Weather Whoas

And then there is the weather.....another game changer. Apparently the weather is changing.....high winds in the 50 mph range are predicted, and the strange thing is temps may rise into the 50s. They fear the trail could literally turn into an oatmeal consistency.....this is a concern. Then add a snow machine on top of that and you have a very unstable trail. The wind will be really bad on the Yukon....if the dogs can't get a grip on the glare ice it's going to be very slow going indeed. Granted I have only been following the race since 2001, but this is a strange mix, I have never watched a race when it rains west of the mountains. It's said most mushers put their rain gear in their "home" bag once through the Alaskan Range to lighten their load. With rain, wind and sleet in the Forcast it's going to be tough to stay dry. Then factor in nights when temps drop, a soaking wet musher could be in a heap of trouble. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.....right?