Reindeer are commonplace in the arctic circle, both roaming free and in 'use', kind of like a combination of a cow and a horse... and no, not like a corse or a how :]
Did you know reindeer shed their antlers every year?
White reindeer are believed to be reincarnated people and are kind of sacred up here.
They had a new stag that was very lively and slightly demonic looking.
There was a group of five of us racing across a frozen lake and all the reindeer were jostling for pole position, but not of them could take our lead position :)
Clever stuff!
Our following.
After our triumphant victory, it was back for hot drinks and biscuits around a much welcome open fire.
***
Next up was a 90km (56mile) snowmobile trek to the snow village and Ice hotel!
Not much finesse about these beasts, but raw power :)
Opening them up on the straights was seriously good fun.
Riding time split 50/50, as a pillion passenger it was very bumpy on the back, but I did notice this cool fisheye style reflection in Andy's skid-lid.
Brum, brum - so this is how it was for 007?
There are proper paths for snowmobiles stretching for miles and even proper road signs.
After an hour so, we eventually arrived at the Snowvillage
Inside was remarkably large.
There were 26 bedrooms, each one uniquely carved!
And yes, the beds are made of ice!!!
The mattresses are not ice, of course, and pretty comfy too :}
The whole place was filled with amazing ice sculptures, like this mammoth.
The restaurant with it solid ice tables!
Even the glasses are made of ice!!!
No need for... ice.
...and a post of this length just wouldn't be complete without something for fans of my bottom...
Easily ranking in the top 10 'coldest things I've ever done' - I took this shot of my bum and the aurora in sub -20c temperature! Cold, butt worth it :0)
(Ahh, see what I did there)
[FINN]
Today, I'm Most Angry About: Learning my car has almost halved in value in the two years I've owned it! Bummer :'[
Grrr-O-Meter Rating: 6.3/10
Today's Top Tip: Feeling cold indoors this winter?
Simply pop outside for a few minutes without your clothes on.
When you come back inside you will really "feel the benefit".