Within the next hour or so, the entire story of the 2012 race is going to evolve as the portage takes its toll on the mushers. Aliy Zirkle saw her lead vanish to 50 minutes, Mitch Seavey and Jeff King have slowed dramatically, and the “Three Musketeers” have steadily moved forward.
Aaron Burmeister is himself sick, though his dogs look great. Dallas Seavey seems to be the horse to watch at this point, but we are still so far from the Finish, that it is really tough to say. In a matter of 100 miles the race image is quite different. Another 100 miles, maybe another image? Quite possible.
Pete and the Team are now about 12 miles from Unalakleet. Jeff King is stopped on the trail and the Tracker showed Mitch Seavey slow as he passed him. This will be a big story for the news organizations.
One editorial comment on those organizations– They are notoriously wrong and have absolutely no loyalty! In the last 24 hours I have seen headlines such as “A Dynasty Tumbles” in reference to Lance Mackey. “First Woman to Win Iditarod” for Zirkle. Bothersome, but also part of the game. As for us, we’ll just keep it real and report what we see.
Anyone in Unalakleet? Head on down to the checkpoint or better yet onto the trail if you can to see the three mushers go by. I’d love to see them in one photo. Thanks in Advance!!
Go Team Kaiser!
