What a joyous day here in Alaska! As part of our Iditarod Teacher’s Conference, Wednesday is the jam-packed day everyone is jubilant for! It was field trip day! Our day began with a journey to the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla where we joined the mushers during the race vet checks. We were beyond excited when we saw not only Jesse Terry but also Jody Potts-Joseph and Jason Mackey standing there with their teams. The only ones missing from this incredible “J” experience was Jeff Deeter, Jaye Foucher, Jessie Holmes, Joey Sabin, Jessie Royer, and Josi Shelley. We were so lucky to be able to visit with them, observe the dogs, and take advantage of some photo opportunities. Watching the vets do their jobs and what they do best was an opportunity of a lifetime for a bunch of Iditarod lovers. We definitly hit the jackpot with this! The second half of our adventure took us on a jaunt to the legendary Martin Buser’s Happy Trails Kennels in Big Lake. Our jaws definitely dropped as we approached the dog yard and took in where we actually were. We joined him in the small theater for a short video. Afterwards this joyful, jovial, jokester of a man shared stories and answered questions. We were escorted out to the dogs and allowed to wander among them petting, chatting, and loving on all of them. Some would be jealous if too much time was spent with others. Some jabbered endlessly to get your attention. Others would jump repeatedly tugging at your coat wanting to play. Three dogs, Juice, Jasmine, and James were just ready to run. It was clear that it did not matter, juvenile dog or experienced racer, all were loved beyond measure. There is a reason Martin has won the Humanitarian award five times and the Sportsmanship award 3 times. To witness such a genuine man and musher was remarkable. Students, strive to be like Martin Buser. Just be yourself. Just take a risk. Just work hard. Just do your best. Just never give up. Just set a goal… and amazing things will come to you!
Journaling Ideas:
- If I were a musher….
- My lead dog….
- The hardest part of the race…
- In the dead of night on the trail…
- If the race happened 100 years ago it would be very different…
- Write from the lead dog’s point of view.
- Describe how the musher and dogs work together.
- Write a letter home after you finish the race.
- Write a conversation between 2 dogs on a team.
- Write a news report detailing the race.
