Pete and the Team into Takotna!

The words from the cameraman tell it all– “Holy Moly!”

Pete and the Team arrived into Takotna all full of energy and raring to go further! Those of you watching the Insider video know what I mean! Unfortunately the recorder failed and I didn’t get it, so we’ll have to go “old school” and just trust me!!

The Team looked amazing as they barked and lunged ready to go for more. Pete declared his 24 and they headed into the parking area for their new home for the next day. We are right on schedule, if not a little early as this is right around where Pete gets to Takotna and tomorrow evening will return to the trail.

The snow is really coming down in the area which will make for a soft trail for any Teams attempting to go further into Ophir or even Cripple.

Tomorrow morning we’ll find out more about strategies taking place for the 24 hour layover.

See ya Tomorrow! Go Team Kaiser!!

As Hunter Keefe checked into McGrath, the Team Kaiser Express stopped for a brief check in and back out onto the trail. With 18 miles and a probable 24 hour layover in sight, there was no time for dilly-dally!!

The Team was vocal and barking, “On Fire” as Katie Jo Deeter described them leaving.

Weather in McGrath is snowing pretty heavily from time to time which is bound to make the trail a bit soft, but a soft bed is also waiting for both the Team and Pete himself, so this last 18 miles will be no problem for them.

After a 4 hour break, Pete pulled the hook and the Team are off on their way down the Kuskokwim river towards McGrath and Takotna. It’s 48 miles on the Kuskokwim and then another 18 miles of trail to the old town of Takotna.

Mushing Weather is better than Bethel where it is sunny and about 33 degrees. A bit cooler up in the upper Kuskokwim where it’s 25 and cloudy. A little warm, but way better than warm!!

Pete’s running about an hour behind last year’s time, so I’m anticipating him into Takotna a bit past 11pm tonight. I’d bet he will declare his 24 and take a good break anticipating cooler temps later this week.

Pete’s 2023 Times on the Upper Kuskokwim.

Nice afternoon for dogsled mushing!! Go Team Kaiser!!

Good Morning Race Fans!! So much is happening and I am so excited with our connection with Richie this year! I am learning so much and it is AWESOME!!

Pete and the Team arrived into Nikolai this morning at 10:26 with 15 dogs. The Team looked awesome, but barking and excited, but Richie was more impressed by how nice they looked out on the river. The word he use was “fluent” – all pulling consistently. Really nice to see after this first 200 tough trail miles.

Pete got to work right away taking care of the Team for most likely a 4 hour break.

Weather this morning is really nice for humans, but maybe a little warm for the Team. The trail is a little soft and temps are in the mid 20’s at this hour. A good break in the “heat” of the day will be a good opportunity for rest.

Believe it or not, just around the corner is Takotna and possibly a 24 hour break. Takotna is only 66 miles down the trail, so we’ll see how long Pete actually decides to break.

Richie related in our conversation this morning how nice the Nikolai checkpoint is for mushers. Dryers and power and a nice room to nap are welcome amenities for Mushers. Pete and Richie are always treated like royalty as all people living on the mighty Kuskokwim have a connection in some way.

Hard to believe this is the 15th run, but such a fun time of the year!

GO Team Kaiser!!