Surprises at the Iditarod signups June 2011

Having never driven on the Parks Highway I wasn't sure how long it would actually take me to arrive in Wasilla for the annual Iditarod sign up picnic. I left fairly early, 5:45 for me is EARLY!!! Getting there around nine was my plan and I did make it by then, realizing practically no one was there. Well, I had a parking space and time for a nap. I slept in the car for about 45 minutes, took a walk to a nearby campground (about a mile away), and returned to a lot of people milling around, hugging puppies, greeting each other and tourists who just happened to come that morning.

Because I still needed a few photos of awards I went in the HQ building where a meeting was going on, attended mostly by teachers. Lots of good conversations and questions were going on, introductions of Iditarod staff were made, and hearing about the financial state of the Iditarod
from Mark Moderow. I had a good conversation with him about how teachers use the race for many classroom subjects and how I had used it in a Colombia, South America school during Spring Break. He introduced me to John Baker, the 2011 winner and it was nice to hear John talk about what he's been doing since the race. Ken Anderson was also happy to talk to us about how we use the race in our classrooms.

Of course Hugh is always a fan favorite. He remembered me from last year, because he said, "You're the world traveler aren't you?"

Another good time was had by many at the annual Iditarod sign-up picnic in June at Iditarod HQ. Teachers love this event because we get to meet and converse with the mushers we introduce into our classrooms each year. Mushers, dog drivers, the guy/girl on the sled...get together with their buddies, competitors, best friends, strangers, and talk dogs, eat, talk dogs, eat, talk dogs, fill out a race application, talk dogs, take photos with teachers and race fans, talk dogs, listen for the race list, and hope they win their race fee back. Woohoo Martin and Kelley!

I took an Iditarod book, which I wrote in 2011, so the mushers would sign it for me. Quite few actually thought it was a great idea. Martin Buser actually read a great deal of it while talking to me. Hugh Neff, Ray Redington, Jr., and Jodi Bailey all thought it was a clever idea for my students to use for a resource.

After reading Lance Mackey's book I had to complement him on what he has done in spite of his earlier days. To overcome addiction, cancer, and a broken family early in his life Lance has proven you can indeed succeed if the mind is stronger than the body. After all you don't just go out and win four Iditarods, much less four in a row, unless the will to do so can overcome physical limitations. He was a little surprised and quite modest about the whole thing. I then went over to compliment his mother on how she enabled him to realize his potential, whether she realized she was doing it or not. I did not even know her, nor she me, however I felt it necessary for her to hear praise from a stranger as well as her friends. She really did not know what to say except, "Thank you, it means a lot." She, too, was quite humble about the whole thing.

I also spoke to Jeff Schultz, Iditarod's official photographer. He was quite interested in how teachers use his photos. He seemed genuinely surprised at several ideas on how I use them in my classroom and wondered how I came up with them. Sometimes it is so hard to explain how I come up with my lessons or the details, mainly because often they just pop into my head. I'm glad I am able to use this way of thinking to develop good lessons, but when it comes to determining how to teach Iditarod checkpoints and dogs Jeff has provided the perfect resources. So my teacher friends...let Jeff know how you use his great photography!

Next up was Stu Nelson, head vet for the Iditarod. I met him last year when he came to our teachers' camp to talk dogs, dogcare, and race responsibilities. If you haven't read about his wild adventure last September you must go to the Iditarod Facebook page. There is a great story about his survival after a kayak mishap. You need to scroll to the middle of June to find it.

The really fun part was meeting people who did not come in 2010.

Yep, Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore. We were hoping to see Happy last year, however she was not available. I want to see her run the Iditarod again this coming year. That dog has a fantastic story.

It was great to see Mike Santos again. What a fun guy to talk to. You've most likely already read my day at a kennel story, so now you can put a face with the man who made it happen.

And then who shows up and signs up? Jeff King! Jaws dropped and conversations immediately turned to this turn of events. When asked about the race, he simply said, " Oh, I really like the northern route!" Race 2012 will be something with him and Aaron Burmeister returning.

The Millenium Hotel once again provided a delicious spread with many, many desserts. Thanks for another great lunch Milleniumm!

It was nice to met Blyne Froke, the 2012 Teacher on the Trail. She was joined by 2011 TOTT Martha Dobson and Terre Henke, another former TOTT.

Not to be left out was Sonny Chambers, master of the Koyuk checkpoint!

I was finally able to get photos of all the major awards given during and after this race. I was missing the Spirit of AK mask, given at McGrath. Thanks to those who helped me obtain these photos.

I really enjoyed talking to Dan Seavey, Mitch's dad, Dallas' grandfather. He was also a teacher so we had a good conversation. Teachers rarely have to go looking for conversation topics...there's enough drama in our jobs to never be at a loss for words. And as it turns out he will be racing again this year too.




Scott Janssen, the mushing mortician, was a real hoot and enjoyed talking dogs to me as well. He's looking forward to his second race.

I also met a few rookies, Anna Berington and Kevin Neher. Anna is Kristy's twin so it will be fun to see them both in this race. Is this the first set of twins ever?

When all was said and done I had to head back to Denali for my summer job. I took with me lots of photographs, heartwarming conversations, memories of meeting old friends, the knowledge that the Iditarod committee is really interested in what teachers do with this race, and the joy of meeting people who love dogs and racing them in the wilderness that is Alaska. 2012: It's going to be a great one!