Iditarod Update 3/8 p.m.

["ANN SYMONS, JDHS" <JYJDLIB%ALASKA.BITNET@suvm.acs.syr.edu>]

Charlie Boulding, two time Yukon Quest champion from Manley
has checked in at Nicolai.


Background information about the trail:

The Rainy Pass checkpoint is 155 miles into the race.  From the
checkpoint on Puntilla Lake the trail climbs to Rainy Pass, which is the highest
 point in the race at 3,160 feet.  The pass takes mushers through the
Alaska Range mountains from the coastal areas into the state's vast
interior.

The trail from Rainy Pass descends the steep Dalzell Gorge, which race officials
 have said is particularly icy and dangerous this year due to
cold weather and lack of snow.

Monday
King and other mushers said Monday's weather, with termperatures
reacing into the 30's was warmer than they would like.

More tomorrow after the 7:50 a.m. Alaska Public Radio News
Update.