Luosto - Day 6 - our final day

Today was our last full day in Luosto - there was no set activities but you could book additional ones if you wanted to - Peter and I dithered about whether to do another husky safari as it was so outrageously expensive but when we finally thought 'why not, we are on holiday' they were fully booked - the other choices were either cross country skiing (too hard!) or Ice fishing (to boring!) so we decided to do a walk instead (which costs nothing!).  We spoke to our rep who suggested a walk and marked it on our map and off we went - it was a lovely walk - really quiet and peaceful - and we went through wide open spaces as well as through the forest.

Peter up to his knees in snow!

Lovely scenery on our walk

Passing log cabins on our walk - the ski slope is in the background

We didn't see many people on our walk but we did see a few cross country skiers - just watching them made me feel tired out! Most of where we were walking was snowy but we came to one area where there must have been some kind of flood that had frozen over. It was one thick piece of ice that we had to walk over which, for an ice-phobic like me, is not good but we managed to get over it without slipping over!

Cross country skier (great view!)

Icy path - we had to walk over that!

As there was so much untouched snow we couldn't resist doing our own snow art - see below!

Our very own snow art!

In the afternoon I went swimming in the pool and had a jacuzzi whilst Peter watched the cricket on his laptop. In the evening our entire group (22 of us) got together for a farewell dinner and to celebrate one of the group's birthdays which was a nice way to end a great holiday.

Luosto - Day 5 - Reindeer farm and Igloo dinner

Last night, in the hope we would catch some northern lights action, we stayed up to 1 am but it was quite cloudy for most of the night and we didn't see anything!

Today we visited a local reindeer farm where we had a sleigh ride through the forest. When we arrived at the farm we were taken to the reindeer and it was two people to a sleigh - all the sleighs were tied to each other so we didn't have to drive this time - just sit there and enjoy the view!

Reindeer and sleigh

We're ready to go!

It was snowing so it felt very wintery being pulled through the forest - you will be pleased to know that we had no near death episodes with the reindeer but one of them became loose from the sleigh in front which caused a bit of commotion.  I could have done with the reindeer going a bit faster as it was pretty much at walking pace, but I think we had been spoilt by our husky safari but the good thing was they didn't poo as much as the dogs, nor did it smell as bad!

Peter's new friend!

Reindeer in the forest

Us and our reindeer who is looking knackered having had to pull us around for 30 mins!

After the sleigh ride we were taken into a tee pee for tea and coffee, and to learn about about the reindeer and their importance to the Lapland culture.

Everyone coming in to the tee pee to warm up

We then went to the field where some of the reindeer are kept so that we could feed them.  We really enjoyed our visit to the reindeer farm - all I wanted to do was cuddle them but we were told not to touch them as they don't like it!

Me feeding a baby reindeer (I want one!)

In the evening, there was a dinner planned for the group and we were told to turn up in all our snow gear and to wrap up warmly.  We were then put in to sleighs pulled by snow mobiles and taken up in to the mountain - what a surprise when we turned up at our dinner destination - an Igloo!

Our dinner destination - an igloo!

When we went in to the igloo there was a big fire pit in the middle where the food was being cooked, and 4 big ice tables with ice benches for us to sit at. We had a lovely meal of mushroom soup, Salmon and a berry cake for dessert - it was the best meal we have had all week!

Peter  sitting at the ice table (look at the table behind him as well)

The fire pit where they cooked the food

The igloo at the end of our dinner

Luosto- Day 4 - Amethyst Mine & night snowshoeing

Today we went to visit an Amethyst Mine (the last one in Europe apparently) and we were taken there on a sleigh on the back of a snowmobile.  We had to get kitted up again in helmets and were then put into the back of the sleigh - it was a lovely journey up to the mine - which is on top of a mountain - and the higher we got the snowier it got!

Looking very attractive in our balaclavas and helmets

Our sleigh to the Mine

The landscape on our way up to the mine

 

As we were high up on a mountain, the views from the mine were amazing.

Views from the top of the mountain

 

The snow was just starting to fall so they took us in to a small hut to give us a hot drink and to tell us about the mine and then it was our turn to do a spot of mining!  We were taken in to the mine, given a hammer and off we went - we were told that if we found anything that you could hold in your fist (or smaller) you could keep, otherwise you would have to pay for it (even though you had done all the hard work!).  It was fun for a while but, as my hard work wasn't baring much, I did get a little bored towards the end and it made me realise that I am not cut out to be a miner (too dirty and too much like hard work!).

Peter hunting for amethysts

Success (sort of!)

All our hard work for this!  Peter found the larger amethyst, and I found the white quartz and tiny amethyst.

When we came out of the mine there was a snow blizzard and it felt very Christmassy - I thought Father Christmas was going to pop up at any moment! The short video below shows you part of our descent back from the Mine - the creaking you can hear is not my bones but the sleigh (and for some reason it is showing the video sidewards!!)

This evening we went snowshoeing again - this time in the dark!  We had to wear head lamps so we could see where we were going - they gave us some tips on how to photograph the northern lights which will be good if we see them again!  Apparently last night there was a fantastic display at 1am but we were tucked up in bed by then.

Luosto - Day 3 - snow shoeing!

Last night our escapades to see the northern lights didn't amount to much - we went down to the usual hang out point to see the northern lights - the frozen lake behind our hotel - and stood on the lake for an hour and all we did see was a white halo around the moon (which was quite impressive but not what we really wanted to see!).  Whilst talking to our group this morning one of them said they had seen the northern lights last night and when we asked at what time it was 1:30am!

This morning we went snowshoeing and we loved it!  It was a nightmare to get the snowshoes on at first but once we all managed it we were off - you had to be careful not to tread on your snowshoe with the other foot, which a few of us did to begin with, but once you got in to the rhythm it was fine. Bearing in mind that none of the group had ever done snowshoeing before the first thing they did was take us uphill! It was quite strenuous but it was worth it to get to the top for the views.

Peter's all kitted up and ready to go!

Me looking knackered at the top!

 After a quick drink stop at the top, we started to make our way down and this is where it got very interesting - going up the snow hadn't been that deep but they took us through deep virgin snow going down. Well I think I was the first one to fall down and, as I was one of the first ones going down, it meant that everyone is then just walking around you as you flail in the snow - it was a nightmare to get up as you had these great big things on your feet.  I managed to pull myself up (using every bit of energy that I had) with Peter shouting 'don't twist your ankle' as I practically had my legs pointing is opposite directions (a bit of an exaggeration but you know what I mean!).  However, I got the last laugh as everyone else kept falling over so I just waltz passed them (until I fell over again and Peter had to come and help me up!).

We made it to bottom - who thought going downhill would be hard!

Once we got to the bottom the group then made our way to the frozen lake - as you are concentrating on what you are doing you are not really aware of the others behind you and when we reached to the lake half the group weren't there - I said to Peter where is everyone and he just shrugged.  It turns out that we were in the FAST group.....yes, that is right, the FAST group.....I think this makes up for us being made to go to the front whilst snowmobiling don't you?!!

Standing on the frozen lake

The afternoon was all about relaxation - I had a little snooze as I was knackered from this morning, and then I went swimming at the hotel's pool and in the Jacuzzi.  I was tempted to go in to the sauna but you aren't allowed to wear your swimming costume and there were naked people in there so I daren't go in!!

After that, I had a 90 minute full body massage which was lovely - however it wasn't the usual spa experience I am used to where the room is dark, relaxing music is playing, and the masseuse leaves the room whilst you get undressed - Oh no, the room was like a big cupboard with boxes in the corner, there was bright lights and I had to undress in front of the woman (she didn't leave the room!).  And to top it all, when I had to roll over she didn't hold up a towel to protect my modesty like they usually do - I think the Finnish are a lot more relaxed about nakedness than we are!

Luosto - Day 2 - sledging with huskies

Today was a bit warmer at -8 so it didn't feel quite as chilly but it was still cold! 

Our main activity today was going to a husky farm to take part in a 10k 'husky safari'.  When we arrived at the farm we could hear the dogs howling and barking as they were so keen to go - Huskies are born and bred to run and pull and they live for the moment the brake is released and they speed off along the snowy trail.  There were 6 huskies to a sledge which pulls two people - one sitting in the sledge enjoying the view (me!) and the other standing on the back and in control of the steering and braking (Peter!).  We had a quick safety briefing and off we went - they start off at high speed so it was recommend that you have one foot on the break to begin with but they soon get in to a steady pace.  Peter and I absolutely loved it as you are hurtling through the woods with the dogs barking away - it was very exhilarating. You will be pleased to know we had no near death experiences during the trip and Peter was a natural at driving the sledge.  The only downside was that, from where I was sitting, I had a very good view of the dogs pooing as they ran along and it stank!  I was also a bit concerned it may get flicked up by the dogs as they ran and in to the sledge but I am glad to say it didn't happen!  

Huskies ready to go

The huskies are a lot calmer at the end of their run

They then took us in to the farm to meet all of the dogs and to learn about their lives as working animals.  Some of the dogs were in cages, but others were allowed out and they ran around chasing each other and play fighting.  It was lovely to be able to stroke and pet the dogs, and I especially loved holding the 2 week old puppy.

I want one!

Lovely huskies at the farm

Our group then went in to one of the small huts for coffee and we were treated to a roasted sausage straight from the fire which was actually very nice.  We chatted with members of our group and everyone had really enjoyed the experience (seeing the dogs that is, not munching on a sausage).

Peter enjoying his sausage which had been roasted on the fire behind him!

In the afternoon we visited the Aurora Kota to learn more about the Northern lights - a local guide showed us a video and slide presentation which was very interesting so now we know what we are looking out for!

The Aurora Kota

The view from the Aurora Kota (its a frozen lake behind me!)

This evening, as part of our package, we went for dinner in the largest log cabin in the world (apparently!) - it was one of our best meals so far and we came out very full.  We are going on the hunt for the northern lights again tonight but are going to go out later (about 10pm) as we found out the later the better (although they can happen at any time!).

Luosto - Day 1 - Snowmobiling!

Woke up this morning to blue sky and temperatures of -16! It was nice to see Luosto in daylight as we had arrived in the dark and you can't believe how thick the snow is - we are told it is up to a metre in places! We went down to breakfast (worse breakfast I have ever had in a hotel - the scrambled egg was made with powdered egg - surely they have hens even in the arctic !!) and then on to our welcome session to orient ourselves with the local area including where the best place is to see the northern lights.

After that, we went to pick up our thermal suits and big walking boots - now, the suits are not the most attractive item of clothing I have ever worn (and they make you look about a stone heavier!) but they really keep you warm - we found this when we walked to the place to pick them up - we were a lot warmer coming back than going.

Me in front of the hotel (before our Thermal suits!)

On our way to get our thermal suits

 We then went to walk around the village to look at the shops (all 3 of them) and then went to look at the Ice chapel which the locals build every year - it was more like a igloo with a cross on top!

Outside the Ice Chapel

Peter inside the ice chapel in his attractive thermal suit!

After lunch we had snowmobiling which was quite an adventure (in more ways than one.....). We got kitted out with balaclavas and helmets - poor Peter had to go back to get another helmet and even the XL was tight on his head (he tells me he has a big head to hold his big brain!) but he persevered with that one (imagine the shame of having to ask for a XXL helmet!).

Hanging out next to a tee-pee (like you do) ready for snowmobiling

Peter looking mean on a snowmobile!

 The guide showed us how to use the snow mobile and off we went, with Peter in the driving seat.  We chose the snowmobile at the back of the line so we were last and, as everyone moved off, Peter stalled so in his haste to get going he started up again and then pressed the accelerator to hard and we did a wheelie - yes really - we did a wheelie on a snowmobile! I know what you are thinking, you can't do a wheelie on a snowmobile, but we found a way - the whole of the front lifted in the air and I am at the back clinging on for my life!  This was our first experience on a snowmobile and it wasn't a good one.  So, both a little freaked out, we were on our way.  We both thought we were probably going to just be toodling along quite an easy route but found that it was quite the opposite - everyone was bombing along and the route was all twists and turns, going up and down, through forests and to begin with, neither of us where enjoying it much, and what happened next didn't really help matters (and also put me off driving it after that)...... we came to a tunnel that we had to go through - the people on the snowmobile before us did have some trouble so we knew it wasn't going to be easy but when it was our turn we nearly went over on our side and in to the wall - it was only Peter's brilliant driving that actually stopped us from doing so - I put my arm up to protect myself and so was only holding on with one arm, so when Peter managed to stop it from crashing I found myself hanging halfway off the snowmobile - what a palarva!

Peter (and his large helmet) with the lovely scenery

No I am not getting off - I am too traumatised!

After that  I didn't want to drive - I thought I would probably end up killing us both! Once we caught up with the group the guide stopped everyone and made us go to the front (oh the shame!) but I am pleased to say things improved after that - Peter became a lot more confident driving and, after a shaky start, we both really enjoyed it and were bombing along too.  The scenery was amazing - we were either driving through forests or in open ground where the sun glistened in the snow.

This evening, after dinner, we went for a walk around the frozen lake which is apparently a good place to spot the northern lights - it was a lovely clear night but they didn't come out tonight but we still enjoyed the walk, although at one point I unknowingly walked off the path and put my foot in to load of snow sinking up to my knee - Peter had to come and pull me out!  It has been a good day and we are looking forward to tomorrow.

We're in Lapland!

Today didn't get off to a very good start when we were awoken by my mobile ringing at 3:45am (well actually I was woken up by Peter bellowing 'your mobile is ringing') so we were both wide awake - once we got up to check my phone we both went back to bed grumbling that we had to be up in a couple of hours!

We had our taxi pick us up at 6:45am for our mammoth trip to Arctic Finland - it took 2 flights and a 2 hour coach journey to get to Luosto in Finland, which meant we spent 11 hours door to door travelling!  Our first flight was to Helsinki, where we literally got off the plane, went through security, and then dashed through the airport to the gate where our next flight was already boarding - we literally had time to go to the loo and that was it - and then we were on a way to Kittila in northern Finland.  When we got off the flight at Helsinki it was 'only' -2 and felt OK, but the cold really hit us when he got off the plane at Kittila - it was -8 with a very cold wind blowing - we were only out in it for about a minute but were very glad to get on to the coach!

We arrived at the hotel at about 8pm local time and was told to go straight to the dining room so that we could have dinner as they usually close at 8 so we dashed to our room, threw our stuff in the room and then off to a dinner of Reindeer Stew, mash potato and fish similar to whitebait - half way through our dinner someone rushed in to say that the northern lights were happening so everyone left their dinner to go and have a look - we, of course, didn't have our coats with us and it was freezing but as we stood outside the hotel we could see them!  They were quite faint - a pale green colour - but you could see them swirling in the sky - they would probably have been more spectacular had we been away from artificial light but it was good to see all the same - we then all trundled back in to finish our dinner.

After dinner, we went to inspect our room properly - its quite basic, with twin beds, but were expecting both so it was no great surprise - our room is over looking a wood which has a walkway down to the frozen lake which we hope to go and see tomorrow once we are given our thermal suits.

We are very excited to be here, and are looking forward to the adventures to come!