Mrs. A's Iditablog: Official Home of Mrs. A's Third Grade Class Bloggers and their Iditarod News

Iditarod Insider Assignment 1

2012-01-26T13:22:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered what Wealthy PTA does? They help make our school the best learning place ever for all of you. This year they have paid for many special events at Wealthy like the "Brain Stormers" that helped you learn how to write stories. Another learning tool they are paying for is the Iditarod Insider. It has hundreds of videos taken during past Iditarod races. Click on the link below. You will need to log in with the username and password I gave you in school. Watch a few videos that interest you. Write about the one you liked best on a piece of paper or in a googl doc. Make sure to write the title and date of the video first. Then write complete sentences telling what happened, who was there, why it happened, when it happened, and where it happened. Share it with me by Friday, February 3.iditarodinsider.com

Ed Stielstra's Drop Bags

2012-01-22T17:12:00.004-05:00

Hi Third Graders!
Our musher, Ed Stielstra, is working hard to be prepared for the Iditarod. One big job is done. Last week he packed and sent his "drop bags" to Alaska. Each drop bag has the name of a checkpoint written on the outside. Inside are supplies like dog booties, dog food, food for Ed and more. During the race, Ed will have what he needs because his drop bags will be at the checkpoints. If you could go to Alaska for a dogsled trip, what would you pack? Make a list of at least 10 items you would bring. It can be a google document or a hand written list on a piece of paper Share it with me when you are done. I can't wait to read your ideas! Bye for now!
Mrs. A.

Welcome to Iditarod 2012

2012-01-03T15:37:00.003-05:00

Hi Third Graders! We finally have snow in Michigan. Now, it is time to get started on our Iditarod "Learning Journey." Please read this blog and click on some of the links. Then, answer this question on a piece of paper and bring it to school tomorrow.
What is your favorite part of Mrs. A's Iditablog so far?

Learning About Glaciers

2011-03-25T16:05:00.004-04:00

This is a picture of Bryan Lane who visited us today to teach us about glaciers. Do you remember what a crevasse is? Do you remember what a terminal morraine is? Do you remember what snow blindness is? See pictures of glaciers and learn more by clicking on the title above.

The Purse

2011-03-23T17:18:00.000-04:00

What in the world is an article about a purse doing on a website about the Iditarod? Do mushers have to bring a purse on the trail? NO! The purse is the prize money! To get people to enter the race, the organizers promise to give the mushers money for winning or doing well in the race. Click the title above and read the article to find out who gets money and how much money they get when the Iditarod is over.

Golden Harness awards by Jack S

2011-03-22T20:32:00.002-04:00

John Baker's dogs are very very talented but 2 of his dogs really stepped up through that 1,000 mile race. The dogs are named Snickers and Velvet. Snickers just did it for Mrs. Anderson. Snickers and Velvet lead the team this year and also last year's race . If I was one of those dogs I'd be super duper excited.

Who had the fastest time from Safety to Nome? by Jack S

2011-03-22T20:14:00.004-04:00

Lance Mackey had the fastest time from Safety to Nome with 2 hours and 25 min. Even if he finished with 9 dogs it was pretty cool he had the record. It was the fastest time this year. Still Ramey and Cim Smith still hold the record and now Lance and Rick Mackey have the record too.

It's Not Over for Mrs. A.'s Third Graders

2011-03-20T17:15:00.002-04:00

The 2011 Iditarod officially ended at 10:45 Sunday, March 20 (Alaska Time) when Ellen Halverson (Bib #26), made her way under the Burled Arch in Nome with 9 dogs on her team. But it's not over for us. Students will be starting work on a variety of enrichment projects this week. We'll track their progress in this blog. Stay tuned!

How Much Snow do They Need to Start the iditarod?

2011-03-20T17:13:00.001-04:00

What Mushers Bring on the Trail

2011-03-19T22:01:00.004-04:00

Ed Stielstra Is Coming to Wealthy Elementary

2011-03-18T15:39:00.003-04:00

Our class musher is planning a visit to our school to tell about this year's Iditarod and teach us all about TEAMWORK. Mark your calendar for April 14th! If you click on the title, you can find out all about his kennel, his team, and his school programs.

Ed Stielstra Shows Sportsmanship

2011-03-18T15:37:00.002-04:00

Click on the title and find out how Ed Stielstra, our class musher, showed sportsmanship during the iditarod.

When Lance Mackey had Cancer by CJ

2011-03-18T08:06:00.002-04:00

It started when Lance Mackey got his tooth taken care of. He was in the middle of the Iditarod race and a bump the size of a pea turned into the size of a softball on his neck. When he got to the checkpoint he said all he wanted to do was go to the hospital and get it checked out. The doctor told him he had cancer. He was shocked and upset. The dogs knew that something was wrong and he was sick. His wife sneaked a dog or two to the hospital. He missed them. He cried the first time he saw them. Having cancer was an emotional roller coaster for him. That's how he got his cancer.

Trent Herbst Video

2011-03-17T20:21:00.003-04:00

Hi it's Jack. This is a video about Trent Herbst. He is a 4th grade teacher in Ketchum, Idaho. This video shows him teaching the kids how to make snowshoes, sleds, harnesses, and booties and all sorts of Iditarod stuff. Once the sled is done, the kids ride them. The kids even went to the Iditarod and they hold the dogs at the start and count 5 4 3 2 1 GO!!!!! and Trent went off to Nome. Other than doing Iditarod stuff he does science and math. It would be fun in his class!!

JOHN BAKER WON! By Ben

2011-03-17T15:33:00.000-04:00

John Baker (bib#53) won the Iditarod on Tuesday March 15, 2011 at 9:46 am with 10 dogs on his team waiting to celebrate. It took John 8 days, 18 hours, 46 minutes, and 39 seconds to finish. John Baker was the first native Alaskan to get in first place since 1976. He even shattered the previous record. Last of all Ramey Smith (bib#30) and Hans Gatt (bib#23) tried to catch up to Baker but did not. JOHN BAKER ROCKS!

Ramey's Strategy by DREW T

2011-03-16T19:33:00.002-04:00

My musher Ramey Smyth has a great strategy for the homestretch of the race. He literally runs from Safetey to Nome. He won the fastest time from Safetey to Nome 7 times.

Just Wondering

2011-03-15T19:20:00.002-04:00

There are many parts of the Iditarod that we haven't learned about in class. I am hoping some of my students can do some research about some of them. Here are just a few of the things we haven't talked about:
Iditarod Airforce, Where the Dropped Dogs Go, Awards, Athabaskans and Inupiaqs, Tundra, Boreal Forest, GPS, Drop Bags, etc.

The Latest on Lance Mackey by Jane

2011-03-15T18:30:00.000-04:00

As you know, Lance Mackey is a four-time back-to-back winner of the Iditarod. His interests include sport fishing, collecting old stuff of any kind and gold. Last year his lead dog Maple won the Golden Harness award. This award goes to the best dog in the Iditarod and all of the mushers vote on the best dog. This year his lead dog Munch is only 3years old, but is still tough. Lance Mackey is in his 40s. He thought this year he would be a five-time champion, but this year wasn't his year. He's not sad about it. He said that he's would be the first person to congratulate the winner.

See Your Musher Finish

2011-03-15T16:12:00.003-04:00

When you see that your musher is almost to Nome on the GPS tracker, just click on the title of this post-"See Your Musher Finish." It will connect to a webcam of the finish line in Nome. The webcam takes a new picture every 30 seconds.

Scruggs Hates Booties! by CJ

2011-03-15T09:33:00.002-04:00

I am CJ and Allen Moore's dog Scruggs does not like to wear booties. Every time he is at a checkpoint he tries to take them off. Allen says they come off in seconds. Scruggs is running well for a 2 year old in this Iditarod.

Lance Mackey in Unelakleet by Jack S

2011-03-14T20:48:00.002-04:00

Jack S here. Well first, the camera man thought Lance ordered a pizza but he did. Then Lance was talking about he was a 4 time champ when he said that even though he is in 11th place he is still a champion no matter what. After that he talked about his dogs about how they're doing, if they feel good or not. He was talking about his new lead dog Wilson when its Wilson's first year and he ran through this big lake and lead through the way to Nome. So about Lance he said he might have done better this year if he would of stayed at Yetna for longer than 30 min. There was a lot of heat on the way Lance said.

James Bardoner scratched? By Jack

2011-03-14T14:24:00.000-04:00

March 13, 2011
James Bardoner scratched at 9:00 pm Alaska time on Sunday, March 13. He was Bib 57. He said his teams ability is really bad and he wanted to get back home because he is a rookie.

Iditarod History by Ben

2011-03-14T09:19:00.002-04:00

Did you know that the first race was held in 1967 and it was shorter than now? In 1968 the race was canceled because of a lack of snow. In 1969 only 12 mushers did the race. In 1973 was the first similar race to now. Plus there has been NO race canceled since 1973.

Weather on the Trail

2011-03-12T13:18:00.003-05:00

Click on the title to see the temperature at the different checkpoints. When I wrote this, it was -18 degrees in Kaltag! The windchill was -28 degrees! Brrrrrr...

Ramey Smyth Crashes in Anvik by Drew T.

2011-03-12T12:40:00.004-05:00

Ramey was the 8th musher to Anvik, and he hit a huge bump as he was trying to park the sled. He had to hang on for dear life when he went over the bump. Even though he crashed, he was able to get back up and now he's good to go!

Natural Disasters in Alaska

2011-03-11T16:46:00.003-05:00

Alaska is known to have earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Many of them have been famous, but have they ever effected the race? Has the Iditarod ever been cancelled or postponed? If you find out, let us know.

Hugh Neff First to Anvik

2011-03-11T16:34:00.003-05:00

Anvik is located on the banks of Alaska's longest river, the Yukon. The first musher to arrive here gets a special prize. Can any of you Third Graders find out what prize Hugh received and tell us about it in this blog?

What Mushers Do at the Checkpoints by Lucy

2011-03-11T15:15:00.001-05:00

Hi! my name is Lucy! Mushers at checkpoints feed their dogs,massage their dogs feet and legs,take a 24 hour rest,,sometimes fix their sleds,make food for their dogs,check to see if their are any injuries on the dogs,make a fire, sometimes go and drop a dog or two that has kennel cough or if they have a injury,and some times even only stay their for only 5 minutes. Mushers run at night because it is cooler for the dogs and not so hot in the middle of the day!! That is what mushers do at checkpoints!!!!!!!!!!

Iditarod on Animal Planet by Auden

2011-03-11T15:13:00.002-05:00

Dee Dee J. dropped her dog named Slidder. It was a female dog. She had a hurt right front shoulder. I saw this on tv last night when I watched the Iditarod on Animal Planet channel.

What Mushers Do at Checkpoints by Lucy

2011-03-11T10:22:00.001-05:00

Hi! My name is Lucy! Mushers at checkpoints feed their dogs,massage their dogs feet and legs,take a 24 hour rest,sometimes fix their sleds,make food for their dogs,check to see if there are any injuries on the dogs,make a fire, sometimes go and drop a dog or two that has kennel cough or if they have a injury,and sometimes even only stay there for only 5 minutes. Mushers run at night because it is cooler for the dogs and not so hot in the middle of the day!! That is what mushers do at checkpoints!!!!!!!!!!

Facts About Skunk

2011-03-10T20:32:00.001-05:00

Facts About Skunk

By Drew T.

Here are some facts about Sebastian Schnuelles dog, Skunk. Skunk is 7 years old, and Skunk is a girl. She also is the lead dog for Schnuell. The reason Skunk is named Skunk is because she has a stripe right down her back, and she looks just like a skunk. Skunk used to mush with Lance Mackey until Mackey sold Skunk to Schnelle in 2006.

Iditarod Comes to Nikolai

2011-03-10T20:16:00.003-05:00

Can you imagine what it would be like if our school was an Iditarod Checkpoint? Click the title above and find out what happens at the school in Nikolai during the Iditarod.

The Life of Togo by Jack S.

2011-03-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

Togo wasn't as famous as Balto but his life was very important. In 1925 there was a disease outbreak and a serum needed to get to the children. First, Togo was the first sled dog out of Nenana. His musher was Leohnard Seppala. Balto had some problems after the race but Togo didn't because he still made it with 50-below-zero degrees. Also, at one point the musher lost the serum in the blizzard but Togo barked really loud and it was found. Also there was such a blizzard and white mist that the musher could not see the trail but Togo led the way. Otherwise they would have died. After the race Togo lived until December 5, 1929. By Jack Schultze.

Ophir check point by Oliver

2011-03-10T19:01:00.002-05:00

In Ophir early that morning Mitch Seavey was cutting hay for his dogs when he cut his fingers on his hand. Nordman determined that the injury was severe enough to warrant the decision . The decision was made at 4:11 am not to continue the race . Seavey was in 5th position when the incident occurred.

Seavey was flown out of Ophir at first light. He expected to continue on to Anchorage

Passing a person in the Iditarod by Oliver

2011-03-10T18:58:00.002-05:00

Hi my name is Oliver for the iditarod during the race if you want to pass a person that person that you want to pass has to slow down. Before you pass them

The entry fee for the iditarod By Oliver

2011-03-10T18:53:00.002-05:00

Hi my name is Oliver for the Iditarod the entry fee is 4,000 dollars.

Zoya DeNure by Halley

2011-03-10T14:50:00.003-05:00

Zoya DeNure scratched. She thought one of her dogs had a heart attack. She was driving to Rohn when one of her dogs just dropped. She thought it had a heart attack. Zoya put the dog into her sled bag and went back to Rainy Pass. When she got to Rainy Pass, the dog was staring up at her. She scratched because she didn't want this to happen to the dog again or to any of her other dogs.

Gerald Sousa and his Dog

2011-03-09T18:26:00.001-05:00

Finally-a video of Gerald Sousa. He is introducing Pepper, one of his dogs.

Meet the Sled Dogs: Jerry & Pepper from Kyle Hopkins on Vimeo.

Why did Willomitzer scratch? by Jack S.

2011-03-09T17:32:00.003-05:00

I'm Jack Schultze here. I just heard that Gerry Willomitzer scratched at 11:58 am Alaska time. He scratched in McGrath. He scratched because he only had 12 dogs and he doesn't want any more dogs to get hurt. I told you, breaking news -- Jack Schultze.

Our Mail Cache

2011-03-08T10:13:00.003-05:00

I just got word that our mail cache is in Cim Smyth's sled bag. I hope it makes it all the way to Nome, don't you? Do you know why mushers carry these mail packages? Click on the title of this to find out.

Meet Some of the Dogs!

2011-03-07T17:20:00.001-05:00

Click above to see if one of your musher's dogs is in the news.

Fastest Winning Time

2011-03-07T17:06:00.002-05:00

Click the title to find out who holds the record for the fastest winning time. Leave a comment to tell me who it is, when it happened, and what the time was.

Is the Trail the Same for Everyone?

2011-03-07T17:00:00.002-05:00

Click on the question to read about the trail so far. You can also find out what happened to DeeDee Jonrowe at Finger Lake.

How to Log on to Iditarod Insider

2011-03-06T16:13:00.005-05:00

To get onto Iditarod Insider, use Mrs. Perl's email address, sperl@egrps.org and the password: wealthy

Musher Bib Drawing Banquet

2011-03-04T16:24:00.002-05:00

Iditarod Trail Song by Alaskas Hobo Jim

2011-03-04T16:21:00.000-05:00

Watch Your Musher Start this Weekend

2011-03-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

You can watch your musher's Ceremonial Start on Saturday and his/her Official Restart on Sunday.
Follow these directions.
1. Double your musher's bib number.
2. For the Saturday Ceremonial Start, add that number of minutes to 2:00 PM. For the Official Restart on Sunday, add that many minutes to 6:00 PM.
3. Get on your computer a few minutes ahead.
4. Go to Iditarodinsider.com and log in with our school's username and password.
You can watch any of the mushers start if you log in between 2:00 PM and 4:15 PM on Saturday, and between 6:00 PM and 8:15 PM on Sunday. Last year, the announcers on Saturday were super interesting and told all kinds of interesting facts about each musher.

Ed Stielstra Weather Interview

2011-01-24T16:11:00.001-05:00

Click here to watch a video of Ed. How do sled dogs and mushers deal with harsh weather?

How do sled dogs and mushers deal with harsh weather?

2011-01-24T15:49:00.004-05:00

How do sled dogs and mushers deal with harsh weather?: "Sled dogs run at least 40 miles a day, pulling someone three times their weight, with gear, in the dead of winter"

When You Think You Have it Hard--Think of This Dog!

2010-03-30T14:11:00.002-04:00

Click on the title of this post to read about a dog with big challenges who still can race1

Iditarod Enrichment Projects

2010-03-24T17:04:00.002-04:00

All of the students in our class have chosen a p

When I made a dogsled

2010-03-22T19:11:00.004-04:00

After school on Monday, I found a leaf cart that I'd used to make many other things and then I got some duct tape and a mesh bag and I taped it on a board. After that, I decided to add sled runners made out of wooden hockey sticks. And I attached a yellow string to the front. Here is a picture of my dogsled.

Last Musher Makes it to Nome!

2010-03-21T11:01:00.003-04:00

It was a very long journey, but Celeste Davis has finally crossed under the Burled Arch! She looks tired and beaten, but she made it. Click on the title of this post to read all about her accomplishment.
Mrs. A.

Videos of All the Mushers

2010-03-20T14:22:00.004-04:00

Iditarod Insider keeps posting videos from the race and the finish. Click on the title of this post, then scroll down and watch some videos. Your musher may have something special to say about the race that you can't find anywhere else. Leave a comment about any video you watch. Tell what the video was about and what you learned.
Mrs. A.

Emil Churchin Isn't a Loser

2010-03-20T13:53:00.003-04:00

What happens when you don't reach your goal? Does that mean you are a failure? That's what my musher, Emil Churchin, thought when he had to scratch in Ruby. I hope he changes his mind. When I found out why he scratched, I knew he should be proud instead.
His big mistake was putting all of his focus on taking care of his dogs. He ignored some of his own needs. He forgot to keep himself hydrated by drinking lots of water. He didn't get enough sleep because he was worrying about his dogs. Then he slipped and cut his hand by mistake. Still overly exhausted, he decided to head to Ruby when he wasn't really ready. He and his team didn't make it to the checkpoint and had to camp outside in 40 degree below weather. This is when he decided they couldn't go on and so he scratched. I don't think Emil is a loser. How many people could even survive camping in that weather, let alone keep a dog team safe? That's what he did!
He is someone who did his best, but has more to learn. In life, it is better to try and come up short than to not try at all! Don't you agree?
Mrs. A.

Dallas Seavey's Finish

2010-03-20T13:40:00.003-04:00

Dallas Seavey has a reason he drops dogs--and it isn't because they are sick or injured. Click on the title of this post to find out his reason.
Mrs. A.

Musher Falls Asleep and Falls Off of His Sled

2010-03-19T16:03:00.003-04:00

Click on the title of this post to find out how the GPS Tracking devices helped a musher locate his team.
Mrs. A.

How Much Does It Cost to do the Iditarod?

2010-03-19T15:55:00.003-04:00

Click on the title of this post to find out.
Mrs. A.

COLLEEN ROBERTIA'S FINSH!!!

2010-03-18T20:13:00.003-04:00

Colleen Robertia has finally finshed her fist 2010 IDITAROD! TODAY! Check out the iditarod insider video on the link.

Abbey

Videos of Mushers Finishing

2010-03-18T15:58:00.003-04:00

You can see your musher at the finish in Nome. Just go to iditarodinsider.com, click on daily video updates, scroll down to find your musher's name, and enjoy the video. Leave a comment and tell whether your musher crossed the finish line in the light of day or in the dark of night.
Mrs. A.

Who Will Win "Rookie of the Year?"

2010-03-17T17:27:00.003-04:00

"Rookie of the Year" goes to the highest placing rookie in the race. Hugh Neff won this award his rookie year. So did Jason Barron, Cim Smyth, and Jessie Royer. I don't think any rookies have finished yet. Look at the current standings to see how the rookies are doing. Who do you think will be first to Nome?
Mrs. A.

Gatt Should Finish Around 7:55 on Nome Webcam

2010-03-16T19:47:00.005-04:00

You might see Hans Gatt finish in Nome on the webcam between 7:50 and 8:10. You can click on the title of this post to view live pictures from Front Street in Nome.
Mrs. A.

LIVE Coverage Now Over-Lance Wins 4 in a Row!

2010-03-16T19:35:00.003-04:00

The live coverage of Lance Mackey finishing in Nome is now over. If you watched it, leave a comment and tell what you thought about Lance, his dogs, or anything else at the finish.
Mrs. A.

You Can Watch the Finish LIVE at Iditarod Insider

2010-03-16T17:44:00.006-04:00

The Iditarod Insider website has started to show LIVE coverage of the finish of the winner in Nome. I've updated this at 6:40 PM on Tuesday. I think Lance will finish soon. When you get to Iditarod Insider, make sure you scroll down to the bottom part and click on "Leader's Finish" under "Live Events."
If it doesn't work, try the webcam below to see pictures without sound.
Mrs. A.

Make a Prediction

2010-03-16T16:05:00.001-04:00

Check the GPS Tracker at Iditarod Insider to see where Lance Mackey is on the trail. Write a comment under this post telling what time (Michigan time) you think he will get to Nome. Don't forget, you can watch the finish LIVE at Iditarod Insider OR you can watch on the webcam below this post.
Mrs. A.

Nome Webcam

2010-03-16T15:58:00.004-04:00

Just in case you can't find the Nome webcam below, I have added it again. Just click on the title of this post and it will take you all the way to NOME!
Mrs. A.

King and Gatt--What a Match!

2010-03-16T15:50:00.003-04:00

Everyone thinks Lance Mackey will be first into Nome unless something very unexpected happens. Click on the title of this post to find out about his closest competition. Which of them--Gatt or King--do you think will be second to cross under the Burled Arch in Nome?
Mrs. A.

Pictures From the Trail

2010-03-16T15:39:00.003-04:00

Have you ever heard someone say, "A picture tells a story.?" People have been taking photos from all the checkpoints to remember the story of the 2010 Iditarod. Click on the title of this post, then scroll down and see the pictures from during the race.
Mrs. A.

Lance Wins Gold

2010-03-15T20:32:00.003-04:00

Lance Mackey was the first person to get to Unalakleet. He got a Trophy with $2500 in gold nuggets from Wells Fargo.

Mackey Into Elim at 5:51PM Michigan Time. Do You Think Anyone Can Catch Him?

2010-03-15T18:43:00.003-04:00

Dropped Dogs Have Many Problems

2010-03-15T18:16:00.007-04:00

Nick did a great job in his post, "Dogs Going to Jail." He explained that inmates (prisoners) in Anchorage take care of many of the dropped dogs. Before the dogs visit jail, they need a complete check up with a vet. Click on the title of this post to find out the variety of problems a dog might have.
Mrs. A.

Lost Dog is Finally Found

2010-03-15T18:06:00.003-04:00

Iditarod fans have been worried for days about a dog named Whitey-Lance. Click on the title of this post to read about a rookie's dog that spent 4 days on the trail alone and still survived.
Mrs. A.

Two Warriors Battling it Out! Like Greek Mythology...

2010-03-15T16:00:00.005-04:00

Click on the title of this post to see why this year's Iditarod is sure to go down in history!
Mrs. A.

Warren Palfrey scratches in Galena

2010-03-15T15:11:00.003-04:00

Warren Palfrey scratched on Sunday because he was going to have to leave Galena with 9 dogs and the dogs were all really young. So, because of that, he had to scratch because of his inability to compete for the rest of the race. Dropping out of the Iditarod was a really hard thing for him to do, said his wife and dog–handler, Kate. Warren Palfrey has raced in three other Iditarods.

How is Your Musher Doing?

2010-03-14T14:07:00.002-04:00

Have you been checking on your musher? Leave a comment or a post and tell us how you think he or she is doing in the race so far.
Mrs. A.

The Burled Arch is going up!

2010-03-14T13:03:00.004-04:00

Click on the title of this post to see a live webcam in Nome. They are putting the Burled Arch up. Who do you think will be the first to go under the Burled Arch in Nome? What day and time do you think they will finish? Click on comments below to write your prediction.
Mrs. A.

How Many Dogs Droped?

2010-03-14T12:02:00.003-04:00

Their was lots of dogs that have droped. But I found out exactly how many dogs droped. their is 119 dogs that droped. that's crazy!

Sam Deltour and Sportsmanship on the Trail

2010-03-13T11:15:00.003-05:00

In the Iditarod, mushers are on their own in the wilderness. There aren't any ambulances to call or repair shops to fix broken sleds. If you have an emergency, who will help? Click on the title of this post to find out. Leave a comment and tell what you think about Sam Deltour and what he has done along the trail.
Mrs. A.

What Do Mushers Eat?

2010-03-13T10:51:00.005-05:00

It can be incredibly quiet in the Alaskan wilderness. Mushers hear only the sounds of their dogs breathing and the padding of paws along the snow covered trail. Then, a sound breaks the peaceful quiet-the musher's stomach starts to rumble! Snack time! Have you ever wondered what the mushers eat along the trail? Click on the title of this post to find out. What foods do they bring? What foods would you pack if you were doing the race? Why? Leave a comment!
Mrs. A.

How Cold is It?

2010-03-13T10:30:00.006-05:00

Brrr...it might be 50 degrees here in Grand Rapids, but not in the interior of Alaska. When you check the temperature for your musher with the GPS Tracker, the temperature is measured by a little sensor inside the sled bag. Go to iditarod.com and find the link at the top called "Storm Watch Weather Center." You'll see the temperature (and sometimes the windchill) at the checkpoints. Does the temperature at the nearest checkpoint to your musher match the GPS Tracker? Why or why not?
Mrs. A.

What does the Serum Run have to do with the Iditarod?

2010-03-12T16:11:00.004-05:00

I've just added a link at the top right to a fun game called, "Serum Run." Lots of people think the Iditarod was started to remember the famous Serum Run back in 1925, but that isn't really true. Joe Redington Sr. started the race to make sure people kept using sled dogs. If you play the game, you will find out how important sled dogs were in saving the sick people of Nome. I think this true story is important in Alaska history and helps us appreciate what heroes dogs can be. Do you know any stories of dogs that are heroes? What dog was it and what did it do?
Mrs. A.

Why Did Joe Pick the Iditarod Trail?

2010-03-12T15:46:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Chris, we all know that the Iditarod Race started as Joe Redington Senior's idea. He wanted to make sure that people continued using sled dogs even though the snow machine was invented. But... how did the trail come to be?
Joe wanted his race to be the longest sled dog race in the world. No one knew how far dogs could go, but Joe knew Native Alaskans, gold prospectors, and even mail carriers used sled dogs to travel far acroos the Alaska wilderness.
Right by Joe's house was an old mail trail that led to the town of Iditarod. Joe used the trail all the time with his dogs to visit his friends and to go camping. This trail was used to carry mail back in the days of the Gold Rush. Using a trail with a history would certainly make the race more interesting. Joe decided the trail ought to be part of the race--and it is!
The race only uses part of the original Iditarod Mail Trail, but the race is named after it. The Historic Iditarod Trail goes from Seward in the south all the way to Nome. Click on the title of this post to learn more.
By Mrs. A.

Pat Moon Video

2010-03-12T14:35:00.002-05:00

Click on the title of this post to see Pat Moon's video. I am so glad our class is sending him Get Well cards!
Mrs. A.

Newton Marshall

2010-03-12T14:26:00.004-05:00

This musher is from Jamaica. He is using stray mutts from Jamaica to run and three dogs from Lance Mackey's first place team. His coach is Lance Mackey. Do you think he will make it to Nome? Also, would you like Lance Mackey for your coach? Click on the title of my post and you will see Newton Marshall's website.
By Caeden

2010-03-12T07:46:00.001-05:00

I found out how many dogs got droped. their was 119 it sooooo hard to find it out! Now I have to find out why

How Kathleen Fredrick Scratched

2010-03-11T20:00:00.004-05:00

It was such a bummer my musher scratched because I wanted her to win. My musher scratched because lot of her equipment broke. She was at Rohn when she scratched. I feel sad that my musher scratched but she might do it again next year.

Do you think she will do it again next year?

Iditarod Air force

2010-03-11T19:08:00.003-05:00

The Iditarod Airforce is a group of people who bring the drop bags to the check points, and support the racers, dogs and race judges. There are 31 pilots who move over 124,822 lbs of dog food to nourish the athletes. They will move over 537 dropped and scratched dogs back to Anchorage or one of the hubs and fly 45 veterinarians that monitor the athletes before, during and after the race to insure there well being.

Abbey

The Golden Harness Award

2010-03-11T18:10:00.004-05:00

Lance Mackey 's lead dog Larry won the golden harness award in 2007. The golden harness award is givin to
musher to show the best canine athlete. All the racing mushers vote on who will win it.

Red Lantern Award

2010-03-11T17:20:00.003-05:00

Did you know that the last person to finish the Iditarod is given the red lantern award? Did you also know that they give the same award in the Tour de France bicycle race? I did. It is called the lanterne rouge. The name comes from a red latern hung of the back of a train's caboose so conductors would look for the lantern and know that none of the cars of the train became disconnected.

How Many Dogs on a Team

2010-03-11T16:42:00.004-05:00

How many dogs are on a team in the iditarod? Their are 16 dogs per team. But you prbably are going to drop atleast 5 or 6 at the most during the race.

How deep is the snow in Anchorage Alaska?

2010-03-11T16:18:00.005-05:00

Do You Now How Deep The Snow Is In Anchorage, Alaska?

Do you now how deep the snow is in Anchorage, Alaska? well I looked it up! it is 48 inches or 120 centimeters!

from,

Smurphy

Wynsma

How dark will it be on the trail tonight?

2010-03-11T16:09:00.010-05:00

Have you ever noticed that when there is a full moon out, you can see your shadow? The moon reflects the sun's light off of its surface and onto the earth. This can help the mushers see along the trail. But tonight is quite different. Mushers are going to have some really dark nights from now to the end of the race. Check out the moon phase that I just added to this blog. Will the moon be reflecting very much light onto the earth tonight?
By Mrs. A.

Newton Marshall

2010-03-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

Have

Starting The Iditarod

2010-03-10T20:02:00.003-05:00

Ray Redington's grandfather Joe Redington Sr. is the person who started the iditarod! He started the iditarod because snow machines were taking their place. So he made the iditarod to save the dogs! Ray has brother named Ryan. Ray and Ryan are doing the iditarod.They are doing pritty good this year. The first few iditarods they used different breeds of dogs. And lots poodles were in the iditarod. But now huskys took their place. the iditarod will keep on running!

My ride with Ed Stielstra

2010-03-10T19:02:00.002-05:00

On January 31, 2010, I went on a sled dog ride with Ed Stielstra at Boyne Highlands. It was snowing at the time. With the snow blowing in my face, it was hard to keep my eyes open. His lead dog's name was "Cookie." It was a fun ride, and I'm sorry it had to end.

make a Get Well Card for Pat Moon

2010-03-10T18:21:00.000-05:00

Pat Moon could really use some kind wishes from

Pat's Story

2010-03-10T17:55:00.005-05:00

After you view Alex and Lily Kate's video about Pat Moon, you may want to find out more about him. There is an interesting video that tells what inspires him most at Iditarodinsider.com. You have to go to the Daily Updates and look for it. It is dated 03/08 and called "Pat Moon: What Inspires Him?" If you watch that video, leave a comment here and tell me what you think of it.
Mrs. A.

Alex and Lily Kate Report From the Trail

2010-03-10T17:36:00.000-05:00

Breaking News From Alex and Lily Kate

2010-03-10T17:04:00.004-05:00

Alex and Lily Kate made a video news report this afternoon about Pat Moon. I have been working to get it into this blog, but so far, it hasn't worked. I will keep working on it. Check back in an hour or two. I hope it will be here then!
Mrs. A.

Dogs Going To Jail

2010-03-10T16:53:00.003-05:00

My musher Ray Redington Jr. Has 13 dogs. That means 3 dogs are in jail. But they didn't do anything wrong. They go to jail because they get droped. Droped means the musher thinks the dog can't run any more. Because they either get hurt or sick. The people in jail love when the iditarod comes. They also get excited when just 1 dog comes! My musher Ray is in 18 th place at Takotna. He is taking his 24 hour. and wating to come back on the trail.