HUMAN

Name: DEAN PAINTER
Age: 59
Residence: NULATO, ALASKA
Occupation: IN THE LABORER’S UNION
Years involved with Iditarod: PRACTICALLY MY WHOLE LIFE.
Iditarod Role: SPECTATOR/VOLUNTEER
Current Location: KALTAG, ALASKA
Date of Photo: MARCH 10, 2019
Temperature: 33F / OUTDOORS

What is your Why?.. Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?:

MY FAVORITE THING WAS JUST STARTING. AFTER THAT, ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. I WAS TIRED ALL THE WAY. AND I DIDN’T REALLY — I WAS NOT IMPRESSED WITH IT. I NEVER DID IT AGAIN.

Tell me about your most rewarding experience on Iditarod?:

I BELIEVE IT WAS GOING OVER RAINY PASS. IT WAS A REALLY WINDY DEAL THERE. I THINK THAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART.

What do you know for sure?:

THERE’S NOTHING FOR SURE YOU KNOW. JUST HAPPY TO BE HERE TODAY. I’M STILL LUCKY I’M HERE.