Laura is 401 miles down the trail at McGrath. Good news on the weather front. Temps are dropping which is great for the dogs. They really pep up when it gets chilly. It is 24 degrees at the McGrath checkpoint today. Laura was able to pick up the speed on last nights run and completed the run with a 7.33mph average.  Now, colder temps are good but the drop will cause a change in snow conditions that isn't as welcome. As the temps go below freezing all of the heavy, wet snow from yesterday will start turning to ice crystals. This is not the same as running on glare ice which is slick. The ice crystals are sharp and the mushers will have to take special care of their dogs paws on the next couple of legs (until new snow covers the old). Most of the time Laura runs with her dogs in "booties" anyway. Any of you that sponsored Laura received a pair of signed dog booties so you'll know what I am talking about. For those of you that are new to this I'll talk you through it. Booties are like dog shoes/socks. They are fabric like socks but the fabric is thick and doesn't absorb much water. There are no seams on the bottom and elastic around the ankle. In wet snow conditions the booties become heavy and wet and come off easier than normal. In the icy snow they are indispensableif because of the glass like quality of the ice crystals. Laura will have to change the booties more often as the ice will wear holes in the bottoms. I have learned that foot care is one of the most important dog care practices on the trail. A musher may have the strongest, fastest team but if the dogs feet are sore then the race is over. Part of Laura's checkpoint routine is very detailed check of each dogs feet, a special rub that keeps them soft and promotes healing and of course, a massage.

     When she leaves McGrath to go to Takotna the trail should be smooth. It is a highly used snowmobile trail so should be fast. At only 18 miles this is a pretty  short leg and it won't surprise me if she checks in and then checks out after picking up any supplies that she needs. Okay, I need to get off. While Laura battles the elements I am getting breakfast for my two little ones. Check in later today to see a story of growing up with Laura. It will be a must read!!