HUMAN

Name: David Barger

Age: 34

Residence: Anchorage, Alaska

Occupation:  Tour Guide

Years involved with Iditarod: 3

Iditarod role: Kaltag, Alaska

Current Location: Unalakleet, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 15, 2020
Temperature: 31F/Outdoors

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I got involved with the Iditarod in 2018. I work in White Mountain Trail Crew there. I first learned about the Iditarod, a lot, in 2008 when I started my occupation as a tour guide in Alaska, and became a fan, until I got plugged in as I was talking on tour to my guests about the Iditarod and the history. My driver could tell I was passionate. My driver of my motor coach was a volunteer and put me in touch with a volunteer coordinator to get me plugged in for volunteering the next year.

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

I am here today involved with Iditarod because dogs and people and remote bush Alaska; They’re all things I love, and I like to help, and so here I am.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences?

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was last year in Shageluk, volunteering there. We were short on help, and a local villager by the name of Harvey, in Shageluk, was a huge help. It’s not glamorous, but we raked so much poopy straw down into the Innoko River, and I won’t forget it. He was a huge help to me.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is two things at this moment: I love dogs, and this egg sandwich that I’m eating.