Yukon Quest
I arrived here in Fairbanks early Saturday Morning after a long day of canceled and delayed flights. My bag didn't arrive with me so I am glad I thought to put my coat, hat and gloves in my carry-on. I came to PolarTREC orientation one day early to see the start of the Yukon Quest.
Twenty-three teams are competing this year in the 1000-mile race. It was fun walking by all of the teams as they made last minute preparations, checking sleds and fitting booties on the dogs. Teams started in 5 minute intervals. As a team queued up, the dogs were besides themselves with anticipation, barking and jumping as they strained in their harnesses against a snow anchor and two or three volunteers holding the sled at the starting line for the final countdown. Selective breeding and training has resulted in dogs with a singular purpose. Spectators lined both sides of the trail for at least 1/4 mile cheering on the teams.
We passed some of the teams a few hours later many miles outside of Fairbanks as we drove to Chena Hot Springs. The dogs were running more methodically and the teams had settled into an obiviously familiar rhythm. These are true endurance athletes participating in one of the worlds most extreme races. This was a great way to start of my week of PolarTREC orientation.
Like the sled dogs preparing for the Yukon Quest, I am full of anticipation and excitement as I look forward to this training and to my field experience in Antarctica. I anticipate that this experience will push me to grow in new ways and I hope that it will make me a better teacher and scientist.
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