Nikolai is where the action is right now. While the first teams have hit the trail, Sonny Lindner leading the way with 16 nice looking dogs, other mushers are arriving in a steady stream. And some of them clearly show their war wounds like Hans Gatt who hit a tree. He is handling it with style, nothing a little rest can’t fix. Others like Joar Leifseth Ulsom, you have to look a little closer to see that an essential part of his sled is missing. ” I really have been out of control coming here ” he said. Without a break, it sure is no fun. His replacement sled is waiting in McGrath. Other mushers have sleds being hauled over from McGrath as we speak.
Joking with Mitch, I mentioned that he must have some German in his blood, as his team looked incredibly orderly, all dogs sleeping in a row and even eating in a row, as you can see in a picture below. His son was parked right behind him. Mitch said: ” I can shake him, well…. not yet “. It sure must be fun to have this as a family affair. Dallas is one of a kind, Very athletic. He said after hitting a tree his towline broke and left him with 2 dogs. He took off RUNNING after the 14 dogs on the loose. And he actually caught them. ON FOOT. Catching a running dog team. I am not sure this has been done much
Enjoy the shots below, I am going to hit the trail to McGrath here soon. The Iron dog is filled up, the track greased with dish soap. I am very lucky to have gotten some key tips of how to rig that machine right before I left. Bruno and Bill, I owe you one big time!
Happy trails.
Hans had a tree jump out in front of him
Gatt team
Mitch team
Mitch taking booties off
Mitch, not sure which thrift store he found that hat
Dallas team watering
Dallos, sure had some fun stories to share
Jeff loading up Skeeter
Jeff’s cooker
Skeeter ready to ride
Ahhhh Peeeeee time.
Nicolas Petit. Watch out guys, he is coming
2 of Nic’s dogs
Jeff leaving
The King waving good bye
Nic getting his leader ready
Eating in a row in Mitch’s team
Joar arriving
Joar
Ray Redington getting in
Bootie bag
Something missing on Joar’s sled
Village house
Nic leaving
Nic leaving
Nic
Nic having fun
Michelle arriving
Always smiles, Michelle
