FL-500: Meier First to Skoganvarre.

Katy Meier (42) from Sweden, last year winner, says that the trail to Jotka was nice, but half an hour later it became poorer, and Meier explains:  - I ran with the dogs the last 20 or 30 kilometres. It was hard to see trail and sticks since it had been snowing so much and the snow covered it.

The effectiveness of musher at check point is very good; dogs should be looked after, snacked and given water before they get to rest some hours. Meier makes sure the dogs got straw to rest on and she checks their paws with a steady hand.

Meier snacks her dogs at Skoganvarre. 

Photo:Karoline Leistad-Jonas

Roy-Åge Jensen Ugseth(37) from Elvalandet came in as number two, and he confirms that it was bad weather in the mountains. He could, however, explain that his dogs like bad weather, they feel at home then.

The fastest time from start in Alta to Skoganvarre is held by Leif Wilhelmsen (56) from Junkerdalen with 7 hours and 7 minutes. Not far behind we find one of the favourites Ole Wingren (61) from Finland with the time 7 hours and 9 minutes. Wingren came in shortly after Roy Åge Jensen Ugseth(37) from Elvalanda and said he had an advantage of following in a fresh trail.

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Ole Wingren satisfied and keen to move on Photo: Karoline Leistad-Jonas

Next leg crosses a mountain, and the weather forecast is bad. It is normal to rest about four hours at Skoganvarre. Due to the weather it could be disadvantageous to start out first on this leg. It will be interesting to see who starts out first.