Paws Along the Trail with Lots to Carry I left for Alaska on Presidents’ Day, February 19, carrying gear to last me five weeks in the cities, schools, and bush of Alaska. On March 5th, I pared down my gear to essentials since I had to carry it all on the Iditarod Trail. There have …
Paws Along the Trail with Pilots I have had a lot to learn. When we were driving up to the start of the Junior Iditarod in Knik a few weeks ago, I wondered how long you could drive to the checkpoints along the Iditarod Trail before you had to fly. My mentor glanced sideways at …
Paws Along the Trail with Geometry I have had so much fun taking photos along the Iditarod Trail! Here are some images for geometry practice. As you examine these photographs, perhaps you’ll see some additional geometric shapes and interesting aspects of the Iditarod!
Paws Along the Trail with the Awards Banquet Tonight all of the mushers, many volunteers, Iditarod staff, and fans gathered in a large gym in Nome for the Awards Banquet. The food was spectacular and many people left the buffet line with multiple full plates. Mushers may need to regain weight. Tim Muto, during his …
Paws Along the Trail in Nome There is a famous saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” I think it could work for “When in Nome, do as the people of Nome do.” So, what are we doing in Nome now that the race is over? Mushers are signing autographs in the mini …
Paws Along the Trail with the Finish This morning, the final mushers arrived in Nome, finishing the Last Great Race®, the Iditarod, 1049 miles across the wilds of Alaska. Having seen what these mushers go through with the weather and sleep deprivation, I have even more respect for this huge accomplishment. I heard the warning …
Paws Along the Trail with Finishers Walking around Nome, I feel like I am in Hollywood, seeing famous mushers just strolling around like everyone else. Nic Petit, Deedee Jonrowe, Jeff King, Lars Munson, and Michael Williams, Jr., are all looking rested and relaxed. Did you know that when a musher is two miles away …
Paws Along the Trail with Musher Stories Being in White Mountain gave me extra opportunities to talk with the otherwise busy mushers. Since they hang out for eight hours, I could ask a few questions and overhear some conversations. Much of the trail the weather was warm with lots of snow. Coming into White Mountain, …
Paws Along the Trail with Checkpoints Many of the checkpoints have “closed.” That means the veterinarians, race judge, pilots, communications people (who type in the times and numbers of dogs), and trail volunteers who have been keeping everything running well for the mushers leave or move further down the trail. As of tonight, Elim, White …
Paws Along the Trail with Food What do the dogs eat? What do the mushers eat? These are great questions students have asked. The dogs eat high-performance dry dogfood called kibble. When mushers stop at a checkpoint or just along the trail, they will melt snow in their cookpots. To the hot water, they …
