SPK Dog Log

We are operating in full gear as the Yukon Quest and the Yukon Quest 300 begin. Our reporters in the field, aka the handlers – Doug, Ray and Dave, have a sat phone with them and will be keeping us up-to-date with all the news on Allen, Aliy and Ryne. We have created a special page to follow the Quest 300. You can follow the link at the top of the page or use the one on the sidebar for Quest Links. We are also posting on Facebook and Twitter during the races.

Please join us over the next week plus!

Allen vet checked fifteen dogs, but Skittles will be racing with Aliy and the Red Team!

When Allen, Aliy and Ryne leave the starting line of the Yukon Quest / Quest 300, they will be heading out into a historically significant area. The developement of Alaska and the Yukon Territories was largely influenced by the events that unfolded here, first in the late 1800’s and then during World War II. As they are crossing this territory, I will try to give you some history of the area they are mushing through. Whitehorse is located at the head of the navigable Yukon River. It began it’s life as a supply center for the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890’s and cemented its existence as the northern end of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. It became the Territorial Capital in 1953, moved from Dawson City. For a in depth look at the history of Whitehorse, go to http://explorenorth.com/yukon/whitehorse-history.html.In 1984, the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race began. The first running was from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, along the old mail trails, Yukon River and mining trails. It took Sonny Lindner 12 days to complete the 1st running. In 2000, Aliy became the first woman to ever win the grueling 1000 mile race.

Ryne and Stormy walked around Whitehorse today. Of course, they made it down to the Yukon Quest starting line along the Yukon River.