Mush!!!!!

[Hillbillygirl]

A few pics of my husbands old high school chum nearing the end of a 120 mile trek through some of the gnarliest terrain the area has to offer. An amazing time of 12 hrs, and 28 minutes to complete this. Trail looks good here, but narrows substantially farther in bush, and lots of sharp ascents/descents.

Looking pretty fresh here, both dogs, and Rene, as they round the bend. At this point you must remember he has been at it, without sleep for 32 hrs. the dogs get a 4 hr layover to get food/water/rest, but mushers do not.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/12564339834_1061db0848_b.jpg

Little bit of exuberance as he goes by us on trail knowing he is in the lead.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/12563857445_18c240dd02_b.jpg

Holding up the #1 sign as he glides to victory. (even though it was still 5 miles to finish). Little did he realize he was almost an hour ahead of the nearest competitor at the moment.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/12564316934_b9efec544e_b.jpg

[theantiquetiger]

Great set!!!!

#1 for me because of the little more detail in the snow in bottom right, but I like his reaction in #2.

[Barefoot]

Why was I born in the south?

Splendid photographs, as they always are.

[JAS_Photo]

Just awesome!

[Marko]

Nice set HBG - really diggin shot 1 here!

[Matt K.]

While other epole are warm and fuzzy, watching the olyimpics on the tube, some venture out and defy the elements- just because they can and want to. I do have the utmost respect for those athletes and those who are brave enough to go out and capture them. Second shot is my fav here. The emotion is fantastic!

[Hillbillygirl]

Thank you all, and glad you enjoyed them as much as we enjoyed shooting, and being there.

I have a new found respect for these athletes after seeing what they go though not only physically, but mentally also. This guy got done, went straight to the trailer to tend the dogs, (feed, water vet-check, and bed), then went straight out to mingle, and cheer on the rest of the competitors the rest of the day. After that, tend dogs again, trip home, then dogs again. Don't know how he does it, but it is what he does everyday all year. Def is his life.

[asnow]

I'm liking number 1. You really get a sense of action and speed looking at the dogs.