Arctic Winter Games Blog
Dog Mushing
Arctic Winter Games 1990 Blog
Day Two of Racing
Wednesday March 14, 1990
When we picked up this morning's copy of the ULU News, we were surprised to see Kelly's picture on the cover of the newspaper.
Then inside there was another picture and a story about
the first day of racing.
It was time to forget about yesterday and concentrate on today's race. The race will be a little shorter only 4.5 miles compared to the 6 miles run yesterday. Also the mushers will be using only 3 dogs. Since Blackie was a little shy with all of the people around, we decided to not use her. The three strong boy dogs should do well on the hard lake trail. Hopefully she won't have to pass anyone today. Here is the day two start with Axle the black dog and Chinook in lead. Shakey is in front of the sled. Axle had never run lead in a race before but did well in practice.
Here is the finish. They all look strong as they cross the finish line.
Another second place finish. This time 52 seconds behind Paul. I thought it would be closer considering the time and all of the passing of yesterday. Maybe Axle should have been in wheel with Shakey and Chinook in single lead. We will try that combination tomorrow.
Day Three of Racing
Thursday March 15, 1990
Everyone is excite today for the last race. They go three miles with three dogs. Chinook will be in single lead with Shakey and Axle hopefully pulling hard in wheel position. The temperature is warmer today. The first two days were below freezing. Today it is 36 degrees. A little warm for racing. The dogs seem really excited today and can't wait to start.
Hopefully they all can hang on and get the gold. We just heard, over the radio, from the people at the half way point of the race. After all six mushers went passed them, Kelly had the fastest time. Kelly should have finished by now, something has gone wrong. Paul and Kelly are running together and he started after she did.
Now to find out what happened. Kelly said the dogs were flying and when they went around a curved part of the trail her sled runners hit a grove in the trail and she fell off the sled. Someone stopped the dogs down the trail and with the help of a race official she got back to the team. By then Paul had past her and was headed back to the finish line. A sad ending to a wonderful experience for both Kelly and me. Took the dogs back and feed them and then headed downtown for the medal presentation.
Time for more pin trading
Friday March 16, 1990
With the racing behind us, it was time to enjoy more of Yellowknife. I was able to collect a whole set of pins from both the Northwest and Yukon Territories. One for each of the events in the Arctic Winter Games.
Day Three of Racing
Saturday March 17, 1990
While attending the closing ceremonies, the lady in charge of the dog mushing event gave me a copy of her report of the games. It was a three page report talking about how people qualified for the races, what happened during the races, cross-cultural experiences, trail etiquette, sleeping conditions for the adult coaches, etc. But the final paragraph of the report brought tears to my eyes. It was worth more to me than any gold ULU.
"And what of little Kelly White? Well, she lost her team in the 5K race, got it back with the assistance of a race official, and was burning up the trail to the finish line, catching up to Paul Conn in the last one kilometer 'free-passing zone,' when she was observed to be riding her brake, following Paul into the finish rather then trying to pass him, which would distract or slow his dogs! A mature decision, made for the benefit of Team Alaska. That's true sportsmanship, Kelly!"
Sunday Newspaper
Sunday March 18, 1990
This morning there was another article this time in the Anchorage Daily News.
