Hoʻopuka ʻia: 01.04.2023
On the 2nd day, we had the second sled ride for 2 hours over 22 km. This time we were allowed to drive alone, but the volunteers and Johanna were lined up in the curve of the road, in case the dogs accidentally lose control and continue running on their own.
We don't have any photos from this excursion because we didn't dare to take them (the instruction was to hold on to the sled no matter what, we weren't sure if we were allowed to drive with one hand). The chance to fall over on a straight line is relatively low. The curves require some practice or rather a certain touch (foot) feeling. If you drive too slowly into a curve, you end up in the deep snow on the inside. If you drive too fast, no matter how much you shift your weight to the inside, you will still be pushed to the outside, and the sled can tip over (p.s. none of us experienced this during the entire vacation! Only almost). The landscape was breathtaking again and everything went smoothly.
In the afternoon, we went for the Puppy Walk again. This time through the deep snow. It was exhausting but very beautiful.
And after dinner, it finally happened. While we were talking about the much-anticipated Northern Lights, that the app believed our chances were quite good, and we were told that they don't come when you hope for them, Konstantin came in from his evening cigarette break, saying 'I only interrupt my cigarette when I see the faintest hint of pathetic Northern Lights'. He hadn't even finished speaking and we were already on our way outside. And there they were. Not even close to how they look in photos. Colorless and unspectacular. And the most amazing thing we had ever seen. We ran to get our jackets and cameras, and headed towards the lake. Rumor has it that I've never been seen running so fast.
On the way between the road and the lake, we almost got stuck in the deep snow (aka drift snow). We sank in every few steps and only got out with help. Until we realized that we hadn't even closed our shoes.
When we arrived at the lake, the tripod and camera were set up, millions of photos were taken, cold hands and circulation problems were ignored. Bianca's frozen hair couldn't be ignored, but it provided much entertainment while the sky gave it all.
An unforgettable experience.