It’s 5.00pm Yukon Time. Eight hours until the team is back on the trail.
When we work out the schedule for Dawson we work backwards from the time they have to leave then slot in the meals, vet checks, walks and sleep. For the last 28 hours Aliy and Bridgett have been working to that strict schedule to ensure the dogs (and musher) are in tip top shape to continue down the trail.
Here’s a voice update from Aliy
Thanks to Ed Hopkins with his help with fixing Allen’s sled!
The crew takes the dogs out walking several times during the 36 hours, not just to complete their ablutions but also to stretch out limbs and shake off sleep. Bridgett took Chipper and Bruno out for a walkabout – can you say “Sassy”? She is ready to get back on the trail!
And, here’s footage of the community howl Aliy mentioned in her update:
Mushers had a trail update from Ranger Sgt. John Mitchell, exercise coordinator of the four patrols of Canadian Rangers responsible for establishing and monitoring trail on the Canadian side. As per the Quest website he said the trail is in excellent shape this year, with above average snow coverage, few instances of overflow, very little jumble ice, and no major detours or reroutes. Mushers were cautioned to be aware of potential wildlife encounters, as Ranger patrols have reported significant moose activity in several areas on the way from Dawson to Pelly. For a reminder about overflow and jumble ice read Jodi Bailey’s (who was last year’s Armchair Musher) article that gives you more detail.
About 2.5-3 hours before departure the preparations will start. Allen will pack his sled for the remaining 460-odd miles, including for the 210 mile unsupported run to Pelly Crossing. Unsupported means he cannot resupply so needs to take all the food, straw and equipment he will need to take care of himself and his team. Allen goes into a concentrated ‘zone’ at this point running the trail through his mind to ensure he doesn’t forget anything critical. There are two ‘manned’ stops along the way – Scroggie Creek Dog Drop and Stepping Stone Hospitality Step, but handlers are not able to be there.
The dogs will get a final watery, meaty, calorific meal before getting dressed and ready for their trip.
Once the team gets on the trail Aliy and Bridgett will do a quick tidy up of camp but are likely to leave break-down until daylight. By truck miles they only have to travel 155 miles (or, now they are in Canada – 250km).
More soon.
Thanks for the info. Love the group howl!!!
Great SP DOGS! I hope the sled is Teflon till
The end as the musher is. Wonderful job
Crew!
I was looking at the photo of Clyde and he brought to mind Beemer – what a flash into the past.
So those rope cords will hold that sled together for another 800 KM or so or was that keeping it together while fixing? I dunno – you all are inventive.
Chipper is in LOVE with Bruno. I can see why, he is very handsome!
OMG…that sled….holy crap!!! Glad you were able to fix it!!! Love seeing Chipper being so sassy….and of course the community howl was classic SPK! The audio run down of the days happenings really puts it into perspective what a team effort this is! Good to see they have plenty of coffee in Dawson…that appears to be the #1 beverage for handlers! Safe travels on the next leg for both handlers and dog team….if moose are seen I hope the encounter is from a distance!
Tape works for me (fixing stuff).
GO BLACK TEAM!!! GO GO GO
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Awesome post -voice report, video and slide show. Thanks ever so much!!!
WOOF!!!
OMG Chipper, you are too funny!!! Watch out Michelle, Brent and Cody, you know what they say about the little feisty ones…..they don’t know they are little!! 😉
Cheers
I’m really enjoying these audio posts.
Awesome video, pics and great rundown on the Dawson activities.
Yikes, I hope that sled holds all the way to the finish.
I can’t imagine….a STICK!?
It reminds me of trying to hold chains on a car with wire and shoestring, no it didn’t work!
Allen out, right on time, with all 14 teammates. Excellent!
woohoo, go SPK.
Awesome work handlers 🙂
Wow- thanks for the great coverage and timely updates! I echo the compliments of others on the audio recording- they’re a real treat!! Then too, so was the group howl!! Oh wait, and the “slo mo” of Allen and Aliy on the sled. Then there’s the cute antics of lovable Chipper with heartthrob Bruno!!🐾❤️ Really great stuff you’re sending out to your fans. SPK Rocks!! Good luck to the fearless 15!! Hope that newly fixed sled adds a new gear!!
Chipper is too funny, and Bruno is playing hard to get! Love it. The community howl is awesome. Such a beautiful sound and such beautiful dogs. Amber and Violet look like they are ready to go back to bed, LOL! Thanks for the Dawson updates. They are always a fan favorite.