June 22 - 28 : 2008 Summer Iditarod Camp

2009-03-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Kurt Reich- Rookie Musher

I would like to introduce you to Kurt Reich, age 47, from Divide, Colorado. He was born in Wisconsin and was raised in Memphis, Tennessee. I think that is one reason we were able to adopt him, Memphis is only about 6 hours from where we live in South Arkansas. We can relate to the South! Kurt moved his family from Memphis to Colorado in 1994 because of his “love for the mountains.” After 25 years as a computer engineer and executive, Kurt retired in 2004 to raise his two children, Robert, now 14 and Lauren, now 11. His wife, Lisa, of 20 years is a Business Principal for FedEx.
Kurt enjoys attending church and teaches Sunday School. He is an ex-skydiver, ex-GS ski racer and now skies. He also coaches a youth soccer team and loves hunting and fishing.
Kurt has been mushing for six years and started with Siberians,but now uses Alaskan Huskies. He is a professional breeder of Siberian Huskies and owner of Black Diamond Sled Dogs of Colorado. He says the Great Serum Run inspired him to run the Iditarod. Kurt is doing this for charities. He is trying to raise $500,000 for five different charities. He claims the school of hard knocks is where he has learned most of what he knows! His favorite book as a child was Call of the Wild.
Kurt knows that an Iditarod team can encounter many obstacles and he says that he is running on faith. In addition to the mandatory items, Kurt will be taking many prayers from many people. He has trained very hard for this race, just ask his dogs!! He ran qualifying races in the Cascade Quest 200 and the Seney 300, in these races he learned that dogs can climb mountains and they can go longer without sleep than humans can. Kurt feels like the most challenging aspect of the race will be going without sleep. So when I ask what will you do after the race, his immediate answer was Sleep!
If you happen to see a musher wearing an Arkansas Razorback jersey out on the Iditarod Trail, it will be Kurt Reich, representing his adopted family, Gardner Strong Elementary in Strong ,Arkansas!!
Go Kurt!! We are behind you all the way to Nome.

By: Paula Medlin
Gardner Strong Elementary
Strong, Arkansas

Traveling Quilt Update from Terrie!

2008-09-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks,
Our quilt has begun its travels. It was constructed by me under the careful supervision of my cats - they were SOOOOO much help! The quilt will travel to schools from which I received a square and there will be an online scrapbook to keep track of what Quilt has been doing. Thanks to those who provided a square - it really turned out quite nice. I've attached an agenda of Quilt's travel. It needs to make 12 stops during this school year - yipes! With travel, Quilt can only stay about 2 weeks at each stop. Have a great school year and if you're interested in previewing the checkpoints along the trail with me as I do a virtual bike journey this fall, check out Sanka's stories on the Zuma site. Take good care,
Terrie

Quilt's schedule: (Please note: Not all participants were at our summer camp. Some teachers sent a quilt square to be added to our project.)

Name & Email	Mailing Deadline
Joanie Branigan & Kay Logghe	September 26th

Linda Fenton	October 17th

Diane Pollock	November 7th

Betsy Anderson	November 28th

Janet Hoke	December 19th

Cindy Kettlewell	January 23rd

Herb Brambley	February 13th

Ellen Ogintz	March 6th

Paula Medlin	March 27th

Jill Caldwell	April 17th

Kathleen Edwards	May 8th

Joy Thompson	May 29th

Diane Johnson

Hello Friends! Let's chat!

2008-09-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

HELLO Friends!

I hope this email finds you having a GREAT week! I know it is a very busy time of year! It is officially autumn. Iditarod 2009 is before us on the trail! Have you started using the theme yet?

I'll be sending out an educator's newsletter hopefully sometime tomorrow, so if you haven't signed up, do so at: http://www.iditarod.com/teachers/insight.html

I hope you've had a chance to take a look at Cathy's lessons and journal at her section of the website: http://www.iditarod.com/teachers/tott.html

Please take time to provide an update on the blog so we can all keep up with each other. http://2008summerbootcamp.blogspot.com/ It will be great to hear and see what you've been up to, how things are going, what you are doing with students, and any other plans you'd like to share. Can't wait to read your postings!

For those of you who took summer camp for university credit, please remember to contact UAA for your transcript if/when you need it. http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/records/transcripts.cfm

For those of you who have a 'rookie' musher, hopefully you've made or attempted to make your first contacts. We are all looking forward to 'meeting your musher' through you and your students. Post your interview information on the blog or send the information to me. Your reports will be featured on the Iditarod website and/or our race publications, so send them when you've got them ready! What fun to get to know these rookies!!!

For those of you who indicated interest in our Storm Ready blog, I'll be in touch soon!

As a reminder, mark October 14 on your calendar! Watch a sneak preview of Discovery Channel's Toughest Race on Earth.... by clicking on http://www.iditarod.com/ and then clicking on the Free Insider video link that promotes the production. This will be an incredible series! Let's all sit down on the 14th and 'be together' as this adventure begins!

Another important tool for you to use this year is the collaboration zone on our Discussion Forum. When you go to www.iditarod.com, click on the menu tab Discussion Forum. You can then read the various discussions from last year and begin chatting together and with others about how you use the race with students. You will need to register a user name and a password --- but that is easy to do! Register and start to share ideas as we get ready for the next race! http://www.iditarodforums.com/ (Discussion Form url)

I could tell you a dozen 'other things' because there are so many things going on and up and coming! This will be an incredible race and teaching season. I am thrilled to have you on the trail with us as an important member of the leadership team!

See you on the TRAIL!

Jot a note telling us what you've been up to so we can all continue this journey!

Diane

Betsy's Adventures

2008-08-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! My week at "Iditarod Teacher Camp" was one of the highlights of my teaching career. I hope it was just as awesome for all of you! The "Annual Volunteer Picnic and Musher Sign-up" was a high point because I met a man who took me around to all of the Redington family members to introduce me and give me time to get to know them a little. I also was able to connect with the rookie musher that my class will adopt next year named Tim Reilly. He lives and competes in Michigan so my students will certainly get to meet him and possibly attend one of his races. I had to leave the picnic early so I missed some of the special things that happened to all of you. I would love to hear some of your stories from the picnic here on this blog.

My adventures continued after the camp with a trip to Seward. I kayaked, took a boat tour, hiked to a glacier, visited the Sea Life Center, and even walked to the "Historic Start of the Iditarod Trail." On the boat tour, I got up close to lots of wildlife including puffins, humpback whale, sea otters and sea lions. I met some neat people along the way including a girl who worked at the cannery and told me all about that industry, a woman who homesteaded in Alaska years ago and has sung on stage with Hobo Jim, and retired teachers who have fantastic summer jobs in Alaska.

After Seward, I headed north by bus and train to Fairbanks. (Yes--this was a wierd route.) I spent an afternoon in Anchorage, a night in Talkeetna, and enjoyed the wonderful views while riding the Alaska Railroad. It gave me time to write a complete journal of the trip and reflect on all that I learned and want to incorporate into my classroom next year. In Fairbanks, I visited the "Raw Fur Company" and got sample animal furs for my class to study, took a riverboat tour that stopped at David Monson's Kennel (Suan Butcher's husband,) saw and talked with Jessie Royer and heard her presentation about dog sledding and saw her dog team. The riverboat tour also included a visit to a replica Native Alaskan fish camp with extensive demonstrations by some talented Native Alaskans. Their beadwork was inclredible and is displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. Last, I visited a working gold mine and panned for gold. While it felt a little like "Alaska Disney," I did think of ways to incorporate panning for gold into science (seperating mixtures) and I even got a little bit ($10 worth) of real gold!

All in all, it was the teaching trip of a lifetime. I missed having my family there, but I definitely am going to come back with them sometime soon.

I really enjoyed meeting all of you and want to hear how this trip affected you both personally and as a teacher. I can't help but wonder who I might see mushing in the race some day or who might be the "Teacher on the Trail" in the future. I look forward to checking your websites (especially Jeanne in Minnesota and Ellen in New Jersey) to see what new Iditarod resources you have online. I hope all of you will check my blog and leave me comments. (Remember--it is meant to be at a Third Grade level.) The address is http://andersonwealthy.blogspot.com/

I appreciate all the pictures some of you have sent me and the CD I just got from Jill! Have a wonderful rest of the summer and keep in touch!

Betsy

Hobo Jim and me!

2008-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I could write about so many things and so many wonderful experiences...thanks to all of you. I'd like to share what happened on my last evening alone in Anchorage because this experience taught me, without a shadow of a doubt, "go with your gut"..."expect the unexpected"..."be open to adventure"..."don't limit your expectations, which will limit their possibilities"....you get the point.

A tour guide I met on Monday after camp raved and raved about Hobo Jim. Now I know him from "The Iditarod Song", which is cute, but he did not seem to be the kind of musician this "Deadhead" would go for. This woman was relentless, so I said I'd see him Wednesday night at Wild Berry's.

Wednesday night came and I did not want to go. Now there was a cute little van to take me, it was only $15.00, and I had time, but I was going into whine mood (guess I knew I was heading home) and started fantasizing going back to the hotel to rest, pack, etc. BUT...I did promise the lady I'd go, and I DID think kids would think it was cool if I heard him sing the Iditarod song since I'd teach it to them anyway, so I called for the pick-up van.

Now, the van is late , so I call again. The van has now broken down and I fantasize going back to the hotel and giving up. But I think of the lady and think of the kids and wait for the van (which flew past me and only stopped because I gave a New York "Taxi" type scream).

I get to the theater JUST in time...I thought. Hobo Jim is with some people saying goodbye to them and saying that he'd see them Saturday. I'm waiting to buy my ticket when the guy says there WILL NOT be a show since I was the only one there! I was not happy now.

Hobo Jim hears this whole interaction and takes over. He tells me not to worry...pours me a glass of wine....takes me over to a little snack area with his friend Christime...and proceeds to SING TO ME!!! He sang three songs JUST to me! He loved that I wanted to tape his singing of Iditarod Trail! He then walked me over to the area where you buy his cds and started GIVING all of them to me!! YES!!! (I only took one....I'm not greedy). Then he and Christine decided I should have a dog. I was a bit confused, but went along with them to his truck. He GAVE me a great stuffed dog that plays....you know it....the Iditarod Trail song when you push a button! I was really dazed by now and overcome and pretty speechless.

We hugged goodbye, etc., and I went to meet the van to go back to my hotel...but NOT! Jim and Christine pulled up in the red truck and off we went for dinner, drinks and lots of fun and conversation!! Yes...I got into a stranger's truck to go for drinks!!! WOW!!!!

THAT was an adventure!

I hope I can attach the pictures and the little film I took so you can be my living proof that this really happened.

BE OPEN TO POSSIBILITIES!!!!!!!!

Wow....

Ellen

Your Quilt Squares!

2008-07-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to create and send a quilt square to Terrie by August 1 so that the NEXT GREAT QUILT can be sewn together so it is ready to journey to classrooms around the world during the 2008 - 2009 school year. In order for the new quilt to visit your school, you must contribute a quilt square. If you aren't interested in having the quilt visit your school, but you wish to contribute a square anyway, please do. Email Terrie your 'square' intentions so she knows you'll be sending her your contribution. Let's make this quilt the most awesome quilt ever!

This year, we'll have 3 quilts traveling to schools! What an incredible way to share Iditarod and Alaska with learners of all ages. You will be able to read about the 3 quilts on the website this year. Watch for information at the For Teachers section of the website! http://www.iditarod.com/teachers/

2008-07-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Boot Camp Friends!

I hope your travels home (back to the real world) were safe and that you're rested up after our week with each other! It took me a few days to adjust, but am getting back in the swing of things.

Saturday after the picnic, Diane P., Herb and I had one last "Alaska" meal together at Phyllis' Seafood in Anchorage before heading our separate ways. My husband and son arrived Sat. evening and my family adventure began. We spent a couple of days at Denali Nat'l Park, hiking, river rafting and midnight golfing! Who knew there was a golf course in Healy, AK? For the sports-nut family that we are, the chance to tee off at almost 11 p.m. and play surrounded by mountains into the wee hours was a thrill! The sky was clear our first day there, so we had great views of the mountain, too! Then it was back to Wasilla to a new b & b. We took the train from Anch. to Seward and a went on a Kenai cruise. It was a crystal-clear, warm day and we saw orcas, humpbacks, stellar sea lions, sea otters, eagles, puffins, etc. It was glorious!

Our last goal was to ATV (a new experience for all of us and one that my teenage son was anticipating.) Sara Heintzmann (sp?) of the K-9 Fairies had given me one of her husband's cards , so we hooked up with Heiny's ATV Adventures for an afternoon trip to Wishbone Lake. Marty (Sara's husband) was a fun and patient leader as I went slowly, got stuck and even fell off my ATV - no injuries, just embarrassment!! We saw a black bear and lots of beautiful views (and quite a few mud puddles.) At the end, Marty took Jack, my son, for a speedy ride without his parents to slow him down.

Next week, a group of teachers from our school, including Jeanne and me, are working on our Iditarod project. Sheryl Cater will be there, as well as past campers Mark B. & John C. Jeanne and I will share our learning and experiences with them and will let you know how to access our work.

I'm planning to burn cd's of my photos once I've edited them to a manageable number, so watch for them in your mailbox.

Diane - Here's the scoop on the photo of me on the ground - I had harnessed Attla and was unhooking her from her chain to hook her to the gangline. Her chain got wrapped around my ankles and down I went. Unhurt, but embarrassed once again! Here's a photo of Attla successfully hooked up!!

Summer Camp 2008

2008-07-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being a part of our 2008 Idita-Camp!

Stay in touch!

How many versions of this picture do we have? Let's see a few of them!

A Favorite Picture from Summer Camp!

2008-07-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

I have a LOT of favorite pictures, but this is one of them. Ann, I am not sure what happened here or why you are on the ground, but I think the picture symbolizes how each camper did what it took--- to make this a fantastic experience!

Hey everyone! Do you have a favorite picture to share? Post it and tell us why!

Target 2009 Teacher on the Trail Cathy.... Swings from the High Rope!

2008-07-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Cathy did an awesome job on the swing! I am just glad none of our group knew how to run my video camera.... No video of me! Yea! (Ok, Chas St. George from Iditarod did take video of these events. Watch for the video on Iditarod Insider at some point! We are looking forward to our projects with the Alaska National Guard and the Stay on Track program!

If the video doesn't play for you, check back later.... some of our articles are under construction

Sara Swings Like Spiderman!

2008-07-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

Sara wins the prize for best format on the swing! Congratulations Sara!

Shannon Swings!

2008-07-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

Swinging was a blast! Way to go, Shannon!

Sara on the High Ropes Course!

2008-07-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

Way to go Sara!

I fully admit I wasn't as brave as Sara was--- but with Cathy's patience and support on the beam, Cathy and I accomplished this after Sara and National Guard Leader Scott completed this crossing. --- It was an incredible experience.... Awesome!

June 30 Adventures with the Alaska National Guard

2008-07-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

On Monday, June 30, Cathy, Sara, Shannon, and Diane visited Fort Richardson Army Base. The Alaska National Guard has an incredible STAY ON TRACK program to help youth stay off drugs and alcohol. During the next 'race season' you will learn more about the project which will help kids around the world learn to make the kind of choices that lead them down the trail to healthy lives. Watch the website for additional information. Together, the Alaska National Guard and Iditarod's Educational Department will work on several projects!

2008 Volunteer Picnic and 2009 Sign Up!

2008-07-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Picnic and Sign Up!

2008-07-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Friday Speakers!

2008-07-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Our Trip to Anchorage!

2008-07-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

Native Heritage Center

2008-07-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Click the Image to Enlarge!

Jona and Jon Van Zyle!

2008-07-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Click the image to enlarge it!

Jona and Jon Van Zyle

2008-07-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

Scenes from Camp! Click Image to Enlarge!

2008-07-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Scenes from Camp. Click Image to Enlarge!

2008-07-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

Scenes from Camp!

2008-07-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

Iditarod, Iditarod, a Sled Dog Race!

2008-07-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Talkeetna on Tuesday

2008-07-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

Talkeetna on Tuesday

2008-07-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Scenes from Camp!

2008-07-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Dream a Dream Dog Farm

2008-07-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Campers at Rest!

2008-07-06T21:14:00.001-07:00

Helping with the Chores!

2008-07-06T21:10:00.001-07:00

Taking a Ride!

2008-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Taking a Ride!

2008-07-06T20:54:00.001-07:00

Taking a Ride!

2008-07-06T20:49:00.001-07:00

Booties? How do you do it?

2008-07-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

Booties? How do you do it?

2008-07-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget the Booties!

2008-07-06T14:32:00.001-07:00

Learning to Hook Up a Team!

2008-07-06T14:29:00.001-07:00

Learning to Hook Up a Team!

2008-07-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Learning to Harness Dogs

2008-07-06T13:52:00.001-07:00

Harness a Dog!

2008-07-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Campers Worked in Teams to Problem Solve

2008-07-06T12:01:00.001-07:00

Campers Work Together to Problem Solve

2008-07-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Campers Worked in Teams to Problem Solve

2008-07-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

Problem Solving

2008-07-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

Morning Puppy Walks

2008-07-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

Each morning began with a puppy walk. As campers hiked through the woods, little puppies scrambled along the trail, dodging in and out among the human feet. While the humans stayed on the trail, the pups scampered everywhere. Some pups went fast, some went slow, just like the humans. At the end of the hike, K-9's and humans were all accounted for!

Getting to Know Puppies

2008-07-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Walking with Pups! Click on the Picture for a Better View!

2008-07-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Dancing with Dogs: Dream a Dream Dog Farm

2008-07-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Janet did an awesome job teaching Vern's dogs to dance! Watch, listen, sing and dance along!

The Dream a Dream Dog Farm Experience

2008-06-26T13:27:00.003-07:00

On Tuesday morning, Vern introduced his new 'dog handler' to our campers. Of course, it didn't take long before everyone at our camp realized that our guest really wasn't a dog handler! Our surprise guest was Gary Paulsen.

Campers had the opportunity to listen to Gary's tales--- and ask Gary questions.

Gary shared information about his life and the 'trail' that led him to be an author and an adventurer. He told campers about events in his life, how he came to run with dogs, how he left the mushing world behind, and then returned again.

Stay tuned educators, race fans, and students! Gary told the campers that he plans to sign up to run the 2009 Iditarod. Gary also told them he might run the Yukon Quest. It is evident that Gary's life with dogs continues.

Gary Paulsen

2008-06-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Listen to a bit of Gary's presentation.

Gary Paulsen Visits Camp

2008-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Dream a Dream Dog Farm

2008-06-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Campers Arrive at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm

2008-06-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 22: The Summer Idita Camp Begins

2008-06-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our conference officially began at the Iditarod Headquarters on Sunday, June 22. "Campers" toured headquarters and viewed a video. Following the first session, we traveled to the Dream a Dream Dog Farm for a first hand adventure in learning about using the race as a classroom tool.

Campers Arrive!

2008-06-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

In the Dog House

2008-06-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning in Wasilla

2008-06-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning campers!

"It's raining!" Target 2008 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, Jane said this morning. She was delighted to see the rain because living in Arizona, she doesn't have the opportunity to enjoy this kind of a rainy day. We planned at least one rainy day just for Jane!

It is Sunday! Our first day of camp has begun! We'll soon all be at Iditarod Headquarters and ready for our adventure! We look forward to seeing you!

Last evening, Target 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, Cathy and I drove to pick up Jane at the airport. A slight mix up on which airport she was arriving at, sent Cathy and I on a little bit of a search, but we finally found her! We got back to Wasilla after 2:00 AM. We couldn't resist staying up for a while and visiting. After a short night's sleep, the three of us are ready to embrace this day. We'll be making a quick trip to Anchorage this morning and be back to Headquarters early afternoon.

See you soon!

Diane

What? No Mountain this Morning?

2008-06-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday in Alaska!

2008-06-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

The day started with rain. The clouds lessened and the sun came out!

Target(r) 2009 Teacher on the Trail(tm) Cathy Walters arrived Friday evening.
This morning, Cathy and I went over to Iditarod Headquarters. We now have absolute proof that some of our campers have arrived because we ran into Herb! It was great to meet him. Herb was off to do a little fishing this afternoon. It will be fun to hear about his adventure.

We'll see you all soon!

Diane

The Sun is Out!

2008-06-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

11:30 PM Friday, June 20

2008-06-21T02:11:00.000-07:00

Keep Your Camera Handy!

2008-06-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

Always keep your camera handy! You never know when you'll see something that you want to take a picture of, like this dog that I found waiting for his human in the parking lot of a local store in Wasilla. I couldn't resist pulling my camera out so that I could share this picture with you!

Friday at Headquarters

2008-06-21T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Campers!

I spent much of the day at Iditarod Headquarters today. It was a pretty quiet business day, however, there were several calls from racers and fans while I was there.

We will be meeting at Headquarters at 3:00 on Sunday. Headquarters is on Knik Goos Bay Road, mile 2. 2. We will be watching for you and we look forward to meeting you in person!

As you walk up to the ITC building, you'll pass this statue of Joe Redington, Sr. You will want to get a picture of the statue which celebrates Joe's life and his dedication to keeping the sled dogs an important part of Alaska's every day life.

Bring your camera on Sunday. You will want to take a photograph of this statue as well as other things that you see on the grounds of headquarters or inside the building.

Inside the Headquarters building, you will find a small museum and our Iditarod store. Go into the building and look around. In one room, a short Iditarod movie is shown several times a day. If you arrive before 3:00, you might want to take time to watch the movie.

The offices of our Iditarod staff are located in this building, too. I'll be giving you a quick tour of the building so you can have a look 'behind the scenes'.

After our session at HQ, we'll all leave and drive following each other. It is almost time for camp to begin!

See you Sunday!

Diane

Pups sleep at Iditarod Headquarters

2008-06-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

What fun you will have meeting the little pups at Iditarod Headquarters! Find the puppy pen and you'll find these little pups! Who will be the first boot camper having some puppy cuddle time?

Alaska Update: Friday: June 20: Solstice

2008-06-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Today is summer solstice, the longest day of summer.

This morning, Shannon Keene, Sara Lamont, and 2006 Teacher Terrie are taking a train from Anchorage to Seward, where they'll spend the day. When they return to Anchorage this evening, they'll meet Target(r) 2009 Teacher on the Trail Cathy at the airport, who will be arriving around 10:10 PM.

Today, I'll be headed over to Iditarod Headquarters to work at the office. I've a list of things to get done today.

Yesterday, Terrie drove me from Wasilla so that I could pick up my rental car. Before doing that, we made several stops, including on to visit with our friends at Wells Fargo Bank. I took Terrie's picture as she stood next to a plaque that hangs on the bank's wall, and names her as a past Teacher on the Trail.

Terrie and I made other stops, too, including REI, Tidal Wave (a book store), and a few fishing/gear shops. We had lunch at Subway.

Last evening, Shannon, Shannon's husband Jim, Sara, Terrie, and I went to the Mother Lode Lodge for dinner. The Mother Lode Lodge is located on the Hatcher Pass road that leads to Independence Mine. You can see from the digital, the clouds were with us, creating awesome patterns around the mountains.

You can read about the Independence Mine Historical Park at the following website:

http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/indmine.htm

You might consider visiting this area during your time in Alaska. There is a second place to eat, The Hatcher Pass Lodge, http://www.hatcherpasslodge.com/. You can also drive this road through the pass if you are looking for an incredible and adventurous drive.

This road is not maintained in the winter and is generally closed from late September to July. It has often been the case, however, that the road is open during our conference week. The route goes through high peaks of the mountains and past the historic mine. There are pull offs so you can get out and walk on the tundra and look at the beautiful wild flowers.
"Much of the road is gravel. It’s narrow and often slippery up high, with tight turns, steep grades, and limited maintenance (not recommended for RVs or the timid). http://www.alaskajourney.com/anchorage/hatcher.html

If you are interested in this journey, talk to Sara or Shannon for more details.

Just so you know, then.... I have only seen one mosquito so far. That doesn't mean we won't see plenty of them. The mosquitoes are waiting for the perfect opportunity to meet all of you!

Friday morning in Alaska!

2008-06-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

As you can see, my early morning view, taken at about the same time as yesterday's morning picture, is much the same as it was yesterday. The skies are darker this morning, the clouds thicker, but I can still see the mountain as it hides within the cloud cover. Trails and trickles of the snow are visible. The clouds drift around, changing my view every few minutes. It is 46 degrees this morning. The day begins!

UV Index:		0 Low
Wind:		CALM
Humidity:		87%
Pressure:		30.07 in.
Dew Point:		45°F
Visibility:		10.0 miles

From Alaska on Thursday

2008-06-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Campers!

I weighed my suitcase MANY times before leaving for the airport. I was bound and determined to have no suitcase issues. My suitcase weighed in at 49.5 lbs. before I left for the airport, but in route, it must have gained weighed. I found myself pulling out a couple of items and shoving them into my backpack to meet the requirement so I didn't have to pay a fine! So my backpack was a good pound heavier than I had planned it to be. BUT I got all my stuff here!

The flight went great. My plane out of Aberdeen even left a few minutes early. That meant my plane landed earlier in Minneapolis giving me a few minutes longer to make what could have been a close connection. The flight from Minneapolis to Anchorage was great. On approach, we had to circle another time before landing because a plane landing right before us blew a tire. The extra circle of Anchorage was a good thing so 'they' could make sure there was no debris on the run way.

Terrie, Shannon, and Sara picked me up at the airport and we drove to Wasilla.

I'm sharing a couple pictures with you today, a view from my window at the Grand View. The first one was taken after 10:00 PM last evening. You can see there was quite a lot of daylight. As a matter of fact, the sun was almost bright. The ride from Anchorage to Wasilla was very beautiful with great views of the mountains and the flowers in bloom along the flats. I didn't check the temperature, but I was comfortable in short sleeves.

The second picture was from this morning and taken around 5:30 AM. It is cloudy and cool this morning. The awesome thing about cloudy is looking at the clouds that surround the mountains. The clouds seem to drift the tops of the mountains creating different views each time you look at the mountains. The weather channel says it is 45 degrees in Wasilla this morning. It is supposed to get up to 67 degrees and it will be a cloudy day.

I hope this posting finds all of you campers having a great day! Good luck on your journey, whatever it may be today!

We'll see you soon!

From South Dakota on Wednesday-- June 18

2008-06-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning campers!

It is Wednesday morning and I'll be headed to Alaska today. I haven't tried to shut my suitcase, but when I do, I'll stand on the scale and hope that my suitcase meets the weight requirements!

I made a quick trip to the store last evening for last minute items. After I got home, Ringo, one of our young house dogs managed to eat a good chunk of the remote control. My son, Michael, had left it on the floor knowing good and well that Ringo eats and drinks almost anything! (Pencils, markers, tape, shoes, his leash, and many other items! Remind me to tell you about the time he drank some cleaning solution he found in a bucket!) I taped the remote together.

Looks like this afternoon will bring thundershowers into our area... Las week, my son and I put together a storm ready kit and got fresh batteries for the NOAA weather radio.

As I drink my morning coffee, it is 54 degrees.

UV Index:		0 Low
Wind:		From N at 4 mph
Humidity:		79%
Pressure:		30.03 in.
Dew Point:		48°F
Visibility:		8.0 miles

Expected high: 81

It is 52 degrees in Anchorage.

UV Index:		0 Low
Wind:		From S at 5 mph
Humidity:		86%
Pressure:		30.10 in.
Dew Point:		48°F
Visibility:		10.0 miles

Expected high, 67 degrees.

Today is a good day to compare the weather in your area with what it is in Alaska. Looking at the 10 day forecast, we'll have some rain while we are on our journey. Remember those rain jackets and comfortable shoes! Some of my favorite days in Alaska in the summer have been rainy days! As a matter of fact, at the 2007 Summer Conference, we had the most awesome experience in the rain! We were in Talkeetna and having so much fun that despite the rain shower, we ate our meal in the rain! None of us minded!

I'll post a picture of that sometime today or tomorrow! But for now, I'd better finish up my packing, get the family rolling, feed the house dogs, feed the cat, clean out the refrigerator, do a load of laundry, scoop in the dog yard, sit on the lid of the suitcase, call my mom and dad.... and count my blessings as a journey begins.

excited!!

2008-06-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

After reading that post from Diane and then talking to Ellen and Paula tonight I am sooooo excited for this weekend! I can't wait to meet ya'll!!!! See ya soon and safe travels!! :)

hugs~

Katie

Tuesday from South Dakota

2008-06-17T02:47:00.001-07:00

I got up at 4:00 this morning. Sirens in the distance awoke our dog yard. Our 14 sled dogs 'think' sirens are wolves singing. They love an excuse to 'howl-sing'. Although my neighbors don't seem to complain much, I would rather the dogs not sing at this time of day, so to quiet them, I use 'light' as my discipline technique. Switching on the yard light generally brings them to silence. That worked, but I found myself wide awake. SO instead of tossing and turning, I've started my day now with plans to take a quick nap later this afternoon. After all, I can use an early start today to make sure I'm ready for the flight tomorrow. (Wednesday)

I thought that today I'd provide you with a quote---- to jump start your day. I saw this on a T-shirt a couple of years ago and since seeing it, have used it as an important reminder in my own life.

"Attitude, the difference between and ordeal and an adventure."

I haven't done a google search to see who first coined this phrase, but what I can tell you is that you are about to join us in Alaska for the 2008 Iditarod Boot Camp! There will be many experiences and opportunities before you each day. Some of you have been planning this trip for a very long time. Each of you has goals of what you hope to experience. Many plans have been made--- and come rain or shine, (and it will probably rain at some point) each day will begin and end, although it may be hard to tell that with the hours of day light... For most of you, the time will go to quickly. I hope that you embrace each day and have an incredible journey and adventure.

I'm looking forward to meeting each of you. I'll see you at the Iditarod Headquarters on Sunday at 3:00. After our session there, we'll drive to the Dream a Dream Dog Farm together. I'll post more information about Sunday later today or early tomorrow.

Let the adventure begin!

Diane

Monday in South Dakota

2008-06-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Just a quick note to tell you that I leave for Alaska on Wednesday. I'll be checking my email and cell phone for messages when I can on Wednesday, so should a question come up, I'll get back to you as soon as I possible.

I posted some pictures from last summer's camp. I hope they 'get you enthused' about the experience before you! Truth be told, I am just learning how to use Picasa --- and found this scrapbook feature which easily allows you to put your collage on a blog. So I couldn't resist practicing the new skill. I could keep practicing ALL DAY and INTO THE NIGHT because it is so much fun, but I'd better get back to my packing and organizing of things on the home front.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

See you soon!

Diane

A View of Boot Camp

2008-06-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Click the image for a larger view

Museum Fieldtrip 2007

2008-06-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Click the picture to view scenes from the 2007 Boot Camp

2008-06-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Click to Enlarge

2008-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Click the collage for a larger view

2008-06-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

From Anitra via Diane Johnson

2008-06-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

I teach fifth grade at a laboratory school on the Utah State University campus in Logan, Utah. I loved tracking Sue Morgan on the Iditarod this year. She is a geology instructor at USU. She came and talked to my students before she went. They loved looking everyday to see how she was doing. I am an Iditarod junky. I was able to volunteer at the Takotna check station in 2007 and hope to be back there volunteering in 2009. I took this year off as I had 11 graduate credits and couldn't be gone that long. Never again will I let higher education get in the way of the IDITAROD!!!!!

I fly in to Anchorage Sunday at 11:30 and will pick up a rental car at the airport. I will be staying in Wasilla at the Grand View. I am by myself so I have a lot of passenger space in the car. Let me know if you want to ride with me.

Anitra Jensen

An Original "Dream Team" Member

2008-06-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Boot Camp Participants,

My name is Judi Roach, I teach 4th grade at Central Elementary in Sidney, NE. I attended the summer conference last summer. It was the first time the event was held at Vern & Susan's Dream a Dream Dog Farm, hence the name "Dream Team." It was an incredible adventure that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Meeting fellow Iditanut Teachers, the Iditarod staff, and of course working with sled dogs was great. A big Hi and hug, to this year's Teacher on the Trail Cathy Walters! I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy as a fellow finalist for this year's Teacher on the Trail. Cathy is a dedicated educator who has spent many years teaching Iditarod. Hi also to Jane, Terri, Diane, Vern and Sara! You all rock!! I wish I could be there!! Why can't teachers be independently wealthy, so they can go to Alaska every year? Whaaaaa!

I found the people of Alaska to be friendly, welcoming, and willing to help you with just about anything. All you have to do is ask, they will help you out! It was my first trip to Alaska, on my own, and with a rental car in the "Far Distant Place!" Don't be afraid, if I can do it, you can do it. I blogged my experience during the summer conference (you should read the "I made It" entry for some comic relief, the key words for the airport are, BE EARLY!!!) and also during my trip to Alaska as a Finalist for this year's teacher on the trail. If that interests you, click on the links to read the Judi Roach spin in those adventures. (please excuse any typos and errors, I have tried to edit most of them out, none the less, some are still lurking I am sure! :)
Judi's Recommendations for an incredible Summer Conference!
1. Don't think shorts so much, more like lightweight cropped pants, jeans, or windpants, hiking boots or tennies, good socks, hoodie, lightweight jacket (waterproof), t-shirts, a hat and sun screen. It's great being in the outdoors; no makeup needed and a visor or hat works for a hairdo. How much better could life be!
2. Diane has a lot of great ideas for things to do and places to see. GET AN EXTRA PHOTO CARD, OR SCAN DISC, BELIEVE ME YOU WILL NEED IT! I took over 400 pictures. You have to eat the fiddle ferns in Talkeetna! They are tasty!
3. As you investigate your surroundings, think; How can I use this with my students? I took pictures in the Native American Museum to use in my Alaska Native American Unit. My pictures were of the dwellings located outside, the information on the posters outside, and also the displays inside. Combine the information that will provided at the conference with these pictures and you have a great information for a Native American Unit, super for comparing and contrasting. That museum is incredible. You will probably feel brain dead by the time that event rolls around, so take the pictures. You can read for information when you get your pictures printed off. :)
4. Be prepared for not a lot of sleep. The sun does not set as we know it during this time of year in Alaska. Believe me, you will run on adrenaline!
5. Pick each other's brains, learn everything you can about how other teacher's teach Iditarod. Teaching Iditarod is a great adventure that should be a little different each year. There are many ways to incorporate it in all subject areas. Grab all the ideas you can to keep it interesting and adventuresome for your students!
Enjoy it all and take in as much as you can. It is a wonderful experience. I wish you all lots of fun and excitement in this great learning adventure. I can't wait to share the adventure via the blog. I will be reading, so please post when you have a chance! :)

Happy Trails!
Judi Roach

Hi Everyone

2008-06-12T10:23:00.001-07:00

I'm Jeanne Ulmer and am the library/media specialist at Eden Lake Elementary in Eden Prairie, MN. Over the past couple of years, our school has been pretty active in using the Iditarod to not only learn about the race and dogs and adventure, but also to connect to the various schools and cultures at the checkpoint villages.

This will be my first trip to Alaska -- can't wait! The conference experience will be wonderful, and my sweetie will be joining me for the week after the conference for some touring and hiking.

A coworker, Ann, and I will be arriving on Sat. the 21st at 5:20. I'm pretty sure we'll be renting a car from there, but we've yet to make those arrangements...end of the school year busy-ness, AG!

Can't wait!
Jeanne

A Shoe Reminder for Boot Campers!

2008-06-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Although you won't have the opportunity to walk in this wheel like Jon Van Zyle's dogs, you'll have plenty of opportunity to walk a lot while in Alaska. Remember to bring and wear comfortable shoes. If you like your white tennis shoe to stay white, you might want to wear a different comfortable shoe, a hiking boot, or chore/yard boot of some type. Remember, you are at BOOT CAMP. Make sure your feet are prepared for this adventure by dressing them appropriately.

While at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, no matter if you are staying there or not, you'll be in the dog yard and walking through the woods. Wear comfortable shoes and consider a shoe that is appropriate for such experiences. It may be rainy, wet, muddy, and mucky where you walk. We'll be helping with dog chores and although the dog yard gets scooped (and we'll help with that, too!) you might step in STUFF. Keep that in mind as you pack.

While enjoying Alaska in your hours away from camp on your own adventures, you'll want to wear shoes that are made to keep you comfortable.

I'm looking forward to walking with you! See you soon.
Diane Johnson

What will you HEAR while in Alaska?

2008-06-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

My son, Michael, 'shot' this video while visiting the Dream a Dream Dog Farm last February. We thought you'd like to hear a little 'dog howl-song' before you arrive in Alaska. OH, and the 'kid' in the video, that is Michael.

Michael's goal is to one day run the Jr. Iditarod.

Jon Van Zyle

2008-06-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

Listen to this song by Target 2009 Iditarod Teacher Cathy Walters.

At our Boot Camp, Cathy will share several songs created by her and designed to help students learn.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: PAM FLOWERS

2008-06-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Pam Flowers will be one of our guest speakers on Friday, June, 27! If you've met Pam before, you know the power behind her messages! If you haven't met her, this one meeting will never be enough! She has so much to share, so many adventures with meaningful learning behind each, and such an incredible adventure before her!

Pam Flowers is an arctic explorer, author, adventurer, and motivational speaker. She completed 9 arctic expeditions and is an Iditarod finisher. Pam has made two trips to the Magnetic North Pole. She was the first woman to solo cross North America's Arctic Circle. Her journeys have been incredible, but not as incredible as the message she brings to her audiences, a message of working to meet your goals and having faith and trust in yourself--- and in your dogs. The lessons to be learned from Pam, her books, and her future adventures are important connects for your students.

Pam has spoken to classrooms and communities around Alaska and in the lower 48. She'll be available for a school tour during the 2009 - 2010 school year.

You will also have the opportunity to hear about the incredible adventure that Pam and her dog Ellie, will begin soon!

"Starting in September of 2008, Pam Flowers and her dog, Ellie, will be thru-hiking the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail, taking approximately six to eight months to complete their trek. They will start in Maine and hike south to Georgia. Thru-hiking means that the hiker walks the entire length of the trail." www.pamflowers.com

Your class will want to follow her adventure and we'll be telling our website viewers to follow her. You'll know her, have your own pictures of her, and have your on story to share. You will enjoy meeting Pam!

I own SEVERAL copies of each book Pam has written. They are treasures. I plan on buy a couple additional copies because they are treasure to give to others at holiday time or just because I know the person receiving the book will gain important messages woven into the text. You will want to show and share Pam's books with your students.

She'll have her books with for sale and to autograph.
Learn more about Pam Flowers at her website, www.pamflowers.com

2008-06-11T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. My name is Cindy Kettlewell and I'm a 6th grade science teacher living outside a small college town in southwest Ohio. Just like everyone else, I'm excited to be heading to Alaska in the next few weeks. I must admit that I haven't started packing yet...in a recent power outage my father fell and broke his hip and the end of school has been even more of a whirlwind than usual. I'm happy to say he's doing really well and Alaska is coming into focus! I'll be back on the blog soon to try and make some more final arrangements. It's sounds like there are opportunities galore!

Looking forward to meeting you,
Cindy

Making Connections: Collaboration

2008-06-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

A very important part of our Summer Boot Camp is that while surrounding ourselves with all things Alaska, Iditarod, mushing, dogs, and the experiences that are before us on this journey, we also have the opportunity and the time to share what we do in our own classrooms OR to discover what we'd like to accomplish with our students.

We will have sharing sessions designed to provide you the opportunity to share what you do OR to ask others how to help you meet a part of your curriculum.

You may bring a copy of a lesson plan for each boot camper, or show and tell a copy of a work sample your students have done, share the URL of your classroom website, share the title of a favorite book that you use with your students to connect the race to the curriculum, or show or tell anything that you think will help others.

Research says that when teachers collaborate, the result is successful lessons that lead to academic success.

We look forward to hearing about the great things you've been doing.. AND don't worry, if you are new to using the race with your students, bring your questions!

We'll see you soon! Are you counting the days?

Some extra Information I got from a local

2008-06-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

I got this from Aimee who works for the company I am doing the Knik Glacier ATV tour with...use as you will!

-K

A tidbit of information before I load you down: the cities Wasilla and Palmer basically constitute what is known as the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley. I live in Wasilla, almost on the border of Palmer. The Valley is about 45 miles north of Anchorage, about an hour’s drive. Other nearby cities/towns are Sutton, Big Lake and Willow. You’d be able to find all of these on a good map. Wasilla leads to Big Lake and then Willow, and then up to Talkeetna and eventually Denali National Park. We usually have pretty good weather in June, but towards July sometimes it rains a lot, so pretty much just be prepared for any kind of weather. Definitely bring some grubby clothes, or an old swimsuit if you want to do the mudsliding thing. And you’ll definitely want a can of your favorite brand of mosquito spray J The first place you’d want to stop by is the Visitor’s Center. They have all kinds of info for lodging, food, and tours, but they also have instructional pamphlets for fun hikes in the area. The Palmer one has a little museum along with it, but the Wasilla one will be closer to where you’ll be staying.
Mat-Su Visitor’s Center
8:30a-6:30p
Mi 35.5 Parks

Palmer Visitor’s Center
9a-6p
(907) 745-2880
723 S. Colony Way
www.palmerchamber.org

Ongoing Local Events:
Wasilla Farmer’s Market (the folks from around here sell their homegrown lovin’)
Every Wed 12-6pm

Friday Flings-Palmer, across from visitor’s center (this is just a small, fun festival to get a glimpse of Palmer life. Usually live music and food and crafts)
11a-6p Fridays

Drag Racing (if you like this sort of thing, the schedules are on their websites. Lots from the Valley do this)
-North Star Speedway
www.northstarspeedway.com
-Alaska Raceway Park
www.akracewaypark.com
-Willow’s Capitol Speedway
mi 75.5 Parks Hwy, (907) 495-6420

Susitna Speedway Go-Karts (for some random amusement; plus you can do it till midnight and it’s still light! A lot of the younger couples do this for fun in the Valley. There’s also bowling and pool and more of that kind of thing around the Valley, where the locals hang out)

Mat-Su Miners Alaska Baseball (the Valley’s bb team; a lot of us go to their games)
(907) 745-6401
Games June 14-Aug 1
www.matsuminers.org

Celebrations you might be around for:
Big Lake Triathlon
June 29th
www.biglakechamber.org

Independence Day Celebration, Wasilla
July 4, usually 10 am

Random fun (If you want to do some of these, you’ll need to rent the gear or set up a tour):
Nancy Lakes canoe trails (there are canoes for rent and a ton of different trails between lakes that are marked that you can go on. It’s pretty much out in the boonies other than a bunch of campsites. This would be a day-long thing, but so much fun if you like canoeing).
7 mile Fingerlake Canoe Trail (A lot closer than Nancy lakes; this one’s near my house, but it can be a little tricky trying to find the streams that connect the four lakes. If I have time off I’d love to take you on it but if you and a buddy feel adventurous and would like to just kind of figure it out, I can probably explain it pretty well. It’s one of my favorites, and there are tunnels you go through and small streams. My aunt says, “Oh! It’s just like Disneyland!” Tourists don’t do this; mostly just us who live on the lake.)
Mudsliding (this is another one of those things where I’d love to take you, but if I can’t, I can just give you instructions—this one is definitely a must-do, though, and it’s what most tourists never do)
Horseback riding (there are a few companies, and some really fun trails with nice overlooks)
Kayaking (there are kayaks for rent sometimes, but mostly they are guided tours, even if you have experience. Still a great thing to do around here, especially fun when it’s foggy)
Clam Digging (this is in Homer, quite a drive—5 or 6 hours—from the Valley, but it’s SO much fun that we have to do it every year as a family)
Fishing (you probably don’t want to bother with this one)
Camping, backpacking (you’d need to bring gear for that, I don’t know if they rent it out or not.)
Golf and Frisbee Golf (If you’re into it, we’ve got some fun places for that kind of thing)
Rafting (there are plenty of rivers and enough companies that you can find a good deal)
Visits to Glaciers (depends where you are and how far you want to drive; you’ll see the Knik Glacier on your ATV tour, though, up close and personal.)
The locals like to have bonfires and skip rocks down on the Knick River bed; more of a social get together, but it’s also something that tourists never do.
Airboating is also popular on the Knik, but you’d need a guided tour for that one.
If you’re crazy enough to swim in the lakes (we are!), then Kepler-Bradly lake is a deep, clean place (sometimes lakes here can be nasty and weedy), and Wasilla Lake is definitely a popular beach on a sunny day.
Eklutna Lake has a little bit of all of everything (this is a really beautiful nature reserve about halfway in between the Valley and Anchorage, with all kinds of rentals if you want to do the bike trails, kayaking, or just hiking.)
There are also some farms that are fun to visit:
Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm (this is a place where locals come and pay pennies to go and hand pick their own vegetables. It’s a nice farm with a scenic view)
July-Oct (closed Sun)
Mile 2.8, Bodenburg Loop, Palmer
(907) 745-4511

Reindeer farm (you can pet the reindeer and see the other animals they have there—they take care of wild ones that can’t return to the wild).
Daily, 10a-6p
(907) 745-4000

Musk Ox farm (I don’t think this is a petting farm, but it is very informative)
Daily, 10a-6p
(907) 745-4151
Hikes in the Valley:
Butte (about an hour up and an hour down; a medium hike, everyone in Palmer and Wasilla hikes here for fun on weekends or Solstice. You get a nice view of the Reindeer Farm, Knik Glacier, and basically all of the Mat-Su Valley from here)
Lazy Mtn & Mt Vigor (if you want a little more tough of a hike, Lazy really isn’t so lazy, and I don’t know if I’ve ever hiked Mt Vigor, but it sounds about the same. Again, really nice views of the Valley)
Reed Lakes/Archangel Valley (This is in Hatcher Pass and I would take a whole day to do it. It’s not bad if you take your time, and considering that it’s my most favorite place in all of Alaska, I’d definitely recommend it if you’re into hiking. There are a few lakes and some waterfalls, some beautiful views—just a bit of everything I guess. The wildflowers are especially beautiful in June/July. It’s pretty popular, and you wouldn’t get lost too easy. I can also walk you through this one)
The Pinnacle (don’t know this one, but heard it’s a good hike)
Independence Mine (this is more of a walk than a hike, but some interesting history to it and a bunch of historical buildings they’ve preserved; it’s a park now and I think they give free guided tours, and it’s probably the easiest mine you’ll be able to get to. This is also in Hatcher Pass.)
Thunderbird Falls (this is more of a walk than a hike; pretty easy, about 30 min, but a pretty waterfall at the end. Just before Eklutna on your way into Anchorage from the Valley)
Scenic drives:
Palmer Fishook (some of the Palmer, farming countryside)
Eklutna (the road winds through the forest, but I’m pretty sure you can drive around the glacially-fed lake)
Hatcher Pass (my most favorite place in all of Alaska—just more and more mountains, and nice views)
Glenn Hwy out to Sutton (some pretty breathtaking vistas)
Hatcher’s Pass to Willow (60 miles through the mountains; it’s the scenic route to Willow from Wasilla)
Old Glenn Hwy into Anchorage (you’ll drive through the forest, the closest you can get to the base of the mountain by car, and see some nice outcroppings and rivers.
My personal favorite places to eat (I can give you directions):
Little Miller’s Ice Cream (there are little shops here and there around the Valley)
Bagels Alaska, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy (best bagels and calzones ever—good for lunch or dinner)
Crazy Moose Restaurant in Wasilla (I haven’t been here yet, but my best friend swears by it)
Bear’s Tooth Theatre Pub & Pizzeria (or Moose’s Tooth if you just want Pizza—but it’s the BEST pizza ever in your LIFE…these are both in Anchorage, though)
There’s some fun things happening in Anchorage, but I only have a few things down. I can look up more if you like. These were just things I thought of off the top of my head:
Saturday Market (every Sat from 10a-6p), I can give you directions
First Friday Art Walk, every Friday (they have artisans selling work and also sponsor new artists
Elmendorf AFB Arctic Thunder Airshow. June 28-29, 9a-4p; free (fun if you like military planes)
Flattop mountain is a medium hike with a beautiful view of Anchorage and the ocean. We do it usually once a year.
Earthquake Park is a nice place to bike or just walk; it celebrates the ’64 earthquake. And the Tony Knowles coastal trail is another good one that goes along the shore. Sometimes you can see Belugas out in the bay.
Also, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is supposed to be really big and fabulous. They have a really nice website and it looks like it would be worth the money if you want to learn about the Native cultures here. I want to visit it this summer, actually. (www.alaskanative.net)
Museums (if you like that sort of thing; they’re usually pretty small, but good quality):
Colony House Museum
Tues-Sat, 10a-4p
(907) 745-1935
316 E. Elmwood Ave, Palmer
www.palmerhistoricalsociety.org

Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (This is the nation’s leading center for Tsunami studies; it’s supposed to be pretty neat though I’ve never been. Open on Fridays to the public for free. It’s in btw Palmer and Wasilla almost.)

Dorothy Page Museum (historic museum of Wasilla)
North Main St, Wasilla
Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm
(907) 373-9071

Iditarod Trail Headquarters (this is fun and free, and you can take a summer sled dog ride for a fee)
Mile 2.2 Knik-Goose Bay Rd, Wasilla
Daily 8am-7pm
(907) 376-5155

Museum of AK Transportation and Industry
Mi 47 Parks Hwy, Wasilla
(907) 376-1211
Tues-Sun 10am-5pm

Knik Museum
Mile 13.9 Knik-Goose Bay, Wasilla
(907) 376-7755
Thurs-Sun 1-6pm

Alpine Historical Park
Mi 61.6 Glenn Hwy, Sutton
745-7000

There’s also a wax museum and a fur industry museum that I can look up if you want.

If you end up going to Denali National Park, you’ll probably want to browse all over this website for info. You’ll pass Talkeetna along the way up, and I’d recommend visiting there also if only for a couple of hours. It’s a pretty unique city. Denali has pretty much any kind of tour you can imagine and it’s one of the nation’s biggest national parks, so if you’re visiting Alaska, it’s a must do, but it’s also a lot of just driving. www.nps.gov/dena

Oh the Places YOU Can Go!: Anchorage Market and Festival

2008-06-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Looking for a FREE event on a Saturday or a Sunday?

Don't miss the Anchorage Market and Festival!

The Market is a great place to purchas local arts/crafts and Alaskan souvenirs. Local artists and even a few authors attend the market. Generally there are around 300 vendors. Generally there is live music and food vendors, too.

Hours are 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday--- no matter what the weather, you'll find interesting items and enjoy the food and entertainment.

* This might be an option for some of you who are in Anchorage Sunday morning, June 22, before you head over to Wasilla--- visit the market.

Website:
http://www.anchoragemarkets.com/main.html

* If the only Saturday you'll be in Alaska is Saturday, June 28, you might want to drive over (share a ride over) to Anchorage Saturday morning and then return to Wasilla for the Volunteer Picnic and 2009 Musher Sign Up.... but it won't give you much time at the market. You could go after the picnic which might give you a longer period of time at the market.... and may be something to do before catching the plane home if you depart on Sunday.

Location! Location! LOCATION! Homework!

2008-06-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Location, Location…. LOCATION!

It is all about location!

You are from somewhere….

We are all going somewhere…. ALASKA!

Alaska and the Iditarod Trail…. Location!

You are invited to bring items to the conference that help define you--- in your location.

You can bring the same item for each person (such as a pencil with your school's name on it or your state's name, a post card, a golf ball because it is your sport...) or you can bring one item for all of us to share. (A Key Lime pie if you are from Florida. Have I told you I love Key Lime Pie?)

The items should be small because--- let's face it, we'll be buying books and other Idita – items while in Alaska… so we are living with limited suitcase space for our return journey. (Of course, you can always mail a box of goodies back home!)

The items shouldn't cost you a lot either. This isn't about spending money, it is about place and location---- and YOU.

As part of an introductory activity in team building and in discovery of place and who we are, where we are, and where we plan to be... these items will be shared Sunday evening at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, at our first camp session. Be prepared to tell what you brought and why.

This is one homework assignment you will NOT fail! Anything you bring or do is the RIGHT 'thing'. So have some fun as you plan this activity!

There will be 20 - 25 of us, by the way!

Planes - Trains- and Automobiles!

2008-06-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

PLANES:

If you haven't sent your arrival date, please post it and or email it to me, djohnson@iditarod.com. Some of you have already given me your information, so just let me know if you have changes.

What I will do is create a posting that summarizes everyone's arrival dates so you can comment with each other about transportation. Some of you are arriving several days in advance, others Friday or Saturday. Once we know who, what, when, and where details, we'll all be able to create plans to help each other out.

Likewise, some of you are leaving Alaska June 28 or 29, others are staying longer.

My Iditarod office cell phone number is: 605 228 6071

By email, I'll send my personal cell phone number to you. I'll have both phones with me. Call if something comes up or you need assistance--- before you leave or once you are in Alaska, for that matter, call me when you get home, too! We are all family now!

SHUTTLE SERVICE:

If you are not renting a car and you want to take a shuttle from Anchorage to Wasilla, I have located the following service for you to contact. It costs $85 for the first 'two' people, according to what I was told on the phone. If there are more in your group, they'll discuss a rate. (Taking a cab --- according to this service could run you $130. )

Shuttleman Transportation: Anchorage: Phone: (907) 677-8537

TRAINS

Here is the website for Alaska Railroad should you like to take the train at some point during your stay in Alaska.

http://www.akrr.com/

CARS (ok, Automobiles)

First: I'll start an article about car rental and encourage those of you who are interested in sharing costs for renting cars to comment and discuss with each other your plans.

If you are renting a car, keep in mind that when you rent a car from an airport, you will pay more because of the taxes and fees. You might save money by taking a taxi to a nearby car rental place such as Budget.

Also, if you are getting to Alaska Saturday or before, and you want to stay a night in Anchorage before heading to Wasilla, if you book your hotel on line, there are sometimes 'better deals' to be made with the car rental, too.

If you want to get to Wasilla and rent a car in Wasilla here is information:
Valley Car Rental
435 S Knik St
Wasilla, AK 99654 ( 907) 775-2880

AND keep in mind one of our staff may be traveling to Anchorage for something on Saturday or Sunday morning, so…. Once we have everyone's details, we'll finalize plans!

Diane

Traveling by Car! Renting or Sharing the Costs for Rides?

2008-06-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Let's talk about cars! Share information here by making comments with each other. Who is renting a car? Who is very happy to chip in to help everyone spend less?

Check the chart about arrival times for information. Then discuss with each other. I can post direct information on this blog posting as you send it to me.

Remember to stay flexible, too. As you decide on how you want to spend the 'after conference' hours --- you may group up differently because not everyone will want to do the same things.

I am certain a few car renters will have plenty of support from the other participants.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: UPDATED INFORMATION TO FOLLOW!

ARRIVAL TIMES! Who is Arriving When?

2008-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'll add information on you as you post it in comments or send me an email. (OR when I run across the information in an email you've already sent me!)

Name	Arriving	Departing	Other Information
Diane Johnson ITC	June 18	June 30	605 228 6071 Iditarod Education Director
Terrie Hanke: Iditarod Teacher on the Trail 2006	June 18	June 29	Staff
Cathy Walters Target 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail	June 20, 10:10 PM	June 30	Staff
Jane Blaile: Target 2008 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail	June 22, 12:33 AM		Staff
Cindy	June 21: 9:37 PM	June 29: 10:37	Willing to room/car share
Herb	Friday June 20		Looking for ride to Wasilla on Sunday. Give him a call or leave a comment on the blog for him!
Ellen	Saturday, June 21, 5:00 Staying in Anchorage that night.		Interested in sharing car rental expenses with someone. Staying until July 2. (Not staying at Dream a Dream)
Betsy	June 19, 7:21 PM	July 3	Staying longer after the conference!
Dawn	Flight 107 Saturday, June 21, 8:33 PM		Would like ride June 22 Willing to split costs
Katie	June 21, 5 or 6:00	July 2	Willing to share car expenses
Jill	June 21 EARLY		Taking the train the next day to Wasilla.
Nikki	Several days before the conference
Paula	June 18, Staying with relatives.	July 2	May need ride on Sunday
Diane P.	June 22 5:00 PM	June 28, 9:30 PM	Will rent a car. Leave her a comment to share car rental costs.
Janet	June 21
Jeanne	Sat. the 21st at 5:20	July 5	Jeanne and Ann are renting a car, leave a message or send an email to catch a ride.
Ann	Sat. the 21st at 5:20	July 3	(I think they are going to Wasilla on Saturday)
Anitra	June 22 11:31 AM	June 30	Renting a car
Joy			Lives in Anchorage

What does THIS have to do with Iditarod?

2008-06-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Developing team work and traits that help students become successful adults is a goal of every classroom teacher.

Iditarod is often used as a theme to help teach students the assets or traits that lead to successful living and healthy individuals and communities.

Iditarod is proud to work with Alaska's National Goal on common goals. We invite YOU to learn more about this at our website and by attending a special event at Fort Richardson Army Base. To learn more, read the next posting.

Special Event: Monday, June 30

2008-06-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce a special event Monday, June 30!

Do you help students develop leadership skills? Do you do 'team building activities' with students? Are you interested in helping students to become the best that they can be? Do you like a challenge? We've got a great activity for you to observe.

For those of you who will still be in Alaska on Monday, June 30, we'd like to invite you to attend a special event to be held at Fort Richardson Army Base.

Alaska's National Guard is involved in a program with the youth of Alaska, "Stay on Track", which works to inspire youth to resist drugs and alcohol. You can read about their program at goals at Iditarod's website, at the For Teachers section, http://www.iditarod.com/teachers/

Click the icon for the National Guard or the title.

This summer, they are holding a youth day camp. The camp is designed to help kids gain outdoor skills as well as teamwork and leadership skills. On Monday, a group of students will be at camp. We are invited to observe the camp and/or participate any way that we'd like to participate.

E3 — Encounter, Encourage, Experience!

Join us for this adventure!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to try a ropes challenge course?

Watch or participate!

Is the National Guard in your state involved in a program like this? Check into it!

This is your unique opportunity to go on base and observe this project!

You can sign up to attend a morning session, an afternoon session, or to stay for both sessions. Leave a comment if you wish to attend or contact me by email. djohnson@iditarod.com

This is the first time ever that we've been invited to participate in this program. Our Education Department is very excited about the opportunity to partner with Alaska's National Guard in helping youth in Alaska and around the world be healthy and successful. Next year on the website, you'll learn more about projects we are doing to inspire youth to become successful adults. I hope if your schedule allows, you choose to attend this special event with us!

If you are looking for a challenge or if you want to see how youth handles challenges, don't miss this opportunity!

Special Event: Sunday June 29: Elmendorf Air Force Base

2008-06-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something to do on Sunday, June 29, you might consider attending the Air Show at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Arctic Thunder!

As their website says, "The base hosts Arctic Thunder to demonstrate its appreciation to the Alaska community for its support of the military, to educate the public about the military's mission, and to recruit people interested in joining the service." The base is also celebrating Alaska's 50 Years of Statehood. If you enjoy seeing air craft and want to learn more about aviation, this is an exciting adventure you might want to attend.

For more information, check out the following website!

http://www.elmendorf.af.mil/library/arcticthunder/index.asp

2008-05-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings to the Summer Camp Participants and Staff! This is Terrie from Wisconsin, 2006 Teacher on the Trail. I'm very excited to be a part of the summer conference again. It just keeps getting better and better every year. This is an experience that will affect you both personally and professionally. Since attending the very first summer conference in 2003, my Iditarod journey has taken me on many trails and to many places I never expected to be. Be ready for lots of activity during conference hours and many more adventures during the evenings. Just like daylight, adventure in Alaska at this time of the year is limitless. See you all very soon and stay tuned for some after hours activity suggestions.

Welcome to the Iditarod 2008 Boot Camp for Educators!

2008-05-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

We hope that this will be an incredible experience for you and that you will meet all of the goals that you have, making this an experience that expands your horizons!

Read the articles, leave comments, and plan for your journey!

Post your own articles, too!

We will soon post an updated conference schedule, as there will be a few slight changes from the current schedule on the website. (No worries, I said slight! Just little details!) So, keep an eye on the blog for updates.

Check this blog often and remember to read the comments that are left.

Also, feel free to post an introduction so that we all get to know you better! You can post your introduction in a comment to this article or you can create your own posting.

Who will be attending our conference? This list will be updated as we draw closer to the conference and others finalize their plans.... so check back again!

Our 'Campers' (and there will be more of you!)
Paula from Arkansas
Ellen from New Jersey
Janet from New Jersey
Cindy from Ohio
Jill from Washington
Dawn from Montana
Katie from Florida
Nikki from Florida
Jeanne from Minnesota
Ann from Minnesota
Anitra from Utah
Herb from Pennsylvania
Betsy from Michigan

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Diane Johnson
Iditarod Education Department

* Publish a post to introduce yourself to the group. Where are you from? What do you teach? What are your conference goals? Are you renting a car or willing to share car pool responsibilities? When are you arriving? How long are you staying? What do you want to do, see, or accomplish? What other plans do you have? What do you want us to know?
** If you have trouble posting send me what you want posted and I'll do it for you! djohnson@iditarod.com

Oh the Places We'll Go---- Iditarod Headquarters

2008-05-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

We'll begin our Boot Camp experience by meeting at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska.

The ITC Headquarters is a historic museum and gift shop.

Make sure you bring your camera because you'll be able to see historic items from sleds to trophies, to news clippings framed and on the wall. Although this building is small, it is jam packed with Iditarod history.

This building also serves as the offices for the race.

Your behind the scenes tour will provide you a glimpse of life---- Iditarod style!

This location will also be the site of the Volunteer Picnic and Iditarod Sign Up event on our final conference day.

Each year, the Volunteer Picnic is held on the last Saturday in June. This picnic celebrates and thanks the volunteers for their hard work. Many volunteers return from the lower 48 for this event which also marks the first day to sign up for the next race. Many mushers who'll be running the race will be at the picnic. You'll be able to take pictures, get autographs, and talk to mushers, volunteers, and staff.

Oh the Places We'll Go---- Jon Van Zyle's Home and Gallery

2008-05-18T05:37:00.001-07:00

Jon and Jona Van Zyle open their home, dog kennel, and art gallery for us, allowing us a glimpse of their life and passion as artists and dog mushers.

Jon is the Official Artist for Iditarod and an Iditarod race veteran. His stories will delight you, but his art work will enrich your appreciation for the race and Alaska. Jon has illustrated many books, too. You'll get to see Jon's studio and the work he is currently involved in as well as many examples of his art.

Jona is an artist creating incredible one of a kind jewelry, unique purses, sketches and paintings.

You will be able to purchase art work and illustrated books. Jon and Jona will autograph their work in a personal way, providing you with wonderful treasures.

And wait until you meet their sled dogs! The dogs are wonderful athletes and family friends. Bring your camera!

Learn more by visiting: http://www.jonvanzyle.com/

You'll Enjoy the Dances!

2008-05-18T05:27:00.000-07:00

Bring your camera!