And so to skiing

This afternoon we had a go at cross country skiing. It is made to look so easy on the TV......but it isn't. Ingrid wouldn't be a natural if she practiced for ever and an hour and 40 mins was way more than enough. Ingrid decided to cut the session a little short in an endeavour to save her back (along with one of the French girls) whilst Pete continued to the bitter end. (Hence Ingrid writing this lying on the sofa, waiting for Pete to return)
Glad we've had a go but think it's the only thing this holiday that Ingrid has decided never to repeat!!!!!
Pete has now returned in one piece and think we'll have a nice warm sauna to try and loosen up before doing the packing, dinner and keeping our fingers crossed that we might get to see the lights on our last night.

See you soon x x

In search of Amethysts

Today is definitely the coldest day to date!
We were taken to the local Amethyst mine by snow mobile sleigh - fun but chilly.
On arrival we had a short lecture about the mine and stones before being allowed to dig ourselves. All the stones are hand mined from the surface, about 300 tonnes a year.
We were allowed to take home what we found, provided you could hold it concealed in one hand!
We did find a few, but nothing of any great size! (Surprise, surprise)

Husky evening

This afternoon/evenings trip was quite eventful.

Firstly, we were the only "guests" which was quite nice and we got off to a good start with our team of 6 huskies being full of energy and giving us an exciting ride through the darkness. We were due a half way stop for hot drinks at a Kota (Lappish wigwam) but just before arriving, our team decided to take a short cut through the thick snow and as a result tried to tip Ingrid out of the sleigh (Pete trying hard (and succeeding) to keep it upright). No damage done, just a face full of snow for Ingrid!!!

After a warming drink, we set off on the return journey but after a short while, came to a very abrupt halt as one of our lead dogs, Konsta, had an epileptic fit!! One of our guides took him back to the husky farm on her snow mobile, whilst we continued, minus a dog! The dogs had to work a bit harder but we made it back and we have been assured that Konsta will be fine after a night's rest.

We've since had a pleasant dinner, a glass or two of wine, a game of cards and will be heading for bed soon if we don't get a "lights" call out.

More snow shoeing

This morning we headed up the mountain on snow shoes. It was rather foggy so whilst we could see our immediate surroundings, there were no long distant views to be had from the top!!!
Our guide today was a French man, Pascal, who now lives over here and was a real character. (See picture below) he told us about how he trained as a guide, including a 10 day stint out in the forest alone in winter. Really knowledgable about the local area and wildlife and was very interesting and amusing to listen to.

Time to return to the hotel and relax (and warm the fingers and toes!) before this afternoon's outing....more of that later!!

More snow mobiling

Yesterday evening's snow mobiling in the dark was awesome. We drove for about 1-1.5 hours, quits eerie at times but exhilarating when speeding along in the dark. We then stopped to warm up and had a very interesting lecture from a local scientist on the Northern Lights. (Now,sort of, understand!)
The return journey was equally enjoyable if a little chilly towards the end!

Today we went on a full day snow mobile safari (10-4) covering about 100km. The scenery was stunning and beautiful and we were treated to a very beautiful sunrise AND sunset.
The temperate seems to be dropping, with about -18 being forecast for Friday. So evenings are pretty chilly! Rather cloudy this evening so not hopeful of seeing the Lights tonight. However, the scientist yesterday thought there was a good chance for Friday (let's hope she's right) so that we can finish the holiday on a high.

Snow Shoeing and Snow mobiling

We enjoyed a lovely evening learning the art of snow shoeing which was (surprisingly) easier than expected. We made it to the top of the mountain where we enjoyed some wonderful views of the area. Unfortunately, despite it being a clear night, there was no sign of the lights....shame.

This morning was a new adventure......snow mobiling.
Pete drove first and we were made our way through the forest and down the frozen river to a reindeer farm where we enjoyed a short reindeer sleigh ride, met some deer and had a very interesting talk/slide show all about reindeer farming.
Ingrid took the controls on the way home and despite a tentative start, thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and is now looking forward to going it alone, this afternoon!!

Ice Fishing

This morning we had a sleep in and late breakfast, followed by a little wander in the village and saw the Snow Church!

This afternoon we were taken by snow mobile sleigh to the local river where we made ice holes and fished........Pete seemed to be good at getting them to take the bait, whilst I skilfully landed them!!!!!!

This evening we are off snow shoeing into the wildernesses in search of the lights, fingers crossed for us. (Didn't see any last night as it snowed!)

Hope you're all coping with the snow.

I & P x x x

Finnish Lapland

We arrived a little later than expected yesterday - an issue in Helsinki and, perhaps surprisingly, not London.  We were treated to a display of the northern lights - not the full monty but a pretty good taster.

Today we went on a husky safari - a sled ride through the pine forests on a beautifully clear day. It is odd though when you see sunrise and sunset within four hours of each other!

After the trip, we walked round the husky farm (they have 130 dogs) and saw the working dogs and a few pups.

We shall be out again tonight to see if the northern lights display again.