With the first four teams resting in Unalakleet we have a chance to observe the condition of their teams and the mental state of the mushers themselves.  Most likely this year’s champion is sitting here right now.   Aliy Zirkle’s team came into the checkpoint at a fast clip, seemed extremely fresh and alert and rather than laying down and resting when they got in all remained on their feet and turned around focused on Aliy getting their snacks ready.  Aliy herself seems extremely tired for the first time in the race and extremely cold.  

Both Aaron Burmeister and Dallas Seavey’s teams seemed to have the most power and speed as they arrived.  Aaron’s team is eating like a bunch of alligators, devouring everything he gives them.  Though tired, both Aaron and Dallas seemed very alert, focused on the race and efficient with their chores and caring for their dogs.

John Baker seems tired but still is laughing and joking with his fans around him.  Aaron said he feels that his strongest competitor is Dallas, but he’s scared to death of Baker.  John Baker is famous for his relentless push up the coast and the others are keeping an eye on him.

I was surprised to have Aaron ask where Jake Berkowitz, Ray Redington and Peter Kaiser are.  The statistics will show that they are hours behind the front runners but Aaron was concerned about the speed in which those teams are coming up behind them Although these front teams have a fairly significant lead, anything can happen along the trail and should they slow down the teams pursuing them could be right back in the hunt. So at this point in the race, which is a long ways from the finish line, Dallas Seavey and Aaron Burmeister seem to have a slight edge in the condition of their dog teams.

 The big surprise is although moderate temperatures were predicted here, this morning found the thermometer pegged at 38 below F. (-39 C).  The mushers seemed cold and tired as a group and reported that the trail was fairly tough going due to all of the snow.  We’ll see how long they rest here which will give an indication of how these mushers feel about the strength of their teams.