March 2016

“We board the plane from the Arctic with heavy, heavy hearts and many tears. This trip has been an overwhelming experience for all three of us. Safe to say that it has been the most memorable, incredible holiday we have ever had!!! And we’ve had many amazing holidays. 

The husky dogs, although smaller than expected, were so friendly, happy, well behaved and clearly well trained. Needless to say a big chunk of our hearts, especially Meg’s, were left with them. Our local Norwegian leader was an exceptional man connected to nature and who my husband Perry got on famously with.  He personally looked after us every day and his hospitality knew no bounds. Quietly spoken but with a great sense of humour. I’ve not laughed so much in a long time.

The hotel was home from home. Just perfect. We had it all to ourselves. The staff were wonderfully warm and friendly and couldn’t do enough. We wanted to take them all home with us – hotel staff, our leader and team including 38 dogs and three four week old puppies!!

The last night we had a delicious supper of Norwegian salmon prepared and cooked for us in the cabin. Magical. The cabin is beautifully located alongside the river.

Days went by and our hopes of seeing the Aurora Borealis were diminishing. Day Five (and our 24th wedding anniversary) our chef phoned to tell us to go outside. It was about 9.30pm and there it was! Not a huge showing but enough. By 11.30pm it had grown brighter and felt as if it was a final ‘thank you for visiting/goodbye’ show. No words.

Thank you so very much for all the arrangements you co-ordinated. All our friends who were supposed to join us are green with envy and one couple are hopefully going to make it next year. I’ve posted our six days on Facebook which has left friends in absolute awe!

I hope this gives you a little insight into the magnificent, unforgettable holiday we will never, ever forget and can highly recommend.” 

The Hon Thomas, Karen and Megan Chaloner
Dog sledding in Arctic Norway, March 2016

Photos showing the dogs, the river in front of the cabin, a ski cabin lunch stop and the open fire on which lunch was cooked one day.