Iditarod (More)
“We’re back from Sleuthfest,” Admin says. “So much catching up to do. First – a link for following the race:
And second, here’s something from a sleepy Rebecca.”
“And who wouldn’t be?” says Spence.
“Absolutely. Here’s Rebecca, of Snowhook Kennel:”
The team has traveled through several challenges between the starting line and the first checkpoint of the interior of Alaska—the Steps, the Gorge, the Buffalo Chutes, a glacier and the Farewell Burn. A handful of hours ago, Snowhook less one left Nikolai and are on the way to McGrath. AJ stayed in McGrath for five days while he searched for our wandering Whitey-Lance in 2010. Two of Whitey-Lances’ pups, Marco and Abe are named after two residents of McGrath who aided AJ in the search.
“Love those details about Whitey-Lance’s pups,” says Admin.
“And how about this photo of Plunderer extraordinaire C. Harris with musher AJ and Rebecca before the start?”
“I love it.”
Welcome Sasha and Smokey, Chester, Marcie Jolie, Conan.
Tags: AJ, C. Harris, Iditarod, Rebecca, Snowhook
This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 at 9:15 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
9:20 am on March 7th, 2012
Blog Time !!!! Hurray! Thanks for posting that pic, and for the great Snowhook Iditarod writeup, Admin, Spence, and Rebecca.
We have a question and a request to make from our fellow Plunderers. We have Insider, and we picked 5 mushers to follow, starting of course, with our favorite musher AJ. While we receive emails whenever the others arrive at or leave their checkpoints, we have yet to receive one when AJ arrives or leaves. Has anyone else?
Our request is for anyone that has a pic of W-L with his bandana on at the Ceremonial Start…could you please post it for us to see?
9:28 am on March 7th, 2012
Good morning Everyone. This is all too exciting for me, but I love all the excitement.
9:30 am on March 7th, 2012
Hold on to your tiara Sam! I believe it will get even more exciting!
OkayHowlers: Are you talking about W-L’s 2011 Ceremonial Start?
9:36 am on March 7th, 2012
Okay, from what I can tell, AJ is out of Nikolai and headed to McGrath. Is that where he’s doing his 24 hours? Or is he moving through to Takotna?
What’s the terrain between the two?
9:37 am on March 7th, 2012
Betty!…White!..snort!…and Snowhook!
9:38 am on March 7th, 2012
Good morning everyone.
Quiet day here, so far. Looking like rain but in the 50’s this afternoon. No complaints!
9:39 am on March 7th, 2012
Coat!…My friend has a coat just like C.Hobbit.Harris does! Isn’t that cool?…heh!heh!…Wish I could logon to the the Insider and catch up on some stuff…sniff!…Help me out SiberH! What’s going on besides all kinds of excitement!…Wooooo!
9:40 am on March 7th, 2012
Greetings All!
I can’t tell you how much I love today’s picture!
Rebecca, are you a giant too? 🙂
Melanie: The portrait of Alice is just stunning!!! Also thank you for the video last night.
T&G: I thank you for including me in your prayer. The peace and love I feel from your prayer overwhelms me.
SiberH and Dawson: I love you and the rest of this pack very much!
Alice: Looking at your picture, and thinking of Rio did bring a smile.
Wolfie: I thank you and your mom for your healing thoughts of warm sunshine. I take pills too. Sometimes I have to resort to more aggressive treatment. That will be happening again soon.
Masquers, my dear friend, it is nice to know there are always Plunderers around when I need them.
Belle Starr: I loved giving you tummies yesterday. I felt much better with you and Luna by my side. You just have to learn not to hog the quilt…. 🙂
Rio: A special thanks to you. After all my time on this blog, you’ve have come to mean a lot to me. Courageous, generous, and devoted. I know your teeth don’t close well, but I appreciate your efforts in trying to grab this depression stuff by the pant leg on my behalf.
Now, I just want to know, where the heck is AJ?????
9:41 am on March 7th, 2012
So I finally found the area Siber-H was talking about 2 days ago. It says that the run AJ is on now is good to run at night and with no snow. That is what’s happening there right now. Nikolai, McGrath, Takotna and Ophir have 23 degrees and cloudy.
Good.
Sounds like the track to Takotna is well maintained.
9:41 am on March 7th, 2012
No, Melanie…his 2012 Ceremonial Start. It was reported by the BDHW that W-L wore a red and white bandana similar to his jacket from the 2011 Ceremonial Start. It said “Property of Snowhook Kennel”.
9:46 am on March 7th, 2012
I haven’t seen that picture. Will have to look around.
Rose: AJ is coming into McGrath (Oley Howlers in memory of Boris Badanov).
9:48 am on March 7th, 2012
Dropped!…Does anyone know which guy AJ dropped from the Team?…snort!
9:51 am on March 7th, 2012
Love the picture! Thanks Spence.
I’m awaiting the carpet installers and I’m not good at waiting. Also, my house is discombobulated. Do you know how many books I have…..those under shelves, not counting those on shelves.
Go Snowhook!
9:52 am on March 7th, 2012
AJ is about 6 miles out of our checkpoint. Surely Boris has met up with them by now! 🙂
9:55 am on March 7th, 2012
Rose: I hope you start feeling better. Wish I could do something.
9:57 am on March 7th, 2012
I’ve pulled up two webcams at the McGrath Airport. Don’t think AJ is near that right now. And the check point might not be in camera range. What do I see?
It’s very dark. 🙂
10:08 am on March 7th, 2012
Thanks B. I’m smiling here thinking about all your books. If the books are only in shelves, and under them, that’s pretty good. I have books in every single closet in my apartment. The Prof always growls when he sees the mess. Note to mention the ones stored on my nook.
If the Prof and I ever decide to move, it is going to be a katastrophe!!!!
10:08 am on March 7th, 2012
Hi, evybuddy!
I just found out that if you select all the mushers, and then click history for all of them, you get a pretty rainbow on the trail. I love sled doggies, yay Snohook doggies.
10:10 am on March 7th, 2012
Rose, contact T and G re: SSD.
10:15 am on March 7th, 2012
By Jeff Schultz / AlaskaStock.com
Tuesday March 6, 2012 Voluteer veterinarian Cat Hefley checks Justin Savidis dogs at the Nikolai checkpoint, Iditarod 2012.
from the photo section of the Iditarod site.
10:16 am on March 7th, 2012
Melanie, can you post the link for the webcam in McGrath?
10:25 am on March 7th, 2012
Bee, Are you a counter? If so maybe you could count your books as you are putting them all away.
Rose, hope the prayer helped. Spring is coming, more light may help if any of the depression is seasonal.
10:26 am on March 7th, 2012
B. – After the new carpet is installed, keep your windows open for as long as you can. That will help clear the chemicals out.
10:30 am on March 7th, 2012
Howlers – 24 hours after he was away, I got an email notification that A.J.had left a checkpoint. Nothing since then. He’s the only one I signed up for.
Thanks, Everybody, for all the extras you’re finding. Warm thoughts of healing to all who need them and regular warm thoughts to all. Onward, Snowhook! (I don’t know how Rebecca does this waiting thing…)
10:39 am on March 7th, 2012
Stover!….I could send Beau over to Christen your new carpet!…snort!…He will bring his own Champagne…heh!heh!
10:44 am on March 7th, 2012
Alice: Those are our Kennel thieves, Pancho (foreground) and Lefty (background). I wonder if the vet was able to maintain ownership of her stethoscope.
We are coming up on Boris’ checkpoint…any moment now…
10:45 am on March 7th, 2012
Howlers — same here; only signed up for AJ, but no emails at all so far, although when I go to the website, I do get his basic information on the side. Need to check spam filter though, it’s possible they got diverted.
Wookie
10:47 am on March 7th, 2012
Jasper: Just want to send good thoughts and prayers out to Sissy.
Macy: Will do! Thanks for the heads up!
10:48 am on March 7th, 2012
Hi all – oh this is all so exciting.
Bee – maybe you should think of becoming an artist. Your category could be sculptor, and your medium could be books. Think lego blocks….
Macy and Rose – Mama will check in with youse guys later.
Melanie – please check your SDD
Thanks everyone for posting such wonderful pictures. It really helps us to feel like we are a part of it all.
10:49 am on March 7th, 2012
Next one. Have no idea if he’ll be going through his at all.
http://www.borealisbroadband.net/vid-mcgrath1mega.htm
10:51 am on March 7th, 2012
Barb!…Me and my friend are all caught up on that show Parenthood…snort!…We sobbed and sobbed at the ending…wooooo!
10:52 am on March 7th, 2012
Question: There is a mandatory 8 hour stay. Has AJ done this already in Nikolai? Or does it have to be in a certain check point?
10:56 am on March 7th, 2012
AJ is at McGrath!!!! Altho my green flag shows a little out, his mileage shows 261.8 which my Mobil page says is the mileage for McGrath!
WOO HOOOO !!! All Plunderers that are on board: say a big AWOOO to Boris!
10:57 am on March 7th, 2012
Rose: I don’t think it’s so much that I’m a giant, too, rather Charris is an itty bitty thing with a great smile.
Melanie: AJ has to declare his 8 and 24. When he’s done so, you will see a check mark in that column on the race standings page. He will 24 in Takotna, and will take his 8 on the Yukon River which he won’t reach until after his 24. My best guess is that he stayed in Nikolai for so long because of the dog he dropped, waiting to see if he or she was good to run. Our motto is to be conservative with the dogs; if he’s doing his job well, he will drop the dog. He is a couple hours behind schedule now.
11:01 am on March 7th, 2012
Awooooooooooo – Boris!
Paws crossed for dropped dogs to be ok.
Bella – thanks for the stay over explanation.
11:02 am on March 7th, 2012
No, AJ hasn’t done his 24 hr. yet. The mushers can choose where they want to do their 24 hour mandatory rest.
I’m here, but haven’t gone to the Iditarod’s website yet. I’m going there next.
Pancho and Lefty, Two of my heroes and a great song.
Super photo of AJ., Rebecca, and CHarris!
Stover, Good advice from Mollypop’s mom and good luck today. New carpet is a lot of work.
11:03 am on March 7th, 2012
Bella, when will you learn which dog was dropped? We are hoping it was not wanderlustful W-L who dropped himself so that he could go off to see all of his friends in this area! 🙂
11:04 am on March 7th, 2012
I’ve got AJ less than a mile from McGrath.
Bella? When AJ gets to his 24 hour layover do you get to talk to him?
11:10 am on March 7th, 2012
Apple is making a major announcement today, probably for the ipaw HD.
Mom wants one really, really bad.
Maybe in a few months……..
11:16 am on March 7th, 2012
When AJ drops a dog it is flown to Anchorage. I will get a call from the Dropped Dog Coordinator, a woman I can and did recognize by her voice—last year when AJ signed up for the race, there was a crowd of people, but I heard her voice and had to got introduce myself and tell her thank you for all she does for the dogs. I won’t know who or why until she calls and even then, she may have limited information. Last year it was days before I found out that Elim was in the hospital; I just knew a dog had been rushed to the ER.
11:17 am on March 7th, 2012
McGrath!….Woooooo!… Here’s to Boris Badanov!….salute!
11:18 am on March 7th, 2012
Hi Bella! Do you get to hear from AJ when he takes his 24?
11:19 am on March 7th, 2012
Just got this email:
SOLAR ACTIVITY: Big sunspot AR1429 has unleashed another major flare–an X5-class eruption on March 7th at 00:28 UT. As a result of the blast, a radiation storm is underway and a CME will likely hit Earth’s magnetic field in a day or so. Geomagnetic storms are already in progress at high latitudes due to earlier eruptions from the active sunspot. Last night, auroras were spotted over several northern-tier US states including Michigan and Wisconsin. Check http://spaceweather.com for updates and images.
11:21 am on March 7th, 2012
I have to get something done. Have no idea what. The list is endless. Hmmm. Kitchen? Make beef jerky? Cook dry some shrimp?
Dan’s upstairs having a break.
11:21 am on March 7th, 2012
Rio, Glad you liked the ending. We did too. Parenthood is one of the favs around here. Did you notice how they wrap everything up at the end of the season, rather than having those horrible cliffhangers? It is almost as though they are not sure the show will be renewed and they want it to end on a happy note. Felt sorry for the dumped boyfriend, but he was gracious about it.
11:23 am on March 7th, 2012
Well, the sun is about to come up in AK. And what I thought might be interesting things on the web cams? Nope!
11:23 am on March 7th, 2012
Thank you Mollypop’s Mom. I will leave windows open. It’s supposed to be 67 here today according to the Weather Channel. It is difficult to believe that. There is tremendous pounding and bumping going on at the moment. (I’m in the basement trying to stay away from all the dust.)
Barb: I’ll try counting the books when things calm down.
11:27 am on March 7th, 2012
I have AJ stopped at Mcgrath now. Boris’s Checkpoint!!!
Solar Activity…There goes our Direct tv, not that we are watching it anyway.
11:29 am on March 7th, 2012
Plunderers, I need the quilt. I just recieved a call from our vet, which I knew was going to be bad news when the phone rang. Rory died about six o’clock this morning. A vet tech was able to be with her. Our dear girl is gone and it doesn’t feel like I have a heart left to beat.
The vet is going to perform a necropsy and they will preserve her body until I can come and get her. We have 20 acres with a small section dedicated to our four-legged who have crossed the Bridge.
That tail wag I she gave me yesterday means so much more today.
11:33 am on March 7th, 2012
Oh lordy, Rebecca. Our heart is breaking for you and for Rory. To be so close to this dream and then have something so unforseen and so out of anybody’s control happen. We are so so deeply sorry.
Let us all crawl under the quilt together.
11:35 am on March 7th, 2012
Oh no! I can’t bear it.
11:40 am on March 7th, 2012
Barb!…Maybe we still have one episode to watch…sniff!…The dumped boyfriend part has not been seen yet. We thought the ending in the rain was the last episode…wuffle!
11:41 am on March 7th, 2012
And….we’re off! and we hit the trail (floor) running. (what’s that you say? AJ has stopped in McGrath?)
Okay. Just found out our team is in MacGrath. I’m told Boris did a fine job of leading them in. Arooo to Boris Badanov!!!
O.Howlers and all who are having problems with your Fav Five updatees…Same here. We keep waiting for news of AJ, but the updates are very infrequent (once a day?) Grrrr.
Prayers for brave Sissy this morning. All of us are sending Good Thoughts your way.
B: It’s a Big Hassle, but worth it. You will LOVE your new carpet!
We are going back to yesterday…the Real Beginning of Today…to catch up on all the posts.
Whew! I’m exhausted already!
11:42 am on March 7th, 2012
A quick update on Wolfie’s boys:
Mom took Chad to the doctor on Monday and made sure that he had all the necessary medical tests. Chad needs to call TC and make the arrangements.
We will take him this weekend. If he tries to blow us off and drag this out, he needs to find his own ride.
Cody, as mom found out, has been neither clean nor sober. Mom has taken him off the payroll and hopefully he will be ready for teen challenge also. Or not. It is up to him.
11:43 am on March 7th, 2012
Sob!…sob!sob!sob!…I can’t stand it either…sniffle! … Two gone…sob!sob!… Poor Rebecca, so much worry and sadness right now.
11:45 am on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca – while it doesn’t make it any easier for those of us left here, at least we know that the last thing Rory did was what she loved to do – she led the Ceremonial Start through Anchorage to applause and well wishers and cheers.
There will be many dearly loved 4 leggeds waiting to escort her over the Rainbow Bridge, and now – now she can be in the lead again.
We are sending hugs and head bumps and Corgi cuddles.
11:48 am on March 7th, 2012
Oh no, I just read the news about Rory. Rebecca, I am so sorry. So very sorry.
Sniff.
Darn it.
11:48 am on March 7th, 2012
I had the same thought as my Fellow Sibers. We all need the quilt today. Rebecca, We are so sorry and are crying with you.
We all lost Rory today.
11:51 am on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca, all our arms encircle you and A.J. and the team.
From last night’s prayer: Each star gives its one crystal clear note, by itself a single sound, but when joined with the universe, a sparking symphony rings out to those who would hear.
She’s not alone, nor are you. I am so very sorry.
11:51 am on March 7th, 2012
The royals said it well.
11:53 am on March 7th, 2012
Well said, Bluekat.
I am crying now.
11:56 am on March 7th, 2012
Wildflowers for our Rory:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jr3uKOzNaw
11:57 am on March 7th, 2012
Oh No!!! We just read the news about dear Rory.
Our Hearts are Breaking as One. Rebecca, I am so so sorry to hear this sad news! We cannot help but think that she was determined to join the team on the trail.
All of us are under the Quilt together now.
12:01 pm on March 7th, 2012
Tears falling …
12:04 pm on March 7th, 2012
Thanks Rio but I don’t think I want the carpet christened in that way!
Awooooo Boris!
12:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca: I’m so sorry about Rory.
12:15 pm on March 7th, 2012
A very sad start to my day.
Rebecca, no words can tell you how sorry we are.
Bluecat, the Royals & the others have said what is in our hearts.
Crying here…
12:20 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca. They say that when one of the members of the nation within crosses the rainbow bridge, there is a new star in heaven that shines. I know that Rory is shining so very brightly for all the love and good times that you shared. Still, tears all around . . .
Wookie
12:28 pm on March 7th, 2012
Darn It!
Tears raining down for us who are left behind.
Mollypop, Boris, Younger and many others will be there to welcome Rory.
One thing helping us all is Storyteller’s prayers. I look forward to them each night. I’ll hang out in the quilt today with all the other Plunderers and Lurkers.
12:29 pm on March 7th, 2012
Thank you for your comfort, all of you. My boss called me yesterday to help him out today. I know if he called and was violating our ‘when your on vacation, be on vacation’ policy that he really needed my help. They are good to me. I need to pull it together long enough to teach a class. I hope I can do it.
12:39 pm on March 7th, 2012
Hmm. Sleep deprivation should really help you teach that class.
I remember when I first got sick and I was trying to teach OTAS long division. COMPLETELY WRONG! And I was a math teacher!
I wonder if that’s why he doesn’t like math?
12:41 pm on March 7th, 2012
AJ must be working with the dogs. They have him going 0.1 miles per hour.
12:49 pm on March 7th, 2012
Oh Rebecca…I’m sure if your boss knew…or will it help you to keep busy?
12:54 pm on March 7th, 2012
Wookie and CHarris: please contact mom on her SDD aller@sti.net
1:03 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca: NO, no, no, no!!! I am sobbing. I cannot tell you how very sorry I am to hear about Rory. I just can’t take this. I have to go now…..
1:06 pm on March 7th, 2012
When one is teaching a class everything else is forgotton. I know you can do it Rebecca.
1:07 pm on March 7th, 2012
Wolfie: Message sent. Awaiting further word. Wookie
1:09 pm on March 7th, 2012
So sad to hear about Rory. Tears are being shed here. What a brave girl she was.
Rio, we are sorry if we revealed some facts to you about the show. You did say you saw the season finale, so we didn’t mean to mess things up for you.
1:10 pm on March 7th, 2012
SiberH!…Check your SDD!…sniff!
1:15 pm on March 7th, 2012
Barb!…You didn’t reveal anything except to let us know we haven’t seen the finale yet!…snort!
1:24 pm on March 7th, 2012
From Mom:
It is horrific how many doggies on this blog have been hit by illness and injury quite unexpectedly and suddenly. Lesson learned: all moms and dads (and friends) need to hug their Members of the Nation (and kats too) immediately and often.
1:34 pm on March 7th, 2012
Total agreement OleyHowlers.
I’m going under the quilt for a while.
Chocolate, that’s what I’ll have under there.
1:48 pm on March 7th, 2012
Chili cheese fritos for us.
1:51 pm on March 7th, 2012
Wait, instead of under the quilt I’ve been looking at Gypsy and I’ve noticed that I can see AJ at where he is camped out with the pups and then do a quick drive down to Susie’s Iditarod Trail and Cafe.
Any one want to meet me for cheesecake?
1:56 pm on March 7th, 2012
Well, we can stop there with you, but can’t stay long. We are heading further down the road to McGuire’s Tavern!
2:18 pm on March 7th, 2012
There is a wonderful article in the Dispatch that mentions our very favorite musher.
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/n … m?page=0,0
And there is a great picture of Whitey-Lance in the forum thread about AJ
2:26 pm on March 7th, 2012
That link didn’t quite work, but on my way to finding the article, I found this post-Ceremonial start picture:
“Justin Savidis’ dogs at the end of the ceremonial start, howling at other dogs still mushing.”
2:27 pm on March 7th, 2012
Melanie: Like the O.Howlers said…..
2:48 pm on March 7th, 2012
O.Howlers & Royals: What is the date on the story at the Alaskan Dispatch? We are seeing numerous links.
2:57 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca: The last image I have of Rory is her wagging her tail when you visited while she was still heavily sedated. Rory knew you were there — helping and wishing her well. What a life she had with you and AJ. You and her will be in all of our hearts and thoughts today.
3:13 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rio and Bear, Check your SDDs, please. I will return to the computer in around 45 minutes.
3:38 pm on March 7th, 2012
C.Harris: We here have that image in our mind also.
We believe Rory has rejoined AJ and the team at McGrath. Her intention is to replace the dropped dog at Rainy Pass, so he will now have a complete team of 16 dogs.
I am picturing her as lead dog, running like the wind, with the rest of the team on her way to Nome.
3:56 pm on March 7th, 2012
BearSpiritDoggie – the article Tupper mentions is today. Is long article vith lots news about running. Mr AJ Giant is talked about. Be prepared – he has had little trouble on route. Is not bad trouble and Natasha is vatching over team. Article also talks about he is hero. He rescued other musher on trail yesterday.
There is other part of article that Natasha is too much lady to talk about. Seems other team has boyfriend and girlfriend run together. However, race time is not good time for vhat they do right now.
Very sorry Rory could not run vith team in harness. But she is run vith team anyway. Ve have seen her in sky. She runs happy
4:09 pm on March 7th, 2012
Natty: Thank Dog you are out there on the trail to keep an eye on AJ and the team!
Going now to read the article from the Alaskan Dispatch. Royals, thanks once again for the link. (Maybe you could mention his heroism in the Iditarod Forum posts?)
4:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
Nattie: Is true. How can we be sad when Rory runs happy.
4:24 pm on March 7th, 2012
Dispatch!…I looked at all the articles on the Iditarod link of the Alaskan Dispatch …grunt!…But I still do not see the one about AJ…sniff!….Give us a little more detailed info Natasha, like the NAME of the article…snort!
4:26 pm on March 7th, 2012
Aaawoouhhcoughcough. Min-pins are not great howlers, but the thought is there anyway.
Mom just came back home after several hours and saw that I forgot to submit the above *headslap*
4:29 pm on March 7th, 2012
CHarris: That is the last image I have of Rory as well. Rory, Younger, and Howard are watching from the Rainbow Bridge, willing AJ and the rest of the team on. I can hear them saying “You got this, Pop!Don’t stop!” And MollyPop wagging that fierce tail of hers like a cheerleader’s pom-pom, saying, “Go AJ, go!”
Bella: You did such a good job raising up Rory. You will never be forgotten in her heart. My pledge to you is to sponsor a checkpoint in Rory’s memory in 2013. You can take that to the bank! Much love and hugs.
4:33 pm on March 7th, 2012
We did a search for Savidis on the Alaskan Dispatch and found several links, including the picture we posted. However, we did not find the article T&G and Natasha are discussing.
Siber, some guy on the Forum knocked our kind in the Northern Breeds thread.
4:36 pm on March 7th, 2012
Just so sad…
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
We don’t know how you guys with so many dogs can bear all the loss.
4:39 pm on March 7th, 2012
Got it! Lots of trouble on the trail. AJ is okay.
He’s on page 2
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/near-death-experience-dog-runaway-iditarod-trail-team?page=0,0
4:41 pm on March 7th, 2012
Found!…The article is from YESTERDAY and it is about the Runaway dog sled team…grunt!…It is very good. All the mishaps that have taken place so far…heh!
4:43 pm on March 7th, 2012
I cannot fine the article on the Alaskan Dipatch website either.
Ok Fellow Sibers, I am going to the Forums. Could be the dude is simply not man enough handle us.
4:45 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rio & Howlers check your SDD.
4:46 pm on March 7th, 2012
Never mind…you found it.
4:47 pm on March 7th, 2012
If you can’t find the story, here it is:
That area also bit Justin Savidas, whose sled speared a 6-inch tree root jutting onto the trail. The root splayed the runners, causing the widen apart at the front, and messed up his bridle line enough that for the final 40 miles into Nikolai his sled drove like a car out of alignment. With a severe pull to the left it made for difficult driving on a trail with rocks, chunks of ice and tree roots with a whisper-thin blanket of snow.
While driving the off-kilter sled, he ran into another obstacle. There in the middle of the trail at one point was Linton, stopped and working to get the runaway team with which he had just reunited back in order. Because the trail was narrow, Savidas was forced to reroute through the trees to get around.
Linton isn’t the first musher to lose a team in this year’s race it, should be noted. On Monday, 2011 Iditarod runner-up Ramey Smyth fell asleep on his way to Finger Lake and fell off his sled. Undeterred by the mishap, the team continued down the trail without him and even passed another musher on their driverless march forward. Smyth, who has been known to run for hours to ease the workload on his team, gave chase on foot until rescued by Savidas, who picked him up and ferried him to his team, which had come to a stop and sat there waiting as though they had finally realized they’d left the boss behind.
Smyth called the 45 minutes it took to catch up with his team “pure worry,” and wasn’t happy that disentangling the group after they were reunited added another 45 minutes to his run time.
For Savidas, it was an easy choice to give Smyth a lift. Mushers have a long history of being Good Samaritans to one another along the trail, and this was a chance for Savidas to pay back the help that came his way in 2010 about 30 miles out of McGrath. He had a tangle and lost a dog that year. For days he searched for it. He was eventually forced to scratch, because drivers cannot move up the trail until they have accounted for all their dogs. Savidas didn’t want to leave anyway. He was worried about the dog. Fortunately, it finally turned up after having gone missing for five days.
“This stuff goes around and comes around and so everybody helps each other,” he said.
4:49 pm on March 7th, 2012
Following the blog these past few days I am feeling the tensions a Air Traffic Controller must experience on a daily basis.
4:56 pm on March 7th, 2012
Thanks Melanie and Macy, Now I am off to the Forums.
Masquers, It is not only trying to keep up with the blog, it is also trying to keep up with the Iditarod. I am not a multi-tasking Husky.
4:59 pm on March 7th, 2012
Read the whole article to Dan and Zoe. That burn place sounds just terrible. No wonder AJ’s little flag wasn’t moving very fast.
More power to him! AJ rules!
The part about MacKay’s lead dogs had us in hysterics!!! Been there! Just have to ride (so to speak) it out!
5:03 pm on March 7th, 2012
Oh, bah humbug to that know it all that is spouting off about Siberians in the Forums.
5:05 pm on March 7th, 2012
Does AJ have a backup sled? At least now we know why he was stopped so long in the middle of nowhere. Wow. Lots of problems for lots of mushers. Good to know they help each other out.
We are wondering if Natasha had something to do with the lust-making going on with Mackey’s leads.
5:07 pm on March 7th, 2012
We’d like to grab him by the pantleg.
5:09 pm on March 7th, 2012
yeah, and maybe something else
5:10 pm on March 7th, 2012
Howlers – did Natasha not promise to create some “distraction” for other teams??!!??
5:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
The part about Smyth is funny. Good thing AJ gave him a lift.
What is the funny story about MacKay’s dogs? Are those the 2 amorous ones Nattie was talking about?
5:21 pm on March 7th, 2012
We are happy SJ is at ourcheckpoint, but he is spending a lot of time here, isn’t he?
5:33 pm on March 7th, 2012
Holy Mackeral. We really can’t type on the iPaw.
here goes again: We are happy AJ is at our checkpoint, but he is spending a lot ot time there, isn’t he?
5:49 pm on March 7th, 2012
Fellow Sibers, It is maddening to not know what any of the musher’s race strategy is and they change their minds while they are racing. I am not worried, yet.
When you are setting in front of a computer, staring at Gypsy, it always seems like a long time.
5:54 pm on March 7th, 2012
Howlers: After all the commotion he may be taking this opportunity to stop for a rest.
Siber-H: Are there mandatory layovers at certain checkpoints or is it up to the musher to choose his 8 and 24? (I probably asked this question before)
5:57 pm on March 7th, 2012
He was all set to leave when his lead dogs Mayor and Maple started mating. When that happens? Nothing is going to move. Snicker, in fact, lots of snickering. He got to watch team after team leave until they were done.
He did say he might change Mayor to the back of the Pack. snicker …
This is what the article said “For four-time champ Lance Mackey the trouble wasn’t as much about the trail as it was a lead dog named Mayor looking for some tail. ”
SNICKERING LOUDLY
5:58 pm on March 7th, 2012
Maskers!…You asked that question before…heh!… You better go get some rest, you’ve been at Command Central for hours now…chuffle!
5:58 pm on March 7th, 2012
Now what I was going to write before the snickering got a hold of me …
I hope AJ is able to fix the sled so it can maneuver better. Maybe he has a whole bunch of duct tape.
6:00 pm on March 7th, 2012
Riö, what is the answer to Masquers repeated question?
6:01 pm on March 7th, 2012
This Iditarod will go down in history for Lance Mackey…smirks all around the campfires over that one.
6:01 pm on March 7th, 2012
Masquers, The mushers can choose where they want to take their mandatory 8 hour and 24 hour layovers.
There is another mandatory 8 hr. layover at White Mountain to prevent mad dashes to the finish line in Nome by a few crazed mushers. Maybe it could be a 6 hr. layover, I’m getting foggy.
6:04 pm on March 7th, 2012
Melanie: As you know, duct tape is the solution to every problem…on the road, or on the trail…it never fails.
6:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
Siber-H: LOL “to prevent mad dashes to the finish line..by a few crazed mushers”
6:15 pm on March 7th, 2012
Melanie: We previously saw what duct tape did for Beau’s toy; if it can do that, it can certainly repair AJ’s sled. Wookie
6:22 pm on March 7th, 2012
One moment, 9-year-old Marshall was pulling hard at Iditarod sophomore Scott Janssen’s sled, the tug line taut as a guitar string. The next, the husky was down on the snow. “I was sobbing,” said Janssen, an Anchorage mortician, who began a kind of CPR that ultimately saved Marshall. “I really love that dog.”
Read more here: http://www.adn.com/iditarod/#storylink=cpy
6:30 pm on March 7th, 2012
Interesting tidbits from the Trail: A musher is NOT required to sign-out at checkpoints.
You can send a Musher Gram at 248-MUSH which is then delivered to the musher by the Iditarod Air Force.
Coach Potatoes at Yentna and Straw Dogs at Skwentna send back departure times of each musher to Race Statistics.
6:31 pm on March 7th, 2012
Macy, sniff.
So AJ must be taking his 8-hour now?
6:31 pm on March 7th, 2012
We are assuming that most of the male sled dogs are intact? Would think neutered males might not have as much drive. Is that true? Since doggies won’t stop after one “encounter” Mackey could have some reoccuring problems with the “love machines”.
Off topic: Rio, How is Beau behavin?
6:32 pm on March 7th, 2012
Wow! I’ve done that with a little puppy (2 weeks old) on the way to emergency ward. I was all safe in the car with Dan driving. More power to Scott Janssen!
While we are waiting …
Pictures of Kats
http://www.sadanduseless.com/2012/01/famous-paintings-improved-by-cats
6:46 pm on March 7th, 2012
Fellow Sibers, AJ could be taking his 24 hr. for all we know. They change their minds for all sorts of reasons.
Lance Mackey is taking his 24 in McGrath becuase his dogs are pooped. Some of them are taking into account trail conditions because of all the snow and are changing their plans for their 24 hr.
6:55 pm on March 7th, 2012
That has a 907 in front of it. AJ’s sister told me about it on Facebook.
7:10 pm on March 7th, 2012
From The Royals’ Mum!
7:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
Siber: We are thinking the same thing. Some of these teams have run through the gauntlet. Most of the mushers have stopped now in either McGrath or Takotna. The Busers have pushed on to Ophir.
Looking at some of the checkpoints it is a relief to see indoor accommodations for the mushers.
Melanie: The kat paintings are impressive, although we were caught snickering at a few. I especially liked The Ninth Wave.
7:16 pm on March 7th, 2012
According to the Iditarod Insider, AJ is at McGrath.
I have new carpet and it is beautiful.
7:20 pm on March 7th, 2012
Yes, Masquers, only time will tell if the Busers made a smart move by going on. Last year, Martin Buser, who is a very experienced musher and winner, pushed too hard to fast and then couldn’t keep up that pace and dropped behind.
7:21 pm on March 7th, 2012
Just got in from work and checked the blog first thing. Shocked and saddened to learn about Rory’s passing.
7:33 pm on March 7th, 2012
7:34 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rose – Maybe this will help to cheer you up – it’s Rio’s begging video. I should have bookmarked it when I found it the first time so I had to search and search to find it again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndMn47rToEY
7:39 pm on March 7th, 2012
From Kirby’s Mom to Rebecca: I was at the front desk at work when I read about Rory — I had to leave and dry my eyes. I’m so, so sorry that she didn’t make it despite all of our hopes and prayers. I think all of us will be left with the picture of Rory wagging her tail at you yesterday.
7:42 pm on March 7th, 2012
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailywee … _trave.php
7:50 pm on March 7th, 2012
Going upstairs. Long day. Will have computer on and waiting for the Prayer.
BBL
7:59 pm on March 7th, 2012
MollyPop’s Mom: Thanks for finding it. It did put a smile on my face. (whispering) I am so not tech savvy. How can I bookamrk this? (face turning red)
8:01 pm on March 7th, 2012
Cheered us up too MollysMom, 😉
8:04 pm on March 7th, 2012
Well, that did not work. It is an article about Rick Steve’s sister. I wonder if he is making a show about her trek. If not he should be. I started watching her just because of who she is, but then I saw that she is 55, and well, some people here who might resemble that age, can’t imagine treking across town let alone across Alaska. Good on ya girly, even if you ARE in the bottom 3.
Srsly dude, you call that begging? Begging involves pawing people and getting in their faces. That was more tea party manners. sheesh
8:04 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rose – I have a Mac now so I can’t just look at the screen to find the bookmark. It should be on one of the drop-down menus at the top. Can someone with a PC help out here?
8:06 pm on March 7th, 2012
Macy: Your link didn’t work. Did you mean the article about Jan Steves?
Rio was correct earlier when he said I need to take a break. The fog is coming in fast.
8:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
Molly’s Mom: Got it! 🙂
8:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
OOOOOO,oooo, oooo, the leaders are at my checkpoint. Mr. Redbone where are ya sweetie? The race is ON. Get on in here.
8:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rose: Stopped a minute to lend a hand. There should be a star at the top of your screen…touch the mousse to it and it will say bookmark this page…click and you are done.
8:14 pm on March 7th, 2012
too slow…off to take a break…..
8:24 pm on March 7th, 2012
BearSpiritDog: On Feb 21st or 22nd you sent me a tracking number and I just checked it out. Evidently the envelope left Kent, WA on the 24th and arrived in Jamaica, NY on March 5th!! Wha?? Wrong way, duh. Taking the scenic route.
8:29 pm on March 7th, 2012
Oh my, does it get any more beautiful than this?
8:30 pm on March 7th, 2012
OMD!!! Dawson…Nooooooo! The Good News (I guess) is it didn’t go to Jamaica, the Island. And, just when we thought we had escaped their evil clutches…the USPS has been infiltrated with TMGs!
8:32 pm on March 7th, 2012
Ten!….It’s coming up on 10 hours that AJ has been in McGrath….grunt!… I hope his sled is not damaged beyond what duck-tape can do…wuffle!…I’m starting to get a little worried, plus I would really like to be able to track him tonight if he ever leaves this Checkpoint…sniff!…We need a very powerful Prayer tonight, that’s for sure!…wuffle!
8:34 pm on March 7th, 2012
Dear BearSpiritDog
Heh, heh, heh.
Signed,
The Marauding Goats
8:35 pm on March 7th, 2012
Isn’t it possible AJ is taking his 24 hour stop in McGrath?
8:37 pm on March 7th, 2012
Masquers, did you mean Moose or Mouse? I do not have a moose if that is the case, what do you use instead?
8:39 pm on March 7th, 2012
Yes, I think it is possible AJ is now taking his 24 hr.
8:40 pm on March 7th, 2012
Hmm
8:41 pm on March 7th, 2012
Now that you mention it, a little trip to Jamaica sounds nice this time of year.
Signed,
The Marauding Goats
8:42 pm on March 7th, 2012
Did I tell you guys about Patsy’s cooling bed?
I wonder if they make duct tape with dogs on it.
8:50 pm on March 7th, 2012
OMD! After all these years, I just did what Masquers said to do about the star, the mouse, and the favorites and it worked. I have just had a technology breakthrough!
8:50 pm on March 7th, 2012
Nope, but they make a “Hello Kitty” Duck tape. Weird.
8:51 pm on March 7th, 2012
Siber-H, that is totally awesome dude! And look we posted at the same time!
8:56 pm on March 7th, 2012
Me too, SiberH. I learned it too!
8:59 pm on March 7th, 2012
Siber-H: Heh, heh…now just try to find it (just kidding)
Macy: I think Masquers meant mouse, but typed mousse as in the dessert. When you are down to your last few brain cells stuff happens.
Dawson: We are trying to call the main number of the Post Office but are getting a busy signal. Ha! a likely story…they are probably closed for the day.
9:00 pm on March 7th, 2012
Creator – we thank you for this beautiful day. The sun rose up and the air was sweet. The tops of the trees brushed the clouds and connected this earth to the sky.
Creator – all of us today have felt the air upon our skin. To some it was warm, to some it was the icy chill of winter’s hold. But it was all the breath of the Creator, and we are surrounded by this reminder of your gift to us. And with this gift, we are all connected.
We have all looked up into the vastness of the sky. Some saw blue while others beheld the soft grayness of the rain. In some places it was the dark and quiet home of the moon, while at the same time, in other places birds danced and swirled in the rays of sunlight. But we were all under the canopy you placed over this world, and with this gift, we are all connected.
Our hearts have all been touched at some time today. Some of us have felt a loss that weighs down our hearts, while others have waited for news about a soul they love. Some have had their hearts lifted by friendship and caring and some hearts today have laughed with delight. You have given us this gift to feel emotions, a most wonderful gift even when it causes pain. But we all are able to feel, and with this gift we are all connected.
Creator, today each one of us has lifted their thoughts to you. Some have asked you why some things must be, and some have asked you for support. Some thoughts have been turned to others, hoping for their comfort and healing. Some thoughts have been celebrations for the happy moments of life. But this is the greatest gift you have given us, this gift of being able to communicate with you. For surely you hear us. Surely you help us. Surely you are there when we can come to you filled with emotion. With this gift, we are all connected.
Although we live far apart, although we may not physically hold each others hands, we are all connected.
We share the sky and the air and the world around us. We share the pain of losing Rory and the hope for Sissy’s healing. We share the support of AJ and his team on their journey, and of Rebecca as she waits for their return. We join our voices together and ask you to watch over our entire family, for with this gift we are all related.
Creator – we thank you for this beautiful day. The sun rose up and the air was sweet. The tops of the trees brushed the clouds and connected this earth to the sky. Our hearts were full and connected to each other. And to you.
Amen
9:03 pm on March 7th, 2012
Amen.
9:03 pm on March 7th, 2012
We are all connected.
Thank you
9:04 pm on March 7th, 2012
Yes, we are all connected. It is beautiful. Thank you, Storyteller.
Amen.
9:13 pm on March 7th, 2012
Amen. Thank you again, Storyteller. We feel the connection too.
9:13 pm on March 7th, 2012
Amen.
Thank you for this connection; it will sustain us in good times and in bad.
9:17 pm on March 7th, 2012
Amen.
With this gift we are all connected, we are all related. Thanks you to each if you for meeting me at the center of the quilt today.
9:17 pm on March 7th, 2012
Sniffle!…sneeze!…Another beautiful and moving prayer…snorkel!
9:22 pm on March 7th, 2012
Amen and Thank You
Your prayers are really helping us keep it together through some sad times.
9:28 pm on March 7th, 2012
The strength we have together is an amazing and powerful thing. Together we can face anything and do anything. I am truly grateful to have met all of you, just because of a book. Fantastic isn’t it?
I am also grateful that Rio made us make the quilt. It has been much used lately and it just gets bigger and safer each time.
Goodnight all.
9:31 pm on March 7th, 2012
Bella, are you home yet?
I’m headed to bed. Long day here at the homestead. Patsy and I did get out for a walk in the sun. A guy stopped his car, rolled down his window, and said, ‘You do realize you are walking a bear.”
Snicker. Patsy got to play with a Wöökie clone. His name is Sam. He likes our dogs one at a time.
Sleds. Who makes them?
9:35 pm on March 7th, 2012
Our gathering for the Evening Prayer has become a precious time together. We all can feel the very powerful connection, and it grows stronger each day.
9:44 pm on March 7th, 2012
Melanie: I arrived home just in time for the prayer. I am going to take a sleeping pill soon and hope sleep finds me. I will remain at the center of the quilt for a while, I think.
What you don’t know is AJ contacted me via email this morning when he reached McGrath. He was given permission to do so. His sled took a beating through the Farewell Burn. It was neutered in a sense. The bridle, the undercarriage was damaged by a tree stump on very bad trail leaving the sled listing to one side. He drove it from the Burn to Nikolai and into McGrath. He took a beating, the gear took a beating. The dogs worked hard, but are fine. He declared his 24 in McGrath rather than Takotna as planned.
Something else you might not know—hockey tape works better than duct tape in cold temperatures. Belle Starr gave him pink hockey tape for Christmas last year, Luna, knowing the present was for him and not her, gave him black. He used the pink tape first and then covered it up with the black tape.
B Stover has never pointed me in the wrong direction. She said when one is teaching everything else is forgotten. B, you were right. Almost. I put my game face on until the host read my bio which mentions the Kennel. I got my game face back quickly but it took everything I had.
Howlers: Thanks for Rory’s song.
9:47 pm on March 7th, 2012
BSD and all – we are very honored that the prayers have meaning for you. We can honestly say that we are being guided.
9:48 pm on March 7th, 2012
Walking!…A Bear!…heh!snort!heh!…Pretty funny Melanie….snort!
Lay-over!…sniff!…If AJ and the A-Team are doing their 24hour layover, this means they will not leave until around 7:00am tomorrow (9:00am my time)…wuffle!…I’m starting to wonder if I will ever get to watch his little green flag at any point during this here race…grunt!…My friend says we will have better luck this weekend with the tracking, maybe…wuffle!
9:54 pm on March 7th, 2012
Bella – can the sled be fixed with tape? Does AJ have a backup sled? Or can he get one during his 24?
The article in the paper says that lots of mushers are having a tough go of it this year.
9:58 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca!… I do hope you get some much needed sleep tonight…sniffle!…I don’t want to see you get sick again. We need you on this blog you know…wuffle! ….Goodnight and sleep tight!
10:01 pm on March 7th, 2012
We have another sled at home. It is heavy and very rigid, but it could do the job. Some mushers ship extra sleds out, we do not. In my response to his email I asked if he needed me to ship out the sled. His reply was brief: No, sled will work. Is Rory ok?
I debated whether or not to tell him. He left the race distracted by her health. I didn’t want it to distract him any further. I told him that she passed, that she was a good girl, it couldn’t be avoided and that she will be with him on the trail. I hope he can find a quiet moment to grieve and pay his respects to her by running a good race. I haven’t heard from him since—this isn’t surprising. It is a race, he has chores to do and needs to be focused on the dogs.
AJ carries a small tool kit for his sled so he should be able to fix it. McGrath has been good to AJ.
10:05 pm on March 7th, 2012
I have heard about the Farewell Burn since I have been following the race. It is treacherous.
Very glad that AJ and the dogs are okay. AJ is good at fixing things.
There is a very good video up now on the Iditarod website of the summit of Rainy pass. It shows some difficult traveling but it is nothing like the Farewell Burn.
10:07 pm on March 7th, 2012
SnowBella: Thank you for the report on the Giant and the team. This has been an exhausting day for AJ and for you. It is good to know he is taking his 24 at McGrath.
The Quilt is here for you. May you find some comfort there.
To everyone: dream the Good Dream tonight.
We will return at dawn – Bear
10:09 pm on March 7th, 2012
Good night all, we have heard our prayer, and now it is time for bed.
10:22 pm on March 7th, 2012
Rebecca,
If you have contact with AJ again, please tell him that we are incredibly proud of him.
We may have had hopes for a storybook race, but today’s events have made us even stronger and more connected. I do not understand it, but our Creator does.
10:27 pm on March 7th, 2012
Exhausting!… It has been an exhaustingly emotional day…gruffle!… My friend and I are not ready to call it quits yet though. Beau threw in the towel and is upstairs in his bed (I hope)…heh!…. Sometimes he gets so tired he can hardly keep his eyes open and then they start watering…chorkel!…When they are all watery we know his down-time is very close….sniff!
Sled!…AJ will get some rest and then repair the sled. They will be back on the trail tomorrow morning….chuffle! …Rebecca will get some rest tonight too!
10:44 pm on March 7th, 2012
I second what Wolfie said. We are so proud of AJ and the entire Snowhook team, and it has been such a blessing to us to have you part of our family here at Chet’s Blog. We are incredibly blessed, and even in the toughest of times, we are all there for one another. Wookie
10:54 pm on March 7th, 2012
Very well said Wolfie and Wookie
night all
Rebecca, Lock the Doors!
Husky Hugs
10:57 pm on March 7th, 2012
At one point AJ was concerned that he might “let the Plunderers down”.
Lets see:
He got to the starting line
He got down the glacier
He got thru the Farewelll Burn
He got into a checkpoint despite a damages sled and a hard run
He is keeping his dogs healthy, happy and running well
Nope – don’t see any way that he could ever let the Plunderers down.
Bella – do take your sleeping pill and get some well deserved rest. Rory will be cuddled up with you.
11:12 pm on March 7th, 2012
We are late, as usual, but wanted to tell Rebecca how very sorry we are about Rory. At least you did get that last visit with her. Mom remembers when one of her cats had surgery for a tumor in his ear. He never really recovered and Mom and Dad were having to force feed him to get any nourishment in him. The vet finally did surgery to place a feeding tube in him to hopefully help as he recovered from the original surgery. The vet called dad and told him Paco had come through the surgery ok but later called Mom and told him that Paco passed away. To this day, it upsets her that she wasn’t with him or got to say goodbye.
Rory knew you were there and that you love her very much. The tail wag was her way to say it was okay. She saw friends on the other side of the bridge.
G&BB
11:21 pm on March 7th, 2012
Jasper, Hope Sissy is resting okay after her surgery and that all went well.
Rose, you certainly surprised us when you said you fight with depression. You are always so upbeat and creative when you visit the blog. We are glad you have the Prof to hold you tight when you feel down. Never forget we are here any time, all the time.
G&BB
11:21 pm on March 7th, 2012
Grump!….Well Beau decided to come down here and sleep in her lap….grrrr!… The only way I let this happen is because I know she secretly drips vitamin E oil on his crusty, snot encased nose…heh!….He is so out of it he seldom wakes up for this. His nose is looking a lot better I have to say…sniff!
Goodnight!…We here have decided it will be easier to all go upstairs to bed now….dammit!…Beau always ruins my alone, TV time with my friend…grump!
Snowhook!…Goodnight!
12:07 am on March 8th, 2012
Yes, Jasper, we are anxious to hear our your Aunt Sissy is doing.
6:38 am on March 8th, 2012
My dearest Masquers, kat of many talents, thanks for your tech advice. I learned something today. Thank you, TechKat.
G&BB: Thank you for yor kind words.Yes, the Prof is a good man, just as the Plunderers are good people.
T&G: I thank you for last night’s lovely prayer.
12:53 pm on February 18th, 2014
thanks for this great article! whats your opinion of the most trusted guitar store in town?
6:04 am on February 19th, 2014
These thoughts will cause another psychological trick to kick
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If your ex boyfriend perceives in your voice that you’re thriving as well as even better after the relationship ended, it will feel like
a fast kick to their personality.
11:36 am on July 21st, 2014
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1:44 am on September 21st, 2014
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Chet The Dog : Iditarod (More)
11:03 am on September 21st, 2014
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Chet The Dog : Iditarod (More)