Yesterday’s snowstorm turned into a blizzard overnight, forcing the dog teams to stay put for another day. The bad weather also prevented the eight dog teams still behind on the trail, along with two of the safety patrol’s members, to meet up with the other nine leading dog teams and race officials waiting for them at the Ippigituit checkpoint. Snowed in out on the tundra in a complete whiteout, nobody was able to move much today, trying to stay warm as much as possible in their tupik (round canvas tent) or igloo. Although everybody seemed to be getting by O.K., supplies were starting to run low, especially in terms of the precious Naphta used for the small camping stoves most are using to keep warm. The wind blowing at over 100 km/h up on the mountain plateau, some even had trouble keeping their tent in place. By the end of the day, the wind had finally calmed down a bit, improving the visibility just enough for a small team of snowmobiles to be sent to bring the stranded dog teams a new stock of Naphta, as well as some groceries and dog food. This should last them long enough to make it to Kangiqsujuaq, where they are now expected to arrive sometime this weekend, if the weather improves. According to the weather forecast, the winds are supposed to die down by morning and let the sun shine through. This will enable the dog teams behind to meet up with the others and get going to the next checkpoint. More news tomorrow…