The Dawson crew are about to head out on our long drive and you won’t hear from me for at least 24 hours so I will update you of things as they stand now.
After Allen’s nap in Circle he took his time to pack his sled and equipment ready for the long run into Eagle. There are no official checkpoints between Circle and Eagle to send supplies to so they must carry enough dog food, human food and supplies to keep them safe and happy along the way. They left Circle City looking refreshed and rearing to go with Hugh Neff just a few minutes behind them.
Currently the top four of Brent Sass, Hugh Neff, Allen, Matt Hall have left Slaven’s Roadhouse and on their way to the Trout Creek hospitality stop. Ed Hopkins will likely follow them shortly. From Trout Creek they run to Eagle, Matt’s home town. It is an extremely remote community and the town really gets behind the race. I’m sure the mushers will have some fun there during their mandatory four hour stop.
It’s such a long wait until we see them again, and rather excruitiating to watch their journey on the tracker, so it is probably a blessing we will spend the next 20-odd hours in the truck! (Silver linings?) Once we get to Dawson we will make up the dog camp ready for the team’s arrival. Depending on how much time between completion of camp and the team coming in we may get to rest OR it might be straight into our “hands on” portion of the race.
For a bit of really interesting reading in the meantime, check out this Mushers’ Guide to the Yukon Quest Trail by two-time Quest champ John Schandelmeier. It will give you a great idea of the trails they are mushing on.
We also have some special treats for you, by way of videos that were made before the race, that we will post during the next day or so when we have no other news to tell. Here’s one from Clyde – Aliy interviewed him prior to the Quest.
LOVE the interview! I was almost expecting a team sing-a-long to start with Aliy, but no go. Not yet, anyway. The blue-eyed supermodel went along for the ride even though she's resting up for another big race? Love to see the team supporting each other!
You all have way to much fun and I love it!!! Love Daisy's flirting/distractions. Thanks for the fun before I call it a night!
Amazing human-dog communication! Thanks for sharing!
Clyde,
That gorgeous tail next to you, I don't know how you can resist Daisy.
Nice interview, thanks for the treat SPK style!
🙂
Clyde is special. He's the Surfiver's daddy and just a great dog. Love the interview! Go Black Team; you are doing great!!
Clyd love the interview. Tell Aliy you want to do it again. Champ has nothing on you buddy. Thanks so much.
He is really a good looking boy that Clyde!! One happy Sled Dog soul ready to head down the trail!! OMG…a 20 hour drive….at least the weather doesn't look to be a factor!! Looking forward to seeing Dog Camp…..I'm sure you all will make it extra comfy to greet the Team for their 36 hours of well deserved pampering!!
Not sure if I posted yet, but what the heck – an exceptional interview that showed Clyde character and good looks and as others noted, his fan Daisy was adorable, and Olivia was…quiet…???
All in all, as ChaCha's son from her last litter, all I can say is "WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!!!"
For those who do not recall it or did not know about it, here is a link to a really funny ChaCha video, "Improving the List":
http://spkenneldoglog.blogspot.com/2009/01/vet-visit-and-chacha-outtake.html
Thank you Margaret for the clip on Cha Cha. One thing we all know for sure is that the dogs of SPK get high quality attention.
Eagle, WOOHOO, Black team looking fantastic!
NOTE: Read Fairbanks Daily News Miner report:
…Moore, a Two Rivers musher, was not so lucky: The handlebar on his sled was broken from a rough ride over the ice coming into Eagle.
“Jumble ice, it’ll do it. Boom, boom, boom,” Moore said, describing how his sled bounced over it.
http://www.newsminer.com/mushing/sass-leads-by-hours-into-eagle-with-pair-of-fellow/article_8bf8a3b6-cf4c-11e5-8d6f-0bba014db55e.html
Margaret, thanks for the link. And thank you, Moira, for all you do to keep us connected.
RE: Cha Cha's clip – Actually, I think she did know she was a bad dog .. I get that look from mine after torn paper episodes!