Sunday, February 10, 2008

Yukon Quest!

The Yukon Quest is a 1000 mile mushing race between Fairbanks and White Horse, Canada. Real Alaskans (being those who live in Fairbanks, not Los Anchorage) know this as the world's toughest sled dog race, especially compared with that spring time jaunt called the Iditarod ;-)

The race alternates directions, with even years starting in Fairbanks. It was a brisk day down on the river, but we prevailed on a tasty breakfast at Dea and Ben's place, a warming walk down the slough, some great company and all manner of furs and down. The race start was shrouded in ice fog. We stayed out a bit down the trail in the sun.


Highlights included the all siberian husky teams with no need for dog-coats, Lance Mackey (hometown hero who last year became the first person to win the the Quest and Iditarod in the same year), seeing so many excited pooches, and being out having fun in the cold with so many friends. Taco King for lunch on the way home was enlivened with Brian's valentines plans...


Number 6 here is Phil Joy. His girlfriend Kumi is a friend of friends and will be support crew and dog handler. Good luck!


Lance Mackey gets a hometown send off.