Laura Neese departs Braeburn with help from her brother in law Keith Hottle. (Photo:Molly Rettig / KUAC) - Steeping Stone 
Yukon Quest race pushes through to Steeping Stone
Defending champion Hugh Neff, and past winners Brent Sass and Allen Moore are pushing the pace at the front of Yukon Quest Sled Dog race. Also in the early mix are top rookie Katherine Keith and Quest veterans Matt Hall and Ed Hopkins. Leaders rested at Steeping Stone today (Feb. 6), 285 miles into the race, which started Saturday in Whitehorse. Trail conditions are allowing fast travel.
Sunday was the perfect day for dog mushing in Yukon Territories. It was three degrees below zero when Hugh Neff crossed the Yukon River in the blinding sunshine and stopped in Carmacks, 170 miles into the race. He knelt down next to his dogs and removed booties, while they snacked on frozen salmon chunks.