DAY #3 MARCH 4, 2025 NENANA - MANLEY

 DAY #3 MARCH 4, 2025 NENANA-MANLEY

From NENANA to MANLEY it is 85 miles. This being the beginning of the race all the teams are very close together. They are running slower as it is so warm- about 40 degrees. The dogs like 0-minus degrees. Mushers' said in the warmer weather they take extra breaks, give different snacks to the dogs like pure beef and kibble for warm weather and fat for cold weather.

JUSTIN OINES spoke with Jodi (the commentator this year and previous years a musher in the race).He is running mostly rescue dogs. His passion is working with the Junior mushers and being their mentor. He rescues dogs and trains them with the Jr. mushers. When asked about the name the rescue came with, he said they stick with their inherited name. Sounds like such a passionate guy. Good luck to him.

Some mushers use the pattern. RUN, REST, RUN. The dogs get used to a pattern and thats what they expect. They do 50-60 mile runs, rest etc. During rest periods the musher first takes care of the dogs--Booties (protect their feet with trail conditions) changes, put hay down for the dogs to rest and snack them. The musher will reorganize, fill a thermos, do any repairs and rest if possible. 

Jodi said after a very long run she did experience  hullucinations. She said she saw a giraffe on the Yukon River---OOOH Run was too long and she didn't do that again without a break.

Being so warm during the day, the teams usually rest, as they did in NENANA. You could hear the dogs barking and jumping around READY TO GO!! So early in the race they had a lot of energy to spare. As the race goes on you can tell that pent up energy is used and rest time is well accepted and much quieter.

JASON MACKEY and PAIGE DROBNY are leading the pack. CALVIN DAUGHERTY is pulling up the rear. He is a Rookie but is taking his time and sticking to his pattern. ALL the mushers are now in or leaving MANLEY on to TANANA -65 miles away. 

Just a word about MANLEY Population 20: that is the site of MANLEY HOT SPRINGS. This is an unexpected oasis in Interior Alaska. It is 156 miles, by road, from Fairbanks. The Springs are now privately owned (don't know how that is but this is Alaska!!) They have a greenhouse that is heated by geothermal energy so they boast lots of "luscious" vegetables. MANLEY is 674 miles to NOME.

Hank and I spent 5 days at CHENA HOT SPRINGS, 60 miles north of FAIRBANKS. The University of Alaska, in Fairbanks, uses this area for experimenting with their geothermal energy and have greenhouses and several experimental areas. The hot springs were wonderful especially when the temp at that time was in the minus area!!! Their restaurant was excellent as they made use of all their "luscious" vegetables from their greenhouses. 

Its now past midnight EST and TANANA is the hot spot. The teams are now moving as its cooler and they are "pouring" into TANANA. First to arrive was JASON MACKEY, followed by PAIGE DROBNY and GABE DUNHAM. As it is only 9pm there so the townspeople are filling the street with pots and pans of home made food for the mushers. Big wood stove in the hall where they have a huge pot of moose stew cooking along with all the local food. They have music and singing at the checkpoint and all the cameras and BRUCE LEE and GREG HEISTER, commentators for the race are there as well. Many will stop here as it is 117 miles to the next checkpoint - RUBY. 

Several of the locals are setting up a grill with moose burgers for a stop half way to RUBY. 

Till tomorrow. I will use the next page for a few pictures.