Howdy,
Warren and 11 dogs pulled out of Kaltag earlier this evening for the last long run of the trail. The trail to Unalakleet is abut 90 miles and it is often a tough run with high winds and storms. We are hoping for none of that this year and for a good strong run by the team. Warren is sitting in 24th place right now sitting among a very elite group of mushers. Having a good run here is not only important for his position but probably more important for his mental health which will immediately apply to the dog's mental health. This is a big hurdle for the last 300 miles of the race. After Unalakleet the distances are much closer between checkpoints. I anticipate the run will take anywhere from 10 to 14 hours depending on weather. It looks as if the temperatures are getting a bit lower as they head towards Nome which is good. 
I do not know yet which dog was dropped in Kaltag but should know and ideally have the dog back tomorrow unless he/she is sent up to Nome. I'll keep you all posted.
While Warren was on the trail, today was busy for Karen and I. After a great brunch at a local restaurant with  our friends and local mushers as we created our own mini dog lot across the driveway from Mari and John's dogs. We have the 11 dogs with us now comfortably set up for the daytime on a long picket line strung through the trees between the driveway and the dog trail where they spent the afternoon alternating between playing and sleeping in the sun. Not only are the dogs happy here, it will be easier for Karen to care for them while I am gone as they can spend the days outside and she will only have to move them in and out of the trailer a few times each day. I feel so incredibly lucky to have a friend like Karen. All of you fellow dog people will understand how hard it is to find someone you trust to take care of your dog(s). Well, not only do I trust Karen completely with the dogs but she is so much fun to be around and we have been friends for so long- she knows me so well that even when I am feeling anxious about the race she tolerates me and can always make me laugh when I really need it! She also knows how to keep me on task when I get distracted, a talent I am sure Warren wishes he could learn!  I know she will be spoiling my dogs for me when I am in Nome. She also did a phenomenal job today stomping down big snowbanks so we could have an area for the dogs and  digging holes in the snowbanks to bury our frozen meat which is beginning to thaw out in these ridiculously warm temperatures the last few days. We had so much extra meat that I already gave half of it to local mushers here because I am worrying about it going bad with the heat. I would way rather share than have to throw it out later.
I am headed to Nome tomorrow and am so excited I can't sleep which I guess is good for you all! We will be leaving here around 530 in the morning so we can get in to the vet's and visit Lena before I fly out at 11am. It is about a 1 1/2 -2 hour drive into Anchorage from where we are in Willow. I must now go finish packing to go. I will write again when I get to Nome. 
I want to thank those of you who have been sending comments to the blog. I do not know how to put them onto the website but I am sure Warren will get it up and going after his arrival in Nome so please keep the comments coming on in! Jacques, Magali if you are reading this and can give me some pointers, send me an email at kateroo32@yahoo.com.
Happy trails to you all!
Kate