We are back to work tomorrow. We cannot wait to share more with our students.

Here is the video from the start of the Iditarod in Willow, Alaska yesterday. They start on a frozen lake! You will see how the spectators entertain themselves, and how much the dogs are ready to pull. There were a lot of snow machines as well.

The lead has already changed a bunch in the first 24 hours of the race. It is very exciting to follow, and the students will be tracking their mushers through the next 2 weeks.  We had a great time!

We are back in Texas where I think it may be as cold as Anchorage!  We had the time of our lives and above you will see the slideshow of the official start of the IDITAROD!  (video of the day will be in the next post)

You can follow the race at www.iditarod.com and watch all the mushers come into each checkpoint. Coulson Tough students have a special insider login that allows them to get even BETTER videos and information about the race. There is also an Iditarod app that is free, if you as crazy about the race as me!

Our last day in Alaska, standing on the trail!

AND.......we finally saw a moose!

The city of Anchorage celebrates fur trading the same week as the Iditarod. The Iditarod celebrates the history of dog sledding and the FUR RONDY celebrates the history of fur trading. They have serious events and silly events. Mrs. Traicoff and I were able to participate in one of the silly events called the Run with the Reindeer. This happened a few hours after the ceremonials start, on the same street.  Yes, we ran a few blocks being chased by actual reindeer!
Check out the video!

Above is the amazing video we where able to take at the ceremonial start of the race today.  Wait until you see where Mrs. Traicoff and I were able sit and view the start. So exciting to see the dogs and mushers up close and personal! Pay close attention to the excitement the dogs show as they are ready to run!
Below are some great camera shots we took as well!

Here is a quick look at last night's meet and greet with Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore. Aliy came in second place for the past 2 years, and we think she will win this year! We learned that she has a different harness for her dogs. Her dogs are only attached at the collar to her gang line and not attached with the harness on the back part of the dog. Many mushers harness the front and back of the dog so they don't accidently turn around. Aliy gives her dogs more freedom on the gangline.

WE ARE IN THE CONROE COURIER!  HERE IS A LINK TO THE ONLINE ARTICLE!!!

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/elementary-teachers-giving-iditarod-lessons-from-alaska/article_d769fb68-7903-5c0c-902a-d7f689326013.html

Pictures of the ceremonial start are coming soon! Here are a few highlights!

Alaskan Adventure!  

Dog Sledding and snowshoeing in Eagle River, Alaska.

Sledding with a Dallas Seavey's dogs! Scroll down for a slide show of more great pictures!