HUMAN

Name: Will Howie
Age: 35
Residence: Waxhaw, North Carolina

Occupation: I’m a CEO

Years involved with Iditarod: This is my second year volunteering

Current Location: Nikolai, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 11, 2020
Temperature: 5F/Outdoors

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

I got involved with the Iditarod, I started subscribing as an insider back in 2015. I’ve been somewhat obsessed with Alaska since I was about 15 or 20 years old. I volunteered last year, my first time. Helped at the restart and then here in Nikolai. It’s just something that I think is so unique in today’s world to get out here in the middle of things that aren’t bogged down with the everyday rat race that most of us live in, so it’s nice to get out of that.

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

I’m here today to help with the trail checkpoint here in Nikolai. Been helping park dog teams, raking up straw and whatever else that might be incorporated with the straw after the dog teams bed down for a couple of hours. Helping the locals here get wood to the fires, keep the tents warm and just anything else I can do to be of assistance.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences happened last year. I’m sure I’ll have many from this year, but the first one that came to mind is I helped in the restart, Willow, last year, and I was working security on the trail and I got assigned to Deshka Landing just west of Willow. Met a couple there, Tim and Dee, they welcomed me with open arms to their tailgate, had lots of food to share and great camaraderie and a good time, and lots of their friends in the community. Just had a great time tailgating there at Deshka. It was a very vivid, happy memory.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that I don’t know what is for sure in life, but I will tell you being here right now, I’m closer to knowing that answer than I was yesterday.