When I left Don´s Cabin to make sleeping room from Jim Lanier and Jason Mackey it was blowing pretty steady. Going was good for about 25 miles until we hit some interesting overflow. A few minutes prior I had just passed Martin Buser, who was not too happy to see me on the trail, as the snowmachine rips open the thin crusted layer. I could feel for him, as I have been unhappy with snowmachiners myself. But here we met up again at the creek, lets just call it Moose Creek, ( or wet creek ) and we quickly agreed that there is no point in being negative. And how could we, being where we are. There was fun music playing though speakers somewhere hiding in Martins Sled bag, audible not only to me, but his team also. I am sure they pick up on Martins really good mood. I held his team while he surveyed the scene. And holding his team was easier said than done, as even with a snowhook in I had to stand with 2 feet on the brake. THESE DOGS WANT TO GO.
Martin getting dressed again, after riding his team across bare footed
Most of the time I have been fairly happy with being on a snowmachine, but this was one of those moments, where I wished I could be on a dog team. There is not much better than a nice dog team firing on all cylinders.
Martin Buser made it across
Swimming time at Moose Creek
Marten proceeded to undress, Pants, longjohns, boots and all, and rode the sled bare footed across to the other side. When he called up the dogs, riding he brake bare footed, they did not even hesitate one minute and jumped into the knee deep water. On the other side, I could here Martin, all positive, talking to his dogs: “ Hey guys you got a bath, how did that feel ?”. Considering it is above freezing, the dogs did not seem to mind and were barking and lunging to go, while Martin got dressed again. He had his team securely fastened to a nearby tree. Luckily this was the only big overflow for the rest of the trip into Iditarod.
Martin Buser´s Team on the move
I was surprised to find Lance Mackey still here, currently having breakfast. He said it was a tough trip over, so he decided to spend more time here. His water crossing went fine, till the last few feet, where he slipped off the runners when the dogs clambered up the other side. That might have to do with it too, that he is staying here a bit longer to dry out.
