Howdy! I am honored and thrilled to begin my journey with you all as the 2016 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™. I am following in the footsteps of many wonderful and talented teachers who have traveled the trail before me and have shared their stories, lessons, and inspiration with classrooms around the world. I hope …
“Don’t love something that can’t love you back.” – Martin Buser. Truer words could not have been expressed during a time of tragedy in lives of so many in Willow, Alaska. I’ve been spending the last week at Vern Halter’s Dream a Dream Dog Farm (mile 64) helping out before the annual Iditarod Summer Teacher …
A few years ago I was watching an Ironman Kona special on T.V. I was amazed by the commitment, dedication, and inspiring stories of these athletes. Each time someone would cross the finish line and Mike Reilly would announce, “[insert name] YOU are an Ironman,” chills went up and down my spine. I started imagining …
The most difficult posting I have had to write so far, has been this one. Ever since I arrived home I have been trying to figure out a way to put my experience in words and share it with the world; it is impossible. There are no words to describe the feelings or what I experienced …
Last night culminated the 2015 Iditarod with the annual Iditarod Volunteer Potluck at the Millennium Hotel. Several volunteers gathered together to enjoy conversation, stories, pictures, and fun for a final time before everyone packs up and heads home for another year. There is no mistake, though, the Iditarod is one massive family. There are approximately …
The 2015 Iditarod is finished, the Willow Lantern has been extinguished, the Burled Arch has been put away until next year. The streets of Nome are back to normal. For the dogs, they are anxiously waiting for their next run. Many dogs got their wish as most mushers took their dogs on a short “stretch …
Third time’s a charm. Cindy Abbott officially put the finishing touches on the 2015 Iditarod last night when she extinguished the flame in the willow lantern. The crowd witnessing the monumental event was similar in size as it was last Wednesday morning for the champion. A reporter asked Cindy when she knew she was going …
One of the moments I see at the finish that puts a big smile on my face, besides the dogs, is when families reunite. It is a rough couple of weeks for mothers, wives, husbands, and children while their family member is out on the treacherous Iditarod trail. There is absolutely no contact made during …
Twenty-two seconds separated two brothers which suffered many highs and lows on this journey across Alaska. A large crowd of fans, including several 2015 Iditarod finishers gathered on Front Street and in the chute waiting to welcome the inspirational Jason and his 4-time Iditarod champion brother, Lance. Jason arrived first and received a warm welcome …
The dogs are the true athletes of the Iditarod and the mushers make sure their best friends know this. Justin Savidis has a tradition of lifting one of his dogs up to touch his paw to the Burled Arch. This year Louisa May had the prestigious honor of being lifted to tap the arch. Looking …
