In an excited in and out, checkpoint team and vets perform all mandatory gear checks and dog exams, dallas quickly loads straw and food and returns to the exit trail to White Mountain

Dallas Seavey first in and out at 3 19 PM and leads Iditarod Pack

Dallas SEavey, hustling to maintain a fragile lead over Aly Zirkle,  arrives at the Elim checkpoint at 3 19 PM under bright skies, the sun intense enough to produce a spring time like warmth.   With a big crowd of Elim locals watching, Dallas quickly signed in and out, dropped a dog in the care of the vets, joked a little, “I’ m in a big hurry”, ripped open a bale of straw to take a few flakes, loaded two bags of meat and ration, three bottles of alcohol for his cooker, and immediately had the checkpoint crew turn the team around in direction White Mountain.

Bottom line—lots of action, excitement.   eVen the judge and the vets cooperated in the Seavey frenzy to get back on the trail. 

Aliy Zirkle is tagging Seavey—-a vocal and very interested crowd of supporters waits for her arrival

Dallas quicklyloads straw and meat rations for a meal and break on the trail. he quickly turns team around and exits back to the sea ice in direction White Mountain