DAWSON CITY - "It's an emotional roller coaster," John Overell said Tuesday about being back in Dawson City, the final Canadian checkpoint on the Yukon Quest trail.

For Overell, this is a homecoming he will never forget, and one that not too long ago he wasn't even sure was possible.

The 10-year trail veterinarian for the Quest has made it a long way from when a motorcycle crash last June on the North Klondike Highway nearly killed him.

Overell was rushed to the hospital and eventually had to have part of his vertebrae removed in Vancouver.

He said he has no recollection for the first three weeks after the traffic incident, but thankfully his short-term memory has returned, which Overell joked about being as "good or bad" as it was before the crash.

Since around the end of November, he has been back in the Yukon, receiving physiotherapy in Whitehorse.

"I'm going in the right direction," he said. "It's never fast enough, but that's always the way it is. I mean, fast enough is me being better tomorrow, and the good thing is I am still improving, so I am still going in the right direction.

"No matter how slow it is, it's still improvement; I haven't stopped. That's what keeps me going."

Earlier in February, Overell felt well enough to make what was for many a surprise appearance at the Quest's vet check, receiving a warm welcome from mushers, fellow veterinarians and organizers. Many were fighting back tears of joy to see him.

As luck would have it, friends of his were planning to go to Dawson during the Quest, and Overell asked if he could come along with them.

He has been making stops at all of the checkpoints and although it has been difficult being on the Quest without caring for the dogs, Overell is glad about making the trip. His journey ends today in Dawson, his hometown since 1998.

"That's why I get the reception I am getting here, and it's amazing," he said, sitting inside inside Bombay Peggy's, surrounded by friends. "I haven't been home for ages. It's awesome to be in Dawson."

Overell has to return to Whitehorse today to resume his physiotherapy, so he can regain his ability to walk without a cane and the full use of his hands.

Being back on the Quest trail has had some tough moments for Overell, who on Monday visited McCabe Creek, which is used as a dog drop.

While there, a musher came in and asked if there was a vet anywhere. Overell said it was tough not being able to help out.

"I am not ready to go and be kneeling down in snow yet, so I didn't say anything, but that was hard," he said. "I wanted to say, 'Yeah, there is a vet here,' but I have to wait."

Despite encountering a few difficult situations, Overell is happy about coming back to Dawson.

"I am so happy to see everybody," he said about being back in Dawson.

"At the same time, I am sad that I missed time here and I am sad I have to go away again right now. But it's great."

Overell isn't sure when he will be back, but he will do everything he can to make it as soon as possible.

"I have my own personal goals, but it depends how well I do at physiotherapy and that's up to my body," he said. "I am working as hard as possible to get back this spring."

On Tuesday, Overell helped set up the Dawson City Quest vet check, which is something he has done for the better part of the last decade.

When asked if there has been a most memorable moment, Overell, after pausing to think, said it has all been special.

"To be here for the Quest is very special."

He said he appreciates the support received from people across the Yukon.

"Just the amount of love and support I have gotten throughout the Yukon and especially from Dawson is something that makes me appreciate life more than I ever knew I could," Overell said.

"This is the definitive of what community means. I have always been proud of the Yukon. It is the best place in the world."