It’s 8.30am AK time (9.30am YK time)
Allen and still 14 team mates are on top of the world. Literally. They are currently travelling the Taylor Highway which, later on closer to Dawson, becomes known as the ‘Top of the World’ highway. They have just climbed American Summit – the trail notes describe it as “17 miles of gradual climbing” from 364 feet in Eagle up to about 3550 feet to the summit. Check out the contour lines in the screen shot right before the highest point – just how many and how close they are! I’m not that sure ‘gradual climb’ is the right description.
Allen said upon leaving that he’s looking forward to seeing the next stretch of trail, which he often traverses at night, during the daylight.
They left Eagle checkpoint at 5:54am after five and a half hours rest. (Thanks Becky for pointing out I said everyone had a six hour mandatory stop in Eagle, in fact it was only four. Sorry to give anyone anxiety!)
Once over the summit they will descending down towards the Clinton Creek hospitality stop at Forth Mile at Sandy and Earl’s cabin. This is one place Allen talks of frequently – how incredibly kind Sandy and Earl are to mushers and teams by opening up their home.
Another feature of this run is the teams cross the border into the Yukon. Border guards are not stationed there, it has only a symbolic display of flags. Mushers need to present their passports on arrival into Dawson for customs and immigration formalities to be completed.
It’s 150 miles between Eagle and Dawson so will be a while yet before Aliy and Bridgett lay eyes and hands on the team. The Quest sends members of the visual content team out to Eagle so we look forward to catching a glimpse of them in photo form hopefully in the meantime – keep an eye on their Facebook page where they will be published first.
Dog camp is being constructed as I write this and we’ll show you round a little later.
It truly is top of the world feeling up there. Back in 2000, our tour bus pulled off the highway so we could run up a trail through the tundra (like walking on a thick bed of moss) to get even further up. What a view. You can see as far as the cloud cover and your eyes will let you. I imagine it’s beyond silent and pristine this time of the year.
Now for the run back down! Go team go!
It is wonderful at Top of the World. Been there twice and Allen has the best view ever especially with the
snow and no traffic! I can bet the dogs will be so happy to see Aliy and maybe Sweet Violet will give her a
kiss! Super Dogs on this team! Go Allen!!!!
The Top of the World sounds wonderful!! Someday perhaps I will see it for myself! But Allen has the best method of getting there by far….has to be a fantastic view!!! Bring on Dawson Dog Camp!!!
Hot time in the old town tonight and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZfor 4-leggeds coming up – plus for musher Allen too!!!