checkpoints have several functions in long distance mushing: to pick up food for mushers & dogs& other necessary things (clothes, more booties for the dogs, fuel to make a fire in the wilderness, straw for the dogs). also dogs get veterinarien check-ups, dogs can be dropped when vet or musher think it is best for it. also, mushers need to register in checkpoints. teams can rest there. sometimes, mushers just register, may get their dogs checked & then leave. often they then camp with the dogs outside of checkpoint. this can mean: camping at night in the wilderness with a fire, a good sleeping back & .... the sky with the stars is the roof