The latest team to arrive is Jessie Holmes from Nenana. Those of you who know Jessie, know that he is a man who likes Adventure. And he is getting his moneys worth this year. His team was flying into the checkpoint 13 dogs strong. He was quick to point out, that he travelled much slower on the Yukon River. Jessie had left Eagle Island in 9th position and came here in 7th place. Last year, at the last quarter for the race, Jessie put on the heat. It looks like he is poised to do the same this year, 13 dogs strong.

Aliy Zirkle had pulled in a few minutes ahead of Jessie. Aliy attracts a big crow of onlookers whenever she checks into a checkpoint. Kaltag was no exception, even late at night. No team has gone though Kaltag at this point, which is somewhat untypical for this phase in the race. It shows how difficult the trail conditions are. Aliy also made up one position since leaving in Eagle Island arrived in 6th place here in Kaltag.

Earlier in the afternoon I had sent out 3 snowmachiners to Eagle Island to bring more race support staff into that checkpoint, as flying was once again impossible due to snow and low clouds. When Adolf, Calvin and Colby returned from Eagle Island I was glad to see all 3 headlights come up the river bank: “ Man Sebastian, that is gnarly out there “. Alfred described 20 miles of overflow from Bullfrog Island onwards. Not deep, but lot’s of it. Even now, late at night, temperatures are barely dropping below freezing. The stiff 15 mile and hour north wind makes it feel pretty cold though.

Time for a bit of a nap…. Here a few more pictures. Internet being marginal and it being late… sorry for no editing….