Match Show

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

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

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!!!

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

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!

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

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

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