Northernmost Alaskan Malamutes

New website!

2011-12-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

Our new website is now online at http://www.northernmost.se/ Please remember to change your bookmarks as this sit will close down in a while. Thanks for visiting and have Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Moving places

2011-08-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

We'll soon be moving our blog and website to a new address, with a fresh new design. Until the move has been completed we'll be taking a break from the blog. Here's a quick report from our recent packing trip with Thunder, Tuisku and Gem; We had a great time hiking on the Norwegian island of Senja, even though it rained practically every day. Regardless of weather, Norway is still one of the most beautiful places on earth. Below are a few photos from our trip, more pictures will be published when we move to our new website.

Backpacking on the rugged island of Senja.

Thunder, Gem and Tuisku admiring the Norwegian kingdom.

After completing the hike we visited a secret island off the coast.

Thunder found the remains of a whale on the beach.

A coral island with paradise beaches north of the Arctic Circle. Is it really possible?

Anything is possible. Hope to see you soon at our new website! :-)

Waiting...

2011-08-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

We're all packed and ready to go hiking...if only the rain would stop!

August nights

2011-08-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

After saying goodnight to the dogs I noticed that it's starting to get dark again....time to snuggle up with a good book and a cup of tea!

Country living

2011-08-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've had a natural break from the blog since we haven't been doing much lately (apart from less interesting stuff, such as constructing more kennels and helping my mom move into her new home). It's been a sunny and dry summer here on the coast and most of the time it's been too warm to involve the dogs in any working activities. Instead we've been taking it easy at home, enjoying quality time with the family.

Tuisku hanging out at Grandma's place - she lives next door.

Since we live in the countryside and have farms nearby it's important that our dogs behave well around livestock. Our neighbour's horses sometimes come wandering into our yard, making everybody very excited. Having lived in Lapland, our Malamutes are more used to reindeers than horses and cattle...

Leia making a new acquaintance.

This handsome guy lives in the village. We haven't said hello to him personally but I don't think it's necessary,
our dogs seem to have plenty of respect for Mr Goat.

His kids are very cute and cuddly, especially this one who has been raised on the bottle.

We still have a couple of weeks left of our holiday and are heading up north to do some hiking in the mountains.
See you later!

Midnight swim

2011-07-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Tuisku, Leia and Thunder came along for a quick swim at midnight. The ocean was quiet and the beautiful sunset reflected on the water, creating endless hues of pink, lilac, yellow and blue. Being by the sea evokes the same sense of freedom as I experience in the mountains - and both places create a big calm.

Tuisku and Leia were quick to dive into the warm water, while Thunder prefered to remain on land as usual.

Tuisku decided to go island hopping...

...and found his own kingdom at sea.

I often wonder if animals, and especially Malamutes, can appreciate a beautiful sunset the same way we do.

How could this go unnoticed?

Unlike many Malamute owners, I love summer as much as I love winter. Every season has something to offer and I believe our dogs are just as happy now as they are in midwinter. It's not the weather or temperature that is important - it's the magic moments they share with their buddies and with us.

On request....

2011-07-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Some more photos of our Leia Bear!

Leia (Snowhow Shade of Raven, WTD) turned six years this spring and is as gorgeous as ever.

Leia is out of Ch Snowlion's Lone Ranger, WTD and FIN MVA Neatut Palarpok KVK1 REK1.

Check out the size of her feet!

Leia's character shines through in the photos - she's a happy girl with a big personality!

Beach Babe

2011-07-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

THE "BEFORE-PICTURE"

Leia isn't usually that keen on swimming...

...but she can't resist the chance to fetch a ball.

This girl loves to retrieve!

She could go on all day!

And she's quite the athlete too.

THE "AFTER-PICTURE" :-)

Aqua Dog

2011-07-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Since we live on the coast and spend a lot of time around water, we decided to buy a Dog Life Jacket for our "Aqua Dog", Tuisku. Besides flotation and maximum buoyancy, the life jacket also provides high visibility thanks to its bright colour.

Now we can relax when Tuisku decides to jump into a fast flowing river, or into the ocean on a windy day.
This dog is as happy in water as he is in snow!

Preparing for a multiday backpacking trip

2011-07-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Backpacking is one of our favourite working activities. We were keen hikers long before we owned our first dogs and after acquiring a pack of Malamutes our hobby has grown and developed. On a multiday hiking excursion Fredrik and I will both carry backpacks. In addition we will bring two or three dogs that will each carry a dog pack. Being able to divide our supplies and gear into five packs rather than just two, we have plenty of room for all the food and extra gear that our dogs require during the trip. It means we don't have to cut down too much on our own supplies but can enjoy a multiday hiking trip together with our friends in full comfort.

Below are some notes on how we prepare for a multiday hike with our dogs. After a couple of backpacking trips, everyone develops their own routine. This is what works for us.

Top tip: Wash and groom your dog before setting out on a hike and also make sure the dog pack is clean and in good condition. Hiking in summer can be a hot and humid experience, by bringing a clean and groomed dog that carries a clean pack you will minimize the risk of your dog developing a hot spot or rash out on the trail.

Choose the right dog pack
Go for the best quality and fit when choosing a pack for your dog. A backpack must always be comfortable, also when it is loaded with gear. Choose a backpack of the proper size and fit for your dog. A too large bag is just as wrong as a bag that is too small. The pack should be fitted to the dog before the load is packed. IMPORTANT: the backpack shall be carried over the shoulders and not across the dog's back. The shoulders are built to carry weight - the spine is not. The pack's position is controlled by means of the front (sternum) strap. When fastening the straps, make sure you can slide two fingers between the strap and the dog. If the bag is too loose it will move around and if it's fitted too tight it can cause "saddle sores".

Safety tip!

Choose a backpack with reflective tape on it and/or of a bright colour. This way your dog can't be mistaken for game by a hunter.

Getting accustomed to the backpack
Use an empty pack when you start your dog's training. Encourage your dog to carry the empty pack on your regular walks, to the shop and in the forest. If your dog is a bit reluctant to trying new things, make sure not to make a fuss when you put on the bag the first time. Pretend that you are putting on an ordinary collar or harness and as soon as it's on, start the walk. Remember to praise and reward the right behaviour. After a couple of outings with an empty bag, place some items in each pack and build up weight gradually. Make sure your dog is in good physical condition before you place a too heavy load in the bag. Conditioning is just as important for backpacking, as it is for sledding and skijoring.

Training and conditioning is crucial before setting out on a multiday excursion.

How to pack
Learning how to pack your dog's backpack correctly is crucial prior to a multiday hike and requires some careful consideration. Here are my top tips:

1) When packing the gear, make sure you distribute the weight evenly on both sides. It is uncomfortable for the dog to have a lopsided pack. Both sides of the pack must weigh exactly the same amount.
2) Pack heavier items toward the dog's shoulder and lighter items in the back.
3) Pack softer items on the side of the pack that is closer to the dog. These items will act as extra padding.
4) Extra space in the bags means that items can move around and cause discomfort for your dog. Use soft, lightweight items, such as a jumper and an extra towel, to fill any empty spaces in the pack.

How much should a dog carry?
First of all, only a dog that is physically healthy and in lean condition should go on a packing trip. A dog that has dysplasia or other joint problems, that is overweight or otherwise unfit, should not pack. Carrying a full backpack causes as much strain on a dog as skijoring or sledding and will only be a pleasure for the dog if he/she is healthy and in good working condition. Be careful with young dogs that are still growing. They can come along for the hike but shouldn't carry too much weight.

As with every new sport, the key to backpacking is to do things gradually. When starting out, begin packing about 5-10% of your dog's weight in the dog pack. Make sure to actually weigh your dog first so you know his/her current weight. If the training is going well, and your dog seems happy, gradually increase to about 20-30% of your dog's weight. If you are going on an AMCA WPD/WPDX-hike with your Malamute, your dog must carry a daily initial weight equal to a minimum of 30% of his/her weight. This weight shall not decrease except by normal consumption of items such as food or water.

Thunder and Tuisku hiking without dog packs in 2006 - not every hike needs to be a working hike.
When your dog is still young, hiking should be all about having fun!

Distributing weight evenly
As soon as your dog begins to carry more weight in his backpack you need to start planning the packing more carefully. Keep an eye on the backpack and make sure both sides are weighted equally. A lopsided bag can cause both discomfort and harm to your dog, as it will put him off balance which can strain muscles and spoil the fun.

Hands-free
I always hike with my hands free. On a multiday mountain hike this is the only safe way to travel. When backpacking I use the same equipment that I use for skijoring - my dog is secured to me through a bungee cord attached to my waistbelt. This means I can use both my hands for balance, for taking photos and for drinking and, best of all, I don't get an aching shoulder when my dog pulls on his lead. If I handle two dogs I use a two dog line with a built-in shock absorber placed at my end of the lead.

Training hikes
Before setting out on a multiday hike, make sure to go on many fun training hikes near home. About a month prior to a multiday hike our dogs will begin carrying dog packs with weights on our walks in a varied terrain about 2-3 times a week. This way they will build the appropriate muscles and will be completely used to their bags when we set out on a more extensive mountain trip. The training walks are an excellent opportunity to practise on your packing routine, making sure you can easily pack a backpack that does not end up lopsided or too heavy for your dog.

Water stops - avoiding heat stroke
Stop every hour or so to allow your dog to drink. A dog that's drinking enough water will have clear urine. A dog that stops marking or urinating during a hike probably needs more water. Some dogs will not immediately drink the water they are offered, even when they are thirsty. If you sit down to relax for ten minutes, with the water available to your dog, chances are he or she will drink before your break is over. It's important to learn how to identify signs of dehydration in a dog before you set out on a hike as heat stroke can be life threatening. If your dog is showing signs of overheating, quickly get in the shade and remove the pack. Let your dog cool down in a stream or lake or pour all the bottled water you have over him. If his condition does not improve quickly - send for qualified help.

Safety tip!

Before going on a hike, find out where water is available along the trail so you know where will be the best place to set up camp. Bring a detailed topographical map and keep it handy during the hike.

Crossing a suspension bridge is worth training with your dog before you set out on a wilderness hike.

Useful things to train near home:

1) Crossing hanging bridges of metal or wood. You may encounter these along the trail and they can turn out to be a stressful obstacle for a dog who has never experienced a hanging bridge before.
2) Crossing a brook or stream with backpack on.
3) Have your dog walk in front of you and behind you. When negotiating steep downhills it's safer if your dog knows the command "behind".
4) Drinking water from other (safe) sources than your tap at home. Is your dog happy to drink water that tastes a little differently?
5) Drinking from a water bottle - this will make your refresh stops easier for everyone.
6) If you are feeding fresh food at home and are bringing kibble on your hike, make sure your dog is accustomed to the new food well before the hike.
7) Wearing booties - make sure your dog is fully comfortable wearing booties before departing on a longer hike.
8) Sleeping quietly out of doors.

Safety tip!

Be careful when letting your dog drink from streams or lakes along the trail. Although natural water sources may be plentiful near a campsite, the water may be contaminated with parasites or harmful bacteria. In areas where giardia is a problem you should not allow your dog to drink from streams or lakes. Don't allow your dog to drink any water that you wouldn't drink yourself.

What to pack
What to pack on a hiking trip is very individual and depends on where you will be staying at night, how long you'll be away and in what season you're making the trip. Below are some general pointers that can be useful when planning a trip with your dog.

Canine first aid kit (including help against diarrhea).
Dog booties.
Water bowl (foldable or plastic).
Duct tape - never go anywhere without duct tape!
Extra collar and extra lead.
Dog identification - make sure your dog has your name and phone number and the phone number to someone at home, plus his/her own call-name, attached to the collar.
Daily dog meals packed in plastic bags (one bag per meal). Remember that your dog needs more food and energy when out on the trail. Always bring food for at least two extra days - should you get stuck somewhere along the trail.
Easy to digest dog treats.
Vaseline, or another dog paw care product.
No matter how friendly your dog is, bring a muzzle. If your dog is injured, he may need the muzzle to prevent him from biting you or others trying to give him first aid.
Bags to clean up after your dog in areas where this is required.
Water containers + water filter for hikes in areas where water cannot be consumed naturally.
Stakeout.
Insect repellent (you may want to apply flea dip before leaving home).

Safety tip!

Always know where the nearest veterinarian is located and carry the phone number on you.


Duct tape is ideal for repairing broken items (such as boots or bags) on the trail. If you are going on a WPD/WPDX-hike and need suitable items to increase the weight of the dog pack with - bring two full rolls of duct tape and place one in each pocket of the dog pack in order to distribute weight evenly.

Have fun and respect your dog
Above all, packing should be a fun activity for you and your dog. Don't attempt hikes just to gain working merits - go on hikes to experience the joy of exploring the wilderness in the company of your best friend. If the hike does not turn out as planned, make it shorter and enjoy the time spent staying in a wilderness camp instead. Your dog will be just as happy camping out for a few days and going on short day hikes, as he is completing the mileage that is required for the WPDX-title. We have been hiking with our dogs since they were youngsters but some of them are now 6-7 years of age and have still not completed their WPDX-titles (our goal this summer). By not pushing our dogs too hard when they are young we're hoping they'll be able to go on many enjoyable hikes as they grow older.

Happy Trails!

Summer & sand

2011-06-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

There's nothing so mind-clearing and relaxing as spending the afternoon on an empty beach. A great start to the holiday!

Lathyrus maritimus - sea pea or "strandärt" in Swedish.

Glad Midsommar / Happy Midsummer!

2011-06-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

By the seaside at Bjuröklubb - Midsummer's Day 2011.

Plans for summer

2011-06-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

We're planning a cool mountain packing trip this summer and I'm already dreaming myself away...

This is the place where we'll be hiking - can't wait!
Check out Jack Brauer's beautiful mountain sceneries at http://www.widerange.org/

We use the Wenaha Dog Pack on our hikes and are really happy with how well it functions in every weather.

It's really important that your dog is comfortable wearing his pack, especially during a multi-day hike.

Besides Wenaha, there are also many other brands available on the market. For those of you who are planning to go hiking with your dog this summer and need a dog pack - here are links to a couple of manufacturers:

Wolf Packs - An American brand that can also be bought in Ireland, Iceland and Australia.
Ruff Wear - Another American brand with retailers all over the world, including Sweden.
Granite Gear - An American brand which so far is only available "over there". Their Alpha Dog Pack and Long Howl Dog Pack look pretty cool!
Mountainsmith - A brand that is available in most countries in Europe, as well as in North America.
Snowdogs - A Swedish brand with good reviews (I've never tried it myself).
Laika Kløv - Norwegian brand with many "best in test" awards.

One reason why we prefer the Wenaha Dog Pack is its durability. We have never had a problem with zippers or seams even though the packs have often been under water and used in snow and rain. The Wenaha pack is also very roomy and can pack lots of useful items that you need on your hike. Many of the newer packs are neat and small and we find it a lot more practical if our dogs are actually able to carry some of our bulky gear in their bags, such as extra hiking boots, dog food and cooking utensils.

A whole book about backpacking with your dog!

Charlene G. LaBelle has written a book on backpacking with dogs that covers the most important issues a beginner should know about packing. The book was published in 1992 but there's also a revised edition from 2004. The author is a breeder of Alaskan Malamutes under the prefix Belle Kennels in California. She is also director at the Alaskan Malamute Club of America.

Next week I'll post some tips on how to prepare for a multi-day hike with your dog. See you later!

Tuisku's kids in Denmark

2011-06-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

Our friend Toni Bøgemose Chrillesen of Unavoq Kennels in Denmark recently organized a Puppy Party for the Tuisku x Uniq litter. The pups are now 9 months old and are growing up fast. Here's a video from the weekend showing at least five of the siblings mingling with some older friends. I showed the video to Tuisku and he got very excited watching his kids, lol. :) Lovely to see so many dogs having fun together. Thanks Toni, and Bettina & Anders, for doing such a great job with this litter!

I found a photo of Tuisku from 2006, when he was the same age as his kids are now.

This is Tuisku's son "Tocho", owned by Toni, - definitely a case of "like father like son", don't you think?!

A visiting puppy

2011-06-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

We had visitors today - 14-week-old American Akita puppy "Lova" and her owner came to visit together with our friend Johann. Lova and "our puppy-sitter" Gemma spent some time together but it's not always easy to communicate across breed boundaries.

What language do you speak?

Gem did her best but Lova was not overly interested in playing.

Maybe if I make myself small you will come to me?

OK, I give up, but it was nice meeting you anyway. :)

Lova is a cool pup, very pretty and confident. She wasn't taken aback by being greeted by five adult Malamutes. In fact, Little Miss Independent was not very interested in them at all. ;)

We noticed today that mosquito season has started and we're hoping our Mosquito Magnet will work as well here as it did in Lapland. After spending time in the garden I now have bites all over. So far our dogs don't seem so bothered - having a thick coat in summer is not always such a bad thing!

Summer snapshots

2011-06-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Lilacs and lupines.

Garden lunch - Gem chatting to Fredrik's 96-year-old grandmother.

Strawberries! I vaguely remember reading that strawberries can be toxic for dogs. When I Google it most sources claim that strawberries are safe. Anyone who knows for sure?

Cooling down with an evening swim - Tuisku loooves it!

Making new friends at the beach.


There's something magical about summer nights in June...brings back happy memories from my childhood.

A pair of fine eyes

2011-06-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

While there are many features more important than eye colour for a working sled dog, dark eyes provide the soft expression which is a hallmark of the breed. I do love a pair of dark eyes in a Malamute. In fact, the darker the better!

Long weekend

2011-06-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Bank holiday and beautiful weather - what a great combo! We had planned to go hiking during this long weekend but decided to stay at home since there is a lot of work that needs to be done around the house - such as mow the grass, mend fences, move logs and plant potatoes.

We're really loving our new location, it's a great place to be especially during summer. The birdlife in the village is incredible, we often sleep with the window open and it's like being inside a bird house! We haven't identified all the sounds yet but we have swans, cranes, canada geese, peewits, cuckoos, eurasian curlews and great spotted woodpeckers just outside the house and on a couple of occasions we have had golden eagles circling above us. There are beavers in the lake and moose and deer in the forest - the abundance of animals near our home is keeping the dogs busy at night!

Tuisku, Thunder and Gem exploring the fields.

Snowhow Shade of Raven, WTD, "Leia" at six years of age.

Titan's sprained foot has now healed and he can join in the games.

Someone has stolen my slipper!

Evening fun on the fields.

Most of the dogs are still in full winter coat but they nevertheless seem to enjoy these early days of summer. So far, no mosquitoes and no bugs - let's hope it stays this way!

Evening walk

2011-05-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

The air is filled with birdsong as we cross the dewy fields on our evening walk. These are magical days in Sweden, "mellan hägg och syrén" , the brief but beautiful time between the bird cherry blossoms and lilacs, when everything in nature is fresh and green and promising.

I look forward to this summer!

Name the Malamute

2011-05-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the background of this Alaskan Malamute featured in the book "400 Ratschläge für den Hundefreund" by Manfred Koch-Kostersitz from 1963? There is a Swedish version of this book too ("400 Råd för hundägaren") and in this version the dog is pictured on p. 87.

Working Models

2011-05-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our dogs are featured on Canadian Urban Mush Puppy - a webshop specializing in equipment for sledding, scootering, skijoring and weightpulling, based in Ontario, Canada.

Fredrik and Tuisku skijoring - April 2011.

I think they look great! You find lots of useful equipment, together with photos of other working Malamutes, at http://www.sleddogsleddingharnesses.com/

Quality Time

2011-05-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

With the snow gone our weekends are all about spending quality time with the dogs. Vsiting the beach is one of our favourite Sunday pastimes. Titan recently sprained his ankle so his activities are right now restricted to "taking it easy". For a busy teenage Mal just hanging out doing nothing can be a useful experience too.

Titan is now 18 months of age

He's still Mummy's Boy!

A Golden Dawn

2011-05-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

I went down to the lake at dawn to admire the sunrise. The ground was covered with frost and steam rose from the water. A perfect morning.

It's ironic that nature is at its most beautiful when most people are sound asleep.

Spring has sprung. In a month it will be summer.

Thunder joined me on my morning walk. I wonder if dogs appreciate the beauty of nature?

I think they do.

Match Show

2011-05-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Gem took part in a local match show during the weekend and seemed to really enjoy herself in the ring. We haven't been to any shows in more than three years (small downside of living in remote Lapland) so it was a nice experience to leave home as late as 9 in the morning and still be in time for the show.

Our beautiful Gemma, Mtn Home's Northernmost Gem, WPD, WTDX* (subject to AMCA confirmation)
was Best of Breed.

She made some new friends at ringside - here she's chatting to Miss Pomeranian.

Mission accomplished - can I take a break now?

Gem is a pleasure to bring to any event - always smiling and wagging her tail, we really should have named her Miss Happy!

Mr Thunder

2011-05-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was bathing time for Thunder so we took the chance to get a new photo of him - while he's still fresh and clean! Thunder is the most gentle Malamute I know. He does however seriously dislike getting wet and has to be carried into the shower like a puppy. Once there he doesn't say a word - just calmly waits for it to be over. Thunder is a gentleman in every way and a joy to have around. Thank you Nathalie and Pierre for this lovely dog!

Nordiclight's Thunder, WTD, WPD. Thunder turns seven in July.

From the Mountains to the Beach

2011-05-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

Since we got home from the mountains spring has arrived to the north of Sweden and we have been busy cleaning pens, raking leaves and enjoying the sunny weather!


Gem and Thunder enjoyed a trip to the beach on Saturday.


Thunder loves to run in the soft sand.

Titan and Leia in playful spring mood at home.


Gem and Titan acted breed ambassadors as our village celebrated Valborg (Walpurgis Night). We got the opportunity to meet local people of all ages around the bonfire, many were interested in learning more about our Mals.

After a long working winter it's nice to just take it is easy at home and enjoy spring. This time of the year the dogs are badly in need of bathing and grooming, so this work will keep us busy for a while. Happy 1st of May everyone!

WTDX-titles completed!!!

2011-04-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well done to our hardworking buddies Keikewabic's Tundra Tuisku and Mtn Home's Northernmost Gem for completing the requirements for their AMCA Working Team Dog Excellent Titles!!! During our two most recent trips Titan (Sledog Mountainous Peak) came along to support his friends and accumulate miles for his own future title - a big well done also to Titan for his excellent work on the trail!

We had a fantastic Easter in the mountains, skijoring the Kebnekaise-loop during four days. We entered the mountains from Nikkaluokta via the Vistas River Valley, and passed Vistas, Nallo, Sälka, Singi and Keb during our trip, before returning to Nikkaluokta via the Laddju River Valley. Below are a few photos to sum up our journey.

The first night on the trail - camping in Vistas.

During the climb from Vistas to Nallo we passed some stunning peaks.

The magnificent Stuor Reaiddávággi in the background.

A brief break in Nallo before heading south to Sälka. During our visit in Nallo we had rain, snow, storm winds and sunshine - all in the brief space of an hour.

Reliable Tuisku lead the way through the mountains, as always.

Two happy snowshoe hikers from France stopped to say hello.

Gem and Titan resting at 1200m above sea level. We climbed up on a high ridge to admire the view.

Up among the clouds.

Water break in Sälka.

Sälka to Singi was a beautiful ride.

On our way down from the mountains, between Singi and Keb.

The sun slowly set as we left the peaks behind us.

There wasn't snow everywhere but luckily sleds can travel on bare ground too.

The ice of the Laddju River provided a smooth ride down to Nikkaluokta. In a day or two, the ice will be all gone.

Tuisku taking a well deserved rest after completing his WTDX- title (subject to AMCA approval)
Well done all!!!

We were among the last to ski down from the mountains - most cross-country skiiers who were still at Kebnekaise Mountain Station opted for transport by mudmobile or helicopter as the snow was melting fast in the balmy weather. However, the ice on the river was still intact in most places and we had no major problems reaching Nikkaluokta in the evening. It feels great to have ended the season with this fabulous trip. We can now happily stow away sleds and skis and look forward to the adventures of spring and summer!

Up Among The Clouds

2011-04-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

We returned to civilization late last night after a truly fantastic WTDX-trip in the Kebnekaise mountains. I'll post more photos after getting some sleep - my head is still spinning from all the sun and excitement!

Gem, Titan and Fredrik in the midst of the mountains.

Tuisku, heading towards Nallo - my favourite place in the mountains!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

We're busy getting our camping gear in order as we'll be spending Easter doing the "Kebnekaise-loop", i.e. skijoring a distance of approx. 100 kilometres (62 miles) around Sweden's highest mountain, Kebnekaise.

This beautiful picture of Tuisku was made by American artist Lynda Ste. Jhourré who is also owner of Windchaser Alaskan Malamutes. Lynda has a wonderful talent for creating beautiful, dreamy art and her love for the Alaskan Malamute shines through in every design. Incidentally, the mountain peak in the foreground looks a lot like the famous peak of "Nallo" which we will be passing on our excursion.

Keikewabic's Tundra Tuisku by Lynda Ste. Jhourré.

April has been a mild month and we're not so sure about the trail conditions, hopefully there will be enough snow to get us around the mountain and back. Have a Happy Easter everyone! :-)

Torne River Excursion

2011-04-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

We picked the right day for our river excursion; brilliant sunshine and just a couple of degrees below zero - April at its best! The Torne River is a major highway for dog teams and snowmobiles travelling from the interior of Swedish Lapland to the mountains of the north. The river runs through Jukasjärvi (home to the famous Icehotel) before reaching the village of Kurravaara, which is where we started our trip. The flat expanses are perfect for skijoring!

Thunder and Tuisku heading north on the highway.

Perfect skijoring style - Tuisku leans into his harness while Fredrik leans slightly back.

We visited the beautiful Alajaure Nature Reserve which is accessible only by boat in summer and by dogteam or snowmobile in winter.

A south-facing slope provided a perfect spot for a picnic.

Keikewabic's Tundra Tuisku, WTD, WPD at nearly six years of age.


Thunder found a comfy cushion to rest on. Nordiclight's Thunder, WTD, WPD. Thunder turns seven this summer.

If I look sweet, maybe you'll give me a piece of your picnic?

It's a great feeling to sail behind an eager Malamute on a wide trail, enjoying the sun and the wind and the changing scenery.


This was one of my favourite days of the season - so far!

Heading North

2011-04-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Still winter in Lapland and we're planning to be out on the trail during the coming weeks. So long, and see you later! :-)

Favourite photos

2011-03-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

This picture always makes me smile; Jeti playing the flute and Tuisku diggin' the music. ;-) Jeti was a truly remarkable dog, sadly she's no longer with us but is always in our thoughts.

Jeti, we miss you clever girl!

To Mum

2011-03-27T02:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday posting is dedicated to my mother Kaisa, who has always been a wonderful "Grandma" to all the dogs, a special friend of Tuisku, and a wonderful mother to my sister and me. We all hope you get well soon!

My interest in skiing and spending time in the outdoors come from both my parents.
As a teenager my mother was a Lapland junior cross-country skiing champion!

Journey across the mountains

2011-03-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

We've been on a skijoring trip in Swedish Lapland with Gem, Titan and Tuisku. A strenuous trail with lots of steep uphills that really tested our dogs' stamina and determination, not to mention our own! I bought a new pair of backcountry skiing boots just prior to the trip and ended up with awful blisters on both feet. But spending a few days in the magnificent mountains is definitely worth the pain...


The journey began in Katterjåkk near Riksgränsen, 300km north of the Arctic Circle. Our trail took us far above the lift system, up on the "roof" of Lapland. This is a barren alpine area, home to eagles, reindeer, lynx and wolverine. We were lucky to see four eagles circling above us at close range - wow!

The winds were strong during our first day but luckily we left the worst weather behind us as we travelled south on the trail.


As always, Tuisku was a huge asset to our expedition. When negotiating steep descents, Tuisku's ability to follow left and right commands meant I could avoid crashing down the mountain and instead enjoy an (almost) smooth ride, zig-zagging down the hills.


We transported our gear in two pulks. The new Polaris pulka sled worked really well in the terrain, sliding easily on snow and providing ample space for tent, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, food etc.


On top of the sled bag is a built-in map holder which is really useful on a trip like this. In some places the trail markings were missing and we did manage to take a wrong turn that set us back about 2 hours. Lesson learned: check the map more frequently!

Spot the dog team! I could have stayed all day in this beautiful place.

A break to admire the view. Somewhere in the distance is Sweden's highest mountain, Kebnekaise.

On the ice of the river in the Abisko Valley towards the end of our trip.

We met some friends on the trail. Happy huskies heading north!

Titan and Gem had lots of fun on the trail - check out their smiles and tails. :-)


Well done Titan who completed the requirements for his WTD-title - including some extra bonus miles!

This was Titan's first major trip and he absolutely loved it!

Tuisku and Gem are now one step closer to their WTDX-titles. Well done all!

So long mountains, miss you already and hope to see you soon!

Quick trip to Greenland

2011-03-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

Nooo, we didn't go to Greenland...but we did make another beautiful trip along the coast today, skijoring in the Bjuröklubb Nature Reserve with Tuisku and Titan.

In winter, this coastal landscape looks a bit like a slice of Greenland. Directly behind the hills the land
drops steeply into the ocean. We made sure we didn't get too close to the edge.


The stunning miniature peaks are shaped by the ocean wind. But today was calm with hardly any wind at all.

While skijoring we were on the outlook for the seal colony which can sometimes be seen on this part of the coast.
We didn't have any luck today, but hopefully later this spring we'll catch them sunbathing on the drifting ice.

It's fun to navigate without a trail and it's also a good way to find out if a dog knows his left from right.

Titan is beginning to know his commands fairly well by now.


Malamutes look truly at home in this landscape.

A visit to Bjuröklubb Nature Reserve is warmly recommended if you're in the area.
It's a beautiful stretch of coast in every season. Dogs are allowed when kept on a lead.

Sledog Mountainous Peak

2011-03-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Practice makes perfect.

Cruisin' the ice

2011-03-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

The weather gods listened and we're back in business - the temperature has dropped well below zero and we had a fantastic time today, skijoring on the windswept ice of an ocean bay.

Tuisku, Gem and Thunder out on a new adventure.

Gemmy and Thunder

The dashing Mr Thunder

Check out the smile on this guy! :)

Words can't describe a day like this - it's almost a divine experience...

Pure bliss - and smiles on everyone's faces. :-)

Drip drop...

2011-03-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Drip drop, drip drop...the sound of melting snow and ice is NOT sweet music to my ears...where did the beautiful winter go?!! Let's hope it's just temporary as we still have so many things planned for the weeks ahead.

+6C, melting snow and sunny skies....NOT what we ordered!

Gemma got into the spring mood today and enjoyed a refreshing back rub in the snow...

Even Tuisku decided it was too hot for working....

I give up, it's too hot!

Calling friends in Alaska, Canada and Siberia - please send some cold weather over here!

Old photos

2011-03-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

I search through the various digital archives of Alaska from time to time and found this photo in the Ward Well Collection of the Anchorage Museum. It shows the last dog team carrying mail between Gambell and Savoonga on Saint Lawrence Island in 1963. Photographer: Ward W. Wells.

The black & white lead dog to the left (with big coat and huge feet) reminds me of a certain Malamute.

Found another old photo in my own archives - Leia and Tuisku out in wet spring weather back in 2006.

For some reason this photo really makes me miss Lapland....I must make a trip up there soon!

End of winter - beginning of spring?

2011-02-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

A cross country ski race took place in our area about a week ago and solely for this event a 40km skiing track had been created. We expected this track to be crowded with people on a sunny Saturday afternoon but encountered only two skiers - what a luxury to have the trail to ourselves! After four months of constant cold weather the high temperatures of the weekend came as a surprise - is spring* in the air?!

(And, just to clarify things...spring* in the north of Sweden and Lapland does not mean daffodils and leaves on trees. Up here spring is a continuation of winter but with brighter days and milder temperatures. So, when we long for spring, we're not hoping for our snow to melt - just for the bitter cold to end. ;-))

Gem, Titan and Tuisku ran 35km (21.7mi) yesterday which means that Titan is halfway

into completing the distance requirements for his WTD-title.

The trail was set in a varied terrain, providing both challenging uphills and flat expanses.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Nordic style of sledding - this is a so called pulka sled,

I am skijoring behind, or next to, the sled, which is attached to my waistbelt through a bungee line.

Why skijor and not sled? Because it allows you to be active and gain more exercise!

The new sled worked really well and was easy to maneuver in downhills.

Gem and Titan in the warm light of spring.

Keeping their tug lines tight - good dogs!

A sign of trail experience - Tuisku knows how to cool down during breaks and preserve his energy.

Fingers crossed for two more months of snow and sunshine!

Teenage Titan

2011-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Titan is a teenager and like all teenagers he needs a lot of interaction and activity, both physical and mental, to be happy and content. To "be part of things", whether it is working or playing, riding the car or just hanging out indoors, is very important to Titan. He's happy as long as he can stay close to his pack - and especially stay close to mummy.

Today we left the other dogs at home and went skijoring, just the two of us. Titan is a strong dog with lots of energy and drive. He clearly takes working in harness seriously and has a great pulling technique. With time he'll also learn to conserve energy better and run at a more moderate, malamute speed.

Titan doesn't know all commands yet but luckily the most important command,

Whoa! (stop), seems to ring a bell.

It's difficult to imagine that just little over a year ago - Titan was just a baby pup!

More trail action

2011-02-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday and another day of skijoring! With the return of the sun the world seems brand new and filled with energy. Tuisku knows it's sledding season and starts off the morning choir a bit earlier than usual. He is eager to hit the trail and wants to make sure nobody oversleeps.

Gem and Tuisku waiting impatiently for us to get ready...

...and off they go!

Thunder sets off with a big leap, eager to catch up with the rest!

There's a lot of power in a Malamute...

...luckily they know how to relax too.

Tuisku, Gem and Thunder on our way home in the afternoon. It's such a good feeling to start off the weekend with some fresh air on the trail.

The Big Bears

2011-02-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

It's been a cold week with temperatures below -30C (-22F). Today was a little warmer so Thunder, Leia and I went on a skijoring excursion from home to the ocean bay - a 2 hour run in a changing scenery.

Nordiclight's Thunder, WTD, WPD, with a frosted beard...

Leia and Thunder, who will be 6 and 7 years old this year, make a great working team. I call them my "big bears". :-)

Check out the tail on Leia - she often carries it straight up when working. She's a powerful girl!

Heading out on the ice of the bay, the wind was pretty cold out here.

And back home through the snowclad forest. A nice but chilly run!

Thunder freshened up afterwards with a snow-bath, apparently he decided -20C wasn't cold enough...

My birthday sled

2011-02-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

I got myself a new sled for my birthday or, maybe I should say, I bought an old sled with a brand new sled bag, as this Polaris nordic style pulka sled, made by Gösta Karlberg of Kallasgården in Dalarna, is somewhere between 20-30 years old. Still in excellent condition though! Gösta has been building sleds and mushing dogs for more than 40 years and his Polaris skijoring pulks are very popular among competitive skijorers in Sweden.

We're not into racing with our Malamutes but this lightweight pulk will be perfect for mountain excursions as the large and functional sled bag packs everything you need for a week-long excursion.

Tuisku in the distance, checking out the trail ahead...

I am looking forward to trying out this sled on a longer trip soon!

We had a nice and interesting visit at Kallasgården, where we also got to meet Gösta's beautiful Greenland Dogs. Gösta is a great source of information when it comes to trails, dogs and equipment. I'm sure we'll be visiting again to buy a second sled in the future.

Lunchbreak skijoring

2011-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

Another day of fantastic weather and simply impossible to stay inside. Today I spent some quality time with Tuisku during my lunchbreak. Fingers crossed the weather will stay this beautiful all week, it's Leia and Thunder's turn to go skijoring tomorrow.

Harnessed up and ready to go.

Pure bliss!

Time for some contemplation in the afternoon sun before heading home.

Does it get any cuter?

Run to the sun!

2011-02-08T10:16:00.001-08:00

Today I took Gem and Titan skijoring during my lunch break. There are many winding trails in the forests surrounding our home, some long and some short. I picked a trail that headed in the direction of the sun - after a long winter I'm definitely in need of some sunshine!

It's fun to explore new trails, every day we see something new.

New year, new adventures

2011-02-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

It's our first winter in our new home in Sweden. The fall was a busy time, we spent nearly every evening and weekend building pens, dog houses and creating a big playarea for the dogs. Now, when all the work is finally done, we have time to enjoy the best of winter - February, March and April!

Our village is situated only a couple of miles from the coast which means we enjoy a fairly mild climate and get plenty of snow. With a dump of fresh snow nearly every day this winter the trails are smooth, soft and not too fast - ideal conditions for skijoring with a team of eager Malamutes!

You can see our two locations on the map; Nedre Bäck in the north of Sweden, and the village of Hetta in Finnish Lapland in the north of Finland. In his blog you can follow our Alaskan Malamutes and their activities. You are also welcome to visit our website: http://www.laplandmalamutes.com/

Happy Trails!
/ Marit Kangas & Fredrik Öström

Titan in the playarea with the new pens and dog houses in the background. We built the dog houses in the same style as our dog houses in Lapland - the dogs like them and the design is functional so we decided to stick to something we know.