The Black Team crossed the line in Dawson at 9.18pm looking absolutely fantastic. They were animated, had wagging tails and eagerly ate up their thawed steaks in front of a crowd of media and onlookers.
Allen himself was great! But, I’m quite certain he will be looking forward to a sleep.
The run/rest schedule Allen has run thus far looks to have paid off as the dogs still were perky and had good energy. Remember, they have 24 hours here in Dawson, not 36 as they have in previous years. There are 12 fewer hours to rest and recharge.
What happens now? Aliy took over the team and mushed them across the river to the campground where Spencer (who got a lift by truck) was waiting for them with a big warm meal. Aliy and Spencer then undressed the dogs of all their coats and harnesses etc. The veterinarian team will do their thorough dog-by-dog check on them before the dogs settle for a rest.
At various intervals throughout the night and tomorrow we will walk, feed, massage them etc. It’s important to get lots of calories into them so they are primed ready to go the next 500 miles.
As far as Allen goes, Ray whisked him immediately off to the truck to change into some dry clothes. He will head over to the camp for the vet checks then we’ll get some food into him before he catches some sleep. He will need no rocking tonight!!
Ray then takes Allen’s sled to the RCMP facilities where he will thaw it out, check it out for any necessary repairs and get it ready for Allen to pack up in 22-odd hours from now.
Check out the Yukon Quest Facebook page for good pics and video of the team’s arrival. I have some footage and will get something up as soon as I can.
