Sunday the 10th february 2008

As agreed with the Race Marshall Doug Grilliot, Marco and Armen with their 8 dogs team each left in time Fairbanks at 2 pm. A gorgeous day with polar temperatures. I and Sebastian instead carried with two separate snow machines the 2 cameramen Matteo and Andrea. I will not deny you that driving the snow mobiles at those temperatures it has NOT been simple at all and both of us suffered from painful tendinites on the back of our hands for the cold and tension in the driving on the frigid river Chena.

Marco and Armen with their dogs were proceeding fluidly along the river' s turns. After a whole afternoon of travel we reached the Two Rivers Valley Center where we found several teams parked to rest and feed adequately their dogs. In the evening we reached the hena hot springs resort and checkpoint where exists an open air pool of hot water in which you can watch the northern lights while taking a ot bath at - 40 C!! Infact I and Marco could not resist to take a quick hot bath !!

Since the section of trail from here to Mile 101 has been eliminated due to the lack of snow swept away by the wind and the presence of very dangerous icy parts along the Rosebud descent, all the teams must load their dogs in the trucks and transport them to the mile 101 restart towards the infamous Eagle summit ascent and descent.

I am writing you from a gas station with the laptop of the mythical Sebastian. We are all rather tired but super enthusiast to keep on our Challenge on the yukon 2008.A hug from your
Ararad Khatchikian