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Kelly Villar 2020 Teacher on the Trail
Tails from the Trail Nikolai was busy and quite chilly this morning. It was -30 degrees and the sun was shining brightly across the clear blue sky when the first musher, Richie Diehl, arrived in Nikolai. It was energizing and wonderful to see many in the village come to cheer him on as he …
Tails from the Trail After a beautiful flight over the Alaskan Range, getting spectacular views of Mount Denali, I have landed in Nikolai. Nikolai is the first of many native villages along the Iditarod Trail. With a population of about 125 people and is located along the South Fork Kuskokwim River. This is not the …
Tails from the Trail Snow was falling, the temperature was perfect, and the sounds of dogs barking and howling filled the air. The stage was set for the Re-Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and it doesn’t get much better than this! The talk of the morning was the snow. The incredible amount …
Tails from the Trail Today was the Ceremonial Start of the 2020 Iditarod in downtown Anchorage. I arrived in downtown several hours before the start and was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the musher’s preparing. Trucks, equipment, and dogs lined 4th Avenue and many of the side streets. I walked along listening …
Tails from the Trail- IDITAROD! D is for Determination According to Sanka W. Dog, determination is “A strong will or desire to complete or accomplish a task.” Determination can be seen in so many parts of the Iditarod. The dogs, for example, are determined to run. You can see the passion and excitement in their eyes as …
Tails from the Trail Tonight was the mushers meet and greet and banquet. It was an exciting night for both the mushers and their fans. The first hour was a meet and greet where fans were able to meet all the mushers and have them sign autographs and take pictures with them. I was able …
Tails from the Trail Vet Checks Today was vet check day. The health of every dog in the Iditarod is of utmost importance. There are over 40 licensed veterinarians that volunteer their time to ensure the safety and care of the Iditarod dogs. The veterinarians were working hard to assure every dog was prepared and …
Tails from the Trail O is for.. Optimism Optimism according to Sanka W. Dog is “Hopefulness and confidence about the future. The belief that good will prevail over evil in the universe.” Being hopeful, confident, and positive are all important traits in an Iditarod musher. The trail can be very tough, the Dalzell Gorge, the …
Tails from the Trail Junior Iditarod 2020 concluded last night and it was a great race. Amazing weather on Saturday turned to a winter wonderland of snow, dropping over 2 feet. With fresh snow covering the trail, it was certainly a bit slower on Sunday. The mushers began to cross the finish line at 3:00 …
Tails from the Trail- Dog of the Month- Cool Cat! This month Matthew Failor, of 17th Dog, shared a fantastic story about his special dog Miss. Cool Cat. Matthew will be running his 9th Iditarod this year. “Let me introduce Miss Cool Cat, or as she is known on the streets (trails) these days, Mc2(squared). …