Hi Boys and Girls,

Just a short message about Mt. Redoubt.  Mt Redoubt is a volcano in Alaska and has erupted during the night.  I just heard from Zuma and they are safe at the Millennium.  Here is what Zuma had to say:

Just an update to everyone.  Redoubt blew a couple hours ago and we’ve been given instructions to prepare for an ash cloud… just in case… We were told we’d have 2 hours until the ash may hit here, and the snow is still white outside now…  The alert is not for Anchorage specific at this time but we will spend the next hour closing up Millennium HQ.   Nome is now HQ Central.  Our Iditarod Internet will most likely be shut down at some point and parts of Alaska may have cuts in service…. and we’ve been told to put our technology and printer and etc in plastic.  I’ve spent the last hour working to tape up the window in my room because I have Internet wires that come in…. As I said, the ash cloud is not expected to get to Anchorage but we are taking precautions.

From my understanding at this time, planes are grounded at the Anchorage airport and most mushers and their dogs are still in Nome and will stay there until it is safe to fly out.  A couple of flights did make it to Anchorage but I’m not sure who (except Cathy Walters the Teacher on the Trail™) was on those flights.

I will keep you posted when I am able to get information.  Also please understand that coverage, emails and information out of Anchorage might be slow if at all through out the day.

You can get more information about the eruption by going to:

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php

Gypsy