March 2009 - Lapland

Landed at Ivalo Airport, Lapland, quite late at night... geeeeee it was cold!

Taxi ride was about an hour to the "Glass Igloo Village".

They had the main hall, very basic with just a restaurant and a small souvenir shop. They also had a piano bar and television set - the ONLY television in the village! I guess that's a good thing as we're not here to watch TV. After collecting the keys to our glass igloo,

and grabbing a sled to carry our bag... it was a long walk in the dark with a basic map as we tried to find our igloo. In the background are some snow igloos.

Finally found it. An igloo made entirely of glass... we were hoping to watch the Northern Lights from our beds! (High Hopes!)

Marc at the entrance to the glass igloo

Playing the fool

I wandered outside to take a few snap shots... then wondered WHY!!!!!!

Geeeee... Fingers... frozen!

The beds were quite comfortable

The igloo was really clean but basic with only a toilet and basin.

Didn't take into account how early the sun rises! And although we never saw the Northern Lights that night - the view and experience was worth it!

Waking up in the morning you realised that there really wasn't that much privacy!

Se we decided to check out and see if there were any log cabins available for the rest of our stay.

Here is one of many ice bars scattered around the village. They have to remake them every year.

The lake we had to cross and the snow igloos we had to pass before we reached the reception for breakfast

This was the only dining hall - really welcoming feel to it! And the most delicious fresh salmon soup I've ever tasted! yummy!!

Then it was time for some Husky Sled Riding. The minivan collected Marc and I as well as another couple, Claire and Chris from the lodge. We drove to a small village where it was time to get properly kitted up!

We were given full body extra thick ski suits that went over our ski gear. We were also given boots. They didn't have a size that fitted me so I kept my own snow boots on.

We picked up another 2 people before we drove to the Husky Farm. We were given some instruction before heading out. Now I've never seen a real Husky before, only on TV, you know the ones - big grey Huskys with blue blue eyes. Well as we were walking to the sled's / slays there was this one tiny beige dog with brown eyes tied up to a tree howling away, so I blurt out "Bet you he has an inferiority complex with all those Huskys around!"... just as we turn the corner... realised that was a husky! Doh!!!

Those big grey ones with the blue eyes you want to cuddle are Alaskan Huskys.

Each couple were given a sled and 6 Huskys, well the minute your foot left the break - they shot off!!! The guide followed us on his snow mobile. The dogs seemed to know where they were going - and that was just fine by me; wasn't about to question natures pull!

About half way we stopped for a welcome cup of "tea" in a tepee.

Marc and I trying to defrost by the fire... my boots were like ice blocks! You can see the wind burn already forming

Our guide. He was Russian and a very interesting guy

Marc, Chris and Claire in a VERY smokey tepee

I had to come outside for some fresh air

Marc with one of our Huskys

It was time to tie them back up again - they were strong little fellas with such great personalities. Our pack of 6 were brilliant! As they run they bite the snow for water; along with taking a dump on the move. I was sitting behind trying to dodge the faeces!

All was going well... we were WAY ahead of the others... couldn't even see them on the horizon

Marc was completely in control.... until...

a corner came out of nowhere and a tree jumped straight in front of us - SLAM!!! Head first - we broke the sled! I tried to climb out of the sled to get it back on track, however just sank to my waist in snow. Marc managed to manoeuver the sled back on track but forgot to keep the break on - the dogs took off dragging Marc behind them. Rather amusing... even at the time!

Our dogs also had a mind of their own and took the wrong direction, while the rest of the pack turned left to head back ours took a right and carried on. I really could have done without this detour as my feet were killing me... they were so cold I had shooting pains in my calves. Eventually our guide found us and turned the dogs around... I tell you we couldn't have got there quick enough. By the time we actually did arrive back at the farm I couldn't feel my legs from knees down. It was so painful to walk.

After thawing out, we spent some time with the puppies .SO CUTE!!! I want one!

Big kid at heart!

Huskys are born to run - they just love it! Which just added to the enjoyment! If you're going to do this then just one tip: DRESS WARMLY!

Back at the village after returning our rented gear, we found an ice sculpting park.

Claire "moulding" a sculpture!

It was a lovely distraction as there was NOTHING else to do while we waited for the minivan to collect us.

Back at the glass igloo village, they managed to organise a log cabin for us - YAY!

It even had its own sauna (and shower!)... result!

That evening we met up with Chris and Claire for dinner. They were going to have a chilled out evening and Marc and I were off on our midnight snow mobile drive - hoping this time to catch the Northern Lights...

Claire, me & Marc

After a glass (or two) of vino... you know, to keep the blood warm... we headed out.

Another kit out... All geared up for Snow Mobiling:

3 pairs of socks
3 layers of pants
4 top layers
1 Balaclava
1 Helmet

Enter The Michelin Men!

-21 Degrees!!! Have never been in such cold weather in all my life - ouch! Every now and then he would check for frost bite as we were going pretty fast on the mobiles. What great fun they were! It was just Marc and I out with the guide!

Marc taking a break - from all the fun!

Our guide building a fire - quite impressive. Learned a lot from him, also very interesting to speak with.

Stopping for a cup of coffee - never been more welcome but not so delicious!

Quick story: Marc was driving and I was on the back of the snow mobile looking for the lights. Our guide was quite a bit ahead when all of a sudden I spot them. I try to yell at Marc but he's so busy concentrating on driving he doesn't hear me... so I hit him on his back. He slams on breaks and I say "look look... Northern Lights!" pointing to some lights in the sky, Wow... we sat there in awe - so proud of ourselves for having spotted them! Our guide came back to find us gazing into the sky... "What you looking at?" he asked. I point - "Northern Lights"

"No, no... those are lasers from the village below!" Doh!!!

Although we never got to see any Northern Lights... we did have a GREAT time and just taking the snow mobiles out in the middle of the night was worth it!

Back at the lodge, about 3am who do we find still up... yip Claire and Chris! They had met some English guys who had come out here for a wedding.

So we stayed on for a few more drinks and a lot more laughs! Fun evening!

The next morning, woke up with fresh hangover and snow!

Time for a sauna... view from sauna

Then off we went to do some "sight seeing"...

Found this glass tepee - which the guide book said had a bar inside that was open 24 hours... much to our disappointment - it was empty! With the exception of...

this lamp shade made from reindeer horns - pretty cool

Rein-Dee-er

Just beyond the tepee, they had these lovely statues carved into the snow

Found an ice chapel

freezing cold but stunning!

with reindeer skins down the isle

love this pic - Marcs artistic ability

Me on the bridge crossing the frozen lake

Marc and I trying to kill time before our flight back to Helsinki. Watching Finnish television - pretending we actually understand it

Now just getting pretty bored

Had to find something to amuse myself... hehe

Finally left for the airport. On the way what did we see.? You guessed it Rudolf and his Mrs!

Upon arriving at the airport - and what do you know... there was literally not a soul in sight!

After waiting for about half an hour wondering if we're even at the right airport - someone shows up to check us in.

Even through check in there was nothing to do... except perhaps


this!

Great holiday! I guess now we'll have to go Alaska to see the Northern Lights! Hope this is a preview of what to expect!