Milton the Moose at Iditarod Headquarters- Feb 2024. Photo Credit: M. Hamilton

I’d like to introduce H.A. Milton (in the photo above), commonly known as Milton the Moose to students at my school. He tagged along on my journey to Alaska last winter and will be by my side on my next trip to Alaska. He is thankful for snow, too, and we have finally witnessed the first snow here in southern Indiana! There is more snow in the forecast (a laughable amount to most folks up north), but we are thankful for every snowflake at our house. Check out this month’s edition of More to Discover!

HAVE YOU HEARD __ Which do you think came first: the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the 1925 Serum Run, or the original Iditarod Trail? If you guessed the original Iditarod Trail, you would be correct! The original and historic Iditarod Trail was established in the late 19th century, primarily as a route for trade, mail delivery, and travel across Alaska’s remote interior. It connected various towns and mining camps from the Seward area on the southern coast to Nome on the Bering Sea. It became an important route for miners, settlers, and traders, especially during the gold rush. People relied on sled dogs to carry supplies over the long, snowy miles. 

NOVEMBER TRAINING __ While the seasons are changing, training can look vastly different based on location. Mushers who are training in Alaska are knee deep in snow, while those who are in the lower 48 states might still be training with ATVs. For the most part, mushers are still keeping it slow while out on a run with their team. Focusing on endurance vs speed at this time helps the dogs build muscle and prevent injuries. This time of year is also a good time to get the dogs used to “diving” into their food bowls with a snack or meal after every training run. Ask your students, “Why would it be a good idea for sled dogs to focus on a meal after every run?”

IAF Pilot on Lake Hood. Photo Credit: Terrie Hanke

VIBRANT VOLUNTEERS __ Have you ever heard of the Iditarod Air Force? While visiting Alaska as a Teacher on the Trail™ finalist, I learned about the intricate system and how  fascinating, hard working, and necessary the pilots, planes, and routes are to the race. There are four Commercial and Logistics Hubs along the trail: Anchorage, McGrath, Unalakleet, and Nome, where larger planes can land with supplies, equipment, and people. The other checkpoints can still be reached by plane, but require a much smaller plane. A volunteer opportunity within the Iditarod Air Force (IAF) is on the Commercial Flights Coordination team. In this position, the volunteer would oversee planning, booking, and managing the movement of supplies and people to various locations on the trail and back.

Thankful Writing. Photo Credit: M. Hamilton

AT MY SCHOOL __ Thankful is a popular theme for the month of November. I had students reflect on what it means to be thankful by coming up with their own definition of the word. Then, I had students consider what a musher would be thankful for, especially during the race. Many students listed the obvious answers: their dogs, warm clothing, food, etc. My favorite answers were more thoughtful, such as: getting home, the trust from their dogs, people cheering for them, and other mushers. We are going to revisit their responses during and after the Iditarod to see how many items will be added to their lists. This small activity helps students to become mindful of what a musher needs to be successful. I encourage you to try this activity with your students, too!

Let’s connect! I can be reached through email at emailtheteacher@iditarod.com. I look forward to hearing from you!