Back on the Trail! Headed to Kaltag

Current Kaltag WeatherCams 2:30pm

Pete and the Team are back out on the trail headed North to Kaltag. Kaiser Fans must be wondering why Pete is taking longer on these breaks at each checkpoint. It is very hard to say, but I would think that it is what the team needs. When you spend as much time with these animals, you get tuned into what they need and what they can or can’t do in a particular time or place. It is what training is all about. The last two breaks were 6 hour rests. The latest follows a 7 and a half hour run.

The key to me is that Pete’s times are improving. Yesterday the team slowed a bit and because of weather or team health it was showing on the leaderboard. After the good long break last night, Team Kaiser was showing it’s normal speed and time. If Pete feels the Team needs a bit more rest before heading out on the trail, the bottom line is that they will take it.

Driving a team too hard has bitten many mushers before and it shows a great deal of wisdom for this young musher to keep his dogs happy and on the trail. I was just reading an article where in the late ’90s in an Iditarod, Dee Dee Jonrowe went on the trail instead of resting and the dogs just decided enough was enough and stopped along the trail. Seeing Pete taking his time and giving the Team time ensures the bond of trust is strong. Go Team Kaiser!! We’re with you all the way!

Martin Buser out of Kaltag. By Sebastian Schnuelle at Iditarod.com

Martin Buser out of Kaltag. By Sebastian Schnuelle at Iditarod.com – Trail looks pretty windblown

The trail ahead has been brutal for Martin Buser. We may look back on today and say this is where he lost the race. Over the course of today Zirkle and Mitch Seavey have gained to where they are now within easy striking distance of what was once a locked race.

From Iditarod.com-

After the long haul from Grayling to Eagle Island, this leg is more of the same—exactly the same, in fact. Just like its predecessor, it’s also 62 miles, and it’s also all on the Yukon River. Assuming yoursquo;ve rested your dogs at Eagle Island, you can assume another 6 to 9 hours to Kaltag.

There’s nothing really new on the river for this leg see plenty more islands, sandbars, sloughs, bluffs, and river bends probably also see a few stretches of windblown sandy trail in the last 20 miles before Kaltag.

Mushing Weather-

Current Kaltag Weather as you can see above is pretty clear with light SouthWest winds. Temperature is great for mushing at 22 degrees.

Forecast for this afternoon remains the same. I hope Pete has his sunglasses on, cause he’s going to need them.

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