And the birthday girl is off and running!

We started Paige's birthday off with a great 1000 mile Yukon Quest start. Helping our friends getting on their way was great and sometimes emotional. It was great to be able to whatch them all go and we will see them down the trail. Paige's only spoken birthday wish was that she wanted Pizza. not burgers, not vietnamese, and definitely not chinese.. so we got her some pizza and a little extra wrapped up for her sled. We then headed back to the starting chute and got her all ready to roll.. Paige is seen below doing what we have learned to do well this week..... wait. wait and wait some more. the dogs on the other hand have gotten impatient and by today were ready to get out and see some country.

we then pulled a group of bad ass helper/handlers together to help us wait. These great folks helped us get Paige's team all hooked up and safely into the starting chute. Thanks to Steve, Megan, Horst, and Sarah.

So with the help of our trusty helpers, we guided the freaknig crazy team into the starting chute. Paige walked up and down to say hi to all her dogs while I untangled the 12 harness banging pups. Josh and Megan have pictures and video of the actual start.. I on the other hand had my hands full making out with the birthday girl... not allowed to touch her on the race ;) so had to get it in now! but really, I will get some video and photos  up soon as I get my hands on it.  Paige pulled the hook and headed out at 5:40 pm Pacific time zone.. 

Trail report is good. Temperatures cooled down meaning that the swimming pools of yesterday are rough frozen ice today. Beyond this refrozen area in the first 14 miles, the trail is reported to be solid and fast.

Paige's personal spot tracker is currently working and shows her on her way. It is about a 100 mile run to Braeburn checkpoint. She plans to camp at about half way. This camp is scheduled for 4 hours to give the dogs a meal and a quick nap. We expect this entire run to Braeburn with rest to take approximately 14 - 15 hours on these fast trails as she moves about 9-10 mph. So we expect her to roll into Braeburn at about 8 am. I am getting some rest in Whitehorse tonight and will get on the road around 5 am to get out to Braeburn before she rolls in. She has a mandatory layover at Braebunrn and plans to stay for 6 hours.  Stay tuned folks and I will try to update as soon as possible.  follow the Quest 300 site for more official race updates.