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Hello Everyone!
Well I made it back to Vermont after three very exciting weeks in Alaska. I feel as though I've been gone for months rather than just weeks with all that took place. I feel like a new person, exhilarated, refreshed, and enlightened.
The journey gave me a new appreciation for the mushers, the dogs, the volunteers, the Alaskan terrain, the race fans, and the importance of the camaraderie amongst everyone involved to make the race all that it is.
The week prior to the race that I spent in Anchorage was important in that it helped me overcome my shyness with the Iditarod mushers. I introduced myself and spoke to each one at least briefly, which made my later conversations a little easier. Meeting people and engaging in conversations at the dinners and teacher workshops brought me a foundation for the weeks ahead. Taking part in the teachers' workshop gave me more insight into what teachers would like to know more about so I could assist in educating students along the trail.
When I hit the trail I had personal goals, as well as goals for what I wanted to accomplish with my own students in mind. I was not out to bring the latest statistics to the students; I knew I could leave that up to Joe Runyan. Instead I wanted to bring a better understanding of the mushers and dogs, the terrain, the checkpoints, and the hard work and determination involved in making the whole race come together. What started out as a simple web page to relay this information to my school in Vermont turned into a well-used site for others as well. I was thrilled. It gave me even more drive to keep writing and reporting back.
My personal goals included wanting to support the mushers and to let them know that they are heroes in the eyes of so many students, and many adults as well. I wanted to be a friendly face who would sit and listen if they wanted to talk and share a story of the trail, or share their frustrations about a bad choice they had made. I realized that I truly was helping many of them, and in return they were giving back to me by letting me be a part of their world on the trail, helping me to understand what makes them keep coming back year after year. This was probably the most treasured part of my trip.
I learned from flying over the trail just how long and tough the terrain can be. The Dalzell Gorge and Buffalo Steps became a reality, one I wasn't sure I'd ever want to launch a sled through with sixteen eager dogs pulling me. I learned that although the flat ongoing Farewell Burn looked like a breeze in relation to these, that it was tedious, and tiring, and seemingly never ending. Small hills from the plane were reported as exhausting by the mushers who pulled into the checkpoints.
The wind that the mushers speak of had just been beyond comprehension to me until I hit the wind in Unalakleet. Never had I been so cold as quickly than when struck by those winds of 50 mph. It whipped through me like I was a screen. A greater appreciation for the mushers arose when I realized that I could find shelter as needed to break the wind, and they could not. I also learned that the temperature in Unalakleet was actually warm without the wind chill factor, so I could only imagine what mushers and dogs would go through when the real Arctic temperatures were present in addition to the strong winds. It was no place for me, I can tell you that! I'd have to be in some sort of air tight, weather tight, electrically heated suit to want to be out in that weather for ten days straight. The most amazing thing was that the dogs were willing to head on into it. After all, they were never forced to run. The musher would simply say, "Ready?" Then give a whistle and they'd head out into the wind. The bond between musher and dogs is magnificent. A trusting bond transpires between them that warms me to the core. Someday, I say, someday I will experience this bond with my own team of dogs.
One of my greatest interests was in the relationships that they each had with their dogs. The dogs are of number one importance to the mushers. When the team arrives at a checkpoint there is nothing but complete focus on the dogs for the first half-hour, at least. The vet examines each dog. The musher frees the dogs partially from the gangline, gives them straw to nestle down in, removes the booties, feeds them, and then gives special care in the form of rub-downs, ankle wraps, and warm blankets. These mushers are so exhausted they can hardly keep their eyes open, yet they always, ALWAYS have the energy to care for their dogs. They so loved and appreciated their canine friends that it brought me to tears on numerous occasions. They are mutual friends, not just a team of hard-working individuals. Some of the most delightful conversations I had with mushers were about their dogs. They equated the dogs to a classroom of children, explaining that the personalities and temperaments change day to day, as does their willingness to work. One day a lead dog could decide that it doesn't want to lead that day, but the next it would run nowhere but lead. One day two dogs would be bickering and the next they would run beside each other. It all involved experimentation on a daily basis figuring out what would work and what would not. This, like the classroom, has a certain appeal, but on the other hand can lead to frustration.
In watching the dogs from the beginning to the end, I noticed a profound change in them. After the first couple of days the dogs seemed tired. But after a couple of more days they seemed more conditioned, ready to rest but then ready to go again. I asked one of the mushers about it and he said that indeed there is truth to it. By the time they get to Nome and the mushers have signed in signifying the end of their race, the crazy animals are actually barking to continue! It was truly amazing and a joyful sight to see. They truly are heroic creatures.
As for the mushers, I think they are a crazy bunch (!), but kind, warm-hearted, and determined at the same time. I think many are filled with such passion and drive in life that they need the Iditarod as an out, and for this reason I can completely see the appeal to running the race. It is the most physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging experience I've ever been privy to. How these men and women can perform on one to three hours of sleep throughout the nine to twelve days is beyond me. How they can continue to meticulously care for their canine friends when they can barely care for themselves is beyond me. How they can train for a year or six months, day and night, in preparation for these two weeks, balancing family, financial, and personal needs at the same time is beyond me. Without absolute conviction and drive these mushers simply could not do it. They are the epitome of strength and perseverance, and the ultimate example of one being able to accomplish goals if you want the results badly enough.
The mushers and dogs are heroes. They set examples for children around the world in their teamwork, goal seeking, hard work, and determination. They will forever be my heroes!
I want to thank them for letting me be a part of their world while following the trail. I feel forever grateful for the life changes that will take place in myself and my life due to this experience. I thank you all.
I'd like to take a moment to thank others who have made this dream come to reality. I'd like to thank my colleague, David Millstone, for encouraging me to pursue my dream, and believing that I could.
I'd like to thank Ann Morgan, another teacher who followed the trail two years ago and has given me so many hours of her time discussing the details of how to make the trip happen. From contacts, lodging, and sights, to teaching materials and school contacts, she paved the way for a successful trip. Thanks to June Price, the Idita-Support Group co-founder, as well.
A huge thanks to Linda Nash, the Webmaster, who turned my envisioned web page into reality and with so much more pizzazz. I had so many after thoughts about how the page should look, and each and every time she accepted the change like a true friend. She has been great fun to work with, and I recommend her highly!
I'd like to thank my husband, Jamie, for putting up with me and my Internet challenges before and during the race. I'd also like to thank Jamie, Nancy Muller, Patty Carroll, Sandy Willoughby (my mom), and Matt Starr for working together as a team to cover my class while I was away. They not only continued on with the curriculum, but also brought stability and calm for the weeks I was away. I remained worry free, and came back to a stable group of hard working children. Thank you!
The Marion Cross School and Friends of Hanover and Norwich Schools supported my pursuit of this curriculum enrichment, and helped defray the costs of the trip. I greatly appreciate their generosity.
ValleyNet offered free Internet service and added space as the need arose.
I want to thank my pilot, Bill Bear, who brought me to the heart of the action, and in a timely fashion. Thank you for your patience with my sometimes impatient enthusiasm.
I'd like to say a final thank you to all of you who followed the race on my web site throughout the trip, and who wrote and offered support and enthusiasm. You made me feel as though my writing was making a difference to the students, and to your understanding of the events in the race.
I'm back to teaching now, but with a head full of dreams, dreams of being back on the trail again in the future, and of other adventures I could pursue.
Happy Trails!
Aarin Holmes
Norwich, - Monday, March 25, 2002 at 09:44:04 (EST)
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Mrs. Holmes
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![[ Marion Cross School ]](photos/MCS.jpg)
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Webspace for Mrs. Holmes Iditarod 2002 project was provided courtesy of
ValleyNet of Norwich, Vermont.
