Hopefully everyone has been following our amazing Ryno Kennel race team on the Yukon live tracker page:

https://www.yukonquest.com/race-central/current-standings/live-tracking

Sorry for the lack of posts, but after the Two Rivers checkpoint, the handlers were forced into radio silence with no WIFI nor cell service at the remaining checkpoints on the U.S. side of the race (Mile 101, Central, Circle). Here is a brief recap communicated while the handlers dropped Tom off in Two Rivers and picked up Derek on their way to the Canadian side of the race:

The run from Two Rivers to Mile 101 was overnight, and a very COLD night. Probably the coldest night they’ll see on the trail (the handler’s woke to -40F at Mile 101.) Ryne arrived early Sunday morning (6:56 AM) with all dogs barking and excited. After feeding, massaging, and calming everyone down, Ryne decided to stay a little longer than planned to see if Uno would limber up. But with Eagle Summit challenging ahead, Ryne and 13 amazing athletes headed out soon after lunch, leaving Uno behind to cuddle and travel with the handlers.

Cloud cover provided for warmer temperatures than past years traveling over Eagle Summit, and the team made a quick run up and over into Central. (Ryne left us a few fun videos from Eagle Summit)

Once again, Ryne chose to stay in Central a bit longer than planned, this time for Lefty (and to enjoy the delicious juicy bacon, cheeseburger at the Central bar!) Unable to loosen Lefty’s stiffening joints, Ryne finally decided to leave him behind, and pulled her hook at 8:35 PM Sunday night, heading out onto Birch Creek with 12 rested, happy pups.

The night was definitely not as cold as prior years (sensing a trend here 😊) so the team enjoyed a brief camp out under a beautiful starry night while racing along the creek, arriving in Circle at 9:51 AM Monday morning to a very crowded dog yard. Circle is the last checkpoint for both the 300 mile racers and 1000 mile racers. Once again, Ryne was able to quickly settle the dogs down after feeding, massaging, and serenading them to sleep (ok, maybe not serenading.)

Leaving Circle, the team looks forward to a long run to Eagle, last checkpoint on the U.S. side (and accessible in the winter only by sled dog teams or planes.) The sled will be a bit heavier to start with gear needed to sustain a 150 mile run without drop bags, but Ryne is looking forward to a stay at Slavin’s Cabin. One of Ryne’s favorite checkpoints, Slavin’s Cabin is nestled in the trees on a little bluff overlooking the Yukon River. Warm, with a wonderful menu of homemade treats, veterinarians to consult if needed, and no outside distractions! Just the mushers, their pups, vets, and Slavin’s hosts – a musher’s recipe for happiness!

Before leaving Circle, a reporter asked Ryne her thoughts about running on the creek and the long run ahead on the Yukon River – she commented how she likes the diversity of the Yukon Quest: from rivers to mountains, has it all.

Wishing safe and happy travels to Dawson City where the handlers will see Ryno Kennel pups and Ryne next.