Iditarod Anticipation

Meet and Greet this musher on Friday, February 28 at 6 p.m. Clarion Suites Anchorage. I can't overenthuse enough about the reasons to spend a few hours learning at the heel of Aliy Zirkle --- her trail stories are personable, strong and inspiring. She and her husband (Allen Moore, who just won the Yukon Quest) offer a great glimpse into the world of mushing with and doting over their dog teams. Elite athletes all.

Around here I use the Last Great Race for an annual descent into the mayhem and wonder (the opposite of order and wonder?) of unit studies for the kids' lessons. The Iditarod comes at the perfect time of year for diversion from winter doldrums, and as the kids grow they're able to draw many subjects into their little studies. Zirkle herself reminds me of Alaskan icon Susan Butcher and of my Godmother, Linda Squibb: balanced, driven and unendingly gracious.