Looking Back on the Journey

Well, the excitement of the Quest is starting to be overtaken by the anticipation and great expectations for the Iditarod. However, being at the end of that finish chute in Whitehorse will be a memory I'll hold close to my heart forever. Juanita and George were such a welcome sight as they came running straight at me. Walter, no longer in lead got a huge hug and thank you from Hugh. Now, it's on to Iditarod.

Celebrity

Since Tuesday, the Gypsy Musher's life has been different. He's famous up North now - and in his hometown of Chicago. If you didn't get a chance to read this, check it out. Hugh made the front page of the Chicago Tribune! Celebrities...what are you gonna do with them?

Hugh Interviewed on the Radio

In the post-race aftermath, I came across a gorgeous photo of The Team running out of the starting chute in Fairbanks. The Gypsy Musher sports his "Cat in the Hat" hat and waves an Alaska flag. Of course, Walter and Delilah show off their Cat in the Hat gear.

The Team Leaves Fairbanks: photo credit to Sweetpea Marie

I also found a picture of Hugh and I right after everyone (handlers, dawgs, Musher) calmed down enough to get a semi-decent photo after "the big win."

Emotional After The Big Win

While the Laughing Eyes Kennel (human) team was spectating the finish grounds, I decided that it was a good time to get a photo of The Gypsy in front of the 2012 chute.

The Gypsy Looks Ahead to Another Adventure

Tonight, we'll be attending the musher's banquet. Stay tuned for photos, videos, and information.

Chicago Tribune Front Page

Hugh made the front page of the Chicago Tribune!

Post-race Update

The dawgs are settling back in nicely - living the good life like they should. Meanwhile, the sled is getting a tune-up. The Cat in the Hat theme traveled all along the trail: including a Cat in the Hat mascot, visible on the right. As you can see, he's been living in a dawg's life lately...

The Cat in the Hat

The Gypsy Musher is making headlines all over the North. After all, this was the closest finish in Quest history. 26 seconds - incredible.

Hugh Neff and Allen Moore Make Headlines

The Finish

The finish of the 2012 Yukon Quest was...exhilarating. In the last half mile of the race, I caught a glimpse of The Gypsy Musher's headlamp, flickering while he was running to help his athletes continue on their journey to the finish. At first, it seemed that there was only one dog team coming down the trail. Many thought that it was Allen Moore, the second place finisher, leading the way down the trail. However, as another headlamp came into view, it was clear that the first musher was running with his team for a reason. This was the closest finish in Yukon Quest history.

After the Gypsy crossed the finish line, the first thing he did was walk up to all of his dawgs and "love 'em up." He spent an especially long time hugging Walter, the champion and supreme rock star of this race. (Sorry for the tilted video)

Of course, after the race, Walter took a very long, hard DAWG nap. Walter says, "Hmmm...just ran 1,000 miles and was the difference maker for our team, as usual. And we won the Yukon Quest against a really tough team. My dad, Hugh, was so proud of me he gave me a long, strong hug. Guess I might just chill on the couch for a bit."

Takhini Hot Springs

Based on the tracker, the team appears to be nipping at the heals of Allen's team close to Takhini Hot Springs.

Into Braeburn

Hugh and the team trotted on in just a while ago, about 13 minutes behind Allen More. Hugh hit a tree on this run and his sled has some runner damage. Hugh himself seems to be okay and in good spirits. So, Hugh will leave at about 5:00 p.m. Allen will leave 30 minutes earlier while Hugh is serving his 30 minute penalty (not having the ax in the sled out of Dawson). It will now be a 100 mile race to Whitehorse. Hugh said his team looks good and that anything is possible. Laughing, and SWEATING, all the way to Whitehorse,

Soon to Braeburn

Our heroes will be to Braeburn before you know it. Last night, with Hugh leaving Carmacks just in front of Allen Moore, I couldn't help from getting a little emotional. I sat behind Hugh as he was being interviewed about the motivation to win this year's Quest. Although, as always, he said it's not about winning, he did bring up school children and friends. Hugh, a little choked up himself said certain people were counting on him. Although the 30 minute penalty for leaving Dawson without the axe is a major obstacle, it pales in comparison to past challenges. I believe this is the year "it" happens. As always, we'll be laughing all the way to Whitehorse. Will tears of joy replace that laughter? Time will tell. So many people love Hugh and the Laughing Eyes Kennel Dawgs. You (Hugh) can count on us no matter what the outcome.

Hugh in Carmacks

 

The Gypsy Musher and The Team Arrive in Carmacks

Patience in Pelly

We've left Dawson behind, but picked up two new passengers. The first is Cor Guimond, mushing legend and friend of Hugh's. We think Hugh will get a kick out of learning this when we see him again. The second passenger is Sicily. She's a dog Hugh dropped in Scroggie Creek. She had a split nail and sore foot, but seems to be doing well now. The 36 hour layover was not much of a break for mushers and handlers. Setting up camp, walking dogs, feeding, massaging, launching the team, and breaking camp took lots of time and energy. The dogs definitely left better rested than the humans, but that's to be expected. Highlights of the layover had to be seeing the dogs recover: eating well, "stretching out," walking, jogging, and finally taking off (AGAIN) to set the trail on fire. These are very special dogs with amazing athletic ability and attitude. Of course they will all be champions, regardless of finish position. We're currently waiting patiently in Pelly. The first team should be in at about 1:00 a.m. Hugh, Lance, and Allen Moore make up the front of the pack. As always, Laughing all the way to Whitehorse ;>).

Race Update

The Gypsy Musher is doing great. Coming into Dawson for the 36-hour layover in 3rd Place, he should be leaving for the second half of the journey at about 1:39 in the afternoon on Friday. Here's a short video of Hugh coming into Dawson.

While assisting Hugh in Dawson, I got to hang with the dawgs. This involved feeding them fish, kibble, and chicken, drying their harnesses, jackets, and booties, massaging their muscles and joints, and laying out straw for their stay in Dawson.

"We're all tucked in - now where's our bedtime story?"

 

 

 

I heard the Gypsy Musher being interviewed, and even got to put in a few words. Stay tuned for updates on our news story. And, during my down time, I got to enjoy the true beauty of the North:

Cliffs on the banks of the Yukon

In Dawson waiting for Hugh and Dawgs

Jaime and I arrived in Dawson at about 3:30 a.m. today (Wednesday). We've driven well over 1,000 miles since Saturdays's start. Dawson marks a time of excitement and rest. Right now I'm waiting for the team to come in. The tracker is showing that Hugh's in the lead. When he gets in he'll take the team across the Yukon where we set up the Dawgy Hotel. The dogs will be fed every 4-5 hours. The vets will give them a good check over. They will get massages and plenty of rest on their straw beds. Hugh will get rest, but spend lots of time caring for the dogs as well. Handlers help with chores, including camping in the tent and keeping an eye on things.

Circle City (Monday Morning)

We're waiting in Circle City for THE TEAM! (Sorry if you're having trouble viewing any videos. Most are on Facebook as well.)

The Quest: Day 2

The Yukon Quest continues today. Here's The Gypsy Musher being interviewed in Central:

Hugh and the vets, gave everyone's favorite (dog) team some love when they came into Central. Naturally, some of our furry canine friends were modeling their Cat in the Hat jackets:

And, finally, while us handlers were on the road today, we met some new mushing fans:

And They're Off!

The Gypsy Musher launched from the starting chute of the Yukon Quest in Fairbanks, Alaska today, February 4th. This video shows Walter (right) and Delilah (left) in lead before the take-off, sporting their Cat in the Hat jackets supporting Read Across America. The rest of the team couldn't contain their excitement. GO DAWGS!

Bring on the Quest!

Hugh Neff is ready to embark on his 20th one thousand mile race - yes, his 20th one thousand mile race. This will be the eighth straight year that the team has run both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod in the same year. Laughing Eyes Kennel, laughing all the way, baby!

Hugh pictured with good friend, Hobo Jim.