December Meme - 4th December

[dizzojay]

siennavie asked the following question of everyone, and I've slotted it in here because I didn't have a question for the 4th:
Winter sports (skiiing, ice skating, etc): Yes/No? Skill level? Share a story

Okay, simple answer; winter sports?  NOPE!

I hate winter, I hate snow and I hate ice with a vicious fiery passion.



I've been ice-skating a few times and I'm pretty rubbish at it, I can do nothing but skate round in a circle, using the wall to stop myself.  I've never been skiing, and have absolutely no desire to do so.  I love mountains, and I can really see the appeal of being in such a beautiful, fresh and wild environment, but the thought of hurtling down one strapped onto two planks of wood with no brakes?  No, thanks.

So, in terms of interesting winter sports stories from me, as you can imagine they're a bit thin on the ground.  However ...

Despite what I said above, one of my most favourite places in the world to visit is Iceland.  Unlike the UK which is paralysed by fourteen snowflakes, Iceland can be buried under ten million feet of snow, and life goes on there as if nothing's happening.  It's such a fascinating and amazing country that I am perfectly willing to brave wintry stuff to go there.

On one of my many trips there, we arranged a dog sledding trip out on the glacier, and when we arrived at meeting point the following morning, we were introduced to our team; seven dogs (entires) and one bitch.  Apparently that morning, the bitch had come into heat, so we were warned that the dogs might be a bit distracted.

O.o

Distracted??

We spent the whole day with the sled zigzagging from side to side as the dogs all bundled aorund each other trying to get to this poor bitch, at one point the sled nearly overturned, and there can't be many people *points to self* who can boast that they've got motion sickness on a dogsled.

But all in all, it was a hilarious day and the dogs and the glacier were gorgeous - I'd do it again in a flash!



Sorry, it's a really rubbish picture, but it's behind glass!

Comments

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

We went sledding too - my bright idea for a special birthday holiday treat for Paul's 50th. No bitches in heat stories from me, though Paul did show an alarming propensity for driving his sled into ditches and snowdrifts. And suffered from a frozen eyeball due to it being the coldest winter they'd known in Sweden for many a long year. Minus 37ºC is very cold. Very.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Ouch - that sounds painful :(

[cassiopeia7.livejournal.com]

We spent the whole day with the sled zigzagging from side to side as the dogs all bundled aorund each other trying to get to this poor bitch, at one point the sled nearly overturned

LOOOOOL!!! That is the funniest thing I've read in a LONG time!

Was there a "winner"? Or did the poor, harassed bitch outsmart everyone?

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I seem to remember she gave as good as she got. Probably suffering from a bit of PMT!

[siennavie.livejournal.com]

Ahahahaha!! What a unique experience! :D

Iceland is on our vacation short-list. In fact, a friend of the family recently went there and returned with a map and some leftover currency for us. I think that means we have to make that trip a reality soon!

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I honestly can't recommend it highly enough. It's a fascinating, unique and everso-slightly bonkers country. I've been there five times and would never tire of it.

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

Heee, that outfit rocks :D Never gonna miss you in that jacket! I don't do Winter Sports either, but, sledging on a tea tray is always fun!

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I certainly stood out against all that snow, I think the dogsled tour operator provided suits that colour so he wouldn't lose anyone!
:)

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

Good plan, lol! can you imagine, "We're still missing Jane, where'd she go?" "*muffled calling from a snow drift*"