Ryan Anderson gets ready to leave the Finland Checkpoint. He wishes defending champion Nathan Schroeder well on his next run and makes a request...
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
"Don't Pass Me Too Soon"
Lesson: Have fun
Ryan Anderson gets ready to leave the Finland Checkpoint. He wishes defending champion Nathan Schroeder well on his next run and makes a request...
Ryan Anderson gets ready to leave the Finland Checkpoint. He wishes defending champion Nathan Schroeder well on his next run and makes a request...
The Winner Is...
Lesson: Winning isn't everything
Here video of Bridgit Maruska, Beargrease Board Member, show her updating Facebook with a story problem. Who do you think will win? Even in the middle of the night, this group was having fun.
Here video of Bridgit Maruska, Beargrease Board Member, show her updating Facebook with a story problem. Who do you think will win? Even in the middle of the night, this group was having fun.
Ryan Anderson finishes the 2015 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. He wins!
Nathan Schroeder finishes the 2015 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. He wins too!
"I don't want to turn around and go back," says Ryan Anderson during his bag check.
Ryan talks about having a lot of respect for Nathan and being able to compete with him.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
History of the Race - Arleigh Jorgenson
Lesson: History is best told with a good story
Arleigh Jorgenson knows the history of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. He is was involved with it from its very beginning. I asked him about it while at the Sawbill Checkpoint. There is much to be learned from stories... history.
Arleigh Jorgenson knows the history of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. He is was involved with it from its very beginning. I asked him about it while at the Sawbill Checkpoint. There is much to be learned from stories... history.
What happens at a checkpoint?
Lesson: When you want to know, ask questions.
I asked Harry, one of Jamie Nelson's handlers, about his team resting at this checkpoint. I was glad I did!
What happens at a checkpoint?
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| Teams arrive and check in. |
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| They get a parking spot in the woods. |
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| Dogs sleep. |
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| Volunteers make the checkpoint a great place! (No electricity or other comforts, but it is very comfortable.) |
I asked Harry, one of Jamie Nelson's handlers, about his team resting at this checkpoint. I was glad I did!
Oops! We have a problem.
Lesson: Problems will happen.
Problems can be solved. Watch musher Peter McClelland calmly solves a two team tangle.
Problems can be solved. Watch musher Peter McClelland calmly solves a two team tangle.
-Albert Schwitzer
Playing Telephone - Good Communication
Lesson: Effective communication
You remember the game telephone where one person whispers something to the next and the message gets passed. Sometime that message is very important. Ham radio operators and many volunteers for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon help provide communication between road crossings, checkpoints, and race officials when there are no other ways to.
You remember the game telephone where one person whispers something to the next and the message gets passed. Sometime that message is very important. Ham radio operators and many volunteers for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon help provide communication between road crossings, checkpoints, and race officials when there are no other ways to.
Activity
Students pair up a one creates a simple drawing. Nothing fancy, only allow a minute or two. Now have that student try to describe that drawing to their partner so they can duplicate it... while sitting back-to-back! That would require effective communication.
Give Honor - Eulogy of John Beargrease
Lesson: Appreciate the good we see in one another
Mike Keyport, Great Grandson of John Beargrease, ceremoniously reads the eulogy of John Beargrease written by his mother, Viola Keyport, to all Marathon Mushers when they arrive at Trail Center.
Tightly Held Secret
Lesson: Show interest. Mushers may have their secrets but they share too.
I was talking to several mushers and handlers after the Mid-Distance Marathon. By showing interest and asking questions, people quickly became like friends. One personal highlight was talking to Jeff King's cousin Steve. Great people are part of this event!
Show interest. Ask there thoughts and feelings. Be understanding. Express appreciation.
I was talking to several mushers and handlers after the Mid-Distance Marathon. By showing interest and asking questions, people quickly became like friends. One personal highlight was talking to Jeff King's cousin Steve. Great people are part of this event!
Show interest. Ask there thoughts and feelings. Be understanding. Express appreciation.
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| Musher Jen Freking is taking time with her team after the Mid-Distance finish. |
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| Dogs bring out a desire to express interest and show appreciation. |
"My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am."
—Toby and Eileen Green
“My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am” | |
Big Hearts - Check Again
Lesson: Check again.
These dogs are amazing athletes! Bothe the mushers and team of vets, are monitoring the dogs all the time. These photos are taken after the Mid-Distance Marathon. It's good to be watched so closely and cared for by so many!
These dogs are amazing athletes! Bothe the mushers and team of vets, are monitoring the dogs all the time. These photos are taken after the Mid-Distance Marathon. It's good to be watched so closely and cared for by so many!
The video (above) shows a vet giving a quick evaluation to a dog.
The video (below) is an interview with a vet tech.
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| This dog looks great and she just finished the Mid-Distance Marathon. |
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| Time for the boots to come off. |
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| No other animal on the planet has a heart as large as a well conditioned sled dog. Read more in the article linked below. Matters of the Heart |
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| Jennifer Freking and team |
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Big Hearted Animals |
Monday, January 26, 2015
Photos of the Day - by Jessica Shold
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| "Far End of Poplar Lake" by Jessica Shold |
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| "Mid Finish Today" by Jessica Shold |
Loving It! - Handler Crew At Devil Track
Lesson: Being happy in the state you find yourself.
My dad always said the above quote. These handlers talk about their job during the race. I would guess they would be great mushers because of their joy. Happiness boils down to your outlook on life and the quality of your relationships.
What brings you joy? Is joy dependent on certain conditions?
My dad always said the above quote. These handlers talk about their job during the race. I would guess they would be great mushers because of their joy. Happiness boils down to your outlook on life and the quality of your relationships.
What brings you joy? Is joy dependent on certain conditions?
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Devil Track Resort "I couldn't decide which photo I liked best." |
WINNER - Martha Schouweiler
Lesson: It is not all about winning
Mid-Distance Marathon Winner, Martha Schouweiler, comes into Devil Track first! This is only her third time winning a sled dog race and her first major win. She talks to me about what she likes about the Beargrease trail.
Mid-Distance Marathon Winner, Martha Schouweiler, comes into Devil Track first! This is only her third time winning a sled dog race and her first major win. She talks to me about what she likes about the Beargrease trail.
Interview with Mid-Distance Winner - Martha Schouweiler
Early Morning at Sawbill
Lesson: One key to success is waking up early.
Arriving at Sawbill Checkpoint at about 4:00 am, I noticed these mushers were up before that... PLUS they have the added responsibility of taking care of many, many dogs too.
What responsibilities do we have? What choices do we make that are not always easy?
Watch the video and see how eager the dogs are to get back on the trail. Notice the flashing light on the lead dog's collar for safety.
Arriving at Sawbill Checkpoint at about 4:00 am, I noticed these mushers were up before that... PLUS they have the added responsibility of taking care of many, many dogs too.
What responsibilities do we have? What choices do we make that are not always easy?
Watch the video and see how eager the dogs are to get back on the trail. Notice the flashing light on the lead dog's collar for safety.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Beginnings- The Starting Chute
Lesson: There is much excitement in beginnings. It represent a possibility.
What would you like to accomplish? What are some measurable steps to achieve that goal.
People of all ages
What would you like to accomplish? What are some measurable steps to achieve that goal.
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| Peter McClelland is focused seconds before the start. |
People of all ages
can compete equally
in this sport.
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| And we're off! |
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| Dog Crew and ATV Club members work together to get teams to the starting chute. |
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| The starting line as seen from down the trail |
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| Jamie Nelson has run the Beargrease 16 times! |
GPS Technology
Lesson: Technology Brings the Sport to Everyone
With GPS technology, we can watch the Beargrease from the comfort of our home or school. Today I saw multiple generations out to enjoy the race start. Once the teams are out on the trail, we can know exactly where the teams are out on the trail.
Do you know how GPS works? Did you know the trackers Beargrease mushers are using now will go out to the mushers of the Iditarod next?
Craig (above) from iFan Sports Network is fitting a camera to a sled. Now we all can imagine what traveling the Beargrease trail might be like! www.ifan.tv
Jason (below) explains the GPS system the Beargrease is using.
With GPS technology, we can watch the Beargrease from the comfort of our home or school. Today I saw multiple generations out to enjoy the race start. Once the teams are out on the trail, we can know exactly where the teams are out on the trail.
Do you know how GPS works? Did you know the trackers Beargrease mushers are using now will go out to the mushers of the Iditarod next?
Jason (below) explains the GPS system the Beargrease is using.
Letter Carriers - Make a Difference
Lesson: Volunteers are Remembered
Years ago, John Beargease delivered letters and news to the communities of the north shore. Today we can make a positive difference too. There are many ways to volunteer in your community. Students can learn the lesson that we are often remembered by what we do for others.
What are ways we can volunteer for the good of our community?
Years ago, John Beargease delivered letters and news to the communities of the north shore. Today we can make a positive difference too. There are many ways to volunteer in your community. Students can learn the lesson that we are often remembered by what we do for others.
What are ways we can volunteer for the good of our community?
Following the Rules
Lesson: Have the Required Gear
Mushers are required to carry several items in their sleds... some they won't ever use. Do you wonder what is required? Do you wonder it is required? Grown must follow rules, just like kids. Watch the video and find out more about the rules of the Beargrease.
Blake Freking - Preparing to Compete
Lesson: Good Preparation
The mushers are friendly and seem so relaxed at the race start, even confident. Yet they face some real challenges just to finish this race. This reminds me how many of our students get nervous. It might be a certain subject area or simply taking tests. We can learn from mushers the role good preparation plays in how we feel.
I asked Blake Freking about that...
The mushers are friendly and seem so relaxed at the race start, even confident. Yet they face some real challenges just to finish this race. This reminds me how many of our students get nervous. It might be a certain subject area or simply taking tests. We can learn from mushers the role good preparation plays in how we feel.
I asked Blake Freking about that...
Steve McDonald knows about good preparation. He and many, many volunteers get the start ready for the mushers, their handlers, the sponsors, and the many fans.
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| The starting chute of the 2015 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon |
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| Bon fire creates a gathering spot for the fans and volunteers |
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| This is some of the 45 teams and their trucks lined up as they prepare for the start. |
Nathan Schroeder - Don't Let the Little Things Bother You
Lesson: We need to do our jobs.
Everyone has a job to do, whether it is going to school or driving a team of dogs, or some other responsibility. Part of the job is facing tough challenges. Staying positive and not worrying about the little stuff helps the team. We just need to do our jobs.
My question to Nathan Schroeder was how the Beargrease compares to the Iditarod?
Listen to his response below.
Everyone has a job to do, whether it is going to school or driving a team of dogs, or some other responsibility. Part of the job is facing tough challenges. Staying positive and not worrying about the little stuff helps the team. We just need to do our jobs.
My question to Nathan Schroeder was how the Beargrease compares to the Iditarod?
Listen to his response below.
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| Evan meets a guy with a hat made from skunk. |
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| Landon meets the stars of the race. |
Watch the Signs
Lesson: Pay Attention
Ever mix up addition and subtraction? Your teachers says, "Watch the signs."
Knowing where to go requires attention. Mushers watch the signs too. Mike is the guy who marks the Beargrease trail with signs for the teams. It is up to the musher to notice those signs. Thanks Mike for helping mushers stay on the correct trail.
Ever mix up addition and subtraction? Your teachers says, "Watch the signs."
Knowing where to go requires attention. Mushers watch the signs too. Mike is the guy who marks the Beargrease trail with signs for the teams. It is up to the musher to notice those signs. Thanks Mike for helping mushers stay on the correct trail.
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| The Beargrease brings generations together. Who is watching who? |
Beargrease Headquarters
Lesson: Working Carefully
Someone needs to keep track of the mushers. Meet Jane Smythe who coordinates the Beargrease Headquarters. We work carefully to avoid mistakes in our work. Headquarters is also the home base for Beargrease HAM radio operators. They have special radio equipment and knowledge to help communicate between checkpoints.
Someone needs to keep track of the mushers. Meet Jane Smythe who coordinates the Beargrease Headquarters. We work carefully to avoid mistakes in our work. Headquarters is also the home base for Beargrease HAM radio operators. They have special radio equipment and knowledge to help communicate between checkpoints.
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