March 17, 2009

Iditarod Day 11

For the past two days the Iditarod has been VERY brutal due to 40 mph winds and subzero temperatures (50 below zero with the wind chill). Due to the conditions many teams are staying put and waiting for the wind to slow down. Others have had mushers suffer frostbite to their faces or have to travel very slowly and had difficulty getting to their next check point. Three teams have had to be rescued and withdraw from the race due to weather and trail conditions. One of these teams had two dogs die from unknown reasons. Let us all hope for nicer weather for all the teams tomorrow and send positive and warm thoughts to all the remaining teams out there.

Since yesterday the leaders have left Koyuk and travelled 48 miles to Elim.

The current standings are:

1. Lance Mackey - Out of Elim - 15 dogs -6.46 mph
2. Sebastian Schnuelle - Out of Elim - 14 dogs - 6.64 mph
3. John Baker - Out of Elim - 10 dogs - 6.58 mph
4. Ramey Smith - In Koyuk - 11 dogs - 8.51 mph
5. Dallas Seavey - In Koyuk - 11 dogs - 8.88 mph
6. Mitch Seavey - In Koyuk - 11 dogs - 2 mph
7. Jessie Royer - In Koyuk - 10 dogs - 9.43 mph
8. Aaron Burmeister - In Koyuk - 10 dogs - 1.98 mph
9. Cim Smyth - In Koyuk - 9 dogs - 8.97 mph
10. Jeff King - Out of Shaktoolik - 15 dogs - 6.37 mph

16. DeeDee Jonrowe - In Shaktoolik - 13 dogs - 7.04 mph
17. Aliy Zirkle - In Shaktoolik - 11 dogs - 6.49 mph
28 Melissa Owens - In Unalakleet - 11 dogs - 6.44 mph

Take care everyone! My warm thoughts and best wishes go out to everyone on the trail and all of those who have had to withdraw.

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