Each Stage has a different feel for the mushers. As rookie, even after talking to veteran mushers, you only have a limited idea of what to expect. Much different once you are veteran.
Talking to Lina Streeper last year, she had some reservations about the Driggs Stage, as in the prior year, she had gotten off trail there. Of course that a sticks in memory big time.
Ben Barrett was a rookie in 2020 driving dogs from Doug Butler ( Vermont ). This year Ben is here for his second run in the Pedigree Stage Stop. Memories from last years run here in Big Piney and Marbleton are still fresh in his mind. Ben had a tough run here in 2020, so he has been cautious: