Tag

dog sledding

A Scandinavian Saga (Part 2 of the Trilogy)

Part 2 of our Scandinavian Saga has John and Val heading off for their third trip to Beitostølen in Norway. Three years ago now, in search of a different experience and the possibility of some gentle uncrowded slopes for my wife Val, who by her own admission is a competent but cautious skier we stumbled upon the Norwegian resort of Beitostølen, tucked away on the edge of the Jotunheimen National Park. Beitostølen’s unique appeal and wonderfully laid-back atmosphere stem largely from the fact that it remains very much a family run resort.... Read More

An Interview with Phil

Having been fascinated with Phil’s tales of his Fjällräven Polar experience we asked him if we could follow up on his adventure with an interview. Very kindly, he agreed to answer some of our questions. Hi Phil, I suppose the first question we’d like to ask is, how did you find out about Fjällräven Polar 2014 and what made you decide to take part? I first came across the Fjällräven brand in the summer of 2012 when visiting the Lake District, where I bought a few items of their clothing.... Read More

The Fjällräven Polar Day 6 – The End

I was first of our team to wake following our night in our snow camp. I can’t remember what time it was as I couldn’t be bothered to get my arms out of my sleeping bag to look at my watch. It was a beautiful morning and so peaceful. Even the dogs were unusually quiet, so it must have been early. Or maybe they knew it was our final day and not wanting it to be, just like the rest of us. Then all of a sudden I heard movement... Read More

The Fjällräven Polar Day 5 – Northern Lights… Camera… Action!

Following another great night’s sleep, it was Phil’s turn to wake me up as we slept in once again. This didn’t stop us from being one of the first teams ready and first to leave our lake camp. Our team had such good chemistry, that our Norwegian friends Madeleine and Jostein were starting to speak a lot more in my Mackem accent. Which was so funny and it really suited them, so they will have no problem when they come to visit me in Sunderland in the future. As for... Read More

The Fjällräven Polar Day 4 – Haway the Dogs

I had a great night’s sleep, probably the best I have had for a very long time. So good that both Phil and I had slept in. We should have been up at 6am, but instead woke just before 7am. Maybe that’s the secret to my sleeping problems, I need to sell my house and just live in a tent for the rest of my life in the Arctic Circle. If only…   After waking Phil up, he once again showed his military instincts by jumping out of sleeping bag... Read More

Day 3 – Let Fjällräven Polar 2014 Begin!

After a not so great night sleep for me due to strong winds (from the weather, not Phil), we were up at 5am before heading to Signaldalen to be each assigned our six husky dogs for the trek. We arrived at Signaldalen to meet the 240 dogs that would take us all on our 300km trek, where the sound of them barking was unbelievable. I had never heard anything quite like it. You literally had to shout to each other in order to be heard. The reason the dogs were... Read More

The Fjällräven Polar Day 2 – This One Time, At Polar Training Camp

After watching Phil’s early morning bed hurdling to turn off our alarms which went off in sync at 5:30, something he must be accustomed to being an Apache helicopter pilot in the Army, we quickly ate our breakfasts before heading to the airport for our two flights to Tromso. As we headed through the airport, Katrina and myself decided to head to Duty free to cover ourselves in our favourite perfume and aftershave samples. As we wouldn’t have the luxury of showers or facility to wash ourselves though out the... Read More

The Fjällräven Polar

LD Mountain Centre is proud to introduce Fjällräven Polar participant, Phil Raisbeck, as our guest blogger. Phil had what he calls his ‘Outdoor Epiphany’ back in 2012 when he agreed to his step-brother’s suggestion of walking the Cathar Way in the Pyrenees. Soon hooked on the outdoors, hiking and gear, Phil pursued his new found passion by completing the Tour du Mont Blanc. His highlight, however, was winning the chance to take part in the Fjällräven Polar this year. The Polar is a 300km journey via dog sled across the Arctic tundra... Read More