Yukon Insomnia

It was 8:30pm last night when I finally touched down in WhiteHorse, Yukon, but by the placement of the sun you would have thought it was 3 in the afternoon. Jim, my all-knowing travel guide, quickly handed me a pair of dark sunglasses which I donned until almost midnight. Not having any darkness, no stars or moon to orient day from night really throws your equilibrium off.

And try as might to sleep, cracks of sun kept creeping in through my hotel blinds and a constant stream of commotion left me looking like an insomniac this morning. No matter I had tons of work to do before the noon race today.

I interviewed teams from Venezuela, England, Austria, Maine, Alaska, Oregon and throughout Canada. The oldest competitor is Fritz, 69 years and prepping for his 7th consecutive race.

All have Powerbars, Gatorade, sunblock, Deet and extra socks stuffed inside waterproof pockets in the crevices of their canoes and kayaks. All are expecting sore backsides, blisters on both hands and no sleep for 72 hours. All are excited, anxious and anticipate sweet victory come Friday evening.