Ivalo. Finaland

The Arctic Circle mission has just been successfully completed. My Co-Captain and I can now cross off that we have dared to visit one of the coldest and most isolated towns in the world located in the Arctic circle, a mere 2,372.6 kilometers from the Georaphic North Pole (one of the closest populated towns), that too in the peak of winter. Ivalo, Finland – Time to pull up Google Maps

This Captains Log is not as crazy as the others but we can both admit to say it had been the most satisfactory and adventurous experience.

Arriving in Ivalo at 11 am, gave us only 2 hours of sunlight, the sun is only up for a mere 4 hours here. The town has a total population of ~3000 people and with the hotels dispensed geographically there is no going out for a walk to see the area, not at Minus 21 degrees.

Our primary objective was to see the Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) We had been told the chances of seeing on a designated 24 hours were very slim as people spend years searching for the lights. We gave it a shot.

We arrived, checked in and left our baggage in our room and headed to the tourist desk to find out the activities we could do for the day. We were just in time for the Dog/Huski Sledding. We also signed up for a night time Snowmobile/ Snowskii Safari.

Changing into some heavy duty snow gear we went down to meet our canine friends. They were waiting for us. Six of these fabulous looking creatures with their tails wagging from excitement, barking and ready to run!

How this works is one guy lays in the sled and the other stands behind to brake, steer and help push the dogs when going up hill. My Co-Captain went first to steer and after 30 minutes it was my turn. We were taken on a route deep into the forest as the instructor led the way on a snowmobile. This experience is indescribable! Controlling these dogs as wind, snow n ice hit your face. They run with great speed, occasionally tilting there heads to lick/ eat some snow. We also had an opportunity to see one take a number 2 while running n we couldn’t stop laughing. We did an hour of this and headed back to play with the dogs. They were adorable and I think one of them fell in love with my Co-Captain as he followed him back to the hotel before being scolded to come back. We got back and had some time before our night time snowmobile adventure. Time to grab some Linner again. At the hotel the options were pretty limited. Me being daring decided to have the Reindeer.. I have always wondered what Rudolph tasted like. It had a distinct taste and was pretty powering but I ended up finishing it. Soon it was time to go on our night Safari – we had to put on face masks and helmets.

We were asked to sign an insurance weaver stating a) they are not responsible if we die b) any damage to the vehicle we had to pay for. Co-Captain and I were on one snowmobile taking turns to ride. I can’t describe how exhilarating this is. Pelting the machine to its limits and reaching speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, with low visibility and in the middle of the forest, it was madness. Ice, snow n Arctic winds hitting our faces with our nose Freezing.

One thing I can never forget is reaching a clearing deep in the forest where we stopped and looked up at the sky’s. Never in my life have I seen clearer skies. The stars, millions of them clear as a polished diamonds studded, the distinct milky way looking like butter spread across. Almost creamy. Was just Breathtaking. A Screen shot sits in my mind. It is now my brains screen saver.

We returned to the hotel both Freezing and overwhelmed by the experience of the day. I couldn’t sleep so I found myself at the bar having some drinks and reminiscing. I knew in a mere 4 hours we had a 4 hour bus journey to the next airport (Rovaniemi) but the experience had left me with goosebumps.

We first woke up at 5 am as we were told this was the peak time for the Northern light sightings, we didn’t see anything, continuing to wake up every 15 minutes we got nothing but a eerie glow in the night sky.

We left in the morning after a quick breakfast, snoring away on the bus. We reached the airport 3 hours before departure. Upon reaching Rovaniemi we found out that this was where Santa lives! His village was located at a 10 minute cab ride from our the airport and since we had time we both decided we had to visit him (me being more adamant as I had to interrogate Santa on where my pressies were last year). Leaving our luggage at the airport we went. Not soon after We met Santa!! We had a conversation with him, including asking him how long it takes to get to Australia on sled? I also found out I had been a bad boy last year n therfore didn’t get anything Will work on this. We took some photos n explored the village seeing, Santas house, Santa’s office and the North Pole Post office. Our short time at Santa’s was over.

We got to the cab rank and Realised we had to call a cab, we called one but it took a long time to come. The check in closing time was creeping up. My Co-Captain was scheming on running to the airport (3km n minus 23 degrees). I subdued this plot and luckily the cab arrived. We were the last to check in and that too on the exact time that check in closes. Phew!

Even with no northern light Sightings this experience was unbelievable!

IVALO: The City of Memories