Chistochina Checkpoint
After arriving at checkpoints throughout the race, the first priority was getting
the dogs a special snack which helped to reduce lactic acid build up in their
muscles and to "recharge their batteries". At the same time, it was
important to get their booties off and get them arranged on the line in such a
way so they could relax and sleep. This meant unclipping their tugs and leaving
them connected by just their neck lines. I had a few chewers on my team - Jim,
Bob and Monty - so they required that I use cable necklines when we were camped
so they couldn't chew themselves free and go check out the other teams.
The next step was to get my bale of straw opened up and distributed so they could
all nest up and be warm while they rested. After the straw was distributed, I
started the cooker going to heat up water for their food. The cooker was a timer
of sorts, requiring me to take care of all the dog foot care before the water
was boiling. This usually wasn't a problem as the feet were all in really good
shape throughout the race so what they needed was just a bit of a massage with
some ointment.
The cooker which I had with me is a fine piece of technology built from a steel
5 gallon bucket with a platform built into it about 4 inches off the bottom with
vents below. The platform or tray holds the fuel - isopropyl alcohol or HEET which
is lit by either tossing a little burning straw into the fuel or lighting a fuel-soaked
strip of fabric hanging on the side of the tray. A dutch oven style pot with a
handle on each side nestles into the 5 gallon bucket resting above the flames.
4 containers of fuel can convert snow to a pot full of boiling water in under
a half an hour. It's a reliable cooking system which works well even under severe
winter conditions.
Once I had the water boiled I'd add it to the cooler with whatever frozen meat
they were getting for the meal. That mix would have to sit for a few minutes and
during that time I set out all the bowls and put their portion of kibble in each.
I could then start sorting through what was in the drop bags and start packing
what supplies I needed for the next leg of the trip, setting aside the extras
for JJ and Wayne to pick up after I had hit the trail. Usually within 15-20 minutes
the meat had soaked enough and cooled enough to form a broth which I added to
the bowls and then distributed to the team to eat.
With the team fed and the sled partially packed, I grabbed my personal gear and
food and made my way to the Chistochina community center and got a hamburger and
soup and started to dry out some of my gear. JJ and Bill helped get everything
set just right on the heaters as I went to lie down in the musher's sleeping quarters
(the local woodworking shop floor). I rested for maybe 2 hours, actually sleeping
for maybe 30 minutes, and then made my way back to the community center to start
packing up for the next run, the most intimidating one of the race.
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