It’s 11.00am Yukon Time.
Allen and his team have just stopped at Stepping Stone Hospitality Stop. They rested five hours back at Scroggie Creek, 69 miles and about 11 hours ago, so we expect them to stay here for a few hours. The front four are running different schedules with Cody having stopped his team for a rest 15 miles short of Stepping Stone therefore we expect he will ‘blow through’ to Pelly without stopping too long at Stepping Stone. Interesting race up front with Michelle and Brent leap frogging positions due to differing rest schedules.
Check out the Stepping Stone Facebook page, they are giving updates and photos as they teams pass by. Thanks to the team for these great pics of the team arriving.
It wouldn’t be the Quest without temperature swings. It’s -13F in Stepping Stone right now and about 3F in. It is forecast to get to around 16F snow flurries tomorrow. Remember just a week ago it was -40F/C at Mile 101?
The dogs will be enjoying laying out in the ‘heat of the day’ and some sunshine, stretching muscles and dreaming peaceful dreams. Allen will be enjoying the legendary hospitality (lasagne and burritos) and a quick nap. As much as we like to pack tasty treats and meals for Allen in his drop bags, nothing compares to the incredible hospitality out on the trail.
Once they leave Stepping Stone the teams join the Pelly River. You’ll notice here the tracker diverges from the red trail-line as they travel the river rather than the hilly bush-trail they sometimes use if the river has not frozen well.
The handler crew has now shifted to Pelly Crossing and will be eagerly hitting refresh along with us until the team arrives. It will have been such a long time since they saw those 15 faces.
Pelly Crossing is in the traditional territory of the Selkirk First Nation and the checkpoint is housed in the well appointed community hall. There is a huge gymnasium where handlers, volunteers and supporters can spread out and sleep, internet to feed the habit of all, plus separate rooms for mushers to rest and dry gear. The local school fundraises by running the ‘Questeraunt’, serving a variety of hot meals and beverages.
Looks like Allen and the Black Team have arrived Florida!
WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!
GO BLACK TEAM!!!
I love all these updates, and have been excitedly watching the whole way – thank you!!
Thanks for the pictures! Nice to see the team! Go Allen!
Glad when Aliy and Bridgett get to see him at Pelly Crossing!
It’s so nice to hear that Allen will get a little break from climbing all those hills. I hope the river is solid.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen pictures of Allen’s team from Stepping Stone before. That alone makes it worth stopping for fans, bonus Allen enjoys the lasagna this year. Beautiful pictures <3 . Violet seems to approve of the camping spot. 😉
Rest well and enjoy the Questeraunt in Pelly Crossing handlers.
Thank you Moira and Stepping Stone crew!
Before I traveled from Whitehorse to Dawson one summer, I always imagined these as larger communities. The population is sparse in the Yukon, yet robust and well serviced. I enjoyed stopping at the gas station there, and looking at the well-laid out, tidy community as we passed across the river and headed slightly east to skirt the mountains that the musher travel over.
I have often wondered what type of person knows about Stepping Stones and travels there in summer, to stay a remote location along the river. Them sending photos is really decent!
The Yukon really touched me somehow.
I absolutely love these hospitality stops….they offer another layer of uniqueness to the race….here the Teams are….running 200 miles without the ability to grab a fresh food drop bag and then Lasagna and Burritos are served up! ENJOY Allen….you deserve it! Looks gorgeous there…soak up the sun and rest dogs….you deserve it too!