Allen Arrives First In Pelly Crossing Checkpoint

Allen arrived at 3:09AM Yukon time. The dog team looked strong and came into the checkpoint with wagging tails. Comments in the crowd watching were "That's a good looking team after running 700+ miles!" However, Pud was in the bag, not on the line. Allen says that soon after the Stepping Stone hospitality stop, Pud began to limp with a sore paw. Pud has been dropped at Pelly Crossing Checkpoint. He'll be joining Schmoe, who was dropped in Scroggie Creek, and is now riding along with the SP Kennel crew in the dog truck. The rest of the dogs received their snacks, and have healthy appetites. They will enjoy their main meal a bit later on after having some rest in their straw. Allen came into the checkpoint wearing his white wind pants due to the warm weather we've been having along the Quest trail. With highs right around 34-36 F, it has been downright balmy for a Yukon Quest. There is a nice breeze that does keep things cool, and running along the river also helps to lower the temperatures for the dogs. He says the trail is fine, and he hasn't had any difficulties on this particular stretch which included going over King Solomon's Dome and the Black Hills. He is in good spirits, and is happy with the way the team is running. After having a brief meal at the checkpoint, he turned in to get some much needed rest. His tracker spot seems to be working well, so we'll be able to continue following him on the next stretch. He'll now return back to the Yukon River and continue making his way south. We will see him again at the Carmacks checkpoint.