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Kennel Notes 2004
| Day 11: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 |
Wednesday am
The house is filled with sounds of sleep this morning. It was an exciting, late night filled with hours of anticipation. Jeff crossed the finish line just after midnight with Kansas and Texas leading in the crew of 12 tremendous athletes. The dogs looked fantastic: alert, happy and wondering what all the fuss was about. Pumba, Moose, Tahoe, George, Holstein, Rumba, Concord, Tinkle, Vermont and Marco moved like well-oiled machines as we ran them from the finish chute to the dog lot here in Nome. Jeff was happy, alert and rested-looking as he spoke into microphones to the crowds at the finish line and later at the Convention Center. He answered questions and talked about the trail for about 45 minutes to a group of attentive fans.
The dogs were immediately checked by a group of veterinarians as they evaluated each one for the Leonard Sepala Humanitarian Award. The teams are assessed along the trail and at the finish in regard to their overall health. Jeff was awarded this coveted award in last year's race. Once again, the dogs were in great shape. Once that was complete, the dogs were given meat snacks and bowls of water and kibble (Caribou Creek Gold). They ate like champions. Three hours later several of the dogs were urine tested (for illegal drugs) and blood tested (a voluntary test for research). Then they were finally awarded with a long rest. They will laze around Nome today until 5:00pm. At that time they will be picked up by the Alaska Airlines Air Cargo crew and will fly to Anchorage with our friend and handler, Jeff Wells. Then home and a well deserved vacation. And, believe it or not, they may join Jeff once again to race in the Kobuk 440 in April.
Jeff told us later at the house about receiving a message in White Mountain from up the trail from Martin Buser which read, "Time to jettison the caboose and go get 'em. Good luck." Support from a fellow, seated musher. We watched the teams arrive from our vantage point here by the chute. Ramey Smyth entertained us with another surprising finish.
Well, Jeff just emerged from the bedroom with espresso in hand. (We are staying above the Arctic Trading Post Gift Shop that is equiped with an espresso machine.) And the representatives from Cabela's just arrived to invite us all to join them at Fat Freddie's (which is just about the only place in town to eat) for breakfast. Lisa has already called this morning from White Mountain with her Serum Run team of our yearlings. They will arrive in Nome tomorrow and board a plane to Anchorage tomorrow night. So the talk is of logistics and the day's schedule of activities. Life quickly moves forward.
These next few days in Nome will be full of stories, relaxing and regrouping before the finish banquet here in Nome on Sunday night. It is still warm and windless and even some blue skies with morning. It will be a great day in Nome.
There is still plenty of Iditarod racing to enjoy. Stay in touch on cabelasiditarod.com |
| Day 10: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 |
| Tuesday 3:00pm
I'm a bit tardy in my update today....it has nothing to do with last
night's activities! We're in Nome waiting for news of Jeff's departure
from White Mountain. Each team must take a mandatory 8 hour layover there
before heading along the 77 miles to Nome. Everyone I speak with is
excited about the close race this year. There is a lot of speculation on
whether Jeff can catch Mitch or not. An hour and a half is a mouthful at
this point in the race. One hour might be more manageable but Jeff is
always full of surprises. It was lightly snowing this morning and it
remains very overcast. The temperature in about 20-20 degrees above zero
and reported to cool off tonight. There is no wind to speak of. Word from
White Mountain is that both Jeff and Mitch have their race faces on.
Kjetil has his one as well, I'm sure. Only 11 minutes behind between Jeff
and Kjetil will be very motivating for both of them. The teams are expected
in tonight around midnight. Keep your fingers crossed.....
Meanwhile, the kids are entertaining themselves by playing cards with the
Seavy and Buser boys at the Nome Mini Convention Center (race headquaters).
I admit that I was dragged to the Wet Buns Contest last night and was
entertained, Nome-style. The town is bustling with spectators, media,
locals and race officials. Art Shows, contests of all kinds, basketball
tournaments, and a calendar full of historic and fun activities keeps our
days full. But seeing our old friends is truly at the top of our list.
It's like coming home.
Put the finish of the Iditarod on your vacation wish list. It will be a
memorable one.
Stay tuned!
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| Day 9: Monday, March 15, 2004 |
Wow! It’s been a few years since we’re had a close race for first, so everyone is enjoying this year’s Iditarod drama.
All the reports I received from Unalakleet had Jeff with the strongest team. He cut his rest there short. It surprised me. I would never have guessed that he would leave before a 4-hour break there. His rest in Shaktoolik last night is more in line with his thinking. I’m guessing that he stopped for a quick break on the trail into Shak (hence the longer travel time). He hates to leave a checkpoint and travel between 3-6:00am. We’ll see how Mitch and Jeff handle this next dilemma: arriving into Koyuk in the morning so that they have to leave in the hot part of the day. If the teams are still strong, it might be wise to go through Koyuk and camp out on the trail. Kjetil’s team just does not have the travel speed to compete with the teams ahead of him. His only strategy would be to cut rest and we’ll see if he can do that at this point. These competitors are not only looking ahead to the competition, they are also looking over their shoulder. It becomes a fine line at this stage in the race: monitoring the needs and ability of your team when there is not a lot of room for error.
Ed Iten is coming along strong, as well as Rick Swenson. Both of these fellows have tremendous experience on the coast. Last year, Jeff ran Pumba in lead across the sound to Koyuk and it was a sight to behold as I flew over: our 8.5 year old, wheel dog digging in with his head down leading the team in to the wind. At 9.5, Pumba is in the team once again this year and likely doing the same thing as I write this.
Well, Tessa, Ellen and I are leaving for the airport in 45 minutes. Joining us will be Jeff Wells, our friend and handler. Cali will fly into Nome on Saturday, the first day of her Spring Break from college. By the way, check out our Jr. Iditarod page. We just added an article by Tessa about her race last year.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Stay in touch with the exciting finish on cabelasiditarod.com |
| Day 8: Sunday, March 14, 2004 |
| Well, Jeff sure keeps us guessing, doesn't he? He took his mandatory 8-hour rest in Nulato after leaving the village around 10:30am and being greeted by soft trail. It's a bad time of day to slog through softening snow and Jeff hates to go slow. So, he turned back and rested. As the stats showed this morning, he's not going slow! In addition, that fact that he left Kaltag with all 13 dogs is a good sign.
Depending on the trail conditions to Unalakleet, teams may make the 90 mile trek in one run. Historically, this section is done one of two ways: one run or two, stopping at Old Woman Cabin (reported by the media to be haunted). Jeff ran through Kaltag so there is no doubt he will stop somewhere on the trail. If he can make the trip in two runs with only a 4 hour break, he will likely hold his position. I've always contested that the order in which the teams arrive in Unalakleet is the order in which they finish. If Mother Nature is not a big factor on the coast, my theory usually runs true.
Kjetil is doggedly holding onto his lead though he is traveling much slower than his entourage. No one can afford any mistakes now, so his run-rest decisions will have to be right on to keep a grasp on his position. He has several hungry teams breathing down his neck. Exciting! Only two days left....
Both Nils Hahn and Frank Stihler are using the short harnesses.
Stay in touch on cabelasiditarod.com |
| Day 7: Saturday, March 13, 2004 |
The cream is rising......
Following the stats has become immensely easier with some of the mandatory rests completed. The good news is that Jeff left Ruby at a perfect time of day and his run-time demonstrates that. Kjetil chose to leave just after noon, in the heat of the day, with a wind at his back(in this case, not a good thing because there is no cooling breeze for the dogs)and making a river run. The Yukon River is wide and void of shade for the most part. It can be very warm when the sun is out; too warm. I believe that that decision took a toll on his team.
I spoke with Jeff an hour before he left Ruby yesterday. He sounded well-rested, alert and excited. His team "ate like pigs" during the rest and he is thrilled with their health and attitudes. This is exactly the spot during this event that a musher dreams of making a team report like that. He hopes to "chip away" at the time difference he has to make up in the hundreds of miles left in the race.
Watching the weather last night (I am at a friend's in Wasilla and have tv access.), it appears as though Mother Nature may take a substantial roll as the teams hit the coast. It's been a while since the race has had the drama of storms to alter the predicted outcome of the race.
A word or two about Jeff's innovations: Last season Jeff re-introduced an old style of harness that is now called the short harness. It goes just past the dogs' shoulders. He strongly believes that it takes a significant amount of stress off the dogs and positively alters the way they run. Note that Dave Dalton, this year's 3rd place Yukon Quest finisher, used this style of harness and finished with all 14 dogs with which he started. Also note that John Baker also uses this harness....and Jeff, of course. Jeff received the Humanitarian Award in last year's Iditarod after finishing with a large team. Cali also finished one of the largest teams in the event. Food for thought.....
Reports are that Martin Buser is convinced of the advantages of the new Tail Dragger sled that Jeff designed this season. Martin calls it the OMS (Old Mushers' Sled) and has been quoted as saying that 50% of the teams will be driving them next year. Martin saw Jeff's sled in the Kuskokwin 300 race in January and quickly devised his own model. The sled that Jeff is currently aboard has been revised considerably since the Kusko, with many additional innovations of which Martin was not informed. Therefore, the sled that Martin is driving is much less flexible and tracks less efficiently than Jeff's current design. And still Martin is thrilled with the comfort it provides for him and for the dogs. Yes, it has tremendous advantages for the dogs as well. More later.
It's thrilling to see Charlie Boulding and John Baker doing such a fantastic job. All of these old and good friends out on the trail....I wish they could all cross the finish-line first.
Have fun watching the race.
Stay in touch on cabelasiditarod.com |
| Day 6: Friday, March 12, 2004 |
| The race is now taking shape. Jeff is taking his 24-hour break in Ruby. My guess is that he will make the run to Kaltag in two runs, camping in between Galena and Nulato and then take the mandatory 8-hour in Kaltag. Each team must take an 8-hour break at one of the Yukon River checkpoints (Ruby, Galena, Nulato or Kaltag). I believe we will see many teams will take the rest in Ruby. Jeff called last night and sounded great. He is very happy with the team, his sled and how he feels. The new sled design, which enables him to sit most of the time while the team is moving, has done exactly what he had hoped it would. It has given him valuable rest time, been easier to maneuver on rough trail and has been easier on the dogs. By the way, he never did change his sled in McGrath. He is still on the same sled that he left the start with.
He reported that all 13 dogs had already eaten twice by the time he called at 7:00pm. That puts a smile on a musher’s face. The crew is all very healthy and free of any soreness. Tinkle has been a super-star along with Texas and Rumba. Yuksi, Jersey and Houston are on their way home.
The Ruby checkpoint doesn’t provide much in the way of quiet space, so he may be disappointed with the sleep he is able to get there. That will be balanced off by the incredible meal provided by a Chef from the Millennium Hotel as part of the First To The Yukon Award. Since I couldn’t be there, Jeff enjoyed it along with his alternate date, Cabela’s Tour Leader Deb Cavanaugh. However, Jeff and I will be able to enjoy the same tantalizing meal in a very different atmosphere after the race. The Millennium Hotel in Anchorage sponsors the First To The Yukon Award; a very generous 7 course meal and prize money as well.
To backtrack a bit, Jeff relayed that the trail between Ophir and Cripple was very slow and not broken out. That is one of the downfalls of being out in front. It was slow to Ruby as well but I didn’t get any more details than that.
So, what of the other teams? My calculations put Kjetil Backen, the new ordained leader, about 5.5 hours ahead of Jeff at this point. That will be a tough distance to make up, but this race is always full of surprises. There are still so many strong teams. It will be very fun to watch.
Stay in touch on cabelasiditarod.com
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| Day 5: Thursday, March 11, 2004 |
| The race begins. As teams come off their long, mandatory breaks, we are able to conjecture a bit better as time schedules become clearer. I understand that the trail conditions from Ophir to Cripple (about 90 miles) were slow. Part of that could be attributed to the time of day the front teams traversed it in addition to the already warm temperatures. The teams leaving Ophir late last night and early this morning could have an advantage of cooler temperatures and possibly a trail that has set up since the sun and warmth of the day time. What does that mean? Well, according to my elementary calculations, my guess is that the front crew, including Jeff, will be passed up in Cripple by at least a couple of hours. (I am making the assumption that the first four teams into Cripple are taking their 24-hour break there).
As a spectator it is difficult to remember that the race is only at the half-way point. Most of the experienced teams will still be a bit on the conservative side with their schedules. There is always this sense of urgency when watching these stats from home. Last year I was able to fly the trail for the first time. It was a fantastic trip and I got a whole different feeling being out there. It is much more relaxed than you might imagine. It truly wasn’t until the teams reached Koyuk that the atmosphere felt tense and competitive. A simple observation, I’m sure, but it has provided more of a sense of calm as I sit at the computer hitting refresh at constant intervals.
Weather has prevented the media and others from flying into the checkpoint of Cripple. Communications are limited as well. So, frustratingly enough, we will not get a significant amount of news probably until Ruby. My observations about Jeff’s race are these: I believe the trail conditions slowed him down on his last run and he took a longer rest than the teams around him. I don’t believe Cripple was his first choice for 24-ing, so if he is, he has had to alter his plans. That usually signifies a more labor-intensive race for him. Time will tell.
John Baker is running a fantastic race and it certainly would be nice to see his face in the winner circle. Kjetil Backen remains a top contender along with DeeDee Jonrowe, Ed Iten, Ramey Smyth, Rick Swenson and Bill Cotter. The plot thickens……..
By the way, apparently the poor updating on Monday was due to an overload of hits on the Iditarod website. The number of hits was approximately 9 million, up for only one million last year. Wow.
Stay in touch on cabelasiditarod.com
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| Day 4: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 |
Well, if you have been avidly checking the stats, you will already be aware that you cannot depend on accurate information! Luckily, I have had a couple of calls from friends out on the trail at just the right moment to waylay any angst. Apparently, the Iditarod is having a tremendous amount of hits on their site and it has made updating difficult; a good problem to have.
We’re now entering 24-hour-break land. As I mentioned, Rick Swenson had some sled trouble (along with several other teams) after the Gorge and is on his break probably earlier than planned. It was reported that Jeff’s new sled design did a fantastic job at negotiating the Alaska Range, by the way. Now, Jeff’s plan was to stop in McGrath because he had a second sled shipped there which entails some extra time and effort to make the switch. Many teams hurried by McGrath, possibly due to the Norwalk Virus alert there. In recent Iditarod history, Takotna has been a real favorite for the long break. The hospitality and coziness of the town are a true comfort. That was not Jeff’s plan, however, though I know it is difficult for him to forgo his visit there. It appears as though that friendly checkpoint will not miss his company as many teams tuck themselves in for a good rest.
At this point in the event, mushers will declare their 24-hour break upon entering just about every checkpoint, though they may remain or not. The clock does not begin until they make the declaration and it is a conservative and safe way to ward off any oversights. As I mentioned, they don’t have to remain in that checkpoint after the declaration, so it in no way commits them.
Jeff and Martin Buser are tag-teaming their way down the trail. Though it may appear so, I strongly believe that they are running their own race and on their own schedules. Their schedules just happen to be very similar. Where will they take their break? Jeff hoped to get as far down the trail as possible dependent upon how his team was performing. He has placed himself perfectly in Ophir for a great time to come off his break (which is close to 26.5 hours). So we’ll have to watch and see.
Several teams seem very strong. Doug Swingley, Charlie Boulding, Ramey Smyth, Vern Halter, Kjetil Backen, John Baker, and on and on! Good luck to all of them. Doug is having some vision problems. He just had Lazar Surgery and believes there is something environmentally, maybe the cold temperatures, that is aggravating his eyes.
Next, the long trail through Cripple (merely a tent or two set up by the Race Committee) and on to the wonderful Yukon River Village of Ruby.
Stay in touch on cabelasiditarod.com
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| Day 3: Tuesday, March 9, 2004 |
Tuesday Morning
So, I have a little catching up to do……
The race start was wonderful for the King family. Jeff’s parents, sister and brother were all there for the banquet and send-off. In addition, several of Jeff’s Minnesota cousins and families were there. Jeff Peterson, this year’s Teacher On The Trail, is the son of Jeff’s cousin. How’s that for a family affair? I have included Jeff’s banquet speech, by popular request. Drawing number 13 was exciting. I believe that Jeff has won under that bib number at least once and possibly twice. I will double-check that information.
Having a low number at the start is very convenient. Both starts are over early in the day to alleviate running in the warmest of temperatures. It also diminishes the amount of time standing around waiting and visiting by the truck as the many minutes roll by until you are called on to start. Is there a strategic advantage to a low number? Certainly in Jeff’s case, he will have fewer teams to pass. That will save some time, though insignificant, and the possibility of minor trouble. It may limit the amount of exposure to other teams and lessen the threat of picking up a virus or flu of some sort. It also lengthens, and this year considerably, his 24 hour break. As you may recall, the start time discrepancies are adjusted during each musher’s mandatory 24 hour break. With 87 teams starting the race, Jeff’s should be something along the lines of 26 hours and 26 minutes. We will see how that pans out.
As far as today’s standings go. The stats are very interesting and also include a mystery or two. Jeff is in good standing leaving Rohn just after a 6 hour break. Most of the teams around him last took a break at Rainy Pass. Martin is also coming off a good rest leaving a couple of hours behind Jeff. I did hear that Rick Swenson had some sled trouble and declared his 24 hour break there (Once declared, the mushers don’t have to stay the whole time but it gets the clock started. More about that later) and I see that he is still there. Interestingly enough, Doug Swingley took about a 5 hour break enroute to Rohn and then stayed there eight and a half hours. Some of the other contenders (including the Norwegian, Kjetil Backen) may actually be taking their 24 hour break there. It has become the recent fashion to take the long break farther and farther down the trail. Historically, the breaks have been taken much earlier in checkpoints such as Rohn.
There are many teams of great quality our there on the trail this year. Ed Iten looks very strong. He is this year’s Kuskokwim 300 Champion, a great guy and great competitor. Mitch Seavey is another team to watch.
A quick word of direction for fans seeking information; the best place to check for updates is cabelas.com. Along with the current stats, this site also includes articles written by Jon Little from the trail. The other site to check is iditarod.com check the printable version). In addition, several of the mushers have websites that are updated throughout the race.
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| Day 1: Saturday, March 6, 2004 |
This is my 15th year
That I’ve found myself here
It is about time
To entertain you with rhyme
A rhyme that glistens
So this year maybe you’ll listen
Usually we just talk
And you want to walk
But, if you are really attentive
You will see I’m inventive
First thing to do
Is tell all of you
I wouldn’t be here
Without all this great gear
Many thanks to Cabela’s
They’re really great fella’s
And thanks to Batteries Plus
They’d help all of us
It’s with sponsors like these
I get through races with ease
Western, ADF, and Kaladi Brothers, too
Usibelli Coal Mine to name a few
The Iditarod Trail Committee, I recognize
We wouldn’t be here without all you guys
There’s Stan the Man
And even Joanne
And Jack the big bear
(he‘s the guy with the hair)
How about Mark and Stu
Thanks go to you, too.
And for all the volunteers
Let’s give them three cheers
When my mom calls from home
She gets you on the phone.
To all the folks along the trail
Our thanks to you will never pale.
Through the Interior and along the coast
Of your hospitality we can boast.
Thanks to my team, they are the best
The always stand up to the test.
Virgil, Tracy and JJ, handlers extraordinaire,
Thanks for all of your fantastic dog care.
We question whether mushing is genetic
But with my children it’s quite prophetic
2002 Junior Champion, Cali
Added 32nd in Iditarod to her tally.
My daughter Tessa, you may have guessed
Is this year’s champion of the Junior Quest.
What trails await my youngest, Ellen?
Well, there really is no tellin’.
And of course Donna my beautiful and talented and brilliant wife
You will always remain the love of my life.
(Guess who wrote this….)
And here tonight sit my Mom and Dad,
They’re always backed their mushing lad.
At their side sits my big sis,
We decided she shouldn’t miss all this.
Joannie’s really not much for the cold,
So to make this trip was very bold.
Brother John is here, too.
To him I give a warm thank you.
For he gave me my first mushing dog
Though his passion centers on his Harley Hog.
And then the Minnesota family clan
Made Iditarod Start part of their plan.
Cousin Pat with husband Randy
Their presence here is really dandy.
My team and I are filled with pride
Because I’ll give Heather her first Idita-ride
Make-a-Wish, boy, they are the best
Those folks give and give and never rest
Hey! The Teacher on the Trail
This year is a male!
Jeff Peterson’s been elected
To keep all the kids connected
He will fill up the web
With tales of idita-mushing celebs
This year I think it will be found
I can do this race sitting down.
I worked on a new sled all this season
And this will definitely be the reason
My feet will get a rest this year
I’ll do the work while upon my rear.
It may be strange, but you will see
You’ll think that I’m sponsored by AARP.
Well, good luck to all you Idita-racers
Especially all you set-the-pacers
Good wishes for my friend, Dee Dee
I hope your team is very speedy
And to the Swiss Cheese
Foot on the break, if you please
I have a suggestion for you, Doug
This year why not race with pugs?
To Pal Mark Moderow, see you in Nome
But it’s ping pong at my place when we get home.
To all you rookies, this is your initiation.
You’ll find out our secret: it’s a great vacation.
Reddingtons, Osmars, Seaveys and Mackeys
We’re back year after year, folks think we’re wacky.
To Mike Williams, my friend with a cause
Aley, Linda and Eli Claus
John Baker, Joe Garney and Ed Iten, good luck
But understand I want that truck.
To Charlie Boulding all grizzled and grey
I’ve learned a lot from you along the way
All jokes aside
It is truly with pride
That I return each year
And it all becomes so clear
We all race for the love of the trail,
the dogs, this place…our hearts prevail
So, for many friends with fur and not
I’ll always hold a special spot.
See you tomorrow night at Aurora Fine Art
An art show and party for the Iditarod Start
This week we celebrate birthdays, too
Pat, Heather, Mark and Joannie……… and Dr. Suess.
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After the race begins, stay up to date with the race happenings on cabelas.com or iditarod.com or visit us here for daily, personalized updates of Jeff's race.
Happy Trails!
Jeff King and Family |
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