OUR 2010 IDITAROD EXPERIENCE WITH MICHAEL LITZEN

I told Michael that my wife Cec and I have been planning to “do” the Iditarod for some time. The question was how to do it? We wanted to get to meet some mushers, follow them along the trail. Get a first hand look at the dog teams in action, and get an understanding of the hardships and difficulties that mushers and their teams must endure. We needed to do this within our physical capabilities because we are, as I told Michael, “a little older” 83 and 76 years, but in good physical condition and not overweight.

We always felt safe, even flying in the extreme weather, and over the vast wilderness. Mike is a superb pilot and never took chances. His knowledge of the trail and personal friendship with some of the mushers and natives in the villages got us some unforgettable experiences. Just to mention a few; getting a sled dog ride; meeting and talking with Sidney Huntington a famous native and author; landing beside the trail on the ice covered Bering Sea and the excitement of having Lance Mackey, the winner of the Iditarod stop for a few minutes and chat with us. Along the trail we stayed in B & Bs in native villages. We arrived in Nome in time to watch Lance Mackey, Hans Gatt and Jeff King, who placed first, second and third, arrive under the burled arch and getting a huge welcome.

What an incredible experience!!