The Roughest Obstacles.

• depart "Finger Lake" checkpoint , told to run Happy Canyon when dark - wouldn't want to see it. Paulsen don't understand - took off.


• while tightening a rope - see half team disappeared - dropped over edge.


• "s**t" - only reaction - most common reaction of all rookies.


• huge canyon, frozen river - dogs dropped by pairs - slide all the way down by stomach.


• Rainy Pass next - heard of horror stories about it.


• Had to cross - Alaska Range - easy - reached Rainy Pass Lodge (top of mtn.)


• Volunteer said - cocky Paulsen - up easy, down hard - the "Dazell Gorge" - 20 mile stretch at bottom of R.P.
• over 200 miles into race.
• left checkpoint after 6 h rest
• easy start -then descend - gain speed - ice ledges/protruding rocks appear - no distinct trail - all rough terrain/ tight corners
• tried to brake - breaking hook broke - too fast - tried roping - lost balance, fell off - dragged along - barely remember - only rocks/ice hitting his head/shoulders - blacked out
• woke up - one musher hold dogs - one held sled - barely unconscious/aware of what happened.
• limped to Rohn River checkpoint - begin wonder why enter race - almost died many times - look at dogs - always ready to run - it's their race too - they dont give up, he don't either.
• "the Burn" - 93 miles -e very few yards - sled wedge - fallen tree - chop tree to free sled.
• lack of sleep - hallucinate - naked woman/California coast - surf/wife.
• stopped, fed/rested dogs - then chased after imaginary moose - protect Cookie - don't remember the first part - slept - tied wrist around sled.
• next day - saw buffalo ice skating.
• tired physically/mentally - bounce rough ice - anal bleeding - hemorrhoids - pads.
• daylight gaining 17 minutes/day - running - front 30's/70 teams.
• check in - McGrath cafe - ate 5 orders - breakfast - chef wouldn't take money - musher.