HUMAN

Name: Quince Mountain

Age: 37
Residence: I split my time between Wisconsin and Alaska
Occupation: Dog musher and writer
Years involved with Iditarod: 4 years

Iditarod Role: Musher
Current Location: Lakefront Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska. 
Date of Photo: March 19, 2020
Temperature: 34F/Outdoors

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

I got involved in Iditarod through marriage. When my wife and I were dating, I really wanted her to like me, so I went dog mushing with her and I was hooked.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

I ran this year’s race because I wanted to travel up the historic Iditarod Trail with the dog team and there’s so much history on that trail. It is a cannon for distance mushing. So many folks I admire and know have been a part of that race whether it’s working or volunteering along that trail, helping organize the race or having mushed in it and I just wanted to be a part of it and see what it was like to experience by dog team.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was about 18 miles before we were coming into Unalakleet. And we sort of turned into this slough and it was like the dogs knew where we were. They knew we were near the coast. Suddenly they recognize things and they just got very excited, started barking, tails wagging.

And I mean, this was 60 miles into a long run on not a lot of rest and a warm day. And here they are, 14 dogs that started the race with me, as excited as ever to get to the coast. Everybody pulling. Everybody working together and just barking eager for more. I couldn’t believe it. I pick up so much energy off their excitement, tails wagging, and just like, “Hey, we know where we are. We’re home.” The home free. The pride in it is amazing to see and be a part of.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that I love my wife and family and belong with them and I’m blessed with a wonderful community of friends and supporters and family