Now a live interview with Jeff in Cripple.
He's drinking coffee while they set up the camera. The sun is low, casting long shadows. It's warm enough that Jeff is barehanded, finishing his coffee and being handed a mic.
Good morning America, says Jeff. Absolutely gorgeous morning. A whirlwind for him - his 30th trip into Cripple. Fun ride, beautiful dog team, first came through here in 1981 and wasn't sure he'd ever do it again, but with Nic testing positive, he quickly packed his bags and hit the trail. Not as tough as he used to be, and realises how incredibly difficult it is to go 1,000 miles on a trail. Others make it look easy. Thrilled to have the knowledge to get down the trail in style. Just wants to get the team safely to Nome for Nic and for his fans. Was beautiful coming in last night, turned his headlight off, quarter moon, Northern Lights overhead, stunning.
Headed to Ruby soon to declare his 24 and visit with friends in Ruby. Waiting for his protegé Amanda Otto to catch up so he can see her and evaluate how his team with her is going.
He's been getting lots of encouraging messages (from old high school girlfriends
).
Not sure that he would have done the race this year if he'd been given more notice, but the fact that it was last minute meant it fell into place.
Nic's team are an incredible group - starting to get to know Jeff and he's starting to feel like one of the team.
Daughters watching from various parts of the world, wondering what the heck Dad's doing? but won't do anything stupid. Has been doing his stretches per his PT lady Patty. Doesn't have any aches and pains and got 8 hours sleep overnight. Says it feels like a stage race.
But if he starts to catch a team, he gets all excited to pass them (even though he's 24 hours behind them). Laughs at how his competitive side rises to the top at the slightest provocation.
He shut the team down for 12 hours at Cripple. He hopes Nic isn't disappointed - he, Jeff, doesn't have the energy to race hard.
Laughingly says he wasn't allowed in the "musher bubble tent" because they didn't know who he was, and didn't know if he was allowed in there. One lady saw him and said "you're still alive??".
Coming from Rohn to Nik, the one dog he dropped - on the way there, his gait didn't look good, so he hooked the dog on neckline only (unhooked its harness). During the run, the neckline detached, but the dog continued to run in place. Dog ran 20 miles in his spot, totally loose, including pee and snack stops. Amazing group with chemistry.
Reminiscing on his race with his lead dog Salem, chasing Doug Swingley. Had such a connection with him. Remembers a run from Kaltag to Unk - swirling blowing snow, pedalling the sled, and his leg postholed into the deep snow and he fell off the sled. The team disappeared without him, out of sight, through the snow and it was terrifying. He screamed for his lead dog Salem. He ran down the trail, yelling for the dogs - didn't go far, but they were completely out of sight and still moving. Pretty soon his light picked up the back of the sled. The team were all lined out, really do go - but Salem was at the front of the team, sitting erect, ears pricked, looking back down the trail, waiting for Jeff (he's a little choked up telling this story).
Now talking about a little boy, CJ, giving him his good luck charm... but he's too choked up to tell the story. Says he hasn't had enough rest to tell this story. He's still in touch with CJ's mom. Been a special part of his life.
And then he has to stop, too teary and choked to say more.
Lovely interview with Jeff just rambling.