I had the great privilege of growing up in one of the coolest communities on the planet.

Of course, as a child, I didn’t appreciate it. Life just is what it is when you’re reaching for the sky.

Growing up on an island is an interesting experience. A closed community means interdependence, tight knit relationships, and the best and worst of what comes with that. I still know almost all of the people I went to kindergarten with. I get a big hug before I even get to the island on each trip home, from a friend who works on the ferry boat.

I grew up with some interesting people, not the least of which are Hank and Tanya. They were both in my Dad’s class at the public school (he taught a combined 5-8 split for a while). Both from families rooted deeply in the island culture, they married, had a few kids, and hatched an enormous dream.

They run Winterdance Kennel and Hank runs the Iditarod.

Not just the Iditarod, but the Yukon Quest, too; which some say is a tougher race. 

We were in Guatemala the winter Hank was running his first Iditarod and we all hung on the updates, stalking their blog and the race site for any news of his progress. Needless to say, we bought his book about the experience the first week it came out!

Hank and Tanya and their tribe of kids and dogs live in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada and they are generously donating a half day dog sled tour for two people (valued at $300 CDN) as well as a copy of their book, Iditarod Dreamer for our birthday party. We are really excited about this prize because it comes from one of the most adventurous families we know, and it’s a prize that, in and of itself, is an adventure!!

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