This morning we were greeted with a fabulous buffet breakfast. After breakfast we had to find out from the Activity Desk where we could store our luggage while we went on the overnight dog sledding tour. We then went back to our cabin to pack all of our things in preparation to drop our luggage off in the Ice Hotel warm Dressing Room lockers. Luckily as many people were checking out David was able to get smaller snow suits that fit the boys much better.
Once we had checked out of our warm room and dropped off our luggage we went for a walk around the grounds and had the long awaited snow ball fight. I am not sure who came out of this triumphant but everyone sure had a lot of fun.
After listening briefly to how they harvest the ice for the Ice Hotel we went for a walk across the frozen Torne River to a very old small wooden church on the other side of the river. The boys had a great time on this adventure and especially enjoyed tackling each other to the ground.
On our return to the hotel Ryan found a group of dog sleds and wanted to have a picture and both boys admired one of the outside pieces of ice art. There was also some time for sledding and another quick look in the Ice Hotel before it was time for another round of food. You guessed it, buffet lunch - another impressive spread. I am sure we are gaining weight.
At 3.30pm we were met by a representative of the dog sledding company who drove us and the only other people on the tour - a couple, Ed and Pia, from the Netherlands - to the kennels. Here we were introduced to our guide, Jan. Jan explained the basics of dog sled mushing. It was made clear very early on that the dogs are in control - you can't steer. They will go where they want to go and all you can do is hold on, and use your soft brake or hard break to try to slow them down. It was recommended that we don't allow them to get up to full speed.
We were each assigned a sled with a team of 4 dogs. Connor and Ryan did not have to choose which parent they trusted not to get them lost in the Swedish wilderness as they were to ride up front on Jan's sled pulled by a team of 8 dogs. I must say this made me feel a little more at ease. David was really keen. After the explanation I was somewhat reluctant, especially when Jan explained that when the dogs first take off they want to go fast and are hard to hold back. Also, within seconds of take off we had to hold on for a very steep descent straight down a hill with a sudden turn to the right. He explained how to lean and how important it is to hold on. Apparently no one this season has been unable to do it and if we could survive the first 200 metres we would be fine.
Despite my reservations I hopped on my sled and prepared to leave as the first sled behind Jan and the boys. David was immediately behind me. The dogs get so excited just before leaving and after Jan released the anchor we needed to stand on our hard brake with both feet just to hold them. The dogs howl with excitement. Once everyone is on their sleds ready to go the dogs go quiet in anticipation. Jan was right. When the dogs took off boy did they take off. There was no holding them back and as we hit the crest of the hill there was no turning back. It was just a matter to trying to hold on and survive the first 200 metres.
Although the right hand turn at the bottom of the hill was a close call we survived and made our way into the twists and turns of the forrest. That was when we heard a scream of STOP STOP. Pia, who was at the back, had fallen off her sled on the turn into the forrest and the dogs had run off, sled and all, without her. They came to a sudden stop near a tree and David's dogs. Once we got Pia reunited with her dogs it was time to keep moving through the forrest.
On our trip to a wilderness camp we traveled through forests, open plains, and across lakes. We even saw some wild reindeer. The camp truly was in the middle of nowhere and was like something out of a movie. There were rows of tiny wooden kennels for the dogs. A main wooden cabin for meals. 6 cabins for guests, a toilet hut and a sauna. The main cabin was very rustic and decorated with black and white pictures and animals hides.
We ate the most amazing dinner of home made mushroom soup and bread, reindeer stew and mashed potato, and chocolate mousse by candlelight and next to a beautifully warm wood fire. Ed and Pia were really lovely people. We enjoyed sharing this experience with them and were able to sit and talk easily for hours. Our conversation was only interrupted by dashes outside to watch the stunning Northern Lights. It was freezing outside but no one wanted to go inside and miss this fantastic sight. Eventually it was time to call it a night and to retreat to our individual cabins.
We ate the most amazing dinner of home made mushroom soup and bread, reindeer stew and mashed potato, and chocolate mousse by candlelight and next to a beautifully warm wood fire. Ed and Pia were really lovely people. We enjoyed sharing this experience with them and were able to sit and talk easily for hours. Our conversation was only interrupted by dashes outside to watch the stunning Northern Lights. It was freezing outside but no one wanted to go inside and miss this fantastic sight. Eventually it was time to call it a night and to retreat to our individual cabins.
It does not happen often but there are truly no words to describe the experience. David and I both agree that people can well and truly keep their snow mobiles. The only way to travel is by dog. Mushing the dogs so many adjectives come to mind - amazing, wonderful, fantastic, incredible, exciting, exhilarating, relaxing, calm, peaceful, tranquil, freedom. It as if time stops and you are completely on your own making your way through the most spectacular landscape and scenery. The silence is only broken by the sound of the dogs paws and the sled runners cutting a path through the fresh snow. It is one of the moments in life that you can't really describe to someone. They need to try it for themselves.
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