11:30 Am

Just got a call from Greg Heister.  Greg, our Insider producer just arrived in Kaltag after an all night expedition by snow machine from Anvik to Kaltag.

He has reported that deep snow going into Eagle must certainly have frustrated mushers.  Additionally, leaving Eagle was “unbelievable with about 20 places, at least, with over flow completely across the trail.”  He went on to explain that even on the dog trail one would post hole to the knees if attempting to walk.  “Forget it if you try to step off the trail—you’re practically swimming.”

Therefore, Greg said it is impossible for mushers to pull over and stop for a rest except on a couple of wind blown stretches where the trail went on glare ice.  He commented that it must be very difficult for dog teams, which makes sense when we look at the travelling speeds on the tracker tool.  Everyonce in while you see good travelling speed, an indication they are on glare ice and really gliding.

Temperatures in Kaltag are climbing above freezing so its likely conditions are not going to improve.

Though temperatures are likely above freezing, the dogs are probably cooled by water enough to work without stress from the heat.

A continued high pressure on the Bering sea coast seems to indicate continued warm weather for the race.