Often called the "Last Great Race on Earth," Alaska's Iditarod will provide the backdrop and inspiration for my summer adventure in writing. I will travel to Alaska--explore, examine, live, and breathe the Iditarod--and then share my discoveries through writing for my students and all those who travel along with me through this blog.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Visit to HQ



A celebration of all things Iditarod would not be complete without stopping by the Iditarod Trail Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska.   The entrance sign is reminiscent of the Iditarod finish line--or "Burled Arch" as it is called--in Nome.  This, above all other things, brought home the realization that we are really in Alaska!  Seldom does our Lead Photographer, Don, show up IN photos, but he looks rather happy and right at home by the official HQ sign.


It was fun to walk the grounds, see the puppies, and go on another mini-cart ride pulled by Iditarod dogsled dogs and mushed by former Iditarod standout Ramy Reddington.  Here we also took note of the statue of Balto which honors all sled dogs for "endurance, fidelity, and determination."




But what was inside is probably more interesting to my students, the Red Lantern trophy!


My students have always been intrigued to learn that the Iditarod is one of the few sports which actually presents a trophy for LAST place.  This award bears witness to the perseverance and determination necessary to just finish this race of more than a thousand miles across our country's largest state.    There is great honor for a musher and his or her dogs to actually have finished this "Last Great Race,"--even in last place!   It was just awesome to see this trophy which says so much about this race, as well as the unusual caution signs that dot the landscape in this area...



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