Ricky for Jan...on the trail again

7th team out of Manley and 2nd to arrive in Tanana. It was a 60 mile day lots of highlights: two snow machines blowing up, multiple body slams and drags on the trail, a collision with a tree...all is fine.

Nineteen miles of mushing on a plowed road. That means an easy trail to follow, but no way to set a snow hook to stop the team. The day seemed frought with diving for the handle bars of the sled when the dogs elected to take off before Jan was on the ready. The body drags were not as severe as being pulled over the railroad tracks in Willow as it was in soft snow, but the multiple instances left our hero tired and sore upon arrival. Couldn't get all the details, but hit a tree shortly after one unprepared take off while trying to get on the beaver mitts and drive at the same time...ouch! One of the vets tried to help, but was waist deep in snow and couldn't reach her.

They are staying at the Community Center in Tanana and will have to camp out the next two nights on the trail. Hal (Jan's snow machine partner) was one of the machines left behind in Manley so she will camp in a tent with Bill Grimes and Von Martin (her tent is still in Manley). Kent and Hal's machines should be fixed by Tuesday and will try to catch the rest of the teams then.

Picked up drops in Tanana so have been resupplied for the next two nights at Bone Yard Cabin and Trapper Cabin and then on to Ruby.

Ned shredded his foxtail protector and will have to have make shift jockey strap until Jan can make another. The dogs are doing well and running fine. Had smoked oysters and tortillas for dinner. Trying to thaw out drinks as everything has been frozen and a bit dehydrated for lack of liquids.

The sixty mile day was long and I didn't get an arrival time, but Jan snacked the dogs every 20 miles for rest. The next two days are 42 miles and 45 miles, then 35 miles to Ruby. Should have cell service in the villages going forward and will be in touch.

Oyster burritos? Good luck with that!