Mushers on the Trail

Mushing is an odd sport. Your closes rival can also be your best friend and certainly your ally. As we saw earlier on the Yukon Quest, mushers work together to over come the obstacles that nature throws at them. Although they may want to beat the "other guy", they would never leave them in a dangerous situation to fend for themselves. Of course, everyone's view on what a "dangerous situation" is different!

There are also times during the race when it is easier and safer to work together with another musher, breaking trail for instance. One team will take the lead and then the other team will switch out for the lead, rotating back and forth. It keeps both teams from getting exhausted. At any given time, mushers will be working together. This breeds a camaraderie unequalled in any other sport.

The Cafe at the Takotna Community Center.

Groups of mushers ate piles of food while they discussed trail conditions, laughed at mishaps and joked with each other. Most of them were goofy from lack of sleep. A big meal, a few laughs and they were off to the bunkhouse to snooze.

Here Aliy and Dee Dee Jonrowe share a sleepy smile.


Aliy & Dee Dee in Takotna