Almost there!


# 6 Juusipi Qisiiq of Kangiqsujuaq and young partner Paulie crossing arctic tundra toward the finish line (Photo: Pierre Dunnigan / Makivik)The dog teams set off this morning from Tasiujaq at 9:15 AM reaching the last checkpoint before the finish line to a location called Illuvigaaluttaliup Tasialungna, also known as Lac De Freneuse. Today’s distance traveled was 67 kilometers which did not break yesterday’s 73 kilometer journey record. It was one of the more difficult days for the teams in terms of weather and trail conditions. The snow on the trail was very soft and sticky, making it strenuous for the dogs to run on. Visibility was very poor most of the morning and there were confusing snowmobile trails, which could have mislead teams the wrong way. Another one of the obstacles to face was climbing up steep hills, particularily after leaving Tasiujaq. Noah Annahatak’s team had an unfortunate incident: during a white out he fell about 5 to 6 feet down a steep hill. The same thing happened to the trail leader. Luckily everyone is okay.

Arctic wild life animals were spotted during today’s run, mainly musk ox and wolves.

Tomorrow will be the big day when the teams head for the finish line at Stewart Lake, just a few short kilometres from Kuujjuaq.

RESULTS AS OF: March 31, 2010
Rank Racer Community Today’s time (h:m:s) Total Time (h:m:s)
1 Willie Cain Jr. & Joseph Cain (#2) Tasiujaq 6:55:39 34:33:23
2 Noah Annahatak & Sandy Annahatak (#8) Kangiqsujuaq 7:51:36 35:03:30
3 Peter Kiatainaq & Peter Kiatainaq Jr. (#15) Kangiqsujuaq 6:17:49 38:05:32
4 Peter Ittukallak & Juani Nutaraaluk (#5) Puvirnituq 6:39:09 39:20:57
5 Novalinga Novalinga & Aibilie Moses (#7) Puvirnituq 6:53:52 39:32:27
6 Harry Okpik & Junior Tukkiapik (#14) Quaqtaq 7:17:27 40:24:35
7 Juusipi Qisiiq & Paulie Qisiiq (#6) Kangiqsujuaq 6:52:42 40:45:45
8 Allen Gordon & Tommy Kooktook (#1) Kuujjuaq 6:54:06 41:43:04
9 Junoir May & Aqikki Kooktook (#12) Kuujjuaq 7:20:42 42:54:55
10 Matthew Arngak & Charlie Arngak (#9) Kangiqsujuaq 7:32:25 43:17:58
11 Etua Lucassie & Juanasi Annahatak (#2) Aupaluk 7:39:54 43:57:50
12 Willie Kulula Sr. & Moses Tukkiapik (#10) Quaqtaq 7:10:57 44:00:16
13 Charlie Elijassiapik & Lisi Ann Kasudluak (#4) Inukjuak 8:35:08 44:24:40
14 Johnny Arnatuq & Adamie Putulik (#11) Quaqtaq 7:46:26 44:41:09
15 Billy Cain & Willie Cain Jr. Jr. (#16) Tasiujaq 8:36:28 45:33:30
16 Johnny Aakutaq Angnatuk & Sammy Angnatuk (#17) Tasiujaq 7:52:16 45:38:38

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The return of the Inuit Dogs

At the end of the last century, the pure-breed Husky dog was nearly extinct in Nunavik. Nowadays, Inuit people mostly travel by snowmobile. Yet, the memories of another time when dogs were man’s most reliable partners are not so far behind. Long known to be man’s best friend, dogs were once essential to the survival of Inuit in the merciless arctic environment. In fact, only a few decades ago, sled dogs were a foundation of the Inuit nomadic way of life.

These brave allies were central to seasonal Inuit movements, especially in the winter.Strongly built with a thick fur, huskies can withstand bitterly cold temperatures and are capable of lugging their share of supplies during long hours travelling across the endless tundra. Harnessed to a sled or simply keeping pace alongside their master, dogs made it possible for Inuit to cover great distances in their search for game to provide for their families, and to transport heavy loads (...).

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