HUMAN

Name: LINWOOD FIEDLER
Age: 65
Residence: WILLOW, ALASKA
Occupation: DOG MUSHER
Years involved with Iditarod: IF I CAN GET TO NOME THIS YEAR, THIS WILL BE MY 25TH RACE
Iditarod Role: MUSHER
Current Location: KALTAG, ALASKA
Date of Photo: MARCH 10, 2019
Temperature: 30F / OUTDOORS

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

YOU KNOW I THINK I’VE BEEN APPRECIATIVE THAT I’VE BEEN ABLE TO DO THE THINGS I’VE BEEN ABLE TO DO. AND A PART OF THAT HAS BEEN IDITAROD. THERE WAS A TIME IN MY LIFE, LIKE YOUR SON, WHERE I WAS HURT VERY BADLY; A CAR ACCIDENT. DIDN’T KNOW IF I’D EVER WALK. WAS TOLD I MIGHT NEVER WALK. SO TO BE ABLE TO DO THESE THINGS IS A BLESSING.

Tell me about your most rewarding experience on Iditarod?:

I DO  REMEMBER EVENTS, SOME OF THE MOST REWARDING IS SEEING A YOUNG DOG ALL OF A SUDDEN PERFORM WAY PAST MY EXPECTATIONS. IT’S KIND OF LIKE OPENING UP A CHRISTMAS PRESENT THAT YOU WEREN’T EXPECTING. SO THAT’S REALLY REWARDING. FRIENDS I’VE MADE ALONG THE TRAIL HAVE BEEN IMPORTANT TO ME.

What do you know for sure?:

MY WIFE’S LOVE, FAMILY LOVE, MY DOGS WAG THEIR TAIL WHEN I PET THEM.