Update March 11, 2013 PM Edition

Hi Boys and Girls

What a day this has been.  Jeff King took the lead when he stayed in Koyuk less than10 minutes.  He did pick up supplies so he could be planning to rest somewhere down the trail. This is the time the mushers start strategizing their next moves. This is one of the most exciting races in recent years.  Everytime I look at the computer something interesting is happening.  I hope you are keeping up with it.

Todays picture from Jeff Schultz is of Norweigen musher Joar Leifseth Ulsom leaving Unalakleet. Joar is in 6th place and the leading rookie in the race.

thumbs_130310-2D6018

Now for todays update:

DATE:   March 11, 2013  PM Edition

TIME:     11:10 Alaska Time   

LEADERS: 1. Jeff King 2. Mitch Seavey  3. Aily Zirkle 4. Ray Redington  5. Aaron Burmeister. 

WHERE ARE THE MUSHERS: Jeff has left Koyuk. The next 5 mushers are all in Koyuk. The next 7 teams have all left Shaktoolik and are on their way to Koyuk. 6 teams are in Shaktoolik, 7 teams have left Unalakleet, 1 team is in Unalakleet, 10 teams have left Kaltag, 9 teams are in Kaltag, 2 teams have left Eagle Island, 4 teams are in Eagle Island, 1 team has left Grayling, 2 teams are in Grayling, 2 teams have left Anvik and 1 team has left Shagaluk

RED LANTERN POSITION: Cindy Abbott  who has left Shagaluk.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR POSITION: Joar Leifseth Ulsom who is currently in 6th place and is in Koyuk.

WEATHER:   The weather in Shagaluk is 3 degrees and partly cloudy, The weather in Anvik, Grayling and Eagle Island is 10 degrees and fair. The weather in Kaltag is -2 and fair. The weather in Unalakleet is -6 and fair. The weather in Shaktoolik is -7 degrees and fair. The weather in Koyuk is 0 degrees and fair.

SCRATCHED: No one

WITHDRAWN: No one

AWARDS:

Answer to this mornings Question: The difference between scratched and withdrawn is that when a musher scratches he makes the decision on his own and it’s usually for the good of the team.  When a musher is withdrawn, the decision is made for him or her but a panel of 3 race judges.  It does not mean the musher did anything wrong.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Why is there an 8 hour mandatory rest so close to the finish?

Tomorrow’s morning update will be very important.  We should be able to start predicting a finish time.  While this is very exciting, please watch the back of the pack and see how they are doing. 

Until later,

Gypsy