Ruby:
There's a lovely lady at the Ruby check-in, who's cheer-leading the dogs on every team as they arrive - similar to the reception Bridget (Allen's daughter) gives their dogs upon arrival.
Jessie says she has a good team, but sees that there are other teams behind her with more speed, so she likely won't stay ahead of them - is realistic. But then again, it's only half-way. Says she's confident she'll be in the top somewhere, but agrees that her team don't have the animation that Thomas' team has. Says Thomas' team make you go "WOW, that's impressive!" when you see them on the trail - and he's her pick (currently) to win. That said, she says her team isn't even that animated at home. At home they hang out, pretty mellow, don't bark, they are a pretty calm dog team. So although it looks impressive - barking and banging - it doesn't necessarily mean anything wrt how well they're doing. What she's talking about is watching T's team running on the trail - they look like a freight train - like powerhouses. Her team is going good, although they've lost a bit of speed. The difference is between bloodlines and training, as far as animation goes.
On the same subject - Brent, getting ready to leave Cripple. Dogs ate great and are ready to go - although it may not look like it: his dogs save their energy and don't bark and bang. He feels great - got loads of sleep and feels like he's just starting the race again.
Thomas and Aaron's teams really look good coming into Ruby. Jessie's look pretty much the same than when they came into Cripple - trotting businesslike.... and, after 5 hours rest, leaving Ruby, they still look exactly the same
And speaking of fast times - Lance's run from Cripple > Ruby = 8:43 - about 45 mins faster than Brent and Thomas! He says he's going to stay "a little bit".
Wade looks a bit down coming in.
Richie - it's a lot of fun with his dogs - eating well, so enthusiastic - we're having a good time.
Pete - team now eating well and putting weight back on - been rebuilding since Tak. Still managing some issues, but going in the right direction. Says he's not too far off the front, but wants to put another couple of 100 miles on the team before he evaluates them again. Is down to 11 dogs. Dogs look really good on video coming into Ruby.
So much for Brent staying 8 hours in Ruby after a fast run from Cripple - he just left Ruby, followed quickly by Joar and Richie. Paige is sneaky resting about an hour before Ruby, so I guess she'll blow straight through there.