Tuesday 02.24.2009
What a morning! I am in Fairbanks for Polar TREC orientation with other teachers who will be working with scientific research in the Arctic or Antarctic. Many of us were distracted Tuesday morning as news came in that this morning would be the finish of the Yukon Quest. So we paused our busy orientation schedule to dress in winter gear and walk down town. The temperature was about -1 F on the frozen Chena River. The Yukon Quest is the longest international sled dog race that began in Whitehorse Yukon, Canada and ends in downtown Fairbanks. www.yukonquest.com. While waiting, we all had the opportunity to meet Lance Mackey, four time Yukon Quest champion and Iditarod winner. After waiting in the cold, the announcer told the crowd that spotters at the edge of town saw the race leader... Soon after, Sebastian Schnulle rounded the corner.

 

 

After 1016 miles of racing over 9 days and 23 hours, only 4 minutes seperated the winner and Hugh Neff who came in second place.

 

 

For the Northern Elementary School 5th grade citizens of Wolfington and Pawville, I proudly flew your class flags at the finish line of the Yukon Quest.

...and for my students who say I never smile...

 

Stay Warm!