Trial Run

Took a 250-mile drive into West Virgina in the wicked heat yesterday to see how the Defender, the dogs, and I held up in the heat.  The Defender and the dogs did fine, but I can see where this upcoming trip is not going to be like the ones to Alaska in 2000, with Sonntag in his wheelchair, or in 2001, with Leben and Erde as 4-month old pups. To avoid the oppressive heat, at least until we get far enough north to leave it behind, my hope is to get as much done in the evening as possible so I can get underway  by 900 each morning and get into a camp by 1500 at the latest, doing no more than 200-250 miles a day.  It may take us 24 days to reach Prudhoe Bay, instead of the 15 it took us  in 2000, but at least we'll make it.