Dear Summer Conference Iditanuts,
Howdy from Nebraska! Our snow is gone in the interior of the lower 48, but my memories of a cold, exciting and incredible Iditarod 2008 still remain and will do so for many years to come.
I attended the 2008 race as a Finalist for Teacher on the Trail. It was an incredible experience and I thank each and every one of you for fueling my fire to apply and for teaching Iditarod during the summer conference experience. The interview process was exciting and an incredible event. No matter what the outcome, I will look back on my experiences in Alaska as very rewarding and an incredible Alaskan adventure full of treasured memories.
I just wanted to share some pictures with you. Ann Dimond and I hooked up at the Teacher's Conference. It was great seeing a friendly face in the audience as I did my presentation. Ann was all over volunteering. I caught a couple of great pictures of her; loving dogs and handling the stop sign like a pro!!!!
Seeing Tee again was a hoot! Hey SISTER!!!! Sister Tee and her biological sister attended the Iditarod together. Watching Tee ride in her rookie, Jake Berkowitz's sled, was great. What a hoot! I caught a picture of Tee and Jane reconnecting at the restart in the musher staging area.
Of course, seeing Jane again was very cool! She did such a great job this year. Her Common Thread Quilt Project connected many students and schools in a way that has not ever been done before. Great Job Jane and Congrats on an incredible job well done.
Martha, one of the highlights of the trip came when we toured the Buser Kennel and listened to Martin talk about his life. His story about becoming an American citizen during the race in 2002 was magical, as if it were all written in the stars and meant to be. For those of you who don't know, Martin started the naturalization process in Anchorage before the race and ended the process in Nome after he won the race in record breaking time. What a great story.
Experiencing the Iditarod Race was an incredible adventure that I will always treasure. I truly would not have applied for Teacher on the Trail if it were not for the great experience that I had with all of you during the summer teacher's conference. Thank for many great memories! Let's stay in touch!!!
I have been meaning to post ever since returning from the race. Time has flown quickly with Parent Teacher's Conferences, Easter, and my son's tonsilectomy, life has not been dull in Nebraska. I hope this finds you all healthy & happy.
Happy Spring!
Judi
