Journal Entry

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.

Yukon Quest WinnerSebastian Schnulle, winner of the 2009 Yukon Quest. Race VetA Yukon Quest vet checks the winning team dogs.

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.

Hugh NeffSecond place musher Hugh Neff, four minutes behind the race leader after 10 days 23 hours and 1016 miles. Sebastian SchnulleSebastian Schnulle, winner and record holder of the 2009 Yukon Quest sled dog race.

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.

The BIG PAWWolfington and Pawville flags in Fairbanks, AK at the Yukon Quest.

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

Mr. Martin with a smileTim at the finish line of the Yukon Quest.

Stay Warm!