Its 8.30am Sunday morning
RED TEAM UPDATE
Aliy and the Red Team pulled into Kaltag just after 5am this morning. They split the run from Grayling into three, camping twice for three hours each and covered the 120 miles in 22 hours, 33 minutes (including rest time). Their second camp was at mile 607 which they left at around 11pm. We expect she will rest the team here some hours before heading towards Unalakleet (Unk).
Kaltag to Unk is around 85 miles and, as mentioned previously, there are two cabins along the way. Tripod Flats, 35 miles from Kaltag and Old Woman, another 15 miles further. It follows an ancient portage route which is more recently a major snow machine route. “Conditions can be vastly different at opposite ends of the portage, and wind is a constant threat on the western half“. You can read more about it on the Trail Notes.
I know Aliy is always fascinated about the history of this trail. She marvels that she is following the footsteps of so many from thousands of years ago when the inland folk would meet with the coastal folk for trade.
I found a couple of recent Aliy Cams from the area. The first is is from 2017 as the team is nearing Kaltag at possibly around the same time of day as she did this morning:
The second is from 2016 as she camped her team on the portage trail.
Dorothy Olmstead has written a wonderful piece about the history of this area of the Yukon River and the importance to those that live near it.
BLACK TEAM UPDATE
Allen and his team mates arrived into Grayling at 1:18am and it looks very likely they will complete their mandatory Yukon River eight hour rest there. If so, remember the clock has changed for daylight savings so they could leave there no early than 10:18am, but he could decide to stay longer.
The next section of 120 miles unsupported trail will not cause Allen any angst or concern. He is well used to packing his sled for such runs and camping his team. It will be a first for his rookies but it is all fantastic experience, and every new experience for this team is a good thing.
RETURNED DOG UPDATE
Cayenne and Commando made it back to Anchorage late last night and are at Linda’s place after an interesting couple of days. Cayenne had a sore wrist and got to spend time in Iditarod before flying home. Commando wasn’t feeling 100% and got tired, which is unlike him, so Aliy didn’t want to push him any further. He came home from Grayling.
Both were happy to see Linda, have eaten well and are now resting.
CREW UPDATE
We are travelling to Nome today so you won’t hear from me until later tonight.The best way to keep up with all the action is via the GPS Tracker and Insider Videos. They are also currently broadcasting live from Kaltag. Watching the live feed is a fun way to while away a few hours! I will update when I get a chance.
Thank you Moira! Safe travels to you and the crew on your way to Nome.
Thank you for the timely and interesting updates. Kudos to Aliy for accepting the dogs’ limitations. We know she is very competitive and it must be a bitter pill. One of the reasons we support SPK is because the needs of the dogs always come first. Wishing both teams a safe and happy finish in Nome!
Safe travels Moira. Thanks for all your updates. They provide a lot of insight into what is happening and why. The teams are doing a great job. Go Aliy and Red Team. Happy training for Allen and the Black Team.
Safe travels Moira. Thanks for all your updates. They provide a lot of insight into what is happening and why. The teams are doing a great job. Go Aliy and Red Team. Happy training for Allen and the Black Team.
Safe travels to Nome, Moira. Thank you for all the detailed updates about the Red and Black Teams! I will continue watching the GPS tracker and the Insider videos. Happy racing Red and Black teams. You are both doing great! Go ALIY!
Thanks for all the updates and safe travels to Nome. Glad to hear both Commando and Cayenne
are in Linda’s hands. Sure to have lots of love and care for them both. Go SPK!! I’m sure
Allen is having fun and can’t wait for his stories!
It looks like Aliy and the Red team are took 6 hours rest in Kaltag, hopefully that will be enough to give them a little excitement about the long run to the coast. After 120 from Grayling, she should have an excellent idea who will make it on the long run to Unalakleet.
Allen is already training his pups for YQ. 120 miles followed by 90 miles. They will all know what straw time is. 😉
I’m so happy Cayenne and Commando are safe with Linda.
First off….safe travels to the SPK Crew to Nome! You have done a wonderful job with keeping us all up to date and we are grateful for your efforts!
I’m sure Commando and Cayenne will get extra lovings from Linda….thumbs up to Aliy for pulling Commando even though she couldn’t put her finger on what was up. A sign of a “dog first” Musher for sure!
And for those if you who want an AWESOME read on the relationship between the Native Alaskan “sea” folk (Inupiaq) and the Native “interior” folk (Athabaskan)…you GOT to read Sidney Huntington’s book “Shadows on the Koyukuk”….this is a must read for anyone intrigued by this area. Its a true story, and one of the best books I have ever read. Lots of history here….and its the type of book that inspires people to endure, no matter what the obstacle.
Linda takes great care of SPK dogs. Wedgy had a long layover between flights to her new home last year; and Linda fetched her from AK Air Cargo, took her home, played with her, walked her, and returned her to the airport at midnight to catch the red eye to PDX! Thanks, Linda! Cayenne and Commando are in great hands.