SPK Dog Log

We have news that Aliy went through Morgan’s Cabin Checkpoint around 10:30 AM this morning. We assume that Ryne is close behind her, as she has been all through the race-though we haven’t heard Ryne’s time through the checkpoint. We haven’t heard Dallas’ time either, so we don’t know just how close the race is at this point.

This is the last checkpoint before the finish line at Kershner’s Cabin. Previously, this leg took just over 2 hours for both Aliy and Ryne. We hope to see our SP Kennel teams reach Kershner’s Cabin/Finish line in the next hour and a half or so.

Aliy and Ryne passed through the Nowhere Checkpoint for the final time. They were followed closely by Dallas Seavey. Since this is the last leg of the race, it’s hard to say what the run times will be. We expect to see them arrive at Morgan’s Cabin checkpoint around 9:30 AM at the earliest.

Aliy caught everyone off guard with an early arrival at Eagle Quest Lodge in first place. She completed the 30 mile run in 2:40 and caused race officials and me to dart out of the lodge without gloves and mitts in -25 degree weather. Her official arrival time is 19:25 so will have an earliest departure time of 1:25am. She said it felt like 40 below out on the river and is looking forward to warming up.

She is delighted with the performance of Pud who has been in lead with Beemer for 197 miles now. Considering he missed all of last season, this is a very special comeback for Aliy. Also standing out in the team is Scooter who has the enthusiasm of Biscuit and Tatfish and is frustrated when they are not moving. This two year old is already fighting to justify a place in the first team.

Between Morgan Cabin and Nowhere Checkpoint Aliy and Ryne took 2hr breaks. Blowing right past them was Justin Savidis, winner of the Don Bowers Memorial 200. Aliy did not realize he was running the 200 and thought he had blown by her too. Her competitive spirit surfaced, and she focused on chasing him down and arrived at the Eagle Quest Lodge checkpoint 4 minutes behind him.

Ryne took a slightly longer break and arrived at the checkpoint at 20:19 with a team that looked like it wasn’t ready for a break. She is pleased with her run and looking forward to a strong performance in the last leg of the race. She is out working on the feet and shoulders of her dogs so I don’t have much more to tell you right now. She did say that Ranger and Mac are the most enthusiastic members of the team. She will be departing at 02:18 for her final run back to Kershner’s checkpoint. Stormy and Ranger are still in lead and we will see if they finish this race in those positions. Ryne has some young dogs on her team like Boris and Mac, and others like Lester and Skittles, which have not had as many miles on them as other dogs. We will see if Ryne leaves with her full team or decides some of the dogs need a break.

Our next update will come to you tomorrow morning once Aliy and Ryne have moved through Nowhere Checkpoint.
Wes

Aliy is just rolling into the Eagle Quest Lodge Checkpoint in Willow. She will have a 6 hour rest layover there. More details once she has taken care of the dogs, and had time to catch her breath.

Both Aliy and Ryne passed through the Nowhere Checkpoint early this evening. Aliy breezed through about 4:45pm and Ryne around 5:35pm. They should arrive in Willow around 8:30 pm give or take a few minutes.

We will plan to post a more detailed report on the 200 mile race they have completed so far, when they have rested a bit at the Willow Checkpoint.

Aliy went through the Morgan Checkpoint on her way South to Willow at 9:46 AM. Ryne went through a few minutes later at 10:02 AM. Both are now on the approximate 7 hour trip to the Nowhere Checkpoint. We don’t anticipate hearing any updates until around 4:30 pm this evening from our SP Kennel teams. We may be able to post some photos this afternoon. Stay Tuned!

Both SP Kennel Teams continue to hold the 1st and 2nd place spots in the race after the first 100 miles.

Aliy arrived at Kersher’s Cabin Checkpoint at 1:12 AM and left at 7:15 AM this morning with 12 dogs. She dropped Rambler, Roy,and Sissy. These were planned drops as the dogs needed the miles in their training routine, but were not up in miles to complete a full 300 mile race.

Ryne arrived in Kersher’s Cabin at 1:31, and left at 7:31 AM with 11 dogs. Moonpie, Chemo, and Rose were left behind. Moonpie was having a great run until he stepped in a moose hole (we think), and now has a sore foot. The others were planned drops, as they were getting race miles and/or experience.

Both Ryne and Aliy had a good rest at the checkpoint and re-energized with food. Aliy said she was really happy with the trail since it’s a new one for her. Both she and Ryne camped out along the trail for about 2.5 hours. The camping was so useful for the dogs they gave an extra thirty minutes between Nowhere and Hal Morgan’s Cabin Checkpoints.

Aliy and Ryne are both headed back South to Willow. Wes is taking the dropped dogs back down to Willow where they will enjoy their breakfast and a nice bed of straw.

Aliy was the first musher to pass through Hal Morgan’s Cabin, a stop/go checkpoint along the trail, at 10:38pm. Ryne wasn’t far behind at 10:48pm. We assume they stopped for a short rest somewhere along the trail between Nowhere Checkpoint and Morgan’s cabin. Both seem to be doing fine, and are the first mushers to push up the trail to Kershner’s cabin. We expect them to arrive at Kershner’s around 12:30-1:00 AM, to begin their mandatory 6 hour rest.
We’ll update you when they check out of Kershner’s and hit the trail again.