SPK Dog Log

The Black team arrived into Central at 11.24pm where everyone had a quick rest before setting off just a few minutes behind Hugh Neff at 3.40am. Whilst in the checkpoint Allen enjoyed a HUGE steak for dinner and got a comfy rest in the mushers sleeping quarters. There was some serious strategic thinking going on so I’m not sure how much actual sleep he got!

You can’t see much in this video but take a listen to Allen revving up the team – the dog he and Meghan are particularly talking about is Puppet! She was squealing to go which is quite unlike her, she is loving it!

Hi folks, transmission has resumed! The handler crew have been in remote interior Alaska and internet connectivity has been sparse but I’ve stopped in at home in Two Rivers before we head to the final checkpoint to greet Allen and the Black team.

We made it over the mountain pass to Circle City in time to catch up with Allen over a big cooked breakfast, see the dogs wolf down their meal and then see them leave. You will see clearly in this video that he removed the back end of the sled to reduce weight for the run home. Because the distances between checkpoints for the rest of the race are smaller than the earlier runs he didn’t have to carry so much food and equipment and he had planned his drop bags in Circle, Central, Mile 101 and Two Rivers accordingly.

See Quito and Olivia leading the team out of Circle City.

And here is why we were late…

Meghan and the SP Kennel Crew report that Allen came into Mile 101 with a “sassy” dog team. Quito and Scout were in lead, Puppet was still barking to go, Chica was lunging in her harness and Waylon screamed for everyone.

Allen grabbed water for himself and a few munchies then grabbed enough dog food for the next leg to Two Rivers Checkpoint. There was very little conversation as Allen was focused on his task and plan to run to Two Rivers.

We will be expecting the Black Team at the Two Rivers Checkpoint late this afternoon or evening.

Stay tuned…

During the YQ300, Aliy took a little time out to record a particularly gorgeous part of the trail to share with you. This is a couple of hours outside Braeburn.

The Black Team arrived in Central at 23.24 Saturday night. They rested in straw beds and ate kibble and snacks. Allen was able to talk to the SP Kennel Handling crew and even get some shut eye before departing again at 3.40 early Sunday morning. Hugh left only a few minutes before our team.

Quito and Olivia were in lead and Puppet was actually barking to go! Allen is calm, cool and collected about the fore coming climb over Eagle Summit. He has dismantled his tail dragger portion of his sled and thus reduced weight in order to make the steep climb easier.

According to the crew in Central, there is very little wind and cool (slightly below zero) temperatures when the team departed.

The Black Team is out of Circle City – they left at 1.27pm with all 11 dogs. They left with Olivia and Quito in lead, Scruggs and Scout in swing followed by Beemer and Nacho, Chica, Puppet and Willie and Biscuit and Waylon in wheel. They trotted happily out of the checkpoint and disappeared down the trail ready for their run through to Central Checkpoint.

Allen readies the team

The handler crew arrived in Circle City in time to see Allen wake up from his nap so we were able to catch up with him and see him and the team out safely. He is looking great and the team ate and slept really well. He is pleased with how the team looks for this stage of the race.

Right: Allen booties Nacho

At 8:00 AM the Black Team came off of the Yukon River and parked in the Circle Checkpoint. The SP Handler Crew is not there yet. Local Fairbanks dog musher and Yukon Quest veteran, Mike Ellis, was there to greet Allen and parked the team for him. Thanks Mike!

Hugh Neff came in to Circle only three minutes behind Allen.

Bob, Meghan and Moira headed towards the Circle Checkpoint at 4:45 AM this morning. Road conditions are unknown, so they are prepared to wait in the truck until Alaska D.O.T. opens the road over Eagle Summit.

Depending on both Yukon Quest trail and Alaska road conditions, it is unknown who will get to Circle Checkpoint first! Dog team or Handler Crew. It is almost comical to add more anxiety to an already stressful situation.

But, all humor aside, Allen and the Black Team are moving nicely down the Yukon River with temperatures below zero and the small village of Circle City as their next destination.

Stay tuned…