HUMAN

Name: Roger Nordlum

Residence: Wolf Lake, Alaska

Age: 78

Occupation: I’m a semi-retired veterinarian.

Years involved with Iditarod: Since about ’76 until… I haven’t had much to do with them in the last 20 years, but started in ’76, 

Past Iditarod Roles: Pilot

Current Location: Settler’s Bay Lodge in Wasilla, Alaska
Date of Photo: March 1, 2022

Temperature: 68 F Indoors

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

I first got involved in ’76 hauling food out for a couple of local mushers, like Ray Jackson, and Alex Sheldon, Pete MacManus. There was a couple other ones I don’t remember right off hand here, but I flew a bunch of their food out on the trail for them and followed them, got involved through them mostly.

What was one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences?

In 1977, and the trail was terrible, somehow my sled got in the river and tipped over. I spent about three hours trying to pick all my gear out of the river. I remember that one. It wasn’t a good experience, but it was one I remember.

What does the 50th running of the Iditarod mean to you?

Makes me feel old.

What do you know for sure?:

I know for sure, in life, it goes faster than you can imagine, so do what you got to do and get er done.