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,