CFT Northern Lights - Snow Hotel Kirkenes

Wednesday 14 March

This morning was a slow free morning so Barbara and I walked up to town. In the town square we met a lady from the ship (not in our group) who had rented a room in town and with it came a "sparke" so she let us both have a tiny try. What fun it would be.

The half way line for the Finnmark Husky Race was in the town square also but we did not see any come through while we were there. There was also an ice stage built for the event.

We wandered on to the Kirkenes Church for some photos and when we walked around to the front through ankle deep snow there was a lady clearing the paths who invited us to go inside. This was an inspiring visit. Rather than pictures in the windows they had hooked rugs between the windows. There were obvious Russian influences in the artwork behind the altar. We had a lovely quiet time there and just as we were leaving, a larger noisy crowd came in so we timed our visit well.

A little further on we came to a newsagent so went in there too just for fun.

We were back at the hotel in time for lunch with the group, then headed out to the Snowhotel. Our first activity was a snowshoe walk which Barbara and I decided to cut short as we really just wanted to stroll and see the little things and take photos rather than just a speed hike to the end and back again.

Then we went out on a Husky ride. We saw some mushers and teams in the Finnmark race. It started to snow "bullets" which made the ride cold and uncomfortable. One of our dogs started collapsing so our musher called for a skidoo to come and collect is. While we waited in the cold he suggested we make snow angels. This was hilarious as the snow was very deep and soft. 

The snow was also difficult for the dogs to pull in, especially once we were reduced to 7 dogs. The scenery we rode in was magical with a thick white doona and the trees covered in snow.

Eventually we returned to the gabba (a sami style hut) for a warm sweet drink prepared over a fire in a wonderful fireplace.

We were then taken to see our room in the Snowhotel (#19) and shown up to dinner where we were given instructions on how to sleep in a sleeping bag!

After dinner we ventured down into our beds in the freezer (-4 C) and I soon fell soundly asleep all warm and toasty - but alas, I needed the loo at about 11 pm then also at around 1:30 am!