Shaktoolik no longer a checkpoint...why this is critical....

When I first heard Shaktoolik was no longer a checkpoint I thought "so what, its not like their drop bags, HEET fuel for cook stoves and straw for dogs wont be available, that will still be accessible 2 miles out of the checkpoint".  But after looking at a map and listening to Jessie Royer talk in Nulato….and knowing what the weather has in store for the next 24 hours, it hit me.  The Teams will have to travel 90 miles without shelter....with 35 mile winds and snow...and half of that distance is over the frozen Norton Sound.

The word harsh doesn't do this justice.....this can be brutal, disorienting, cold.....you must have a Leader in the Team that will work with their Musher to assure the Team they can do this.  Mother Nature wants her say....and we must listen when she speaks!

The trail is reportedly slow....grabby....sticky.  Its snowing, making it punchy for the dogs.  This is what the tracker is telling me:

Royer at mile 619
Sass at mile 610

Both must take their 8 hour rest in Kaltag, mile 629

Waerner is running at mile 601
Kaiser is at mile 597 (still needs to take 8 hour in Kaltag)
Burmeister at mile 593
Marrs at mile 591

All the other top teams are in Nulato still resting.

Its quite likely Teams will pass Royer, Sass and Kaiser as they take their mandatory 8 hour rest in Kaltag.  But this may be good for them....Teams will be breaking the trail to Unalakleet, making it easier for them to chase for the lead after their 8 hour rest.  The storm is suppose to rage until 4 pm tomorrow...gusty winds and all....hold now, check in with IditaDacks often, and enjoy the socially distant coverage from HOME!