The only sounds were the swish of the sledge runners, the panting of the dogs and the snapping of twigs as we hurtled through thick pine tree forests cushioned on either side by deep pillows of snow.  In front of us were six strong Husky dogs chosen for their speed and stamina, enthusiastically straining to keep up with a caravanserai of sturdy sledges. 

It was Day 3 of my Mighty Fine Winter Adventure Holiday  in Finland and it was so much fun.  I had already been on a snowmobile trip sporting my newest snowmobile clothing for women, visited a reindeer farm, stooped low into an igloo and discovered curious facts about local life.  Today we were to experience a Husky Safari.

Finn Jann Husky Farm

Gerralda, the Hotel Iso-Syöte Marketing Manager, drove us to the Finn Jann Husky Farm, where, according to the holiday blurb, the huskies “… are eagerly awaiting your arrival to whisk you off on your unforgettable safari."  Well, those dogs were certainly eager.  There are over 70 cross-breed Huskies here and it seemed every single one of them was ‘eagerly’ yelping to be chosen to take us out… the noise of their barking could surely be heard at Santa’s home at the North Pole.

Owner Timo showed us how to operate our sleighs and then … we were off.  It was exhilarating and exciting - the dogs go really fast and the scenery whizzes by in a snowy blur.  I enjoyed being a passenger very much, lying back and simply enjoying the drive.

I did have a rather scary experience when I tried driving.  You only have a small metal bar at the back of the sleigh to brake 6 powerful, enthusiastic hounds to stop them careening off across the countryside.  When we were crossing a frozen lake, a sleigh in front overturned and their dogs raced away out of sight.  Timo caught them on his snowmobile whilst the rest of waited with our packs of dogs almost beside themselves with energy to escape too.  As our sledge slipped and slid below my feet, I wondered if I could keep the brake on… Eventually Timo caught the runaways, the lead couple got back onto their vehicle and we set off once more. It was a huge relief when we were all back together again and I quickly returned to my reclining seat and let Gerralda do the driving.

Zoe on Gerralda Husky Ride

Relaxing on comfy blankets, covered in smooth, soft reindeer skins, I felt just a little bit like the Queen of Narnia before the thaw - in the nicest possible way of course… As we returned to the farm, the sun was sinking low in the sky and there was an ethereal glow all around.  It was a snapshot that will linger in my memory for a very long time.

hugging huskies

Thanks very much to online travel agents The Mighty Fine Company  for a truly exciting Winter Adventure.

Zoe Dawes is the Quirky Traveller Editor for Wandering Educators.

For more Quirky Traveller's Tales and information on Tours & Walks in the Lake District and beyond www.thequirkytraveller.com