Posted: 29 Sep 2011 in
Blog
Travel Blog
Huskies love running. It’s what they do. So, if you’re ever on a family holiday in Finland, as I was, and you decide to do a spot of dog-sledding, make sure you obey the oft-repeated instruction -“Whatever you do, don’t let go of the dogs.”
It’s not as easy as it sounds. There I was, perched behind an exuberant pack of huskies, all doing what they do best. As we hurtled towards a solid-looking pine tree we hit a bump. The sled tipped over. My survival instinct kicked in and - I let go of the reins.
The dogs disappeared into the wild blue yonder, running madly and happily - in their element. Rounding them up again was a bit of a nightmare, especially since it was minus 20 and they were our only means of transport.
Such adventures only add to the holiday experience. It was fun. And it was fantastic. Clear blue Artic skies, sparkling snow, incredible landscapes - and the silence. No cars. No planes. Just the sounds of nature. And of course the full-throated cries of a pack of happy huskies.
Have you any dog sledding stories? Did you, like me, let go of the reins? Have you had any other strange or hair-raising holiday adventures? I’d love to hear them.