Sunset from the Tanana River a couple of days ago. We ran 70 miles and came home under the brightest full moon of 2010. I didn't use my headlamp except in the trees because the moon was so bright, it didn't seem to do anything. The dogs had a great run and finished strong. They picked up the pace as the daylight disappeared and we loped the last several miles.
Saturday, we had the vet check. I had to pull the truck into a warehouse and we weighed and checked each dog carefully. Patron was the biggest weighing in at just over 62 pounds. Whitney was the smallest at just under 42 pounds. Most of the dogs were between 45-53 pounds. The dogs were a little nervous at being inside a strange place and having to stand on a table for some poking and prodding. Herbert was the most nervous and spent his few minutes on the table with his toes curled around the edge of it and bracing against my stomach to keep him from launching off. Everyone passed with flying colors except Detour. She has a heart murmer, not at all uncommon in sled dogs. But the vets want to do an EKG to be sure that there is not something else there to be concerned about. Hopefully it was nothing to keep her from racing as she is the rising star in the team. Detour is the toughest dog I have ever run and a phenomenal lead dog. We will find out in the next few days.
Otherwise, all the dogs are happy and healthy. The temperatures are supposed to start dropping this week and be -30 by later in the week. The extended forecast shows below 0 temps for all of the 10 days it shows for the Alaska side of the trail. It looks to be a cold one. Still trying to find the perfect footwear combination.
Brooke, Anita, and my mom all arrive on Tuesday around midnight. It will be nice to have everyone here. Just 5 days until the start and we are pretty much ready to go. I am trying to get a lot of sleep not as I won't be getting much for the next 2 weeks. I feel so lucky that I have not one but 2 great friends and handlers coming to help me. I won't have to worry about the dogs not on the trail and I know that they will handle anything that comes their way. 
Wow.We have read alot this am., & have alot to go. Just to say we will be keeping up with you thru this race and are very excited for you already.We pray for Nina's (Anita's)& the rest of your guests safe arrival. We know Anita can & will help you as much as possible to prepare, so get as much rest as possible.Sounds like you are gonna need it! We will be in touch.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, Avery, & Anita