While Grandma, Jeanne Roppolo, was in Alaska, she witnessed and wrote about The Jr. Iditarod: Alaska’s Little-Known Sled Dog Race. The companion book to, Grandma Goes to the Alaskan Wilderness. This is the fourth and final book in the Grandma Goes To… series so far. Other books are planned for the future.
Below is a photo I took of Jeanne standing behind her table at the Orland Park Library’s Author’s Event where I had the pleasure of meeting her and chatting about her amazing adventures, and the books she’s written about them.
In her motivational speaking engagements she conducts for children, teens, and adults, Jeanne Roppolo talks about her unusual life journey. This world-traversing grandmother loves to share her unique stories through her printed books, eBooks, study guides, presentations and web site. www.grandmagoesto.com
About the “Grandma Goes to…” book series: Written for children, educational for all ages, and an inspirational read for the whole family. Visually stunning with 38 pages of color photographs. These children’s books meet federally-mandated, Common Core standards; a companion Teacher Study Guide is also available for each title.
Jeanne continues to relish life’s treasured moments as she travels to faraway places, meets fascinating people, and explores other cultures. (future books:Hawaii,China,Mongolia, Siberia & Russia)
Take advantage of this fun and unique learning resource. Not just for kids. Be inspired! Visit the web site/Follow her on Facebook/Purchase books and study guides/Hire Grandma Jeanne to speak with your group today.(K-adults)
The Jr. Iditarod: Alaska’s Little-Known Sled Dog Race
The Junior Iditarod Sled Dog Race, or Jr. Iditarod, is a 148 to 158 mile sled dog race is for 14 to 17 year olds!
It is patterned after the 1,150 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The Jr. Iditarod was the first long-distance race for juvenile mushers!
See the 2013 competition as Grandma Jeanne works at one of the check-points in Alaska’s remote wilderness.
It’s a race to the finish line with teenage mushers and their sled dogs. They begin before daybreak.
The numerous pilots were kept busy transporting supplies, people, and dogs. Race support personnel needed to spend the night as the teenagers would come through the checkpoint twice: first, on their way to Yentna Station Saturday afternoon and then back again at approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
What a competitive 150-mile race. These young mushers had been outside in the elements for two days nonstop. At one point during this extreme challenge, the temperature was a minus six degrees with blowing wind and snow.
The Senior Iditarod Trail is 1,049 miles, beginning at Willow and going to Nome over the roughest, isolated, and most beautiful terrain. Trail and weather conditions can change instantly. Being self-reliant and knowing survival skills is a must.
The Jr. Iditarod: Alaska’s Little-Known Sled Dog Race is available on Jeanne’s website: www.grandmagoesto.com, along with all the other wonderful books in the series. And while you’re at her website, don’t forget to read Jeanne’s hilarious bear story on the, Grandma Goes to the Alaskan Wilderness, page.
As so, as the sun sets in the west, we say goodbye to adventurer and Grandmother, Jeanne Roppolo as she’s off on her next adventure.
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful week of adventures with us. Please feel free to leave your comments.
