Well I know the mushers will probably thank these folks, but if it were not for them, they would not have had a wonderful place to stay while Charlie was in Fairbanks racing the Juniro Yukon Quest. Not only did they provide them with a space for them and their dogs to rest, but good fun, food and support during the race.

These are such good people that Stacy even posted a blog about our winning musher! These are some great people!

Here is the link to her blog posting with some great pictures, and her awesome blog about being an educator, a mom and a crafter. Her witty writing about life is aways worth taking the time to read!  

Oh My Sugar Pie: One a day for 7 days....

Charlie coming into the finish line. First Place at 12:32!

Charlie having his bag checked to make sure he has all required equipment. Those dogs do not look at all tired. 

Our Winner smiles for the camera!

Charlie packing his gear away. Looks like he might be a bit tired. Richin background helping to put chains out to picket dogs. 

Okay we are through the Jr. Quest start and everything went well.  Charlie is off and doing well on his plan.

So the plan was to start fast, stay off the brake as much as possible and keep them going as quick as he could as long as they were comfortable.  He wanted to be in first by the first checkpoint- but missed that by 6 minutes.  But then had it by the next with 11mins. to spare.  Which means he actually gained 17mins!  

 At the next checkpoint he had maintained the lead- far enough ahead so nobody else can see him or their dogs chase him.

So all is well.

But dog racing can change in an instant so we will just have to wait and see.

 He should make it into the halfway point- and an eight hour mandatory layover- with in an hour.

We will keep the twittering!

Next updates will be when they get into twin bears- the halfway spot.  Then we will be up there around 2:00 AM to clean up after him.  After that we will be following him back down through the route he went out on.

The race now is all about who's dogs slow down the slowest!