The Ivakkak dog team racers departed at 9am yesterday for Umiujaq from Qitgirivik. It was a beautiful sunny morning with very light wind. At 10 a.m., 8 km after the start, Willie Cain’s dogs got hooked to an ice block, which prevented him from maneuvering his qamutik to avoid another big ice block, which in turn damaged his qamutik. Willie and his team were given a ride to Umiujaq, where they made qamutik repairs, in order to join the race again.
At Iqallulik, haft way on the day 2 trail, the ice is thin, which concerned the officials who waited in that area until all teams passed. When the dog team racers arrival in Umiujaq, they were welcomed by a fun, cheering crowd and a nice sunset. The last two teams arrived before dark just before 8 p.m.
The safe arrival in Umiujaq with celebration is good news. Willie Cain is brave and an experienced musher.