Iditarod 2026 came to an end nearly a month ago and so has “A Letter a Day…The Iditarod Way”. I sincerely hope that you not only enjoyed the race updates but also collected numerous activities and ideas along the way. My time in Alaska was truly unforgettable. The first week was spent in classrooms in the Wasilla area where I met incredible teachers and students while doing presentations for Kindergarten through 8th grade. I was then a part of the Jr. Iditarod where I saw racers start, I spent the night in Yentna at their layover location, then returned to watch them finish. The 2 hour return drive by snowmachine at 4:00 a.m. in -35 degree temperatures will clearly stick with me for a long time to come. The second week included the amazing Iditarod Teacher’s Conference, a field trip to Martin Buser’s Happy Trails Kennel, the musher meet-and-greet, banquet, as well as the ceremonial and official starts. Being Sydnie Bahl’s IditaRider…phenomenal. The next week took me to the checkpoint of McGrath. While getting sick and being pulled from the trail for 5 days was not on my travel itinerary, I am so grateful to those who helped along that unexpected journey to health. Thanks to them and some much-needed recovery, I was on my way to Nome for the final week. This experience of watching mushers arrive at the burled arch, spotting several miles out, bush plane adventures, spending time with those lovable dogs in the lot, making new friends, taking my own dog sledding trip solo for 3 miles and a team of 4, as well as handing Richie Beattie the Red Lantern will be etched in my heart forever. I was honored to have been your connection between the race and classroom. Thank you for coming along with me on this once-in-a-lifetime trek into the heart of the Iditarod, The Last Great Race on Earth. -Kari
