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February
12, 2008 - Update From Sue & handler Scott
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Life on the Quest has been very exciting. After the
start we went to Chena Hot Springs and enjoyed a soak in
the pool and took a short nap. Mike and the team looked
good coming into the checkpoint and took the 2 hour
mandatory rest. Mike, Scott, Peter Duncan and I
all helped to walk the dogs to the truck, load the sled,
and clean up the area before heading back to Bill and
Sandy's for the night. Scott and I worked on getting
the team ready for the next day of going over Eagle
Summit. Mike showered and took a nap. We had many
hours of chores before getting a few hours ourselves.
We drove up to Mile 101 where the wind was very strong
and the temperature in the low -
30's. Mike was nervous about the coming run, but the
team didn't notice too much. Scott and I left with a
worried mind with the team and Mike going over Eagle
Summit with strong winds and steep declines. We
proceeded up to Central and the temperatures
were between -40 to -47 degrees. Brrr.. Mike and the
dogs made a good climb and safe decent. The dogs really
did well, but the run was very mentally challenging for
all. The team rested and Mike prepared for the next
run. Mike left Central at 1:20ish in the morning
with it still being very cold. The team left the check
point wearing coats and were excited to go into the cold
and dark night. Scott and I cleaned up the straw area
with the Northern Lights dancing over our heads. That
made cleaning up much nicer. We slept a few hours
in the truck and in the morning drove the 34 miles to
Circle. Many musher were coming in and few had big
smiles on their faces. The cold and trail has dampened
the spirits of most. Mike came into the check point
with Hawkeye in the sled bag and the dogs looking a
bit down. The trail over was tough and Beaver Creek was
-60 degrees. Hawkeye got a bit hot with his coat on at
-20, but the vets checked him over and he seems ok.
(Not sure what is planning on for him at this point.)
Once in the check point, Mike took the booties and coats
off the dogs and in a few minutes they all seemed
much happier. I guess that going from -60 to -20 and
the team wearing coats, they got too hot. That's the
Siberian for you! Mike is currently sleeping and is
supposed to be waking around 10pm Alaska time. I hope
the rest did him well. Scott and I will be leaving
in the morning to head back to Sandy and Bill's and then
to Dawson.
Thanks and I'll continue with what is happening when I
can.Sue and handler Scott |
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