Aliy and 11 team mates left Sourdough checkpoint after resting 3.5 hours. They are now nearing Meier’s Lake with, at the time of writing, about 15 miles to go.
Returned Dog Update:
Aliy left Champ with the crew in Sourdough. As I understand it, Champ was left as a precautionary measure to guard against frost nip. His particular combination of coat length in that area and anatomy made the risk a little high and Aliy didn’t want to risk any damage to him.
Each dog is different in that regard – some more susceptible than others. She is keeping a close eye and hands on all the dogs and will stand down anyone else she thinks needs it. Champ will complete the rest of the race in the truck and will be enjoying TLC from the crew.
Sourdough to Meier’s Lake
Aliy was able to catch a little sleep at Sourdough and with the darkness of night behind them, was in good spirits leaving the checkpoint. The dogs, as you will see from the pics below, had a cosy sleeping position so will have gotten a great rest. The CB website says of this next leg: “From the Sourdough checkpoint, the race trail heads north towards the third checkpoint at Meiers Lake Roadhouse, over a distance of ~ 40 miles. Teams will reach Twelvemile Creek at ~ 31½ miles out of Sourdough, then turn eastward after another 1½ miles of travel when intersecting with the Middle Fork Trail. Once on the Middle Fork Trail, teams will travel ~ 7 miles to reach the Meiers Lake checkpoint.”
The crew have arrived into Meier’s Lake and will be partaking of the hospitality at the Roadhouse and getting some rest before welcoming the team. They sent through a few pics and video from Sourdough.
Awe Champ….glad Aliy nipped it in the bud and pulled ya for the bench for your own good…enjoy the love and attention from the Crew! Glad to hear Aliy left the checkpoint in good spirits! Eyes on the tracker to the next checkpoint!
Wow, 54 below!!! So glad Aliy put Champ out of danger of the elements. Definitely not worth risking damage to him. Great job Champ! Enjoy the pampering you will get now. Go Team!
54 below! Crazy I say, crazy. Keep on moving crew and good job Champ. Hang in there in the warmth of the truck buddy.
Yikes -54!
I hope Champ is in good shape. Perhaps Rick will take over Macgellan duties?
SPK team is heading up the steep climb into Meier’s Lake. I hope Aliy feels their White Mountain training pays off.
Enjoy some rest at the Roadhouse pups.
I hope Champ enjoys some TLC! Frostbite is dangerous and I’m sure Aliy knows that!
Nacho & Olivia are well represented on this team! Go SPK!!!!
Love those doggies! Enjoyed a visit to Alaska in July 2018. It was special.
Good job, Champ! Enjoy the TLC.
I agree – it is unanimous – YIKES.
In the spirit of HOT HOT HOT…thanks ever so much to SP KENNEL crew and Moira:
OK, 54 below zero – wasn’t there a “Studio 54” dance club in NYC in the days of wild and crazy stuff?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_54
Dance up a storm you guys in the truck and Champ, too!!!
WOOF WOO F WOOF
Gotta protect the family jewels foremost Champ!! Good call Aliy!! Enjoy the TLC now Champ. I’m certain you earned it with your contributions in wheel.
-54!! Wow!! I know Aliy chose the right decision in leaving Champ at the checkpoint to keep him safe. Enjoy the extra love Champ!