All dropped musher supplies are inventoried to assure that all of each musher s shipped gear has arrived. Cooking fuel and straw for each team is placed in an easily accessible location. Trails are placed to allow teams easy access to prime resting areas. Volunteer communication experts setup an extensive system of communication between checkpoints so the race knows where each team is at all times. Finally, sleeping areas are setup for the checkpoint team.
Accommodations can range from a tent to space in the floor of a cabin or community center.
As the first teams arrive at the checkpoint the work begins and it is often at a frantic pace. Mushers are anxious to get their teams to their designated rest area and get them settled in. Straw, cooking fuel and musher supplies have to be picked-up and carried to the dogs by the musher. Water or snow is gathered and a fire is started. Snacks are given to each dog and straw is put out for the team.