/ 2008 Archived Material / You Gotta Love Lance

Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^™ You Gotta Love Lance

by Jane Blaile

 

Shortly after I got to Unalakleet, I wandered down to the checkpoint.  Lance Mackey had arrived just previous and was getting his dogs bedded down.  He was surrounded by media and fans, and in his usual affable way, he charmed them all.  Inside the checkpoint, he was interviewed by a student from the Bering Strait School District.

 

I asked Chick, a Bering Strait School District technology leader, to show me where the new coffee shop in town was.  So, we walked down the street and he pointed out the building where I'll go tomorrow to participate in video conferencing.  We get to the coffee shop and are next to order when Lance Mackey walked in.  He is so tired and just wants a HUGE cup of coffee, but he entertains questions and holds a discussion with us.  He was given a large mocha, but he didn't care for it - just wanted a regular cup of coffee with LOTS of cream and sugar.  He's such a regular guy - working hard for his dreams - honoring the people who support the race.  He said he thinks it's important to talk to people because he knows the race is for them.  You gotta love Lance!