On Ice
“This whole Iditarod is a geography lesson for us,” Spence says.
“I’m not taking any test, if that’s what you’ve got in mind,” says Admin.
“Here’s Rebecca on where Snowhook is now. I think it’s a triumph they’re still in the race, given all the teams that have been forced to drop out.”
By the time you post on Tuesday, the team will have reached Unalakleet, the first checkpoint on the coast. The coast, the last third of the race is known for it’s weather. Count on wind. A lot wind. From this point forward, the team will travel overland and across sea ice.
Last year, parked on the ice, AJ bedded the dogs down at the Unalakleet checkpoint before heading into the building made available for mushers to rest. He needed to sleep even if for a short while. Not long after exhaustion embraced him as he slept on a cot, he was awaken by a race volunteer, “One of your dogs is loose!” Oh, no, not Whitey-Lance he thought. It wasn’t Whitey, it was Natty. A very happy girl from the first litter of the Snowhook team is petrified of one thing—ice. Blown over as it was with snow, she hadn’t realized she was resting on her foe until it cracked beneath her as she lay on straw resting with her teammates. She pulled free and headed for the buliding looking for safety—AJ. He took her back to the team, calmed her until she fell asleep. Rising slowly so as not to disturb her or the others, he headed back to the building in an exhausted fog. Before he reached the door, she reached him. Snagging his hand, she reminded him, “I’m still here. I’m still scared.”
Here, thanks to Melanie, a Google earth shot of where AJ and the team were yesterday. (Looks lonesome down there.)
Welcome Scout, Sadie, Stella, Polly, Ace, Daisy.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012 at 7:20 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
7:35 am on March 13th, 2012
Good Morning Everyone!
Because of the Race, we turned on the computer before we go to the dog park.
We agree…To make it to the starting line and still be in the Race is one BIG triumph for Snowhook. They had their share of unpreventable hardships before they even got to the starting line.
7:42 am on March 13th, 2012
I can be the first to say this:
HAPPY BIRTYDAY DAN!!!
7:42 am on March 13th, 2012
Good Morning SiberH:
To perservere through the darkest hours, and finally reach the light is what AJ his team, and Snowhook means to me.
GO SNOWHOOK!
Good day to all!
7:44 am on March 13th, 2012
Many happy returns of the day, Dan!!!
7:47 am on March 13th, 2012
Good Morning, Rose!
7:57 am on March 13th, 2012
Good morning Siber, Rose, Admin, Spence, and Chet and everybody!
We are cold reading about the coast where our team is, even though we are having a nice early Spring here.
Happy for-real Birthday, Dan!
Onward Snowhook!
8:04 am on March 13th, 2012
Dear Plunderers – ve can all be so proud of our AJ and his team of vonderful doggies. They give him their best, every step of vay. He gives them his best every minute of time.
Ve are now on last part of journey. Has been fun messing vith other teams, but ve vill tell you von thing. Natasha’s feet are killing her. Next time vill not run race in high heel boots. Ve vill settle for being fashion diva vith vonderful hat and snow booties.
8:11 am on March 13th, 2012
Happy birthday Dan!
8:18 am on March 13th, 2012
Happy birthday to Dan the man!
AJ made it to Unalakleet not long before 1 am. I was watching the race, he was just a mile out of the checkpoint and the next thing I knew I was waking up a few hours later. Grump.
8:52 am on March 13th, 2012
Good morning and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAN. 83 I believe?
Natasha, Why don’t you wear Uggs next time. They are comfy, warm and fashionable, plus flat!
Oley, We want to thank you for putting us on to the search for the heirtage pork. We will be getting our first order 4/2 and can’t wait to try it. The woman at the local meat market even said it was better tasting. Our source is getting Certified Humane this week, and will be growing his own GMO-free corn starting this year. We stumbled on a reall winner, and only 10 miles from home. Thank you again!
9:01 am on March 13th, 2012
I don’t blame Natty. Nothing is colder than being on ice and when it cracks…yikes! Go Snowhook!
(In Dante’s Inferno, the center of the ninth circle is ice and Satan is trapped in it up to his waist.)
Good morning all.
9:04 am on March 13th, 2012
Dallas is in White Mountain…my checkpoint. He was asked how it feels to be first and he said he didn’t know but knows “what it’s like to have a team that can be first….awesome!” He really compliments his dogs.
Happy birthday Dan!
9:09 am on March 13th, 2012
HAppy Birthday Dan. Keep on rocking!
Does anybody know how to bid on the bibs that are up for auction. Inquiring minds would like to know.
Wookie
9:11 am on March 13th, 2012
Rebecca, is Natty part of the team this year?
9:12 am on March 13th, 2012
Hey, Dan, Happy Birthday!
9:15 am on March 13th, 2012
Barb and Maggie, hope you enjoy your pork as much as we do. We made a roast on Sunday and again it was delish. So much taste compared to any pork we had previously. And it is wonderful that you found yours close to home.
Now we need to focus on finding GMO-free corn also.
Bee, we think the same of Dallas. Wondering what he is really like to those who know him. We do not think that Mackey’s comment had to do with a joke or a wager.
9:28 am on March 13th, 2012
Oley, Do you think his comments were more mean-spirited?
Re: GMO corn. We read recently that at least 80-85% of the corn in the US is GMO, so most of the food that has corn in it is also GMO. I wouldn’t be surprised if Caw Caw feeds conventional corn, since that goes along more with their philosophy.
Have you noticed the ads by corn growers regarding corn sugar vs cane sugar? They say that your body doesn’t know the difference between the two. Designed to target people who read labels. They forget to mention the little part about GMOs. Deceptive I tell ya!
9:30 am on March 13th, 2012
Perhpas Dallas seems arrogant to others.
Loved the quotation on books C.Harris. I often told my students that reading books is the only way we can know another person’s mind.
9:33 am on March 13th, 2012
What does GMO mean?
9:55 am on March 13th, 2012
Bee, GMO means Genetically Modified Organism. It means scientists have altered the dna of a plant or animal for specific needs. With corn, they have altered the dna so that they can use insecticides and herbicides and the corn will still grow. Monsanto is a big supplier of this type of corn. No one really knows what the long term effect of gmos will be on animals or humans. Some people call them frankenfoods. Our theory is “Don’t mess with Mother Nature”!!
10:18 am on March 13th, 2012
Dan!….Birthday!…WooooWheeee!
http://www.americangreetings.com/ecards/view.pd?i=562663713&m=9432&rr=y&source=aggoogle999&c=emag63458
10:26 am on March 13th, 2012
We are back and are waiting on the little green flags to start moving…AJs and the leaders in White Mountain.
Hopefully, Natasha has learned a lesson about trying to run the Iditarod in high heels…silly girls.
10:28 am on March 13th, 2012
Thanks Barb. Good grief! Why do scientists do that? (“Frankenfoods”…good one.)
Dallas has a “bothersome blister on his left big toe.” A vet bandaged it. AJ hasn’t started moving yet.
10:38 am on March 13th, 2012
Blister!…If thats the only thing bothering him, that is amazing…grunt!…How old is that guy anyways?…sniff!
10:49 am on March 13th, 2012
Rio, Dallas is 25.
I’m sure he is better off with a vet bandaging it than a people doctor. Dallas does a lot of jogging beside the sled during the race.
10:50 am on March 13th, 2012
Hip! Hip! Hoorah for Dan and Happy Birthday too! I’m glad you are at home where you can raise a little…er…well, never mind.
Snowhook Bella: Don’t fall off your chair! Hope the wind stays relatively calm today in Unalakleet.
11:18 am on March 13th, 2012
Hi Everybody!
Happy Birthday Dan!!!
Late ’cause no one turned on the computer for me.
Oh, no! Now it looks like she’s off and running again.
BBL
11:20 am on March 13th, 2012
AJ and the Team: A Warm Welcome to Unalakleet.
11:22 am on March 13th, 2012
If I have counted the hours on my toenails correctly, Dallas can start moving soon.
11:25 am on March 13th, 2012
In one of the videos Bruce Linton said that this is his last year doing the Iditarod. He was crying.
SH: Do you know why this is his last year?
11:32 am on March 13th, 2012
Stover, I don’t really know, but Bruce Linton is a Type I diabetic and he has run the Iditarod for several years now with that disease. We are proud of him.
Another reason may be the cost of the Iditarod. He has two little kids.
11:36 am on March 13th, 2012
WOO WOO Dallas is headed toward Nome!!
11:36 am on March 13th, 2012
Happy Birthday, Dan!
Both dogs going to vet today for regular checkups and shots (overdue). I take them in one at a time so it will be a stressful afternoon. One dog gets a sedative before going in. All I know is that I will be covered with dog hair at the end of the day (oh, and my wallet will be thinner).
Does anyone have dog health insurance? If you do, what do you think?
11:39 am on March 13th, 2012
Dallas!…Is on the move!….WoOOOOoooo!
11:40 am on March 13th, 2012
Second!…Who will come in second?…snort!snort!
11:47 am on March 13th, 2012
I think second place is still unknowable.
11:51 am on March 13th, 2012
There are two good video interviews with Bruce Linton on Google. He talks about having to plan ahead because of the insulin he needs. (It froze one time.) It also shows his kennel.
11:53 am on March 13th, 2012
C.Harris, We don’t have dog health insurance. Way back when, mom had dad help her figure out if it would be beneficial to have pet insurance. My folks decided that it would be cheaper to self-insure. In other words, put the money in savings for the dog.
Good luck to you and the dogs today.
11:54 am on March 13th, 2012
Baker!…John Baker is on the move too!….Woooo!…This will be exciting stuff today!…heh!
12:03 pm on March 13th, 2012
Happy DanDay! Love the card, pug.
Wookie, for the bib, go to iditarod.com, look around, it should be on the home page.
Mom is about to go into the attic. I must wait at the bottom of the stairs to catch her. oommph, splat
12:20 pm on March 13th, 2012
Happy Birthday, Dan.
Harris,
Several years ago when Blou came to me, I checked out pet insurance. One study that had been done found that only 2 of 7 pet owners who had the insurance benefitted from it. With the premiums and the deductibles, and the “excludables” the author of the article suggested that you investigate very closely and in most cases avoid the insurance unless you have a chronically ill pet. I would have benefitted greatly had I got it on Blou because he had so many health problems, but I didn’t know what was coming. With Tyb I’d be throwing money away on insurance. I have a friend who calls insurance a gamble. The company is betting that you won’t need it and the client is afraid that he will. I guess life insurance doesn’t fit that idea. We’ll all need it.
12:24 pm on March 13th, 2012
We are going to get a few things done before the race gets really exciting and we go into our usual trance watching the green flags move toward Nome.
Be back in a little while.
ONWARD SNOWHOOK
We are very proud of you!
12:46 pm on March 13th, 2012
Ally is on the move.
12:50 pm on March 13th, 2012
Whew, when Dan wakes up I’ll give him all your birthday wishes.
He had a great time last night. Please see picture. Today he is tired, so wants to do as much as he can. Since Zoe and I are exhausted … The PT person came today. Jesse, Zoe and I moved the computer desk (very heavy), cleaned and then I had to rebook up the computer. Snicker. So many DAMN wires.
Everything is working, got ready for Dan but that will have to wait.
I asked the grandchildren to write or call and to mention a memory with him for his birthday. I told them it needed to be a few years old. He’s better with that.
OTAS sent an email with several memories. One of which I don’t think he nor Dan ever mentioned to us. It had to do with high school, late at night, forgetting the house key, and being let in by Dan in his night attire.
The grandchildren’s emails are coming in. It’s great.
Saw that the winner will be coming into Nome today. Do we know when they will start the streaming?
Oh, did I mention that Dan didn’t wear anything to bed?
12:52 pm on March 13th, 2012
Oh, duh, the picture …
12:58 pm on March 13th, 2012
Zirkle!…Aily is on the move too!…snort!….On Dallas’ tail..sniff!
1:04 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dan!…He looks great! And so happy!…heh!…Where’s all his candles at?…grunt!
1:06 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dallas is at mile 848 moving at 6.4 mph
Aliey is at mile 841 moving at 7.1 mph
5 teams at mile 840 all stopped and presumably looking at each other.
John Baker (last year’s winner) at mile 839 but travelling at 7.7 mph.
My guy mike Williams Jr. is 3 miles past that an probably out of the running.
Go! Go doggies Go!
1:12 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dallas left his mandatory 8 minutes late!!! Ally is only 7 miles behind him, and he is sitting still right now!!!
Hot Doggie this is exciting!
1:14 pm on March 13th, 2012
Melanie: Dan looks great in that picture. I’m glad he had a great time!
Update: I’ve been staring at flag #38 for what seems like forever wondering why it wasn’t moving. And, then I received the answer. AJ emailed me. He is in Una, ready to go, but can not. There is a high wind advisory leaving Shaktoolik leaving too many teams parked there with not any more parking spaces for the incoming teams. If AJ moved on the dogs would be exposed once they arrived. Once teams leave Shak he is ready to move. Rumor is that it was -50 on the river. He wants to be very cautious with the dogs given the temps and the wind. He will baby them.
1:22 pm on March 13th, 2012
Snowhook Bella: Yikes! I was afraid of that wind. Thanks for letting us know about the population problem in Shaktoolik. Stay safe Snowhook doggies.
Aliey is the only one moving now. Everyone else stopped! Go Aliy!
1:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
Mr. Dan – a very happy birthday to a very handsome man who is one of our favorite authors. Fair winds to you.
We’re reading Winterdance and laughing until we cry. Literally. The descriptions help us picture where A.J. has been and where he’s going and wondering how the heck anyone can do the run.
Onward Snowhook!
1:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
Thanks for the update, Bella
1:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
Ramey is now on the move.
1:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
Bella – that’s good, like air traffic control. A plane isn’t allowed to depart without landing access on the other end. Thanks for all the updates, from Willow on.
xoxoxo
1:31 pm on March 13th, 2012
Phooey! Dallas is moving again…still he is going slower than Aliy. Go Aliy!
1:35 pm on March 13th, 2012
The five who were in 3rd place but stopped were:
Ramey Smyth, (now moving)
Mitch Seavey,
Ray Redington, Jr.
Peter Kaiser,
Aaron Burmeister
and then John Baker joined them.
1:44 pm on March 13th, 2012
Glad to know what is happening – thanks Bella.
Mama took our Dad for lazer eye surgery this morning – happy to report that he is 100% fine. He didn’t even have restrictions after the surgery, so they went out for lunch.
And get this
THEY DID NOT BRING HOME A DOGGIE BAG!
Sheesh – what is this world coming to?
So Bee – did you ever get a final count on books, including the ones in kitchen and the basement?
Its interesting – books are one of the few things you can have by the thousands and no one thinks you are weird for collecting them.
Think about it – try telling someone you have 2000 pairs of s.h.o.e.s. Didn’t go well for Imelda.
Or 2000 Cabbage Patch dolls – that one was on tv last week – on one of the pop psychology “realism” shows.
We even called a halt to our “Dog Biscuits That Look Like Someone Famous” collection. Of course we get to eat the surplus.
1:52 pm on March 13th, 2012
Negative!…50!…shudder!gasp!
1:55 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dallas!…He is moving again but very slowly and Aily is coming up behind him at over 6 miles an hour!…zoom!zoom!zoom!…heh!
1:55 pm on March 13th, 2012
Melanie: Dan looks great and sooo happy!
Rebecca: Better for AJ and the team to be safe!
1:56 pm on March 13th, 2012
Ramey!…Smyth is sneaking up on Aily!…Woooo!
2:05 pm on March 13th, 2012
After mushers cross the finish line times have to be calculated regarding starting times don’t they? Dallas Seavey is bib 34 (9 dogs left) and Ally is bib 14 (10 dogs left). So there were 20 mushers in between them at the start with Ally starting whatever it is in minutes before Dallas.
2:07 pm on March 13th, 2012
Rebecca, Thanks for the update. We are all relieved to know what is going on. I know you were. AJ is putting the dogs first and that is what is important.
Great photo, Melanie! Our birthday guy.
2:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
Or 2000 Corgis?
THAT’S A LOT OF WIND! GLAD the race officials are taken GOOD care of all the doggies. Mushers? Well, just a certain one.
2:11 pm on March 13th, 2012
Excuse us Melanie but exactly what did you mean when you said
“2000 Corgis. That’s a lot of wind”
Are you implying that we are “musical”?
2:15 pm on March 13th, 2012
Stover, They have already adjusted the starting times so that won’t be a consideration at the finish line.
When the live streaming begins of the finish, the Iditarod will have it up big and bold on their website. They should also send Insiders an email. If they do like they have in the past, they will start the streaming long before the winner actually reaches the burled arch. At least, it has always seemed like a long time.
2:15 pm on March 13th, 2012
Bee, we believe the times were adjusted at the mandatory 24-hour checkpoints. That is, each musher had to wait 24 hours plus the amount of time necessary to even out the start times.
2:15 pm on March 13th, 2012
B: The time differences are converted when teams take their 24 hour layover. Only the last musher to leave has a true 24 hour layover, all teams before him had time added to their 24. AJ had to rest a little over 25 hours before he could leave the checkpoint. Once the 24’s are taken, it is whoever reaches the finish line first is the winner.
SiberH: You are right. I am relieved to know why he was still sitting in Unalakleet. It is better to safe than sorry. I know he is having leader trouble. Annabelle is content to run swing, the position just behind lead, in her advancing age. Lousia Mae is a yearling and learning what it means to be a lead dog. Elim needs a strong leader to run next to, and AJ will want to give Quig and Twig a mental and physical rest from the job. Rory would have been in lead. He’ll work through it. He will to his best with the race he has in front of him even if it isn’t the race we originally planned.
2:27 pm on March 13th, 2012
Wow, a triple post with same information!
T&G: Would I have set up my comment to make it appear that Royals’ pass wind?
snicker
Need to go on Iditarod to see what’s going on…
2:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
Rebecca, That seems to be often the case…the Iditarod becomes a different race than what the musher had planned. It is one of those things that makes the Iditarod, well, the Iditarod.
AJ is doing fine and we are all very proud of him and the dogs, as I know you are.
2:37 pm on March 13th, 2012
Another musher has scratched…”because his team wasn’t enjoying the trip”
I hope we learn somewhere how Jeff King’s dogs are doing…maybe his website in a few days.
2:40 pm on March 13th, 2012
The Burled Arch is now up in Nome!
2:41 pm on March 13th, 2012
SiberH: I saw that another musher scratched. He is one of the few mushers that is tall like AJ.
I’m trying to figure out when to head to Nome. No flights are available for Thursday, the day I’d like to go. There is a flight tomorrow that puts me there very early or a flight on Friday that may cut it close—everything is up in the air because of the delay in Shak. I’m glad I made those blankets for the dogs—who cares what they look like? 😉
2:41 pm on March 13th, 2012
Expected start of livestream is 6:00 Alaska Time.
2:46 pm on March 13th, 2012
2:47 pm on March 13th, 2012
LOL! Thanks all. I had forgotten about the time adjustment during the 24 layover.
2:47 pm on March 13th, 2012
OMD, that’s 10pm here. There’s no way I can stay up late tonight. I’m already fighting to keep awake. Bummer.
Bella, You’ll get there in time. Trust the river.
3:00 pm on March 13th, 2012
We are back!
SnowBella: Thank you for the update on AJ and Team Snowhook. The very highest priority here is for the Giant and his team to be safe. Nothing else matters…not race standing…nothing else… only that he will arrive in Nome with the team safely.
We are so proud of him!!!
C.Harris: We were told pet insurance could only be purchased for younger animals. The companies obviously don’t want to be stuck paying out on preexisting conditions.
3:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
Hey! We think the race officials have something against us kats.
They aren’t letting AJ get to our checkpoint.
3:22 pm on March 13th, 2012
Rio: Dan’s card…another puurfect birthday wish.
B: And perhaps to know another person by the books they read.
Rose: Your post of what Snowhook means to you was beautiful. You have expressed so well what is in all our hearts.
Melanie: A very nice photo of Dan happily contemplating the enjoyment of his cake.
T.C. We can’t blame the officals for the weather (can we?)
Thank Kat the finish in Nome will occur at a reasonable hour. For us here in the western part of the U.S. anyway. Sorry for the rest who can’t be awake, but thankfully it will be on video tomorrow morning.
We are sorry too for the cold temperatures and windy conditions on the coast…not something Weatherkat had any say about, and as you know this is normal for Unalakleet.
3:29 pm on March 13th, 2012
The Iditarod should get the info up on their website about what is happening in Unalakleet. Race fans all over the world are folowing Gypsy and are wondering what is going on. Thank dog, we have Rebecca to tell us.
3:37 pm on March 13th, 2012
Siber: We truly have “insider” information.
3:46 pm on March 13th, 2012
Insider!..Insider!…Information!…heh!heh!…WOOOOOOO!…
3:52 pm on March 13th, 2012
Wolfie – ummmm – could you please blur over to Unalakleet and pick up AJ and the gang and get them to somepoint where the wind isn’t blowing quite so hard?
3:56 pm on March 13th, 2012
Bella – do you think the folks who are stuck in Unalakleet get to take advantage of the stall time and gert some extra sleep? Or are they so ready to head out that they are amped up and waiting for a go signal?
4:15 pm on March 13th, 2012
Zooming in on the coast…what a view!
Bella: It is my understanding that AJ is waiting in Unalakleet until the Trail Traffic Controllers advise a spot is availabe for him at the next (our Kat’s) checkpoint. Do you know if he will be resting in Shaktoolik or continuing on to Koyuk which is Beau and Rio’s friend’s checkpoint?
4:16 pm on March 13th, 2012
T&G: The extended stay does give extended rest, and depending on the team some might enjoy the extra rest while others are ready to hit to road. A disadvantage is that teams that arrived after AJ may stay on their rest scheduled depending on when teams get the all clear to move along. It is likely that we will see teams travel together more so now than before for safety. If AJ is having difficulty with leaders he may follow another team.
4:38 pm on March 13th, 2012
As a former insurance agent, Barb has never bought pet medical insurance. Always thought it was better to self insure, however if you have a breed that is prone to torn ACLs and that kind of surgery, it might be benificial.
Melanie, great picture of Dan!
4:44 pm on March 13th, 2012
I wonder if the wind up there dies down with the darkness as it often does here…probably not. 70 degrees here today, sun, no wind.
4:49 pm on March 13th, 2012
I don’t think it’s fair that AJ and the other mushers aren’t allowed to move. It seems to me that the leaders should have to stop also.
5:22 pm on March 13th, 2012
SiberH: My travels on the coast are limited, but what I remember of Shak is wind, day and night.
BStover: I don’t think they’re not being allowed to move; AJ said that officials were strongly recommending to stay put. It’s just part of the race. Years ago when AJ was doing a 300 mile qualifying race, he stopped to snack the dogs in the final stretch. A team passed him. When AJ got going not long after he was caught in a ground blizzard; the team that passed him never saw the blizzard. AJ came in 3rd, 35 minutes after 2nd place.
After AJ’s ear was frostbitten, part of the lobe eventually lost, I saved up and bought him an insulated balaclava. I hope he’s wearing it.
5:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
Grits was asking about conditions at Shak on the forum…we acted like true insiders and told him what we know.:)
5:24 pm on March 13th, 2012
A musher is just now on the trail from Una! Not our musher, but a musher.
5:40 pm on March 13th, 2012
Hey, y’all! I’m finally here! Mom says it’s strange to get home and have Dad here (instead of at practice), plus it’s still light out! It feels like spring! Too bad AJ doesn’t have conditions like this. He’d be in Nome in no time!!!
5:40 pm on March 13th, 2012
Oh, I forgot — Happy Birthday, Dan!
And GO AJ!
5:41 pm on March 13th, 2012
Truly, our insider is better than Gypsy!
I’m not saying I’m tired, but I just went on the Iditarod website to watch the show because it was after 6 …
Dan loved all your HB’s and he really enjoyed Riö and Beau’s card. Thank you.
5:42 pm on March 13th, 2012
WE’RE MOVING! SNOWHOOK ON THE MOVE!
5:43 pm on March 13th, 2012
KirbyT: I think it would be harder for the dogs to move the sled.
6:04 pm on March 13th, 2012
AJ has less than 40 miles to go to Shak
GO SNOWHOOK!!
6:05 pm on March 13th, 2012
Our musher is on the move!
6:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
Aliy is just ten miles behind Dallas.
6:10 pm on March 13th, 2012
Masquers: Thanks, Snowhook as well as the rest of the Plunderers mean a great deal to me.
6:13 pm on March 13th, 2012
Melanie, I was way ahead of you on the story about Dan letting your guy in. When I read the story, that is how I imagined it, lol. I also picked up on the windy Corgis, heh heh.
Ok, now this thing gets really interesting. My toenails needed a trim anyway.
6:18 pm on March 13th, 2012
If I am looking at the map correctly, AJ is closer to Russia than Willow? Rebecca, do you know anything about the island between Alaska and Russia? Like to whom it belongs?
6:19 pm on March 13th, 2012
Macy is on a roll! Well, not one with sesames but on a roll!
6:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dallas has stopped. We will see how long he stays that way. I will have to eat my dinner and go out between Gypsy updates.
6:30 pm on March 13th, 2012
Quick stop for Dallas
6:46 pm on March 13th, 2012
he’s on the move now. Must have been a very quick stop.
6:48 pm on March 13th, 2012
Macy: I believe the islands betwen Alaska and Russia belong to Russia.
6:57 pm on March 13th, 2012
Nope now he’s stopped. I hope he’s okay
6:59 pm on March 13th, 2012
Another musher just scratched in Una. That’s too bad.
7:00 pm on March 13th, 2012
The expected start of the live stream is 6:00 Alaska Standard Time. We are on Eastern Daylight Savings Time. (gulp) Does that mean we are now 6 hours ahead of Alaska?
7:03 pm on March 13th, 2012
Okay Bella, It’s 8 pm here, what time is it there?
7:06 pm on March 13th, 2012
Fellow Sibers, GULP
The Iditarod’s website has to be wrong. I think they are on daylight savings time.
Rebecca, HELP, please if you can.
7:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
It’s 4pm here right now. For SiberH and Rio, you should be at 6pm right now and for our east coast friends it is 8pm right now.
7:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
According to the US Time Zone site that Staff gave us, it is 4:08 in Alaska.
7:09 pm on March 13th, 2012
Happy Birthday to Dan. Our Dad, Bruce, was 88 just a few days ago. March must be a good month for good guys.
I read in Joe Runyon’s blog about the wind in Shak. So the info. is out there, just have to find it.
7:10 pm on March 13th, 2012
Lance Mackey is going to be pi…pitifully bummed.
Something very strange happened here today. Everybody was barking and yapping and just making racket. I threw my head back and wooooooooed. Dad thought it was mom joining in the melee but it was me me me howling like a husky. I was so proud, sniff. Mom saw it an told me that I looked just like the windows on Snowhook’s dog truck. BTW how do the doggies get home? Hitchhike? Steamship? Trans-Siberian railway?(oops, no, wrong way)
7:16 pm on March 13th, 2012
Bear, Didn’t you get those coastal winds and snow too? What is your weather like now?
Rebecca, did you book your flight?
7:17 pm on March 13th, 2012
So, The Iditarod’s website is wrong.
Macy, I am proud of you.
The Iditadogs get flown home by the Iditarod Air Force.
7:22 pm on March 13th, 2012
Well, our website hasn’t been updated either, so maybe we’re still in sync with the Iditarod, oddly.
7:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
The map shows that the TS has now passed Jan Stevens. Uh…?
7:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
Melanie: I forgot about the sled needing snow. Perhaps AJ could put some wheels on?
BTW, in between Iditarod updates, could everyone root for my Iowa Hawkeyes? They’re playing right now in the NIT basketball tournament — it’s not quite the NCAA tournament, but it’s the first post-season play we’ve had in quite a few years. Right now it’s halftime, and we’re leading Dayton 44-41.
Go Hawkeyes! Go AJ!
7:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
How did TOT get to Nome already?
7:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
Steves even..which brings up a point. Are she and Bob going to come in to Nome holding hands? Seems a shame to give the red lantern to one or the other. I would love to hear their stories. Jan is mom’s hero.
7:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
I can not do it. I will have to do the video in the morning. My brain is fried. I’m going upstairs with Patsy and will read the Prayer at 9.
Wishing I had an iPad so I could just do the whole thing in bed!
7:33 pm on March 13th, 2012
Fellow Sibers, I’m guessing in an airplane.
7:40 pm on March 13th, 2012
Barb&Magpie: Lots of wind and rain yesterday…power out for a couple of hours in the am. Today not much rain, but a bitterly cold wind blowing in from the north.
Macy: Woooooo! So proud of the Husky howl!
About Dallas & Lance: If we have our facts straight(?)…Seems to me there was something said earlier in the race about Seavey having some of Mackey’s dogs that were not considered good enough for his team.
It does seem apparent…that unless the unforeseen occurs…Dallas Seavy will reach Nome first.
7:41 pm on March 13th, 2012
We have an iPaw but feel compelled to watch the live streamed finish on Mom’s big flat-screen t.v. We’ll hate ourselves tomorrow when their alarm clock goes off.
7:45 pm on March 13th, 2012
Aahhh Bear, now that makes sense. Mackey said a lot about dogs that couldn’t make his team now passing him by. That would hurt. We really do admire 25-year old Dallas.
7:45 pm on March 13th, 2012
You guys will notice that this website is wrong as well regarding DST.
7:45 pm on March 13th, 2012
Macy: Dogs that are dropped before Unalakleet are shipped back to Anchorage via Iditarod Airforce—volunteer bush piolts. Dogs that are droppedfrom Unalakleet on are sent to Nome via the Iditarod Airforce. We are responsible for getting all our dogs home from Nome. I’ve been trying to coordinate and price shipping today. I will drop off crates tomorrow to the air cargo hangar and they will be shipped to Nome. Before AJ arrives in Nome, I will do my best to schedule the dogs’ return trip so they can be sent home as soon as possible. Handler Jeremy will pick them up.
B&M: My flight is for tomorrow afternoon. I keep checking to see if anything opens up tomorrow—nothing. I’m trying to decide if a Friday flight would be better and not too late. If I arrive too early, I need to find housing. If I can’t find housing, I will resort to plan B, the same plan B that I had last year when I had the feeling that we would be homeless in Nome (which we were)—go to a bar, sit on a bar stool and sip a Diet Coke until it closes and then find some place that opens early and sit there until the community center opens.
7:48 pm on March 13th, 2012
To the Kats on the the blog…a reminder of their potential power on the trail
http://www.anniekaills.com/art/vanzyle/catastrophe2.jpg
7:50 pm on March 13th, 2012
I don’t think the comments about dogs not being good enough for his team are now passing him by was meant for Dallas. Lance has a handler in the race, Braxton that at one point in the race did pass him but has since fallen behind his boss.
7:52 pm on March 13th, 2012
Rebecca: It sure does seem to me that they should have a place for mushers’ families to bunk since your schedule is so iffy! I would think even some cots in a local school gymnasium (or maybe a church basement) would be a welcome home-away-from-home for those of you who are trying to coordinate your arrival with your unpredictable loved ones!
7:55 pm on March 13th, 2012
Late as usual. Happy B-day, Dan!! Glad you’re having a great day.
Go AJ! Sounds like he’s having to do alot of lead dog training in this race. W’re sure he expected that since he lost several dogs to injury and illness before the race even started. Rebecca, even though everyone is saying it over and over, please believe us when we say that we are so proud of AJ and Snowhook!! This had been such a fantastic experience being so involved in the race! Virtual high fives to AJ and the team!
G&BB
7:56 pm on March 13th, 2012
Back from my second vet trip: $350 for 4 shots and 1 blood panel. Vet suspects Lady might have Cushings which means more tests and “costly treatment” (his words). He will call me tomorrow. The only symptom I noticed was that she is very thirsty so I make sure there is lots of water around. Anyone experienced with this out there?
P.S. Even with a sedative, Lady had to be muzzled. With rescue dogs one never knows their background but this is the first dog I’ve had who has had to be tranquilized and muzzled at the vet (I got her when she was 2 and she is 13 now and she has had 3 vets in her life). Also, isn’t it interesting what names people give their pets–I met a Zeus, Jaguar and Boy today.
7:57 pm on March 13th, 2012
Race!…Whats going on around here!?…snort!….We have all been outside because it is so nice out and she made us…grunt!…We haven’t missed the shoot-out between Dallas and Aily, have we?…gruffle!
7:58 pm on March 13th, 2012
I’m with Kirby…Nome needs to come up with a better plan. I don’t like to think of Snowhook as homeless in Nome.
8:00 pm on March 13th, 2012
Creator – thank you for the open skies and the beautiful waters and the healing earth around us. Thank you for the sight of a magnificent hawk dancing on the air currents high above us. Thank you for the sight of the mother bear and her child, ambling through the woods on a spring day. Thank you for these reminders that we are as we are meant to be.
Creator – we ask you to give to us that spirit of the animal world that allows them to be content within themselves. The hawk, as he soars through the air does not long to be an eagle, and to be greater than he is. He does not envy the eagle for his size, nor does he feel any less by comparrison. He is Hawk, and he is as he is, and is honored for that.
The bear, as she walks the path with her cub does not look at the deer and wish to be able to run as swiftly. She does not envy the moose for his antlers nor does she scorn the chipmunk for being tiny and timid. She is with herself, and knows herself and lives each day as a bear. She is Bear and is honored for that.
Creator – we ask you to give us that same acceptance of ourselves. As long as humans have been on your earth, they have envied those they think more fortunate. They have pitied those they think are less. They have scorned those that are different.
Creator – we need to learn from the spirit of the animals. Each of us are unique and by your hand, each of us are wonderful. There is no other that is like each one. While one may be wealthy or beautiful, they may hold in their soul a sadness or pain. While one may be humble and meek, within them may be a greatness waiting to be seen.
It is only humans who find fault with themselves for not being what they see in others.
Creator – help us to look at the greatness each one of us has, and help us to live up to it. We know that you do not love us or judge us for being less than an eagle, or more than a bear. You love us and judge us when we live in honor. Let us learn to judge ourselves only in that same way.
Creator – we may look at the hawk and delight in his freedom. We can look at the bear and admire her power. It may be that it will be our path for those things to come to us. But let us always look at ourselves and know that we are who we are meant to be.
Creator – we know that AJ has lived and worked in an honorable way. There have been obstacles in his path, there have been hardships and heartaches. We ask you to help him see that his greatness is not judged by the finish lines or riches, but by goodness of his spirit, the gentleness of his soul, the loyalty he inspires in those who believe in him.
We ask you to watch over AJ and the team for the rest of their run. Let them live for the happiness of being themselves, of running together and caring for each other. We ask you to make AJ’s heart smile and be content in knowing that he is an honorable man
Creator – we thank you for the open skies and the beautiful waters and the healing earth. Thank you for the sight of the redtail hawk dancing on the air currents. Thank you for the sight of the mother bear and her child, ambling through the woods on a spring day. Thank you for these reminders that we are as we are meant to be.
Amen
.
8:04 pm on March 13th, 2012
CHarris, Two different times, the vet suspected mom’s Border Collie had Cushing’s disease. This was a very good vet. The dog did not have Cushing’s disease so I hope it works out the same way for you.
Rio, Dallas is 7 miles ahead of Aliy.
8:04 pm on March 13th, 2012
Amen
8:06 pm on March 13th, 2012
Again, I am in tears.
Amen.
8:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
Amen and Thank You
8:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
C.Harris, I sort of, maybe, remember something about Cushing’s but it might be that a person I knew had Cushing’s.
Will have to remember tomorrow. Must slZZZZZZZZZ
8:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
Amen
Thank You both for
another Perfect Prayer.
8:12 pm on March 13th, 2012
Amen.
8:14 pm on March 13th, 2012
KirbyT: When we signed up for Iditarod, we signed up for housing. Local residents open their homes to mushers +1. Last year we signed up for housing. When I arrived in Nome, I was told that they didn’t have us on the housing list. I had a feeling this was going to happen so I packed light. Whatever was in my backpack was my home. When AJ arrived in Nome we asked after housing again. We were told there was a set of bunk beds available. We were grateful for a place to stay. The gentleman was very kind, but the bunk beds were about 2/3 the size of a normal bed and the room was about the size of our bathroom—difficult for two people with all of AJs gear to move around. The next day, I noticed a flier at the community center that said there was a vacancy at a motel. It was in our price range so we jumped on it. This was better for all involved. AJ and I were still on race schedule and waking at all hours of the night and a bit disoriented. There was another musher that signed up for housing, but was told the same thing we were told. He took sleeping in his sled in the dog lot until he was kicked out. After being on the trail, AJ said he’d prefer to have a space of our own if we could swing it; I ear marked the money from our t-shirt and hoodies that we sold for this purpose. I’d prefer to be frugal with that little next egg in case something comes up.
8:16 pm on March 13th, 2012
Amen!…And God Bless us one and all…snort!
8:16 pm on March 13th, 2012
Thanks for recognizing our power, C.Harris.
Pop had a horse with cushings. It made him have very long curly hair. It is a thyroid issue, and they couldn’t keep weight on him. They measured his urine for ph or something. It has been a long time. We will try to remember more.
8:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
CHarris: Love the Kat on the Trail.
Buddy: Yes! Kats rule.
I wonder why Dallas veered off the trail. He’s now back on it.
Bella May AJ find some of the comforts of home at the end of the trail when you join him in Nome.
8:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
T&G: Thank you for another lovely prayer. AJ is an honorable man; thank you for seeing that in him. It is one of my favorite things about him.
8:26 pm on March 13th, 2012
Amen!
AJ is moving 9.9 mph right now!
8:30 pm on March 13th, 2012
We will strive to not envy the hawk.
Amen.
Hmmm, long curly hair, can’t keep weight on…so what is the down side. (Oops mom is wanting something she can’t be again. Focus mom, focus.)
8:32 pm on March 13th, 2012
Heartbeat!
AJ is moving at 6.1 mph. I think I was hallucinating.
8:32 pm on March 13th, 2012
Aliy is 5 miles behind Dallas now. I don’t think she can do this but wouldn’t it be something if she did.
8:34 pm on March 13th, 2012
SiberH: That would be something!
8:37 pm on March 13th, 2012
We think the reason Ally is now only 5 miles behind is because of that veer off-course that Dallas did. But Ally is now doing that same veer.
8:38 pm on March 13th, 2012
AJ!…He is a very Speedy man right now…snort!…I mean Giant by golly!…chuffle!
8:40 pm on March 13th, 2012
Moose!…Do you think there is a Moose or a Grizzly Bear on the trail?…snort!…Why are they bothveering off?…sniff!
8:41 pm on March 13th, 2012
CHarris
I might be reading more into that Catastrophe pic than is there, but is the musher in the outhouse and the dogs about to make a break for it, sled and all?
I think I can stay up until 10 pm no problem but I am going to get ready for bed now so I am ready to fall into it.
I hope this is a close finish. And I do hope Aliy wins. But it looks like I won’t mind whoever wins. Go Snowhook, but we already won didn’t we?
8:41 pm on March 13th, 2012
Jim Lanier off the trail now but moving. There is a very cold wind blowing across this area.
AJ and Scott Janssen in close proximity. It gives me comfort to know another is nearby.
8:42 pm on March 13th, 2012
Youse can bring up the live video now. Not broadcasting, but you can see the screen and hear music waiting for it to start.
8:43 pm on March 13th, 2012
Macy: Smiling here.
8:44 pm on March 13th, 2012
Oh oh oh, the pre-pre finish screen is up. Dad, hurry. Hook us up to the big screen. NOW!!! DAD, comeonwearegoingtomissit!!!!!!
8:47 pm on March 13th, 2012
Amen.
We especialy are touched by the prayers that speak of the animal spirits, they bring us to tears each time. Thank you.
8:47 pm on March 13th, 2012
We are not sure if we would be that comforted by being followed by a mortician. Of course, he does know CPR.
8:51 pm on March 13th, 2012
Will there be live coverage of ALL the teams? If so, we may not sleep for a couple of days.
8:51 pm on March 13th, 2012
The trail that the mushers follow does not always line up with the line drawn on Gypsy’s map. They aren’t really off course.
8:53 pm on March 13th, 2012
Macy, Hurryupandgetyourbigscreentunedtothelivestreamingfinish!
8:54 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dawson: I think Gypsy caught AJ on a downhill when you saw the fast speed, then I think it caught him on an uphill.
A group of mushers went out right after AJ left Una. It is wise to use the buddy system if the conditions are bad. I always feel better when AJ is around, I don’t know why others wouldn’t feel the same.
8:54 pm on March 13th, 2012
We hope to be able to stay up for a finish, don’t know. Molly’s Mom was here and not a good day – thanks to the IRS and the guys who make glasses – Wrong.
8:55 pm on March 13th, 2012
C Harris, you were talking about dog names. A friend of ours got her dog from a man who had English Shepherds since the 60’s. Every dog he had was named Queen or Lady. He always had one female and he alternated the two names!
Our computer is getting sluggish and so are we. Good night.
8:55 pm on March 13th, 2012
Macy, In the past there has only been live coverage of the winner. The others are delayed video put up on the Insider’s website.
8:55 pm on March 13th, 2012
Why has AJ stopped?
8:58 pm on March 13th, 2012
Howlers: He might be giving them a snack, undoing a tangle, checking on the dogs, giving them a moment to shake off any stress, or changing the team around. Let’s only worry if he doesn’t get going.
For all youse staying up to watch Dallas come in, it looks like he is about 10 miles from the finish. You might have close to an hour if not a bit more to wait.
9:00 pm on March 13th, 2012
Those who know alot more than us, about what time do you think the winner will cross the finish line?
9:01 pm on March 13th, 2012
Thank you, Rebecca. You answered the question right as we posted it.
9:03 pm on March 13th, 2012
OMD, Bella. Can someone wake us up when he is close?
9:05 pm on March 13th, 2012
G&B: To be more percise, but not much more, as of the last update he has 9 miles to go. I’m not sure his average speed, but his current speed is just over 6mph. I think it’s going to be closer to 7pm (AK time) rather than 6pm. When you train dogs, you train for an average speed of 10 usually, yet as dogs and mushers fatigure the time slows. The speed is also impacted by terrain, weather, number of dogs, the weight of the sled, etc.
9:07 pm on March 13th, 2012
lol If someone is waking up the Howlers, would you please also wake me up.
9:08 pm on March 13th, 2012
Why is it so light there? We would think it would be darker at 6pm.
9:11 pm on March 13th, 2012
Mom decided to play hookey from bible study tonight.
We are still sore at the minister who preached that animals do not go to heaven.
Hogwash!
Horse pucky!
Bull Feathers!
9:11 pm on March 13th, 2012
Macy, Gypsy’s map is a photograph. We are only seeing a snapshot in time whe it was light.
9:23 pm on March 13th, 2012
AJ is moving.
9:24 pm on March 13th, 2012
Wolfie, show the minister the horses in the book of Revelations.
9:28 pm on March 13th, 2012
Wolfie, if animals don’t go to heaven, Mom says she is changing her reservations.
This announcer says they use Sibes for speed. Ha ha mushmouth.
9:31 pm on March 13th, 2012
I’ll be happy when they reach Shak…yet it doesn’t look like a very welcome place…what with the cold wind blowing across the tiny town.
A Snapshot in Time…I like that.
O.Howlers: Thank Dog you told us about the live feed. We were turned into the Insider, not Iditablog. The tunes are now playing and keeping us awake.
9:32 pm on March 13th, 2012
Live streaming has started, but we still wait.
hahahaha Sibers for speed hahahaha
Fellow Sibers, maybe we could get jobs as announcers.
9:33 pm on March 13th, 2012
Bear, we are watching the live feed on Insider.
9:35 pm on March 13th, 2012
To pass the time while this announcer drones on:
Two women were sitting next to each other at a bar.
After a while, one looks at the other and says, ‘I can’t
help but think, from listening to you, that you’re from
Ireland .’
The other woman responds proudly, ‘Yes, I sure am!’
The first one says, ‘So am I! And where about in
Ireland are ya from?’
The other woman answers, ‘I’m from Dublin , I am.’
The first one responds, ‘So, am I!! And what street
did you live on in Dublin ?’
The other woman says, ‘A lovely little area. It was in
the west end. I lived on Warbury Street in the old
central part of town.’
The first one says, ‘Faith, and it’s a small world. So
did I! So did I! And what school did ya go to?’
The other woman answers, ‘Well now, I went to Holy
Heart of Mary, of course..’
The first one gets really excited and says, ‘And so
did I! Tell me, what year did you graduate?’The other
woman answers, ‘Well, now, let’s see. I graduated in 1964.’
The first woman exclaims, ‘The Good Lord must be
smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good
luck at winding up in the same pub tonight! Can you
believe it? I graduated from Holy Heart of Mary in
1964 me self !’
About this time, Michael walks into the bar, sits down,
and orders a beer.
Brian, the bartender, walks over to Michael shaking his
head and mutters, ‘It’s going to be a long night tonight.’
Michael asks, ‘Why do you say that, Brian?’
Brian answers, ‘The Murphy twins are drunk again
9:39 pm on March 13th, 2012
Oh, he says that there are animals in heaven, all right.
There just won’t be any pets.
Snort!
9:40 pm on March 13th, 2012
OMD That is funny!
That is better than listening to the announcers get things wrong.
9:46 pm on March 13th, 2012
Wolfie, My above post was meant for the Howlers, not you.
Well, maybe no pets in heaven would be good as long as there are animals. Everyone would be free to do their own thing. Huskies roaming wherever they wanted to with no worry of harm coming to them. Horses running free. We could interact with the animals as equals.
just a thought
9:49 pm on March 13th, 2012
We like that thought a lot, Siber.
9:49 pm on March 13th, 2012
Why am I not finding the finish on the Insider? Can youse guys help me?
9:51 pm on March 13th, 2012
You should be able to click on it on the Iditarod’s home page. Then you have one more click to do.
9:51 pm on March 13th, 2012
We are watching the live show and it is still light.
9:54 pm on March 13th, 2012
In the “Do dogs go to heaven?” debate – we just sent one of our favorite discussions to the dishlickers@yahoo.com email site. Take a look sometime when you need a laugh.
9:54 pm on March 13th, 2012
found it finally. great big link on the front page. Jeez!
9:58 pm on March 13th, 2012
Is anyone else having audio cut in and out?
9:59 pm on March 13th, 2012
Wait just a minute here – if there are no pets in heaven…does that mean we Kats are not going to have human staff either????
10:01 pm on March 13th, 2012
Where is the live coverage??????????
10:04 pm on March 13th, 2012
Siren siren siren
10:06 pm on March 13th, 2012
Go to the main page. Click on the link in the big box!
10:07 pm on March 13th, 2012
Right near the 6pm.
10:07 pm on March 13th, 2012
damit! nothing but the same. GAAh!
10:17 pm on March 13th, 2012
Live!…grump!…We tried to watch the LIVE, but all we saw was a black screen and all we heard were the inane announcers going on and on and then it froze up every thing else we had open on This Old Computer…heh!…So we got out of everything and brought Chets blog back up and now I am at the mercy of SiberH telling me what is going on…grunt!…Next year my friend says we are NOT PAYING FOR THE INSIDER BULLCRAP!…grunt!…But next year we might have a new computer and it might be worth it…wuffle!sniff!…Help me SiberH!
10:19 pm on March 13th, 2012
Where did the picture go!
10:20 pm on March 13th, 2012
It’s back!
10:22 pm on March 13th, 2012
You haven’t missed a thing!
Flashing lights!
10:22 pm on March 13th, 2012
OK heart is going again. Come on Dallas! Did you stop to comb your hair?
10:32 pm on March 13th, 2012
Grump!…We have to go upstairs and make sure Beau is not terrorizing her mother …sniff!grump!….So I guess I will watch the video tomorrow…gruffle!
AJ!…Actually, the only one I really care about coming in Live at the Finish is AJ and the A-Team…snort!…That will be celebration time…Woooooo!…for sure!
Goodnight!…WE HAVE TO GO NOW…heh!…Beau is causing trouble up above…sniff!
10:33 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dallas seems to be sniffing an awful lot. He first went and thanked each dog. That is when he was sniffing a lot. He said he had to do that first because they are the ones who got him there.
10:38 pm on March 13th, 2012
That young man is a class act!
10:39 pm on March 13th, 2012
He said his wife had already claimed the pickup.
10:39 pm on March 13th, 2012
We really like Dallas. He loves his dogs. Did you see his little girl saying hello to her doggie friend? Good job.
10:41 pm on March 13th, 2012
Rio, Sorry I wasn’t here till now. My computer won’t always handle something like the blog and a live stream at the same time. You are really not missing anything. Dallas won but it was the usual long wait for him to arrive in Nome. Aliy will be coming in second place, but the Insider only covers the winner live. We can see all the others on video. We will get to see AJ on video if the do it like they always have in the past.
I think Dallas was very sincere when he was talking to his dogs.
10:43 pm on March 13th, 2012
Finally, we saw Dallas come in and win it. Very neat that he went and thanked each of his dogs before talking to the humans. Very cool. He seems like a great guy. We like how they are talking about the race as a sport. Don’t think we’ll make it watching anymore tonight.
Run safe, AJ!
10:45 pm on March 13th, 2012
When they start talking to politicians I am outa here. Bed is calling me. I expect Aliy will be in soon but I must sleep sleep sleep.
I hope AJ is having a good run with the dogs and doesn’t get blown over by the winds.
Great prayer again T&G.
Goodnight all you plunderers.
10:45 pm on March 13th, 2012
Now that that excitement is over, we are only focusing on our team, who is closing in on OUR CHECKPOINT!!!!
GO SNOWHOOK!!!
10:47 pm on March 13th, 2012
We really like Dallas, too.
It’s been a loooong day.
Here is wishing a smooth run for Aj and the dogs tonight. May they be safe on their journey.
Rebecca, LOCK YOUR DOORS!!!
night all
10:47 pm on March 13th, 2012
Hi everyone, a late hello as it takes forever to get through so much on the blog each day. Rebecca, as always, your stories make me go ‘then what happened???’ Poor Natty, afraid of ice – husky problems are so different to the run of the mill stuff that spooks Cricket (currently it’s our local hot air balloon festival).
10:50 pm on March 13th, 2012
They never let him talk about Diesel.
Good night all.
Lock the door, Bella.
10:51 pm on March 13th, 2012
Dallas schmallis.
I want to see some video of AJ!
Go Snowhook!
10:52 pm on March 13th, 2012
Hi Liz!
10:53 pm on March 13th, 2012
Hi Liz,
Lots of dogs don’t like hot air balloons so tell Cricket she is not alone. I live in the “hot air balloon capital of the world.” They really spook some horses too.
night again
10:56 pm on March 13th, 2012
Diesel is falling asleep while Dallas is being interviewed.
G’day Liz! I wondered also what happened to Natty out on the ice. Did AJ sneak her in to sleep with him?
11:01 pm on March 13th, 2012
Hi Liz! Sorry to say hi and bye but…..We here are EXHAUSTED.
Feel like we were on the trail ourselves today. Whew!
Silly Bear finally found the right Insider link just in time to see Dallas congratulated. Oh well…we can watch it on replay in the morning. That what I get for letting a dorg take over the controls.
Off to check on AJ then…..sweet dreams y’all.
11:25 pm on March 13th, 2012
Hi hi!! it’s nice to see some of you still up!
Sibes, Cricket would so hate to be where you are, i’ve seen pictures of those balloon gatherings you have – ours is teeny by comparison.
Dawson, i hope AJ snuck her inside! NB i brought your toffee to the office to share around and everyone asked for the recipe – that never happened before when i made it! You must have the true Wolfie touch. Hi Wolfie!
Nighty-noodle.
11:52 pm on March 13th, 2012
An Alaskan hello to Liz.
Siber-H: eons ago I was driving cross country from California to Kentucky. As I neared New Mexico, my friend and I thought we were hallucinating because we were seeing polka dots in the distant sky. That was my first experience with the hot-air balloon festival.
12:09 am on March 14th, 2012
The tracker says that the next stretch is treacherous. Go AJ Go, very carefully.
12:34 am on March 14th, 2012
AJ and team is into the Kats checkpoint, Shaktoolik! I’m glad they are out of that wind. Yippee for Snowhook!
3:17 am on March 14th, 2012
Grump! I missed AJ getting into Shak. In preparation for heading to Nome tomorrow I had to go to town to do laundry and run other race related errands. I just got home a few moments ago.
Since I can’t get a flight for Thursday, I decided to go early rather than arrive on Friday night and risk missing the team come up Front Street. I may be overly cautious, but I’d hate to miss the finish.
5:34 am on March 14th, 2012
Macy: You better be careful—if you keep howling like a husky, AJ just might put you in harness.
As I’m waiting for flag #38 to move, I thought I would take a moment and tell the Plunderers how much I appreciate each of you. You have been a support to me this race in ways you don’t understand. The loss of Rory feels like the oxygen has been taken from my lungs, and I’ve had a hard time focusing on much of anything let alone writing as I usually do during the race. You’ve made me laugh, you’ve reminded me of what is important, you have made me feel less alone in AJ’s absence, less alone in grief. Thank you.
6:28 am on March 14th, 2012
Good morning all. Bella, have a good trip. Please keep focusing on the positive, although we understand that you and AJ will still need to grieve together. There are a lot of “what-ifs” to this race.
Snowhook is at the KATS checkpoint!!!! Hurray (except youse should see how Buddy is walking around all puffed up and proud now).
6:52 am on March 14th, 2012
Howlers: Good morning! The Plunderers have reminded me of the positives especially when I most wanted to just retreat in solitude and for that I thank you and am grateful for you.
AJ is on the move from the Kat’s Meow checkpoint. He dropped a dog before leaving. I have no idea who or why? Maybe a leader?—He said he was having leader trouble? Or, and unproven member that stepped up at the last minute? Who knows?—Either way they are loved.
6:54 am on March 14th, 2012
Now we see that AJ left Shak, and is on his way to Rio’s Friend’s checkpoint: Koyuk. Go Snowhook!
One more dog was dropped though.
6:55 am on March 14th, 2012
Bella, when does your flight leave? Will the dog just dropped be sent to Nome now?
7:02 am on March 14th, 2012
My flight leaves shortly after 5 this evening which is good because I have a lot to do before then. My goal is to snag a few hours of sleep at some point, too.
If I’m not mistaken, dogs that are dropped from Unalakleet on are sent to Nome. Last year, I waited and waited for the call to pick Frank up from the correctional facility. It never came. I figured that they dropped dog coordinator would contact Handler Jeremy while I was in Nome. Once we left the finish line and were directed where to park in the dog lot, there was Frank pouncing on each of his mates as they passed by into our spot.