Nulato and Beyond

The front Teams follwed Sass into Nulato.  He served out his 8 hour mandatory rest and is presently headed to Kaltag at mile 593.  He left Nulato with 14 dogs.  Mitch Seavey, who has yet to serve his 8 hour rest is actually one mile ahead of Brent with 13 dogs on his way to Kaltag.  It is a bit amazing Mitch has been able to keep up his speed without resting as much as the other Teams.  He will have to serve his 8 hour rest in Kaltag.  The rest of front pack is in Nulato...King, and Sorlie have yet to serve their 8 hour rest and may be doing that in Nulato....time will tell.  

Dallas is down to 11 dogs with 400 miles yet to go.  That is a bit percarious.  Sure, he posted the fastest time between Galena and Nulato...but the fact remains 11 dogs doesnt leave a lot of room for common injuries going forward.  One has to wonder if tossing healthy dogs in a trailer behind the sled is really working out for him.  Dogs that are on the tug line are experiancing the trail...learning it for future years.  They are also working their muscles and staying loose as they settle into a trot.  A dog cramped into a space with 2 or 3 other dogs and then pulled out to now run with the Team might not be a good strategy.....not to mention being contrary to the best interest of the dogs.  Dallas left his trailer back in Galena....so if he wants to carry dogs he will now have to do it "the old fashioned way" by putting them in his sled bag.   

That said, Dallas is still a front runner...and for now is staying put in Nulato.  Aliy is also resting in Nulato after leading the Musher parade from Galena.  Her Team looked great coming into the checkpoint.  I believe she will stay right on her schedule regardless of what people do around her.  Thats what you call "old school" strategy and disapline!

As Brent and Mitch race towards Kaltag....the chase pack will soon be on their trail.  I look forward to seeing the next phase of this race....400 miles to go!!!