain enough water to keep the dogs hydrated for 10+ hrs if musher is not stopping to melt snow? Thanks. Monica in CA

  • Linda has hit it on the head (I hopr I am accurately quoting from here referenced blog)"

    "It is the distance and time it takes to get anywhere" that makes this part of the world so awesome.

    Thanks so much for you insights!

    Best,

    Margaret

  • Monica – Sled Dogs are not like traditional dogs. Drinking water is not a natural thing to do during the winter as all water is frozen. As crazy as it sounds, Aliy and Allen spend a lot of time teaching the dogs to drink water. Frozen fish snacks are one of the best ways to keep dogs hydrated during these races. They give the dogs water at checkpoints and when they stop to camp on the trail. Some dogs will drink "plain" water. Some will only drink it if there are "treats" like meat shavings or kibble in it. Some will only "drink" it once it is absorbed by kibble and they can "eat" the water. I hope this answered your question.

  • Thanks so much for an awesome post and above comments. It takes many parts of the "team" to support and complete the YQ. The 36 hours will be filled with lots of activities and rest for Allen & team. Go SPK.

  • Kaz gave a good explanation of how mushers work to get their dogs hydrated. However, there is one more piece to the puzzle that she did not mention. Sled dogs will "dip" for snow (i.e. eat snow)while they are running. In warmer weather they will dip very frequently to cool off, but even in very frigid temps they will still dip some. Aliy and Allen run without necklines which allows the dogs to veer to the side to grab snow from the edge of the trail whenever they wish.

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