Dear Martin Buser:

We really enjoyed the Iditarod dog sled race this year. It was very exciting. We never even heard of the Iditarod before this year. We saw the movie Balto that introduced us to the Iditarod. Balto saved the lives of children by delivering the medicine. Annually the Iditarod dog sled race is held in Alaska to commemorate the time Balto saved many lives.

Another way that we learned about the Iditarod was by going on the Internet every Friday. We researched the mushers and important information about each of them. We learned that you had won before so we chose you because of your talents.

We made our fantastic map to follow you along the trail. Our map showed the southern trail because this was an odd year for the race to be run. We know that on the even years the race runs on the northern trail. Within the southern route, there are 28 checkpoints. We made a paper person with a team of dogs to represent you. We even put your number on the bib. Each time you moved to a checkpoint, we moved our replica of you. At each checkpoint, we learned the name of the city, the weather and how many miles from one checkpoint to another.

We shared information with our entire school about the Iditarod. In case you're wondering how we spread this information, we have a morning TV program that is transmitted to each classroom within our school. We told the other classes about hypothermia, checkpoints, how the dogs used booties, correct type of gear and even the food you eat on the trail like gorp.

Right now, our teacher is reading to us a true story about Gary Paulsen. He wrote about his dog sled adventures and the Iditarod. This is giving us more information about the tough times on the trail.

We made dog sleds only using ten Popsicle sticks and glue. Our smaller sleds remind us of your sled that you were racing with. Some people even made dogs to go with their sleds. Our sleds are on display in our room.

We know that you got injured during the race but we hope you are feeling better now. We know how your dogs got airlifted home and we are glad that they are safe and sound and doing well.

Congratulations for finishing the race and coming in 24th place. Even though 24th isn't first, you still are the best to us! You are a winner because you finished the race and did not give up.

We read on your web site that you were coming here. Welcome to Florida! Florida is known as the sunshine state with a lot of attractions for you to enjoy. Since you are going to be in Orlando, make sure you see Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios.

Thank you for letting us follow you during the 2001 Iditarod Dog Sled Race. We hope to catch you next year in the Iditarod again.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Bockiaro's 4th grade class
Ocala, Florida