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Teacher on the Trail Stories
Working as a dog handler yesterday gave incredible perspective on the enthusiasm of the dogs as they get ready to run. As they hook up to the trailers you’ll hear barks of excitement; some of the dogs are so pumped with adrenaline they shake. Attaching them to the tug line the barks turn into cries, …
This morning, at the Willow Restart, I had the privilege of handing out the Trail Mail to each musher. Trail Mail is required gear. Mushers carry a small cachet of letters in their sled the entire length of the Trail, and present it in Nome to be postmarked and returned to original sender. It is …
There are life experiences so remarkable that, even when they are happening, it is clear that no souvenir, no photo will ever be able to conjure the amazing emotions in that moment. Enjoy the ride, and focus fully on the present, because you can’t take it with you once it is over. Yes, memories are …
When my friends, family, coworkers, and students heard I’d be in Alaska for a month they were very concerned about the cold. “Do you have the right gear?” they asked. Luckily, I’m outfitted with the perfect gear for the trail! I have amazing boots, which make me about 3 inches taller thanks to the incredible …
There are two memories that stick out in my mind when I think back to my year as the 2017 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail. The first memory occurred while in Tanana. Tanana had only been a checkpoint a few times before, but they could not have been more welcoming! The night I was in …
It’s very difficult to select just a few experiences from the trail to share or to summarize my journey as the 2006 Wells Fargo Teacher On The Trail. Everyday of the 4 weeks spent in Alaska for Iditarod XXXIV was filled with meaningful experiences and unique memories. Never once did I wonder what I was …
Every teacher who has served as the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail has the same reaction to the question, “Share your most memorable moment from the trail.” The reaction? An immediate sigh followed by an utter feeling of defeat as you know you will never be able to do your journey justice with one memorable …
What do mushers do with their sled dog when he/she retires? Just as they had the best life before their journey through the Iditarod, they have the best life still, but more relaxing. Our best bud here at Vern’s, Charles, retired as a sled dog on March 1, 2014. Charles is a 10-year old …
My journey today was quite interesting, however, it was awesome. This morning Terrie Hanke, author of the Eye on the Trail blog for the Iditarod, and I went to breakfast before beginning our shopping list for camp. When we got back to Vern’s Dream a Dream Dog Farm we started helping Linda prepare sandwiches for the 9:00 tour group, …
Part of me lives at the Smithsonian now… And my students’ artwork is there too… Talk about being honored and proud! I recently had the honor of visiting the Smithsonian’s American History Museum and taking a “backstage” tour with Jane Rogers, curator of sports. You may remember that I first met Jane two years ago …