Northern Lights part 6 dog sledding

28/02/2014 Friday. weather cloudy.

Boudicca docked in Alta at 8.30 am. Was up in good time to take some photos. In fact had already had breakfast, another full English ( Egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and hash browns) and now all set up for the day ahead. A good amount of snow had fallen so should be good for our dog sledding.

Arriving in Alta. Dead calm seas

Off to dog sledging at 9.15am. Gangway only just in place as we were ushered onto dry land. Told it could be cold so advised to dress warmly.  Got all kited up in thermal outer wear and now look like the Michelin man. Can hardly breath let alone move! Decided against leg warmers in the end as temp a balmy 4 deg. Only a short coach journey to the camp.

 Could hear the dogs howling before we turned into the camp.  Talk about vocal! After petting the dogs ( they are so friendly and pleased to see you) we were shown to the sled. 8 dogs were harnesed to each sled and there were 8 sledges ready for the off. Each sled held 3 people so a single lady completed the number. The ride was exhilarating 8 km, ( roughly 5 miles ) of pine forest, open spaces and frozen river crossing. As soon as the command forward was given the dogs leapt forward and we were on our way. By jove they can run. Nearly got tipped out twice when the dogs veered of the path and cant tell you how many times we were all nearly deposited into bushes! We went down numerous dips sideways but our driver (do you call them that?) or is it a musher???? was brilliant. Only a slight lass but by god could she control those Alaskan Huskies.  ( smaller then the ones we usually see.) After 30 minutes of a whirlwind ride we were back at camp sitting in front to a roaring fire inside one of the tents. Apart from seeing the Aurora Borealis that was by far the best excursion yet.

Dog at the back was very vocal

Cant wait to go

We crossed the river further up

Half way and time to give the dogs a rest

My turn to mush ( not really just a photo opportunity )

Heading into camp

After 5 minute break they were off again with the second group.

 Afternoon spent sorting all my 100's of photo and a bit worried that we may not get another chance to see the lights as from a glorious sunny morning the cloud cover has appeared.

Also very peeved that the UK had there own Northern Light display last night.News reader said it went as far south as Essex. Spent all this money on a cruise and could have stayed in England!!!!  Anyway will keep camera with me this evening just in case we get lucky. Off to Bodo tomorrow and heading south again. Cant believe one week has already gone. Ship sails at 12.30am.

I'm understandably very upset tonight. Had lovely meal as usual with Peter, Jean, Jim and Jennie then proceeded into Neptune bar to watch the magic show. Unbeknown to us, 'cause there was no announcement made, the Aurora had started right above the boat!. It was only after the show had finished that the announcement was made. By the time I had gone back to cabin to grab the camera it was all but gone!! Stayed up until 1am just in case.
Departed grumpy to bed.

Not a good photo as hand held. This is all I got. Still miffed that we missed it.

 This was an enhanced photo taken by the ships photographer and put up on the wall by the reception.
I sneakily took this photo while no one was looking.

To be continued.............