Hi Boys and Girls,

First an apology. I have been having technical difficulties today and this did not get posted this morning. Hopefully my computer will cooperate the rest of the race!

The 24 rests are being completed and things are getting really interesting.   Wade Marrs has taken the lead and has left Huslia. Dallas Seavey left 15 minutes later. Both have completed their 24 but not their 8. The first 17 mushers have all left Huslia and have all completed their 24 hour. This is really exciting.

Just a reminder to set your clocks ahead one hour tonight for Daylight Savings Time. Don’t know what that is? Check tonights update for the answer to todays question of the day!

Who’s In First

As of 07:12 AST, All top 5 positions have changed since my last update.  

1. Wade Marrs
2. Dallas Seavey
3. Joar Leifseth Ulsom
4. Mitch Seavey
5. Peter Kaiser

Rookie Report

Currently in the Rookie of the Year Position is Robert Redington who is in 15th Place. He has left Huslia. Recently completed his 24 hour rest. Nicolas is in 24th place. He is in Huslia. This may be where he’s taking his 24 hour rest.

Red Lantern Position

Rookie Ryan Anderson has left Ruby and is traveling to Galena. He has taken both is 24 hour and his 8 hour rests.

Scratched

We have our second scratch of the race. Mark Selland scratched in Ruby due to concern for the safety and welfare of his team. Mark had left Ruby only to return and then scratch.

Trail Tales

Mike Kenney, who is a photographer and takes pictures for the Iditarod Education Department has been sending me some pictures to use in these posts. I want to thank Mike for taking the time to send us some great pics from the trail. His pictures today are of resting dogs in Huslia. Enjoy.

Weather

The weather station I get my information from seems to be down at the moment. Hopefully by my next post I’ll have information for you.

Question of the day

What is Daylight Savings time and how will affect a teams overall time?

Answer to previous question

A dropped dog is a dog who is not continuing in the Iditarod. A dog can be dropped for many reasons. They may not be enjoying running with the team. Like any athlete, they may get sore and need added rest. The best interest and welfare of the dog is always considered when making the decision to drop them. Dogs are always dropped at checkpoints. Once they are dropped, the vets and volunteers check them over and prepare them for an airplane trip back to Anchorage. In Anchorage, they will be held and taken care of until one of the teams’ handlers can pick them up.    

I will be glued to the race all day today. I think we’ll see a few more changes today and tomorrow. Check back tonight for my latest update!

See you on the trail,

Gypsy