March 8 UNK—11pm—Seavey and Sorlie into Unk, intend to engage front pack

FLASH, the  2x champ Robert Sorlie and 2013 Champ Mitch Seavey have arrived Unalakleet holding hands at matched speeds. 

Their arrival deserves a footnote.  As readers may recall,  Jeff King asked about the location of Mitch Seavey just before he departed Unalakleet.  “Where is that Seavey.  We forgot about him last year and he came up and beat us.” 

Mitch has commented that the days of claiming the race in Unalakleet, about 300 miles from the finish, has only been possible because mushers believe that it is the point to claim a place at the front.  He asks why not race to the finish line?

Therefore, we can take his very strong team seriously.  Aaron Burmeister arrived earlier in the evening, and commented that Seavey’s team could win.  The question becomes— does he have enough distance left in the race to overcome a four hour Zirkle lead?  After all, she is driving a very nice team.

I went to the dog yard and watched both the Sorlie and Seavey teams inhale rations.  Consensus has it that both teams are traveling  together, but Seavey’s team may have more raw dog power on the hills and pulling across  dirt.

Wally and Taurus are presently in command of the Seavey team.

On the other side of the dog yard we note Sorlie and crew.  They have cameras and a press contingency sending reports to Norway, where I am told interest is high.   The Norwegians agree that there is no magic to move Sorlie to  the front other than to patiently rest and run, and hope the front pack weakens.

Presently, Robert has handed leadership roles to Kelley and Mekkel.  Readers may recall that Tores, a big black leader was positioned in the team earlier in the race and poised to take leadership roles later in the race.  Apparently he has decided to cancel his contract as leader and remain a team dog—-something about steady paycheck and all you can eat with none of the responsibilities of management.

Final thought:  Aliy Zirkle defends to the front,  Jeff King appears powerful enough to take the lead.  

Sonny Lindner is the quiet spoiler.  With Al and Rocco in lead,  the team appeared to have plenty in the tank when they departed Unalakleet.