I was really looking forward to the husky sled ride, especially after the disappointment of cross country skiing.
We arrived at the little husky settlement in the half light that is usual at this time of the year.
We could see the dogs waiting in the distance and we could certainly hear them. They apparently get excited when they are about to go for a run and bark loudly to each other.
Before we started our trek were were given sled lessons.
…and then we were off and running. There were 6 dogs pulling our sled. The 2 dogs in front are the leader dogs, usually female. They are the smart ones who lead the way and are responsible for staying on the track and leading the other dogs.
The next 2 are usually young dogs, learning the ropes and providing energy and speed.
The dogs in the rear are the big, strong dogs, usually male, who provide the pulling power. Our dogs were extremely powerful, especially the yellow one. He was very keen to be on his way.
They are beautiful dogs who seem to love their work.
One of ours had amazing blue eyes.
If we had to stop for any reason the dogs would poke their noses into the snow, looking for who knows what.
They also love to roll in the snow.
We could see the steam rising from their coats after a snow roll.
Here is Jim doing the driving.
And our friends Kirsi and Neil.
Once the ride was over we were allowed to pat the dogs. Jodie and Allan’s dogs were very friendly.
The sleds are fairly basic…please note the reindeer skin seat cover.
After the ride we were taken into a very cute hut for hot berry juice and a pancake.
A couple of very young puppies were brought in for us to admire.
Soon it was all over and we said goodbye to our sleds and dogs.
The dogs are beautifully cared for, but they do smell like dogs. They eat between 1 and 2 kilos of food every day and that has to come out…and it does. Along the ride the dogs often stop, or not, to poo. So if you try your hand at dog sledding, be prepared for lots of doggie aromas…it is all part of the fun.
WOW! I’ve always wanted to do this. It looks like so much fun and those dogs are beautifully priceless. 🙂
By: Jennifer Avventura on December 29, 2013
at 6:53 am
It is great fun Jennifer. I’m sure you would love it. The dogs were gorgeous.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 29, 2013
at 7:16 am
Lucky girl!
By: Francis on December 29, 2013
at 7:06 am
I know! It was great fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 29, 2013
at 7:17 am
That looks so exciting and the dogs are very beautiful – those blue eyes are a tad unnerving. I imagine it will be hard to leave that place. We have a huge tropical storm beginning it’s huff and puff around us but it’s welcome because it’s been such a dreadfully hot day in Brisbane.
By: Anonymous on December 29, 2013
at 7:17 am
Saariselka is a fun place…back in Helsinki now and then Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:46 am
Wow Debra what an amazing adventure. Happy new year,
By: juditroncoso on December 29, 2013
at 7:48 am
Saariselka was a lot of fun…back to Ponte for new year. I hope yours is great.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:45 am
Looks like an amazing adventure. Whats next ? Surely a quiet sit in front of the fire – anyway this is a Christmas you will never forget. x
By: Dianne Cant on December 29, 2013
at 8:03 am
Snowmobiles and reindeer next…no rest for the wicked.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:44 am
Wonderful adventure, Debra!! My dad used to raise malamutes and huskies. I miss those wonderful, fiercely loyal, very strong and lovable creatures! Am enjoying your northern experiences!
By: umbriascribe on December 29, 2013
at 8:49 am
They are wonderful dogs. They must be fun to own.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:43 am
The photographs are impressive.
By: ranu802 on December 29, 2013
at 10:38 am
There were lots of blurry ones too. It is a bumpy ride.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:41 am
So amazing!!! This is on my daughters bucket list!! You will have to give us some more info!!! Happy New Year!
By: Melonie Carideo on December 29, 2013
at 1:53 pm
We stayed in Saariselka in northern Finland. It is a resort village where you can enjoy all kinds of snow experiences.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:41 am
Beautiful animals! And the puppy is gorgeous. But they need the snow and all that exercise to be happy.
By: mulino dominillo on December 29, 2013
at 2:58 pm
They certainly seem to enjoy what they do.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:40 am
How fun! The pictures are great. I feel as though I’ve lived it vicariously through you without having to leave our warm San Diego winter — thanks!
By: Karen Overton on December 29, 2013
at 3:51 pm
We were wearing lots of warm clothing so it was OK. The weather was mostly kind to us.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:39 am
And you may be the first person I’ve ever encountered who has done this! Looks cold … but also like much fun!
By: aFrankAngle on December 29, 2013
at 10:58 pm
It wasn’t too cold. We were lucky with the weather. It can be minus 30, but for us it was only minus 2.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:37 am
Yep … like so much in life, it’s comparatively relative.
By: aFrankAngle on December 30, 2013
at 1:06 pm
What a fabulous experience
By: Travelling with Lyn on December 29, 2013
at 11:20 pm
It was fun. The dogs are gorgeous and the scenery spectacular.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:36 am
what a wonderful experience, pictures capture this so well, thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful new year filled with wonders.
By: corneliaweberphotography on December 30, 2013
at 4:52 am
It was great fun. Saariselka is a great place for snow fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 30, 2013
at 5:36 am
This looks like a great adventure Deb. Another amazing experience!
By: Jim & Kerry on December 30, 2013
at 7:58 am
It was great fun. I want to o back already.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 31, 2013
at 5:04 am
What a fun and such a different an experience! Great photos as usual Debra!
By: Pauline on December 30, 2013
at 8:48 am
It was a great thing to do. I’m sure we will go back one day to try for the lights and the dog sled will be on the agenda.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 31, 2013
at 5:03 am
This looks like a ridiculous amount of fun! On my bucket list!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on December 30, 2013
at 8:49 am
It was great fun, I hope you get to try it one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 31, 2013
at 5:02 am
I would love to to this! Were the dogs all friendly? I have a feeling my Alsatian would love this too!
By: chillcat on December 30, 2013
at 8:24 pm
We were asked not to touch the dogs before the ride as they get very excited, but they all seemed friendly afterwards.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 31, 2013
at 5:00 am
That dogs eyes are really piercing. 😯 What a great experience, Debra. I think I’d enjoy doing that ride too, as long as I had a lovely warm hat like yours. Very pretty indeed. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on January 3, 2014
at 1:42 am
That looks like so much fun!! What a fantastic adventure
By: Where's Wiwi? on January 6, 2014
at 7:50 pm
What an experience! It must be wonderful to sit in the sled and be pulled by all that power. I’m glad to hear that the dogs are beautiful and well cared for.
By: Jackie Cangro on January 7, 2014
at 6:57 pm
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at 12:44 pm
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By: Snowy trees | Beautiful Helsinki on April 9, 2014
at 6:12 am
What a great experience — glad they are beautifully looked after, loved , nourished and fed well. Good Looking dogs, aren’t they?
By: Dianne Cant on December 22, 2017
at 4:18 am