On the trail - Carmacks - Braeburn
We
left at 7 a.m. in the morning, Thomas was already gone again. The
dogs ran sluggish, some pattern I seem to notice. Whenever they seem
to run great the run before, they are in a slump the next leg. I wonder
if that is just imagination or the fact that I let them run too fast
when they look good? All 11 dogs were still in the team, Tang still
single lead, amazing little girl. Marmot did not pull anything, I
thought to turn around to drop him, but aghh, he will work himself
in. He never really did, but did not neckline either, just along for
the ride. The chain of Lakes treated us nice, no overflow whatsover
the landscape nice to look at. I expected to catch Thomas, but I did
not, I only saw him way in the Distance along Mandana Lake. When I
caught up to him he wanted to stay put, but my head was set on Frank
Lake, so I convinced him to boot up again and keep on going one more
hour. We got to Frank Lake short after noon, it was really really
warm. We had a beautiful camp spot along the shore, right in the sun,
the dogs also seemingly enjoyed it. Thomas as always was on the look
for something to eat..... he packs lighter than me, I love my chocolate
and goodies. There was even enough time for a nice nap in my sleeping
bag before getting going at about 5 p.m. right when Kelly Grffin came
by. Michelle Philips had passed us earlier. Sure this could have been
one long run into Braeburn. Now afterwards I of course ask myself,
man, how come you did not push at least a little bit harder ,but at
the time the decision seemed right to take it easy and I really did
enjoy this last stretch. It was nice to sit in the sun, see the dogs
rest and chitchat with Thomas. Once my dogs hit Coghlan Lake they
finally figured out were they were and took off.
They knew Braeburn was around the corner, I passed Thomas and had
to ride the brake again.. This was some nice run, just till I slipped
on a chunk of ice and slid right into the trees beside the trail.
I landed hard, bruising my hip. My sled , specailly my tied snowshoes
jammed in a way, that I could not free the sled. I had to cut them
loose with my leatherman. I cussed myself for letting this happen,
with some attention easily avoidable. On 10 Mile Lake I used my seat
as usual, just enjoying the ride...... before I tipped face flat in
in the snow. I hope Thomas did not see that one. One 20.38 we pulled
into Braeburn the last checkpoint. It was a strange feeling to me,
with having a cabin just around the corner. It almost felt like mission
accomplished, we travelled all the way from Fairbanks home to Braeburn,
but there were 100 more miles to go. Michelle was here so was still
John Schandelmeier. The dogs ate well, but probably wondering how
come we stay here now and do not just go the 2 miles home. In the
Lodge Steve made us his famous „ Super Burges „ and as
so many other nice people along the trail would not accept any payment.
All kind of friends where here and instead of sleeping I spend my
time talking and enjoying the moment. Sleep I can get after the last
run tomorrow, soak it up while I can I thought.
