Today we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to “sleep in” until 8:30. After a delicious and nutritious Scandic breakfast of croissants and chocolate muffins we loaded up the bus. Our first stop was at the Lillehammer ski jumps. Ueka, the Finnish man with a map and a plan, recommended we shouldn’t take the bus up the icy hill to get to the ski jumps. So instead, we all hopped out of the bus and took yet another group picture.
Lillehammar Ski Jumps (we swear they are bigger in real life)
We climbed back on the bus and enjoyed a scenic drive through the mountains of Norway. We finally arrived in Sjusjøen, for our long awaited dog sled excursion. We were greeted with freezing temps and crisp wind that blew us right back to life on The Hill. After eleven days being deprived of puppy love, Olympic Questers did not hesitate to sprint off the bus toward the 74 dogs who were anxiously waiting. Ida, one of the owners, gave us a quick tutorial on how to mush (or smoosh according to Kate Mathison, Gustavus grad) before we were trusted to take control ourselves. Suddenly all 74 dogs (and 36 students) were barking with excitement as the harnesses were brought out.
Ida giving the basic break down of mushing.
Pictured: students finally receiving puppy love
And just like that the first group of students were sent off on the trail. In the meantime, students explored the area on kicksleds or enjoyed hot beverages in the warming house. We also had the opportunity to roast bread over the fire. While warming up, we asked Ida some questions the dog sledding business. Ida and her boyfriend Leif Tore took over the dog sledding business three years ago when the previous owner retired. Leif Tore had a background in dog sledding and had been helping out there for a couple of years. Since taking over the business, they have had visitors everyday during the winter season. The dogs that keep this company running are all a mix of Alaskan Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. The dogs begin training at six months old when they are hooked up to the sled behind and in front of experienced dogs. By a year and a half they will be fully trained and able to run in any position. During the winter, the dogs are fed a breakfast of soup made of warm water, meat and dry food. Out on the trail they are given breaks to snack on raw meat. For dinner they are given more raw meat and dry food. To keep the dogs in shape during the summer months, the sleds are replaced by a cart with wheels that are fit for any terrain including old mountain roads. Don’t worry, Ida and Leif Tore realize that not all dogs enjoy this lifestyle. If they think a dog will be unhappy working out everyday, they sell them as house dogs to loving families.
Roasting bread over the fire.
Racing kicksleds.
The pros: Leif Tore and Ida
We were surprised to hear that each of the 74 dogs has a name and more surprised that Ida and Leif Tore know each dogs name and personality. Every night, Leif Tore sits down with a paper and pencil and maps out how he want the teams to be set up the following day. It is very important to know which dogs are fast, strong and get along when arranging them into teams, similar to when Olympic Questers decide where to sit for dinner.
Sigrud, a former seaman and book binder, took up dog sledding 15 years ago and has participated in a race. He firmly believes that during a race, the dogs well being comes before your own because they are the ones doing all the work. He is very proud of his home village, Bire, that makes “Madshus, the best skis in the world.” He gave us some tips (or really one tip) for how to stay warm out on the trail: wool, wool, wool.
Sigurd, the man of many trades.
And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we took to the slopes at Hafjell ski resort, where the skiing events were held in the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics. Even though the last time many students skied was their 5th grade field trip to Welch Village, we all managed to make it back in one piece. There were even some first time skiers who may not have made it off the bunny hill but were never the less excited to be skiing in Norway.
Hafjell Ski Resort.
Ethan, the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic symbol.
Does this even need a caption?
We ended the perfect day with a classic Norwegian meal of burgers and fries from Nikkers in downtown Lillehammer. We all agree that will will be sleeping well tonight after this long and exciting day of dog sledding and skiing. Tomorrow we are off to Mora, Sweden bright and early.
There is snow way we are coming home.
Franny Ziegler and Mallory Butchko