Next we loaded up in a motorcoach and wound our way through the narrow snowy roads of Willow to reach the 17th Dog Kennel of 2019 Iditorod musher Matthew Failor. Matthew, best known as "the Eagle Scout," is a former resident of Mansfield, OH and an Ohio State Buckeye. Matthew's hospitality is unparalleled, and word is getting out. We were greeted by Fionn, a retired sled dog who clearly rules the kennel, as she actually boarded the bus and found her way all the way to the back of the bus greeting each and every teacher. All the while, Alaska news Channel 11 was filming the staff's warm interactions.
Both Matthew and kennel staff member Michael Baker are running this year's race. Two of my students are following these young men, and when Michael heard one of my students is writing a book about the Iditarod, he made a video for her encouraging her to finish that book. How's that for hospitality? The deal was sealed when a puppy was placed in the palms of my hands. These babies started opening their eyes just this week. These pups are going to be the Big 10 litter. You see, puppy litters are named by a theme, and upon hearing this I didn't hesitate to suggest the name of Hoosier for the one I was holding. Now, after all of that, toss in the fact that we saw Denali in all of her splendor (something that only 1/3 of Alaska visitors are able to do due to the fact that she's nearly always shrouded in cloud cover), and you can call it a more-than-amazing Alaskan day!
Both Matthew and kennel staff member Michael Baker are running this year's race. Two of my students are following these young men, and when Michael heard one of my students is writing a book about the Iditarod, he made a video for her encouraging her to finish that book. How's that for hospitality? The deal was sealed when a puppy was placed in the palms of my hands. These babies started opening their eyes just this week. These pups are going to be the Big 10 litter. You see, puppy litters are named by a theme, and upon hearing this I didn't hesitate to suggest the name of Hoosier for the one I was holding. Now, after all of that, toss in the fact that we saw Denali in all of her splendor (something that only 1/3 of Alaska visitors are able to do due to the fact that she's nearly always shrouded in cloud cover), and you can call it a more-than-amazing Alaskan day!