Grey talked his way onto another helicopter early the next morning after the last team cleared the first checkpoint. His companion was a garrulous chap, and they soon had a lively conversation going. When the stranger learned Grey was recording everything he could about the race, offers and suggestions spewed like a geyser from his gap-toothed mouth.
“I can hook ya up with a feller who can get you out to the final checkpoint ahead of the race, kid. He’s an old musher and knows the ropes, the shortcuts, and all the ins and outs. It’ll cost ya, but I’ll get ya the best deal I can. Ya can be right there and not have to work or waste any time so ya can concentrate on interviews and takin’ pictures. If ya want to, he’ll get ya onto the finish line the same way, ahead of the pack.”
Grey could
