No matter how good your dog team or your musher, the Eagle Summit ascent is always a tense time for loved ones and handlers. It’s a challenge even for the best of the best so to see the team up and over is always a relief. Even Quito was up and pacing the room!
This is how Aliy left her tracker for me before she took a team out for a four hour run.
We’ve had more details from the handler crew in Central – evidently Allen got wet on Birch Creek! The creek was cooler than expected but warmer than usual – if that makes sense. There was significant overflow and shelf ice. Allen tested an area of ice before taking the team over, he put crampons on but fell through the shelf and got wet, but the dogs were just fine! When Allen got to the checkpoint he had to break his boots off as they had so much ice but his feet inside were warm. He always sends extra clothes in drop bags to the ‘after’ side of Birch Creek since his very first Quest experience so he had new boots to change into once he got the wet ones off.
They left Central read to “kick that mountain’s a**”! Allen loves the challenge and evidently Chipper was agreeing with him, jumping and yelling to get going. The team was led out of the checkpoint by Commando and Dutch with Chipper and Nomex in swing. He will have been running and ski-poling and doing all he could to help the team out.
Onwards to Mile 101 checkpoint followed by Rosebud. An innocuous name for a massive climb.
Sounds like the dogs are READY! Good thing Allen takes extra boots and clothes there. Glad to
hear Quito was their to lend support! Looks like 38 miles and he will have a rest! Go Allen!!
Am glad Allen had extra boots , would be very tough to continue wet frozen boots. The team continues to be energized by the wonderful pops of SPK. A steady hand to stay the course. Go Allen and team.
Birrrrch Creek….always a cold place…glad Allen is ALWAYS prepared! Ok….the Team is up and over Eagle Summit and now taking chase to the last checkpoint in hometown Two Rivers…keeping a close eye on the tracker tonight here in the Adirondacks! Chemo, Outlaw and the rest of Team ADK are cheering Allen and the Black Team on!!!!
Go Black Team 4 legs!!!
Go Black Team 2 legs!!!
Got my rally caps on (black one reversed, red one front) – WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!
Sign here > beautiful!
Smart move ALiy.
I should have gone for a run myself, but I’ve had a difficult time pulling me eyes away from the trackers for long enough to do anything. Going to need an electronics cleanse after this.
I believe this is the most EXCITING Yukon Quest I have watched.
Hans and Michelle currently Struggling up Eagle Summit, and boy do they make the Black team’s accent look superb. Im’ pretty sure Hans decided to park and take pictures at the top. 😉
Thank God for Allen being prepared and having a fresh set of boots, WOW!
Still 13 teammates with Allen, awesome. On to Two Rivers team!
<3 <3 <3
My son-in-law, Jamie tried to bike up Rosebud in preparation for the White Mountains 100 yesterday. His intent was to stay in the tent of a volunteer at 101. They had to turn back. The trail was blown over on Rosebud at that time.
I am interested to see how Brent does in as the front leader. Perhaps the conditions have changed, but I do see Brent slowing as he ascends.
I’m glad Allen was prepared and had extra boots after he got wet in the creek. Smart move!
This IS a very exciting race to watch as different teams keep leading the race. Go Allen and dogs! Conquer that mountain!
In just a few minutes I have to leave for work. I’m so thankful Allen and the Black team are almost in Two Rivers check point and have a mandatory 8 hour rest, otherwise…..
I’ll hurry home in the morning. I want to catch Allen’s run to the finish, and especially the moment his team turns onto Kaufman Lane (?) and away from the trail HOME. This has to be tough after 900+ miles.
I mean Moira and Aliy might be right over THERE!!!! Why are we going south?
Rest well in TR Black team.