© Paul Gebhardt - Morning View Kennel – Knik 200 Wrap-up
As of Monday, January 5, 2009
While it did not show them finishing as of the last time I checked the Knik 200 race website, I assure you that Paul, Scott, Kristy (and Anna!) all made it safely back to the finish line yesterday. I spoke to Paul last night as they were headed to get some sleep and warm up.
He said the weather on the race was absolutely frigid. On day one of racing, the thermometer showed minus -48 degrees, and yesterday in the sunshine at about 11am, the thermometer was still stuck at minus -44. He said that both Scott and Kristy did well, although poor Anna froze both her feet on the journey out to the half way point the first day of racing. Paul said they rallied their extra hand warmers, and he gave her a pair of battery powered electric socks he had along to try and mitigate any additional damage on the return trip – as her feet were already blistering from the frostbite. Kristi and Anna ran closely together, and ended up finishing the race about a half hour behind Paul and Scott, as they had stopped to care for Anna’s feet.
Paul was pleased with the significant number of yearling pups in the ranks of the teams that excelled in their rookie debut into the racing arena. He had a few dogs that he will monitor in the warmth of the shop here that may have gotten nipped by frost bite. Even with the protective jackets the dogs were wearing, the slightest gap is all it takes for the cold to grab onto. As you recall, I noted in a prior update how just a tiny gap in the folds of Paul’s face mask allowed the cold to seep in and freeze his face last week.
I know I will have more details on the race once Paul and Kristy are back home, but I didn’t want to leave you hanging based on what the Knik website is reporting.
One neat thing I wanted to pass on to you, that although he was busy caring for the dogs and crew when the banquet was going on for the race finishers, Paul was voted the “Most Inspirational Musher” by his fellow competitors. In addition to this, the race veterinarians awarded him the “Humanitarian Award”, which recognizes excellence in dog care. His friend Dean Osmar called to tell him following the announcement. So that was a nice little pat on the back for Paul, and obviously a reason that we all can be proud of him.
Until later - Life is a journey, enjoy the ride! Evy
|
