Q and A with Dan Carter
September 15, 2024
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Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Occupation: Truck Driver/Equipment Operator
Next Race: Iditarod
Mushing Magazine sat down with Jason Mackey, virtually, of course, to record a podcast interview right after the Iditarod, and we talked about his goals, his desire to win the Iditarod one day, and deep sea fishing this spring.
The Iditarod. You know, I have thought about racing in other places like Sweden, but my sole focus right now is the Iditarod.
A big dream is to mush dogs in the Brooks Range (Alaska).
The word, “can’t.”
My dogs, my family.
Don’t fight someone else’s fight.
I purchased stuff from Paul Gepherdt last year after he passed. I also have an old Ed Borden sled that I like, too.
Paul was a great craftsman, dear friend, boss, mentor, and competitor for many years. So it is very special to me to have these things.
Drugs and alcohol.
I am clean and sober and that is important to me.
Balancing it all out and funding.
Follow your dreams. Don’t ever give up on them. This is coming from a man that is going to continue until he can’t any more.
Being with my dogs. I mean, that is what makes me the most happy. Being with my wife. Enjoying life with my wife and my dogs.
Last year’s Iditarod (2023).
Cancer. That is probably on everybody’s mind.
My sister-in-law’s chili. I am not much of a super chili, but I looked forward to this at every checkpoint this year. She makes it with prime rib, and it is just an amazing hot meal on the trail. I love it.
The silence of just being out there with the dogs. Just traveling the miles with the dogs, seeing things that most people will never get to see. You know as well as I do that you’ve been on the train before; it is like nothing unless you have never done it. You can’t explain it. So there are times when the scenery is just unbelievable. I think that is the most special thing ever.
Drugs and alcohol.
