From Myron Angstman

Armchair mushers might think the warm temperatures experienced  thus far on the race trail are a welcome change from recent years below zero temps.  But the heat causes problems  as well.  This year above freezing temperatures have caused a  meltdown of recently fallen snow, creating water on the trail.   Slushy conditions were reported between Bogus Creek and Kalskag, and racers can expect more of the same on the Whitefish loop.   Early standings show few surprises as  Paul Gebhardt leads the pack with Rohn Buser and Jeff King  not far back.  In recent races, those three have often been near the front approaching Aniak.  Trail conditions on the river between Aniak and Kalskag are being checked right now,  as early reports suggested there might be a need to re-route the trail in that area because of water.