Getting colder

Every winter temperature drops at least to around -40 celcius here in Ivalo-Inari area. Last two days were the coldest of this winter so far. At our home it was only -36, but nearby in marsh areas and on the river it was close to -40.

I like the feeling when it drops below -30 celcius for a while. When skiing or walking all the sounds are different. Trees making cracking sounds. Completely clean and pure feeling. It even feels more justified to spend time inside after working the whole day in cold.

We can almost see the sun! Crossing a marsh on husky trip in the colours of arctic day.

It started getting colder while I was on an overnight trip with 49 dogs, 7 customers, and one more guide.

We spent the night in a cabin on an island on Lake Inari.
The whole night ice was making low roaring-like sounds as cracks were running in thickening ice.

Temperatures varied from -20 to -28 celcius.

Pat and Nero leading the second team.

All husky safaris at Guesthouse Husky are run without the help of snowmobiles, so also all guides are driving dog sleds. On 2 day, 3 day, or even longer trips customers get to know their team bit more when harnessing/unharnessing the dogs, participating in feeding and taking care of their own team.

Half day trip in cold weather. This is what January and February here are supposed to be; cold. Your camera and cellphone needs to be buried under clothing or the batteries will die quickly. Easy to appreciate thick mittens and extra layers of warm clothing.

Then suddenly today it's only -8 celcius! A day off from guidind husky trips, and good temperature for forging in my unheated smithy. This time forged some blades for maasepänpuukkos. This set will come for sale at the end of January, when they're made into ready knives. If you're interested in buying a traditional style Finnish hand made puukko, stay tuned!