Time 6:50am Race mile 545
Returned Dog Update
Last night as Aliy took the team through the checkpoint of Ruby she had to bench Kodiak and leave him with the vet and volunteer crew there. He developed a sore wrist before Ruby and with snow back in the forecast she thought it too much to ask him to continue. He will likely need rest, massage and a few days of anti-inflammatory meds before he is back to himself again, just like we would with a sore ankle or wrist.
It could be a few days before he gets back to Linda at our SPK Anchorage HQ due to the incoming weather. He has spent time with Linda and Midnight before so should remember how the TV remote works. Bruno is on his way back to the kennel today. He’s enjoyed his stay with Linda and Midnight but was ready to come home to tell his mates all about his adventures.
Race update
Aliy and her 12 team mates have pulled into Galena this morning at 4:59am. They ran through the night pretty much maintaining their aft-24 hour break speeds so that’s exciting. Aliy rang Allen from Ruby to say, apart from having to leave Kodiak behind, everyone else is looking great and things going well. She is feeling great and she singled out QT and Decaf as her current rockstars! QT has been running in lead and Decaf has been moved up nearer the front of the team to take advantage of his contagious enthusiasm. At this time we are unsure if she has declared an eight hour rest here and we won’t know for a few hours as they will rest here for a while regardless.
So far, looking at the Insider videos from overnight, the forecast storm had not yet arrived. But it will. Ned Stark had a saying for that… (that’s a Game of Thrones reference for those who haven’t seen it).
In other race news we have heard that Shaktoolik is no longer an official ‘checkpoint’ on the race and is not based in the village, it will be two miles short of the village in ‘Old Shaktoolik’. The mushers will have their drop bags, straw and HEET (fuel for cookers) but no race personnel will be there. Evidently the checkpoint at Nulato will also not be based in the village but will have race personnel present so will still be ‘official’. This story is still unfolding so we don’t have too many answers yet but the Iditarod continues to take advice from State of Alaska’s chief medical officer regarding what is the best course of action to keep the race going.
Check out the Matson in Alaska’s Facebook page for an album from the 2020 Iditarod. Why not give them a ‘like’ while you are there to thank them for their continued support of SP Kennel.
Thanks ever so much for the latest updates!!!
Safe travels to the Red Team!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF and an extra WOOF WOOF to Kodiak!!! Get better soon!!!
(I started a reply on my phone, and it got lost, so if this is a repeat, sorry!)
Yay, Decaf! So glad to see him working up the line, but then every position is important. And QT, WOW…you go! Glad to hear Aliy is upbeat, haven’t seen much of her on the Iditarod stuff…BUT, we have SPK updates, so THANK YOU! Rest well Kodiak, the dropped dog folks and vets will take good care of you. Safe travels to all our SPK dogs and personnel as you weather the constantly changing landscape on all fronts. We love you.
Job well done Kodiak! You are a rockstar!
And really, really great job QT and Decaf! Keep the team motivated and moving down the trail!
Wow, no personnel in Shaktoolik! The US is a different place than it was on March 2/3 when we started this journey.
Ditto….Safe travels to the SPK support team as you figure out the logistics of all of this.
Go Aliy and team! We are with you until you cross the finish line….a much more subdued finish line this year.
Correction to my comment….Mar 7/8, 🙄
I hope the amazing Kodiak recovers quickly.
It’s exciting that QT is rising to the leader challenge, and go Decaf!
Woohoo!
Wow, no race personal at Shaktoolik means ? 90 miles without vets, dog drops, and times. It certainly is something for the mushers to think about. Kinda like an Eagle Island thing. I hope everything goes smoothly for all, especially Aliy.
Yes! Matson in Alaska Face Book page has posted some awesome pics of Aliy and her team. SPK fans, hop over there and follow if you aren’t already. 😉
Oh, I forgot to add. Sean Underwood interview on Insider about the 2 minute mark. He mentioned he tried ski-poling for about 15 mins and doesn’t know how Aliy Zirkle does it for like 500 miles. He’s still sore! Go Aliy! Show those young pups!
Sorry to hear about Kodiak–wishing you a speedy recovery and a soon as you see Linda she will
have all kinds of love/kisses for ya! Keep the Spirit Aliy! Really hopeful for QT up front! Following
ya with good thoughts!
Sorry to see my boy Kodiak on the sidelines but Aliy know best and I love the care she places on these athletes. Doing it right Aliy!! Love you and keep up the great work! Go Aliy Goooo!!