HUMAN

Name: Michael Swalling

Age: 70

Residence: Anchorage

Occupation:  Retired

Years involved with Iditarod: 11

Iditarod role: Iditarod pilot

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?

Got involved with Iditarod when I talked to Ed Kornfield, who’d just got back from a trip in 2008. I got involved in 2009 which was my first year, and I’ve been with them ever since. This is my 11th year.

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

I am here today flying for the Iditarod because I thoroughly enjoy it. This is my therapy as far as I’m concerned. I’d miss it if I wasn’t here every year, and I intend to continue it as long as I can.

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

I guess one of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was my first year in 2010. I One of my most memorable occasions was last year over at Peace on Earth when virtually the whole pilot group and all the support staff was there, Bill Mayer got an award I think for 25 years of service to the Iditarod and began telling stories from the beginning of the Iditarod when he got involved, which were very entertaining and very humorous. Then Russ, our chief pilot, was singing songs that he had composed, and it was a totally just marvelous experience. I wish I could do it again.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure, life is, it’s full of uncertainty, and you make the best of every day that you’re here. And I’m glad I’m here today doing this with Jeff.