Lappish smell and Philip's rescue plan

Sunday 11th of March


We all survived the night. A bit tired though. Breakfast is ready. Time to go to the kitchen. Bread, cheese and home made tea: I had worse. It is so great to be outside this morning. Bright blue sky, no wind at all. Maybe a bit cold: -12 °C. Perfect weather for Lappland.

This morning, we have plenty of time to enjoy the camp site. Let's go ice fishing. Great. We will eat Lappish fish for lunch. After we arrived at the lake, one of our guides makes a hole through the ice. The ice must be nearly 1 meter thick. Now it's our turn. Holding the fishing line is one thing, being patient is quite something else and the most problematic part.



A series of photoshoots later, we are beaten by the fish on patience. At least we tried. No fish called Wanda for lunch. Poor Rudolf again. Time to do something that demands less patience. Langlaufen. Perfect idea. The journey starts. Amazed by the beautiful nature, we continue along the riverside. Now the sun is warmed up and working hard, the temperature is rising to zero degrees. Unbelievable to be sweating in Lappland. Halfway we turn around and go back to the camp site where lunch is being prepared. I was right. Reindeer again. No problem for me, I liked it.


After lunch, we have to clear the Lappish hut for the next group. Still enough time to walk to the river and relax in the sun. I will miss this. Ok, half past three. Time to leave. The dogs and snowscooters are waiting at the starting point of the return trip. Hard to believe, but the return is even better. The same track in the blazing sun looks fantastic.



Two hours later, the two day tour is totally and completely finished. A taxi drives us rollercoaster-wise to Gullriset. Now the penetrating smell of reindeer (sorry Rudolf, it has to be said) and dogs is getting unbearable. A fierce battle starts to decide who can take a shower first. Not suitable for children's eyes. No pictures either. Well, this may not be exactly what happened, but certainly more spicy for my story. To avoid cold turkey because of a sudden lack of awful Lappish smell, Philip tries to save some in a plastic bag. Wonderful idea. If only we wouldn't have forgotten it in Gullriset. Warning to the visitors of Gullriset: do not open the bag unless you have suicidal tendencies.

Our last night in Kiruna. Zap. That was it. Too short.