Yukon Quest (21)

Looks like another nice day today so you will probably have the opportunity to get caught right up!

By all accounts, the race is going good. There are some fantastic times because the weather is above average right now. The leaders are not heading into or are into the Yukon! The girls are doing good too...hanging in there. I am proud of each of those ladies for just doing what they are doing and entering the race. Abbie West is right up there with the guys/veterans!!! The first musher from Saskatchewan, who is a rookie, is hanging in there as well!

I finding this race interesting to watch from a distance. Of the 9 front runners, one is a rookie ( a woman, Abbie West ) and she is holding her own against the vetern racers. I hope she continues to do well and better her standing in this race.
The front runners sure like to run in the dark.

And than there seems to be a couple, at the back of the pack, just enjoying the senery. But they still have all their dogs in the race.

I noticed, That there is a team from Switzerland, and two teams from Belguim.

Watching this race, brings back some memories for me. When I and 11 others went dog shelding and camping under the stars, for 10-14 days. Celebrating new years day in the bush. This trip was in the forest on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. I was in grade 11 at the time.

Hi Loner! Sounds like a wonderful time and a wonderful memory!

Yes, there are teams from all over; the musher from Sask. is originally from Belgium. I too, am very impressed with Abbie; she is more than holding her own, right up there with the veterans and some former winners, and she has had to drop 4 dogs and is down to 10. Nobody has arrived at Eagle yet. It is a mandatory rest stop for 4 hours. From Eagle to Dawson is a pretty tough leg of the race, a few summits and king Salomon's dome...some pretty rough terrain.
You are right, as far as the preference for running day or night, I think that has to do with the temperature as well. it is very warm up here right now. The dogs can probably run better at night when the temp drops. (It was only -10 here last night) Each musher has their own strategy I guess. Guessing another 6 days before they are close to here. I really hope I am able to go and get some pics. There will be a few great picture opportunities I am sure.
The yukonquest has a great facebook site...fantastic pics of the dogs! And great updates as well!
Stay warm down there

need to correct that. King Soloman's dome is between Dawson and Pelly. Regardless they have a few hundred miles or more of higher altitude coming up.
Loner, I was just reading that they believe strategically, some of the front runners turn off their head lamps and gps in order to "sneak" up on those ahead - easily done at night!

yes you are! Funny too!

Just a quick update... lead mushers started pulling out of Dawson this morning for the last half of the race! From what I have been reading, the trail is in excellent condition and this could be a fast trip to the finish!
Here is something that I thought was great. Lance Mackay's dogs are all wearing bright pink booties. Apparently a percentage of the sale of these boots go to breast cancer!! Think I will go get a few, well 4 for Hazel!!! Cheering for a safe and successful run for all teams!!